University News

Foundation Holiday Card Designed by WIU Graphic Design Major

December 3, 2020

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MACOMB, IL – Each year, the Western Illinois University Foundation reaches out to the WIU Department of Art to select a student to design the Foundation's holiday greeting card. The opportunity not only gives a student the chance to showcase their skills, while building their portfolio, it provides to Western's alumni and friends a glimpse of the talented students attending WIU.

Senior graphic design (studio art) major Aeliana Campbell of Wiggins, MS, was selected by her instructors to paint a winter-themed picture for the annual WIU Foundation holiday card. The finished product is an original lithograph and watercolor painting of the iconic Sherman Hall and its snow-covered front lawn.

"It was an honor to be chosen to work on this year's holiday card for the WIU Foundation," Campbell said. "I am thankful for the fact that this project has given me the opportunity to show my artistic ability on a larger scale as it will be shared with our WIU alumni and friends."

In addition to painting, Campbell enjoys reading, writing, poetry, special effects and make-up art, costume and prop building, as well as many other different art mediums. Upon graduating, Campbell plans to work as a freelance artist so she has a flexible schedule so she can take care of her partner, who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

"This beautiful painting by Aeliana features the outstanding talents of our students in the WIU art program," said Brad Bainter, executive officer of the WIU Foundation. "We have an incredible collection of holiday cards and original prints from the students who have created the Foundation holiday card over the years. While the students may paint or sketch the same building, such as Sherman, each original piece captures a unique aspect of our beautiful campus. Thank you to Aeliana for sharing her time and her talents for this year's card."

As the selected artist, Campbell received a $500 honorarium from the WIU Foundation. The original piece will be on display in the Foundation office following the holiday break.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing