2017 Wm. O. Steinmetz Designers-In-Residence: Conflict Kitchen co-founders Jon Rubin and Dawn Weleski

Maryland Institute College of Art 
Fred Lazarus IV Center for Graduate Studies
131 West North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201

www.mica.edu

The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) named Jon Rubin and Dawn Weleski, co-directors of Conflict Kitchen in Pittsburg, as the latest big names in design to become Steinmetz designers-in-residence.

Both a public art project and take-out restaurant, Conflict Kitchen serves regional cuisine from countries in conflict with the United States. The restaurant uses food as a tool to engage its customers is discussion about countries and cultures they know little about beyond media headlines. Rotating its menu among different countries that have included Cuba, North Korea, Iran and Venezuela, food offerings are augmented by events, performances and publications that seek to expand discussion about the regions in question.

Rubin, an art professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and Weleski, a social practice artist, will be on campus April 17 to 20 to meet with MICA students as well as give a public lecture.

The Wm. O. Steinmetz ’50 Designer-in-Residence program was established to enhance MICA’s design culture by bringing outstanding practitioners to campus to share their valuable experiences and perspectives with students, faculty and the public. The residency was created thanks to an endowment fund established by Steinmetz’s spouse, Betty Cooke ’46 (art education), as well as gifts from others in honor of him. Steinmetz was an active volunteer, donor and former faculty member. He also served as a trustee until his passing in November 2016.

Graduate Study at MICA 
Maryland Institute College of Art’s graduate school has been recognized in the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. With 19 unique graduate degree and certificate programs, MICA offers a rigorous experience for highly motivated artists, designers, writers, curators and educators seeking to realize a personal vision, gain the skills and connections needed for professional success, and develop meaningful, collaborative relationships and networks. For a full list of graduate programs and opportunities, click here.

For more information about MICA’s programming, or to visit the campus, contact the Office of Graduate Admission at [email protected].