Dear MCAD Community,
It is with great sadness that I am sharing the passing of a recent graduate, Grace Niskanen. Grace graduated in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Product and Furniture Design. Her creative talents far exceeded her major, which included painting and music. Grace was a creative collaborator, entrepreneur, and close friend to so many.
Her family will be hosting a memorial service on September 12, from 5-8 p.m. at 13363 Partridge Rd N., Stillwater, Minn., 55082 to celebrate Grace. Her obituary can be found here.
On Thursday, September 17 at 6:30 pm MCAD will be hosting a screening of one of Grace’s favorite films, The Last Mimzy, which was an inspiration to her.
Before the screening of the film, you are welcome to tell a story about Grace while images of her work are streamed on screen. It will be a time to share special memories–perhaps a collaboration you did with her, some way she made an impact on you, or just a personal interaction that makes you smile. We hope to see you there.
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Jen Zuccola