Category: Art


Art Students Showcase Talents and Creativity at Exhibition


May 4, 2024 | Art Campus News

The annual East Central College Art and Design Student Exhibition showcased the remarkable talents of students from various disciplines demonstrating their creativity and skill.

The ECC Art Gallery buzzed with excitement during the April 25 reception as students and faculty gathered to celebrate the exceptional artwork on display.

Jennifer Higerd, Assistant Professor of Art and ECC Art Gallery Curator, and Sean Barton, Graphic Design Instructor and Art and Design Department Executive, presented awards to the talented winners in each category. They also acknowledged honorable mentions for their outstanding contributions.

Among the standout talents was Milo Guile, whose piece titled “Fallen Angel” earned him the highest recognition of “Best of Show.”

Milo’s achievement is exceptional given his previous success in last year’s exhibition with his wire art piece, “Coat Hanger,” which won Best of Show in the 2023 Exhibition.

The external juror, Sean Ramirez, a Senior Product Designer at Build-A-Bear Workshop, brought valuable expertise to the judging process. Prior to his current role, he contributed to the animation of beloved Disney films such as Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo and Stitch, and John Henry.

Below is the list of winners in each category:

Drawing — Maddi Jaegers, Bottles

Functional Ceramics — Christina Keeven, Fish Plate

Figure Drawing — Kayla Brinkmann, My Dome

Painting — Ash Marcus, Not an f* chicken*

2D Design — Angelique Holtmeyer, Catlusion

Illustration — Lann Remer, The Troll Emerges

Digital Design — Kayla Brinkmann, Moscow

Graphic Design — Hallelujah Medlock, Fruits of the Spirit

Sculpture — Carlie Shaw, Sweet Music

Film Photography — Miriam Bondor, Once upon a time

Printmaking — Hallelujah Medlock, Illuminated Tree

Honorable Mentions

Figure Drawing — Chae Keeney, Kimber

Painting — Amy Hervey, Shoes

Patron’s Picks

Continuing a tradition spanning over a decade, ECC’s Patrons of the Arts graciously supported our student artists by acquiring the following artworks to enrich the ECC Art Collection:

Ash Marcus – Not an f** Chicken

Carlie Shaw – Sweet Music

Desiree Delisi – The Overgrown

Hallelujah Medlock – Fruits of the Spirit

Hannah Pilarski – Brim

Lann Remer – Amalgamation of Consumerism

Maddi Jaegers – Mime

Connor Flaherty – Drift Away

Zoe Meyer – Sunset Clouds


ECC Art Program Grad Earns Full Ride to Webster University


May 17, 2023 | Art Campus News

East Central College Class of 2023 graduate Parker Williamson received a Presidential Transfer Scholarship from Webster University, where she will study graphic design and ceramics.

Williamson, of Sullivan, graduated Cum Laude from ECC on May 13 with an Associate of Fine Arts degree, emphasizing in graphic design and ceramics. She will start at Webster in August.

The Webster Presidential Transfer Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship award, which is eligible for renewal for an additional year.

Williamson received the scholarship for academic achievement and leadership. At ECC, she served as the president of the Art Club, and she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“I really couldn’t believe it — I was stunned,” Williamson said about learning of the scholarship award. “It’s a full ride as long as I maintain a 3.0 and I am a full-time student.”

Williamson also will participate in the Webster LEADS program while she works toward a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. The LEADS program encourages students to serve as educational role models within the Webster community.

“I love the possibilities of graphic design. There are so many career paths to choose from,” she said, adding that after she graduates, she would, “love to get a job designing billboards or posters for a big company.”

Williamson noted that she will continue to study and create ceramics.

“Ceramics is my passion and I want to keep that practice in my life,” she said. “I love being able to make my own true functional objects I can use in everyday life. I love when art becomes useful and that’s why I love learning and studying new things in ceramics.”

Her experience at ECC and in the Art program helped her succeed, she added.

“ECC is a great college with a great Art program. There are a variety of classes that will push you to expand your skills and knowledge in the art world, in every way possible,” Williamson said.

ECC and its art instructors have helped prepare her for Webster University, she said, while inspiring her to follow through with her education.

“All of the wonderful art department instructors have helped me along the way, but Sean Barton, (graphic design instructor and art and design department executive), has helped me the most,” she said. “He made sure I looked at all my options when it comes to schools and made sure I know all the right questions to ask, and that I’m well informed in any decision I may make.”

Williamson was active in ECC events through organizations, like the Art Club.

“I love the environment at ECC, it’s super comfortable and accessible,” she said. “I feel very comfortable walking anywhere and everyone is easy to talk to — there are always fun events and clubs to be involved in.”


Students Recognized for Leadership, Academic Excellence and More


May 9, 2023 | Art Campus News Media Music

East Central College faculty, staff and administrators recognized many students for their outstanding accomplishments in the past academic year, both inside and outside the classroom.

The ECC Campus Life and Leadership’s annual Student Achievement Night on May 4 was an opportunity to recognize students for leadership, academic excellence, club engagement, success in the classroom and as student employees.

Academic Excellence Award

The Vice President’s Academic Excellence Award was presented to Caroline Miller. This prestigious award recognizes one student each year who demonstrates exemplary academic excellence during their time at ECC.

The recipient must maintain a minimum of a 3.4 GPA, and they must be nominated by a department chair. All nominations were submitted to the College vice presidents for consideration.

Outstanding Student Leader

Maggie Sikes was chosen as the 2023 Outstanding Student Leader. She was nominated by Lisa Hanneken, Business/Accounting faculty member and the club advisor for the Christian Club.

The award recognizes one student for exceptional leadership skills and abilities. Sikes also was chosen as the recipient of the Collaborative Excellence Award, nominated again by Hanneken. This award highlights a student leader who may not always want to be at the forefront as a leader, but whose collaborative spirit proves essential to the success of the club and the maintenance of an encouraging environment.

Club Officer Awards

The awards for club officers are given to student leaders for their contributions as stewards of student engagement on campus. Students are nominated by club advisors.

Club Officer Award recipients

The following students were recognized for their service as club officers:

  • Brooklyn Hyatt, Student Government Association President
  • Theo Krummel, Student Government Association Vice President
  • Megan Pritchard, Student Government Association Public Relations Officer
  • Taylor Sikes, Student Government Association Recording Secretary
  • Augast Haddad, Outstanding Student Government Association Member
  • Parker Williamson, Art Club President
  • Abby Stanfield, Art Club Vice President
  • Lacy Buchanan, Art Club Secretary
  • David Braun, Art Club Treasurer
  • Carolyn Horst, Art Club Social Media Representative
  • Maggie Sikes, Christian Club President
  • Carly Hamlyn, Phi Theta Kappa President, Chi Delta Chapter
  • Victoria Plocinski, Phi Theta Kappa Executive Vice President, Chi Delta Chapter
  • Kaitlynn Myers, Phi Theta Kappa Vice President for Public Relations, Chi Delta Chapter
  • Annika Brunner, Phi Theta Kappa Vice President for Recording & Finance, Chi Delta Chapter
  • Riley Klekamp, Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Chapter Member, Chi Delta Chapter
  • Annika Brunner, Rotaract Club Vice President
  • Hunter Sperry, Rotaract Club Secretary & Treasurer

Academic Distinction

Awards of academic distinction are given by faculty members for students exhibiting excellence in academic.

Award of academic distinction recipients

Though these students will likely have a high mark in the gradebook, a student chosen for this award should also demonstrate an understanding of the course material, be an active participant in class, and contribute to the larger culture of succeeding and high-level thinking in the classroom.
The following students were given awards for academic distinction:

