SAVS
School of Art and Visual Studies
With work ranging from experimental products to large-scale typographic installations, Mia Cinelli investigates the scope of art and design, influenced by personal inquiry and/or cultural events. Her research and creative practice focuses on the conceptualization of frameworks for experiences which engender meaningful physical and visual interactions. Hailing from Michigan, Mia completed her BFA in Graphic Communication from Northern Michigan University before earning her MFA in Art and Design at the University of Michigan’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design. She has exhibited internationally during Salone Satellite at the Milan International Furniture Fair as a part of Milan Design Week, as well as at the Port Moody Art Center in conjunction with the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. In 2016, she was selected to present a TED talk titled ‘A New Type of Superpower’ on typography at TEDxUofM; Subject to Change. One of her recent pieces, a therapeutic weighted blanket designed to help the grieving, was featured on Design Milk, Fast Company, Dezeen, Daily Mail, and People Magazine, to name a few. She is passionate about visual communication, human-centered design, and education.