ARTIST BIO
Robert Meincke is an artist and arts educator living and working in Milwaukee. His art studies began at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he focused on drawing and painting. Robert learned the fundamental elements of design, from composition and color theory to spatial relationships and visual expression. He had a well rounded art history education and learned the essential techniques for a variety of mediums in printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art in 2009.
In 2009 Meincke attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to further his professional growth as an artist. During his graduate research his work grew tremendously in technique, concept and proficiency. He began research within two bodies of work; one of which follows a narrative of friends and family members who have served overseas in the armed forces. The second body of work presents fragmented reports of past and present global events. Though years and even decades apart, images of dictators, revolutions, and prisoners are painted over current newspaper articles. In addition to this research, He assisted in teaching a number of undergraduate art courses; Digital Media and Design Survey. Throughout his graduate studies he has given many artist talks and lectures as well as opened his studio to the public. He looks forward to discussing his technical and conceptual processes with new audiences. Robert graduated with a Master’s of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2012.
Robert is an Instructor at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design within the First Year and Illustration programs. He teaches a number of courses from drawing, painting and art philosophy to courses that introduce design elements principles to students by combining digital media technologies with traditional forms of printmaking. In addition, he teaches courses in a number of venues throughout the greater Milwaukee area.
Robert enjoys spending his free time with his family, cycling, and hiking the wonderful park systems that both Milwaukee and Wisconsin have to offer.
CAREER
In 2018 Robert was selected to create a work of art for the Milwaukee Buck's Art collection. Meincke's 6ft x 4ft oil painting "Rise Up Milwaukee" is a featured piece showcased within the executive board room at Fiserv Forum.
Meincke has received numerous awards including the Forrest R. Polk Library Purchase award, an art collection for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, he also received the the Frederick R. Layton Fellowship in 2009 and 2010. In 2012 he was invited to participate in the Emerging Artist Gallery at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center during the Hidden River Arts Festival. Meincke was voted People's Choice Award: Best in Show and was awarded with a solo show at the Ploch Art Gallery in early 2013.
Following his graduate studies Robert began to share his knowledge of the arts with others, at first he offered classes to the public through the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield. He eventually expanded to teaching out of the studio that he has maintained an active teaching and studio practice sine 2013. His studio is currently located in Wauwatosa
In 2015 Robert was the lead texture artist for Avatar Land, a theme park in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it opened in the spring of 2017. He led a team of talented artists, they fabricated, sculpted and painted trees, vines, roots and other foliage for the world of Pandora. He was also selected as a finalist for Pfister Artist-in-Residence; a year long residency located in a historic hotel in downtown Milwaukee.