  • Nathaniel Wissman, Nursing
  • Joelle Phillips, Welding
  • Jacob Feth, Welding
  • William Herbst, Business
  • Katarina North, Accounting
  • Terry Ahrenhoersterbaeumer, Accounting & Business
  • Michael Buhr, Business
  • Sean Merriman, Accounting
  • Shane Kearbey, Business
  • Stephen Casey, Music
  • Joshua Liebhart, Music
  • Madalyn Montgomery, Music
  • Owen Borcherding, Business
  • Ian Meyer, Business
  • Olivia Vandegriffe, Business
  • David Kelch, Accounting
  • Grace Hoerstkamp, Business
  • Adam Creasy, Media Studies
  • Riley Klekamp, Humanities
  • Caroline Miller, Humanities
  • Emma Thomas, Humanities
  • Max Johnson, Humanities
  • Adam Vancil, Humanities
  • Zack Hill, English Composition
  • Katarina North, The Doyle Stricklin Memorial Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounting
  • Brianna Gildehaus, Outstanding Performance in Business Award


Spirited Falcon Award

The ECC Spirited Falcon awards are given to students in recognition of perseverance, a consistent willingness to learn and improve, and measured improvement.

This award is designed to honor students who, despite any obstacles they may face during their semester, demonstrated a continued commitment to their education and success as a student.
The following students were given Spirited Falcon awards:

  • MacKenzie Rolf, Nursing
  • Rose Adams, Reading Composition
  • Sean Merriman, Accounting
  • Kevin Corley, Humanities
  • Crystal Smith, Humanities
  • Julia Sampson, Business

Student Employees

Student employee recognized as Outstanding Student Worker

The student employees at ECC go above and beyond in their efforts to balance coursework and their student work opportunities.
The following students were recognized as Outstanding Student Workers:

  • Hugh Steinman, The Learning Center
  • Kyley Henry, The Learning Center
  • Chase Schroeder, The Learning Center
  • Ian Meyer, The Learning Center
  • Julio Gonzalez, The Learning Center
  • Miguel Gonzalez, The Learning Center

NAE Honor Society

Adult Education and Literacy students who were recently inducted into the were honored at Student Achievement Night.
The following students were inducted into NAEHS:

  • Arellana Zepeda
  • Ashley Watson Carrell
  • Athena Burke
  • Christina McKean
  • Gorette Nyirasebura
  • Griselda Gonzales
  • Heather Mertell
  • Jagdish Prasad
  • Lauren Hoey
  • Mikela Lackey
  • Mirwais Amiri
  • Mukesh Lnu
  • Naresh Jatav
  • Rajpoot Lnu
  • Rita Mauer
  • Shelly McMullin
Adult Education and Literacy students  inducted into NAE Honor Society

Winners of ECC Art & Design Student Exhibition Announced


May 3, 2023 | Art Campus News

Many talented and creative students were recognized April 27 during a reception for the East Central College Art and Design Student Exhibition.

Jennifer Higerd, assistant professor of art and gallery curator, and Sean Barton, graphic design instructor and art and design department executive, presented awards to the winners of each category and recognized those receiving honorable mentions.

“It was a delight to welcome students, their families and friends to celebrate the work they’ve done over the past year,” Higerd said. The art and design student exhibition closed May 3.

The highest recognition, Best of Show, was awarded to Milo Guile, Washington, for his wire art piece, “Coat Hanger.”

Listed below are the winners in each category:

Digital Design — Jon Queen, “Osamu Tezuka”

Printmaking — Miriam Bondor, “Adventure Awaits”

Digital Photography — Miriam Bondor, “In Bloom”

Watercolor — Chloe Eades, “Medusa”

Sculpture (3D Design, Ceramics) — Milo Guile, “Thunder”

Functional Ceramics — “Lacy Buchanan, “Curvy Vase”

Painting — Zoe Meyer, “Egg”

Drawing — Parker Williamson, “Hand Study”

Figure Drawing — Abby Stanfield, “A Study of Light”

2D Design — Mackenzie Rieger, “Season of Stripes”

Illustration — Emmalyn Henderson, “The Rigid Reflections of Blackthorn Wood”

Honorable Mention

“Parasomnia,” Kimber Clement-Thompson

“The Home as it Pertains to the Vessel,” Elijah Uffman

“Pumpkins and a Silver Fork,” Megan Pritchard

“Unrealistic Standards,” Elijah Uffman

Patron’s Picks

Listed below are artworks purchased by the ECC Foundation to be added to the college’s art collection:

