University News

2017 Foundation Holiday Card Designed by WIU Art Major

December 12, 2017

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University students will soon be returning home for the holidays, but for one WIU undergrad, that saying has a special meaning this year.

Junior art major Victoria Harmon of Wyoming, IL was selected by her instructors to paint a picture to be used for the annual WIU Foundation holiday card. Harmon aptly titled her work, "Home for the Holidays."

While the Foundation holiday card typically displays a rendering of Sherman Hall, this year's artist ventured across Adams Street for her inspiration. The finished product is an original watercolor painting of Western's Alumni House. Harmon sorted through many pictures of the house to find one with just the right angle. And now, the culmination of her efforts is being sent to nearly 900 friends of the WIU Foundation.

"Being selected to paint the holiday card for the WIU Foundation gave me the validation I needed for my career. I was unsure of my own abilities, and whether or not I was making the right decision, but after being given this opportunity, I feel more confident in my decision to pursue a career as an artist," shared Harmon.

While majoring in art and minoring in music, Harmon is also the editor of the music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. She has firsthand knowledge of the importance and the generosity of the WIU Foundation: Harmon is attending Western on a vocal scholarship and is also receiving a tuition waiver from the Department of Art. She is also a recipient of a WIU Commitment Scholarship.

Upon graduating from WIU in Fall 2019, she hopes to someday run her own graphic design business and collaborate with independent companies and businesses on marketing, advertising and design.

"Each year, a Western student is selected by Department of Art instructors to create the WIU Foundation holiday card. And every year, the student does a wonderful job capturing Western Illinois University in a medium he or she selects. This student-created artwork further illustrates the talented students we have at WIU and demonstrates to our donors and friends that their support provides outstanding educational opportunities to talented students," said Brad Bainter, vice president for advancement and public services. "We are so pleased with Victoria's work and we hope everyone enjoys her rendering of the WIU Alumni House."

The original piece will be on display at the Alumni House following the holiday break.

Posted By: Amanda Shoemaker, WIU Foundation & Development (AJ-Shoemaker@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing