UW-Stevens Point graduate leaves hometown impact through public art

“Ever since I can remember, I have been drawing and painting everywhere I go. I always knew I was meant to be an artist.”

Mackenzie Biadasz, a spring 2025 bachelor of fine arts graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, has been exploring art through various mediums since a young age. Now, her designs are leaving a lasting impact in her hometown, giving visitors a glimpse of the various communities that make up the city of Stevens Point.

In 2021, Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza participated in the River Cities Mayor’s Art Challenge. Mayors from Rhinelander, Wausau and Stevens Point auctioned off custom paintings, and the mayor with the highest bid was given the proceeds to benefit a community art project. Wiza came out the winner, and decided to add some flair to the Stevens Point riverfront by turning lamp posts into permanent sculpture installations.

Shortly after the competition, Biadasz was asked to join the project team and worked on designing the blueprints for the light posts lining the Pfiffner Pioneer Park riverfront. Although she always considered herself a two-dimensional artist, branching out to create these sculptures was a challenge she was excited to face.

“I was strictly painting for most of my time at UWSP, but one of my professors who retired urged me to take on this project and explore more 3D art,” Biadasz said. “Thanks to that push, I got to be a part of a project  the community just loves.”

The first lamp post to be installed, “Fish On,” depicts someone casting a rod and fishing at the riverfront. Since then, three more posts have been added, paying homage to the different communities that make up the city. Biadasz says her favorite lamp post was “For the Birds,” drawing inspiration from Aldo Leopold and other local naturalists.

“I learned from some of the natural resource professors about bird watching and Leopold’s philosophy and did some of my own research. I love being able to highlight different interests and lifestyles in the community through my work,” she said.

Although she was initially encouraged by her high school teachers and mentors, Biadasz was not sure that college was the route for her.

“When I first started college, I dropped out after a semester,” Biadasz said. “I didn’t think college was for me, but I started building connections in the city and decided to go back to school. Coming back helped me so much because I learned how to market myself and produce high quality work.”

In addition to the career-ready skills she learned from UW-Stevens Point, Biadasz says that her faculty mentors pushed her to her limits and allowed her to experiment with new mediums.

“I’ve started doing more interdisciplinary projects but moving forward I want to focus on 3D and sculpture work,” she said. “The faculty here are incredible. JinMan Jo especially helped me throughout this project and made sure to check on me throughout my college career, encouraging me to pursue more 3D and sculpture projects.”

Jo, a professor of art, has enjoyed working with Biadasz as her instructor and mentor. He is excited to see what the future holds for her, noting the skills that will take her far in her professional career.

“She was an outstanding student who consistently demonstrated creativity, initiative and a strong sense of community engagement in her work,” Jo said. “Her downtown lamp post sculptures are a perfect reflection of her thoughtful approach to public art and her ability to bring both beauty and meaning into shared spaces. It’s a great example of how she has contributed to our community with her talent and creative vision, and I’m excited to see her continued success as she grows as an artist.”

Faculty mentorship was crucial in Biadasz’s development as a professional, but she gives equal credit to the connections she gained through her involvement in the community. From participating in local competitions to selling art at fairs and markets in the area, she was able to further display her work and meet fellow artists in Stevens Point. After interning with local artists cooperative Gallery Q, she was able to find new opportunities and enhance her portfolio.

“Interning at Gallery Q was a great way to get my work out there,” she said. “They let me show work there and sell it while I was interning, and I was able to keep building connections and get involved in various projects in the community.”

For Biadasz, it is an honor to have her work known as a fixture of her hometown. She has received support from various mentors, friends and family for her installations.

“Sometimes I won’t broadcast that I have a new light pole out, and people will just stumble upon them,” she said. “I’ll get calls from visitors and people in the area who just love them, it’s especially cool seeing guests enjoy them.”

With more lamp post designs to come, including a military tribute design being unveiled on May 26, Biadasz is also working towards submitting installations to the Stevens Point Sculpture Park and other sculpture parks in the area.

Although college was not always in her plans, Biadasz now reflects on her time at UW-Stevens Point with gratitude. She is looking forward to applying to graduate school programs with the help of her instructors at UW-Stevens Point, and continuing studying 3D and sculpture art methods.

 Her biggest piece of advice for students looking to grow as artists is to use faculty connections to your advantage.

“There are so many people in this community and at this university that are willing to help you grow and succeed. Don’t be afraid to use connections within the department, because they really want you to be successful,” she said. “Network, use your resources and build authentic connections.” 

The Carlsten Art Gallery in the Noel Fine Arts Center is currently showcasing the work of the 2025 BFA Class. Curated by a faculty committee, the exhibit reflects the distinct work of the seven program graduates. Their work will remain on display until June 21. For more information on Carlsten Art Gallery and the School of Design and Communication visit www.uwsp.edu/carlsten/.