“The Big Cheese,” Abby Stanfield

“Medusa,” Chloe Eades

“Mom’s Stew,” Elijah Uffman

“Medusa,” Emmalyn Henderson

“Winged Woman,” Hallelujah Medlock

“The Healing of the Oak Sprite,” Emmalyn Henderson

“Pumpkins and a Silver Fork,” Megan Pritchard

“Coat Hanger,” Milo Guile

“The Rigid Reflections of Blackthorn Wood,” Emmalyn Henderson

“Rabbit and Fox” (tiles), Megan Pritchard

“Forest Walk,” Milo Guile


East Central College art students Milo Guile and Abby Stanfield with artworks

ECC Art Students Show Work at Art Saint Louis


March 17, 2023 | Art Campus News Media

Artwork by East Central College students Milo Guile and Abigail Stanfield are on display now in the 27th annual “Varsity Art” exhibit presented at Art Saint Louis.

Guile, of Washington, and Stanfield, of Union, were selected by the ECC Art Department to show at the “Varsity Art XXVII,” a multi-media invitational visual art exhibition. Varsity Art opened March 3 and will run through March 30.

Guile and Stanfield were selected to show their pieces alongside 41 other regional artists at the multi-media exhibition. The artists all are undergrad and grad level art students representing 22 St. Louis regional colleges and universities from Missouri and Illinois.

This year’s exhibit presents contemporary themes and the works were created in ceramics, digital art, drawing, graphic design, mixed media, painting, paper, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles and video.

The Gallery, located at 1223 Pine Street St. Louis, is open Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

View all the artworks in an album on the Art Saint Louis Facebook page or see the Virtual Gallery Exhibit at www.artstlouis.org/index.php/exhibitions/in-the-gallery.

Milo Guile

“Forest Walk” was created digitally by Guile using Clip Studio Paint.

“Forest Walk” by Milo Guile
“Forest Walk” by Milo Guile

“For this piece, I aimed to create an atmospheric and whimsical environment,” he said. “A forest at night is the perfect setting for this, as walking through the woods after sundown is an unnerving yet almost unworldly experience.

“I wanted to capture this feeling by using purples and blues for the scenery while giving the child contrasting colors to make them feel out of place, as if they don’t belong in the world that they stumbled into,” Guile added.

He said he’s incredibly honored to be selected for this gallery.

“I am so grateful for my instructors who helped me improve and got me up to this point,” Guile said. “This show has been an amazing opportunity to challenge myself and to meet so many other talented students and learn about their schools.

“This whole experience has made me excited for the future and has inspired me to continue to pursue this path,” he commented.

Abby Stanfield

“The Boogeyman,” exhibited by Stanfield, was created in watercolor.

“’The Boogeyman’ is my own depiction of the creature from my childhood,” she said. “I chose to elongate the figure and use dark blues and purples to emphasize the sinister nature of the subject.

Boogeyman by Abby Stanfield
“Boogeyman” by Abby Stanfield

“The creature is placed in a young girl’s bedroom, suggesting that this could possibly be a figment of her imagination,” Stanfield commented.

She added that displaying her work at Art Saint Louis has been a rewarding and exciting experience.

“I’m extremely thankful for my instructors and all the help they provided every step of the way, and for giving me this opportunity,” Stanfield said. “I definitely learned a lot from this experience, and it was great meeting other art students in the area.”

Collaboration

This annual exhibit is a collaboration between Art Saint Louis and the participating collegiate institutions, their art faculty and students.

Art Saint Louis’ Artistic Director works closely with art professors and faculty at the area’s colleges and universities, inviting the professors to select two outstanding art students to represent their art department and institution in its annual show.

To learn more about ECC’s art and design program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/humanities-arts/art/.


International Education Week banner

International Education Week Guest Speaker in Filipino American Artist


November 11, 2022 | Art Campus News

A Filipino American artist living in St. Louis will be the guest speaker Tuesday, Nov. 15, for International Education Week.

