My name is Mads, and I am an artist and educator in the Twin Cities. I received a BFA in Sculpture from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. After graduating in 2020, I moved back to the Midwest and have found a home in Minneapolis’s arts community these past few years. Since moving here, I have grown as a teaching artist through various roles at Highpoint, starting as an Education Intern and currently as the Education Programs Assistant.
We are pleased to introduce and celebrate Mads Golitz, our newest addition and Education Programs Assistant. We recently asked Mads about their experiences at Highpoint and what it has meant for their creative practice.
Can you tell us more about your current work:
Recently I have been reviving a past art style that depicts playful dancing figures. They originated as expressions of joy during hard times. Lately, I’ve been drawing inspiration for them from queer love and community. I am enjoying applying this old work to new print techniques, as well as exploring their connection to other themes in my life that I am hoping to explore more through my work this coming year. In short, I am a bit all over the place right now but excited about the direction I am heading.
What drew you to Highpoint?
Highpoint was on my radar since moving to Minneapolis. It was exciting to see the various opportunities that were consistently being offered. Even now, I appreciate the range of levels of experience that Highpoint programming accommodates. It was encouraging to see classes for folks new to printmaking alongside grants for mid-career artists. For that reason, I saw Highpoint as a place where an artist, at any point in their career, could join and grow.
I might be biased here, but I feel most passionate about Highpoint’s education programs, especially for the youth. When students come to Highpoint for field trips, it is often the first time they have tried printmaking. I believe it is important to show kids spaces where people make art as a community and that they can see themselves making art in those spaces. The same is true for adults. I love to teach introductory classes to see folks who would not consider themselves artists discover or rekindle a love for creating.
Has Highpoint impacted your creative career/practice?
I am incredibly grateful for what Highpoint has done for my career. It has given me the space, resources, and opportunities to grow as an artist. From my time here, I have strengthened old printing techniques and learned new ones. Most importantly, Highpoint connected me to an arts community from which I can seek support, inspiration, and guidance. It has also allowed me to give back as a member of that community, taking on more responsibility as I step into new roles.