James Barany

James Barany is a Professor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), serving as a full-time faculty member in the Foundations department since 2000. He also chairs First-Year Experience and previously led MIAD’s Fine Arts and 2D/4D Design departments. Barany holds an MFA in Drawing/Painting with a focus in Vocal Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1997), following his undergraduate studies in Drawing at MIAD (1992).

His research explores empathy, memory, pedagogy, and metacognition through award-winning experimental animations. These works, often blending his artistic and vocal performance backgrounds, have been showcased at venues like Black Maria International, Transom Media, and the Wisconsin Film Festival. Barany’s creative practice also extends to Comprimario roles and bass choristry with the Grammy-winning Florentine Opera Company.

He is a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), Foundations Art Theory and Education (FATE), and the College Art Association (CAA). Notable recognition includes the Mary Nohl Fellowship (2005), which supported his time-based media work examining educational theories. His interdisciplinary approach bridges visual art, music, and pedagogical innovation.