By
Kim Rogers
UCO senior art student, Danielle Cost is the 2008 recipient
of the Tom & Marye Kate Aldridge Foundation Bob Palmer Scholarship for Visual
Arts & Design. She was awarded $500 towards her studies which wouldn’t
have been possible without donor support. “A
donation to the College of Arts, Media & Design (CAMD) scholarship program
is one of the most rewarding ways to give,” said CAMD Development Director,
Lori Alspaugh. “Every cent you give goes to a needy or gifted student, and
we keep you updated each semester on student progress.”
Palmer,
a longtime UCO art professor, took notice of Cost’s talent and nominated
her last semester. Being a scholarship recipient was a helpful boost for Cost.
I was
definitely encouraged when Bob told me I was nominated. I used it to help pay
for another mural class. It was definitely what I needed. I’m going on strictly
loans for paying for my school. That $500 helps more than a lot of people really
think about,” explained Cost.
If
you saw her masterful murals depicting hands, you might be surprised that painting
them hasn’t always been a longtime goal.
“I
never really thought about murals when I was in high school,” said Cost.
“At that time I was thinking art was fun, and I knew I was much better at
doing art than playing sports.”
Cost
spent her first semester at another university where she majored in architecture,
but soon found that this career path wasn’t a good fit. Then she transferred
to UCO with an interest in graphic design and realized it wasn’t the type
of art or major that appealed to her either.
After
receiving encouragement from professors while taking a few art classes during
her sophomore year at UCO, she finally found her passion and settled on a major
in studio arts.
During
her second mural class with Palmer, she focused on what she wanted to paint. Over
the last year, she’s done large-scale acrylic and her concentration has been
on hands. This semester she is focusing on water.
Palmer
sees a future of success for Cost and is proud of her accomplishments.
“It
has been a pleasure to see her develop into an outstanding mural painter. Her
work is so focused and theme-driven. I am looking forward to
her senior show
that will showcase her drawings and paintings. Some graduate school needs to look
closely at her. She has a bright future ahead.”
If
you have an interest in giving to the scholarship fund, contact Alspaugh at (405)-974-3778.
