Walter Midener (1912–1998) was a German-born American sculptor and academic administrator, recognized for his contributions to the arts in Detroit and his leadership of the College for Creative Studies.
Born in Liegnitz, Germany (now Legnica, Poland), Midener received his formal artistic training at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts. In 1938, he emigrated to the United States to escape the Nazi regime. During World War II, he served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theater. For his actions during the conflict, he was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration for valor in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Following his military service, Midener settled in Michigan and became a central figure in the Detroit art community. His sculptural practice primarily utilized materials such as bronze, wood, and terra cotta. His aesthetic style was largely figurative, often characterized by expressionistic leanings and an emphasis on human form and emotion. His works have been exhibited at various institutions and are held in permanent collections, including that of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Midener is perhaps best known for his long-standing association with the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts, which was later renamed the Center for Creative Studies (and is currently known as the College for Creative Studies). He joined the faculty in the late 1940s and served as the institution's president from 1970 to 1984. During his tenure, he was instrumental in transforming the school into a four-year, degree-granting college of art and design. He remained an active member of the artistic community until his death in 1998.