Discover Ellen C. Raines’ Upcoming Exhibition at Lakeland University’s Bradley Gallery
What to Expect from the 2025‑26 Bradley Gallery Series
Every fall, Lakeland University’s Bradley Gallery transforms into a hub of contemporary creativity. The opening of the 2025‑26 series will feature the acclaimed artist Ellen C. Raines, who brings a masterful blend of digital illustration, animation, and playful visual puns to the space. The exhibition runs from September 19 to October 24 and is free to the public, making it a must‑visit for students, faculty, and community members alike.
Designed for anyone who appreciates the convergence of traditional techniques and cutting‑edge digital tools, the show showcases Raines’ signature play‑on‑word art — pieces that fuse literal imagery with subtle linguistic twists. As the artist’s name suggests, the experience promises both eye‑catching creativity and intellectual delight.
Meet the Artist: Ellen C. Raines
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Raines discovered a love for art early on. While still in high school, her depiction of a local scene earned a spot in downtown Milwaukee’s Quarles and Brady building. Her passion led her first to Milwaukee Area Technical College’s animation department, where she helped merge animation with the University of Wisconsin‑Milwaukee’s film program. That collaboration set a precedent for Raines’ later work in digital media.
Raines holds an associate degree in applied science of animation from MATC and a BFA in film from UW‑Milwaukee. Her work has earned international accolades, including a win at Silicon Valley Awards for her short film “Dream Escape” and a screenplay award at the Honolulu Film Festival.
Digital Artistry and the Power of Play‑On‑Word (POW) Pieces
A turning point in Raines’ career occurred in 2020 when she began experimenting with digital tablets. Her first test subject was an apple rendered in hyper‑realistic texture. By shifting the hue to blue, she created the piece “Bruised Apple,” simultaneously referencing the fruit’s natural bruising and the emotional weight of blue bruises. From that moment, Raines transitioned into a playful synergy of imagery and language.
Today, she has more than 100 POW pieces in her portfolio. Each artwork invites the viewer to pause, re‑interpret, and find meaning in both the visual and the verbal.
Why the Bradley Gallery Shows Matter
- Provides a platform for emerging and established artists in the Midwest.
- Encourages cross‑disciplinary dialogue between visual art, digital media, and literary expression.
- Offers students real‑world exposure to the curation and presentation of art in an academic environment.
Engage with the Exhibition
Schedules are consistent: the Bradley Gallery opens early mornings and operates Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm during Lakeland’s session. The opening reception on September 19 from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm will feature a guided walk-through, a Q&A with Raines, and an opportunity for attendees to meet classmates working in related disciplines.
Art students seeking to broaden their skill set can use the exhibition as a case study: observing how Raines navigates color theory, narrative construction, and digital manipulation will deepen their comprehension of contemporary art practices.
Tips for Students Who Want to Build a Portfolio
- Explore the gallery in depth. Take notes on color palettes you find compelling.
- Analyze composition. Break down each piece into foreground objects, background details, and central themes.
- Engage with the artist’s intent. Reflect on how the title connects to the visual content.
- Request permission to borrow a thumbnail. Use it to test your own digital tools before committing to a full piece.
- Document your own iterations. Capture multiple drafts and then select the best one for your portfolio.
Beyond the Exhibition: Building Your Creative Path at Lakeland
Students who admire Raines’ method may find Lakeland’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media an excellent next step. The program offers hands‑on training in animation, digital illustration, and interactive media. The curriculum also integrates coursework in storytelling, typography, and virtual reality—key components of the POW art style.
Graduates leave with a professional portfolio, internships in film studios, and a solid foundation for graduate study. The faculty has industry connections that facilitate real‑time feedback and mentorship.
How the Career Readiness Center Supports Emerging Artists
- Provides one‑on‑one career advising specific to creative careers.
- Hosts portfolio reviews and mock interview sessions.
- Offers workshops on copyright law, licensing, and monetization of digital content.