Ria Unson portrait

Ria Unson will present on “Filipinos at the 1904 World’s Fair: A Legacy of Race and Empire” at 3 p.m. In Hansen Hall 286 lecture hall. This presentation is open to the public.

Unson was born in the Philippines and emigrated to the U.S. at age 13. Unbeknownst to her, Ria’s great grandfather was brought to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis after the American colonization of the Philippines.

By sheer coincidence (or destiny) she moved to the historic neighborhood that once housed the Philippine Exhibit at the fair. Her work explores the continuing legacies of imperialism on identity, migration, and culture. Unson’s art will be in the permanent collection of the History Museum for the 120th anniversary of the Fair.

One of the most popular attractions at the 1904 World’s Fair was the Philippine Exhibit, a 47-acre site that for nine months became home to over 1,000 people on display.

Unson traces the legacy of the fair as a descendant of, her great grandfather, one of those people.

Through this presentation, attendees will learn about how the image of Filipinos constructed at the fair was a method used to gain support for American imperialism and to domesticate the immigrant workers of St. Louis.

 


Chinese Dance Group performance

ECC Celebrating International Education Week, Festival on Nov. 19


October 31, 2022 | Art Campus News Film and Lecture Series

International Week (IEW) is Nov. 14-18 this year, and for East Central College, the celebration continues to Saturday, Nov. 19, with International Festival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Café Central.

IEW began in 2000 under President Bill Clinton to celebrate the benefits of cultural and academic exchange programs around the world. IEW promotes how international education programs prepare Americans for a global environment and invite the world’s future leaders to exchange ideas.

Throughout the week, there will be activities, such as a virtual escape room or scavenger hunt, with an international theme. There will be drawings for winners for each of these activities.
Also, photo backdrops will be around campus where students and employees snap photos at locations “around the world.” Students and employees can send photos to Ellen Aramburu at Ellen.Aramburu@eastcentral.edu, and Gregg Jones at Gregg.Jones@eastcentral.edu, to be shared on social media.

Monday, Nov. 14

Flag walk —10:50 a.m., International students invited to display their home country’s flag during a parade. Location to be determined (weather permitting).

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Snack & Stories — 1 p.m. in Café Central. International students will share a little about their experience studying outside their country.

Guest Speaker, artist Ria Unson — She will present on “Filipinos at the 1904 World’s Fair: A Legacy of Race and Empire” at 3 p.m. In Hansen Hall 286 lecture hall. This presentation is open to the public.
*See more information below about speaker and topic.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Snack & Stories — 1 p.m. in Café Central. International students will share a little about their experience studying outside their country.

Film & Lecture Series — 6 p.m., ECC Theatre showing of “¡Viva Maestro!”

Thursday, Nov. 17

International Candy Bar — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., (or while supplies last) candy from around the world will be available in the Buescher Hall Lobby.

Saturday, Nov. 19

International Festival — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Café Central. Performances by Grupo Atlántico and Chinese Dance Group. There will be country booths, origami, landmark backdrops, international dress display, map puzzles, international story time, and more.

*About the Speaker, Ria Unson

Ria Unson portrait

Ria Unson is a Filipino American artist in St. Louis. She was born in the Philippines and emigrated to the U.S. at age 13. Unbeknownst to her, Ria’s great grandfather was brought to the 1904 World’s Fair after the American colonization of the Philippines. By sheer coincidence (or destiny) she moved to the historic neighborhood that once housed the Philippine Exhibit at the fair. Her work explores the continuing legacies of imperialism on identity, migration, and culture. Unson’s art will be in the permanent collection of the History Museum for the 120th anniversary of the Fair.

“Filipinos at the 1904 World’s Fair: A Legacy of Race and Empire”

One of the most popular attractions at the 1904 World’s Fair was the Philippine Exhibit, a 47-acre site that for nine months became home to over 1,000 people on display.

Unson traces the legacy of the fair as a descendant of one of those people.

Learn about how the image of Filipinos constructed at the fair was a method used to gain support for American imperialism and to domesticate the immigrant workers of St. Louis.


