In celebration of the Then & Now exhibition, we are sharing a series of interviews featuring our classes of 1995 and 1996. Join us here in learning more about Keith Christensen ’95 and his creative practice:

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Which year did you graduate and what brought you to MCAD for your MFA?

I graduated with the MCAD MFA in 1995. I was already an experienced designer-artist and had recently moved to Mpls from NYC. I was looking for ways to continue as an artist. I hoped MCAD would help by providing opportunities to connect with the creative community and preparation for a public art direction. I especially wanted the experience to learn useful theory, develop ideas and models. MCAD answered my ‘Now what?’

How did your creative practice change while you were at MCAD?

As the then grad program prof Rik Sferra said, art school is cultural think tank time. The experience helped me develop a personal voice intertwined with my interests in the social and educational. It brought the various aspects of my practice together more coherently. It was the first time I utilized games as visual elements in my work. It also introduced me to popular education theories, especially those of Paulo Friere, that helped me cross the line between art and social activism. After grad school I continued the development of those ideas and approaches as an educator and public artist. It really was the basis for my subsequent steps.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?

There was a feeling of openness and mutual respect. Many good memories revolved around the cohort’s class sessions, intense discussions and tired, late nights in the lab. It was the first years of the program so it felt like a new beginning for all of us. We were making the road by walking. I admired Kinji Akagawa’s approach to art making and social engagement as his teaching assistant. I especially appreciated his commitment and patience with each student. He confirmed for me the role of artist as doer as well as helper.

What is next? Any new projects or life events that are in the pipeline?

Life happens, after teaching 20 years I’m on to a new stage and enjoying it immensely. I’m active providing design services for The East Side Freedom Library, a local community organization doing excellent work promoting social justice. It’s important for me to be a contributor to the broader community and movement. My studio work now is focused as a painter and I plan to create a book and exhibition about topical issues later this year.