1949 – June 9, 2024. Carolyn Long was an accomplished artist, educator, and lifelong advocate for rabbits. She earned her Master’s Degree and served as a professor of art and design at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) for 36 years, from 1981 to 2017. Renowned for her passion and dedication, Carolyn mentored countless Foundations/FYE students, inspiring them through her collage and animal-themed elective classes.
As a rabbit educator, Carolyn was devoted to answering questions about rabbit care and designing fund-raising items to help bunnies in need. Her love for rabbits extended into her art, where she created “rabbit boxes”—intimate tribute shrines honoring her own beloved companions. The first five were featured in the 2000-01 MIAD Faculty Exhibition, and during a sabbatical in 2001, Carolyn expanded the series to explore broader themes, such as animal rights and human cruelty. Notable works included the Alba Box, inspired by the Green Fluorescent Protein bunny, and the Witness Box, depicting rabbits observing human suspects in a line-up for crimes against animals. She also gifted two cherished art pieces to Marinell Harriman, Marinell’s Dream and Two Phoebes.
Beyond her artistry and volunteer work with HRS, Carolyn was a compassionate volunteer at the Wisconsin Humane Society, socializing rabbits and guiding new adopters in providing them with loving homes. Her legacy of love, creativity, and advocacy lives on in her students, her artwork, and the many lives she touched—both human and rabbit. She will be deeply missed.
She had so much kindness and a love for rabbits. Alexandra Kusick, Carolyn’s former student.
She was so great! I remember her drawings of rabbits. One of my all time favorite MIAD instructors. Deb Mortl, Carolyn’s former student.
