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.
