Baking and pastry arts students look over renderings as they plan to make gingerbread replicas of the new Bucks arena.
Top-of-their class baking and pastry arts students from Milwaukee Area Technical College will be taking on a new gingerbread challenge this year: creating replicas of Miller Park and the new downtown arena.
Dubbed “Gingerbread Pro,” the student creations will be an expansion of MATC’s longstanding gingerbread event in partnership with the Brewers Community Foundation and the Milwaukee Bucks. MATC’s gingerbread competition is a local tradition, attracting visitors from around the region to see spectacular student creations. The Gingerbread Pro partnership announced Monday comes as the Brewers Community Foundation and the Bucks are helping to support student scholarships through the MATC Foundation, Inc.
“MATC education transforms lives and the Brewers Community Foundation and Milwaukee Bucks are helping more students access that opportunity through their contributions to the MATC Foundation,” college President Dr. Vicki J. Martin said.
More than 10,000 MATC students receive financial aid support, including grants and scholarships.
"The Milwaukee Bucks are grateful for the work that MATC does to train and educate young adults with a wide variety of interests," said Bucks President Peter Feigin. "The Gingerbread Pro program is a great example of bringing wonderful community partners together to provide MATC students an opportunity to showcase their work. These students will be in high demand as we open our new arena and the restaurants that will be part of the Arena District."
Milwaukee Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger said, “We recognize the importance of a quality education and the significant impact MATC has on those being served in our community. The Gingerbread Pro program, which features the iconic Miller Park, is a fun way to showcase the skills of these talented students. It also exemplifies the importance of partnerships that work hand in hand to support our city.”
Before they begin crafting their Gingerbread Pro creations, MATC students had the chance to meet Monday with Eppstein Uhen Architects President Rich Tennessen, whose firm is the lead local architect for both Miller Park and the new Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center.
MATC students’ works of bakery and pastry arts -- including 33 original designs, four renditions of Miller Park and three arena recreations -- will be on display at the Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., Dec. 2-13. Prizes will be awarded to top students, thanks to generous contributions from the Wisconsin Bakers Association, the Brewers Community Foundation and the Milwaukee Bucks. The public will be able to participate in a silent auction with a chance to take one of the houses home for the holidays. Proceeds from the Gingerbread Pro sponsorship and silent auctions for each house will be used to offer student scholarships through the MATC Foundation, Inc.
Photos from Nov. 6 announcement event: web gallery