Students Recognized at Achievement Night in Union


May 20, 2022 | Art Campus News Media Music

East Central College students were recognized last week for leadership, academic excellence, club engagement and success in the classroom.

ECC’s Campus Life and Leadership annually holds a Student Achievement Night awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of students.

Students are nominated for awards by faculty who recognize academic excellence, perseverance, and contributions to a culture of student success both in and out of the classroom.

Club Officer Awards

These awards are given to student leaders to recognize their contributions as stewards of student engagement on campus. Students are nominated by their club advisors.

The following students were honored for their service as club officers:

  • Brooklyn Hyatt, Student Government Association, President
  • Alexis Johnson, Student Government Association, Vice President
  • Sage Sparkman, Student Government Association, Public Relations Officer
  • Theo Krummel, Student Government Association, Chief Recording Officer
  • Dora Bell, Past Student Government Association, Public Relations Officer
  • Kylee Vawter, Art Club, Secretary
  • Abby Stanfield, Art Club, Treasurer
  • Sarah Mier, Phi Theta Kappa, President
  • Donna Hall, Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President
  • Caroline Dunne, Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President of Recording and Finance
  • Dora Bell, Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President of Public Relations
  • Adrian Smith, Rotaract, President
  • Samantha Peterson, Rotaract, President and Vice President
  • Brianna Sullivan, Psychology Club, President
  • Emma Weston, Psychology Club, Vice President
  • Alik Callahan, Student-Missouri State Teachers Association
  • Jennifer Shaw, Student-Missouri State Teachers Association.

Academic Awards

Awards of academic distinction are given to students by faculty members in recognition of academic excellence.

Though these students will likely have a high mark in the gradebook, a student chosen for this award should also demonstrate an understanding of the course material, be an active participant in class, and contribute to the larger culture of succeeding and high-level thinking in the classroom.

The following Union students were given awards for academic distinction:

  • Ashley Foster-Jungfermann, Health Information Management
  • Julie Krull, The Learning Center/Mathematics
  • Sarah Harris, The Learning Center/Chemistry
  • Joe McInnes, The Learning Center/English
  • Malorie Smiley, Nursing
  • Ruby Mitchell, English
  • Vickie Gumpenberger, Business
  • Candice Whistler, Doyle Stricklin Memorial Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounting
  • Samantha Loddeke, Reading Comprehension
  • Emily Moody, Music
  • Zach Southard, Music
  • Manny McQueen, Art & Design
  • Abby Stanfield, Art & Design
  • Miriam Bondor, Art & Design
  • Ash Dodson, Art & Design
  • Chloe Eades, Art & Design
  • Emma Brown, Art & Design
  • Emily Knoppe, Art & Design
  • Donna Hall, Technical Writing
  • Kar Meyer, English & Humanities
  • Emma Thomas, English
  • Riley Klekamp, English
  • Collin Immekus, Humanities & Media Studies
  • Dora Bell, Media Studies
  • Tyler Melvin, English & Media Studies
  • Emrhys Bradley, English & Humanities
  • Taylor Duvel, Industrial Engineering Technology
  • Emrhys Bradley, Philosophy Department Student of the Year

Spirited Falcon Awards

Spirited Falcon awards are given to students by faculty members in recognition of perseverance, a consistent willingness to learn and improve, and measured improvement as deemed appropriate by the faculty nominator.

This award is designed to honor students who, despite any obstacles they may face during their semester, demonstrated a continued commitment to their education and success as a student. The following Union students were given Spirited Falcon awards:

  • Pierocarlo Previte, The Learning Center/Learning & Athletics
  • Julio Gonzalez, The Learning Center/Tutoring & Athletics
  • Miguel Gonzalez, The Learning Center/Tutoring & Athletics
  • Charlena Borges, Nursing
  • Lyndsey Graczyk, Nursing
  • Taylor Kelley, Reading Comprehension
  • Marin Muster, Art & Design
  • Sara Carter, Art & Design
  • Gabby Girardier, Art & Design
  • Kylee Barton, English
  • Justin Todd, Philosophy
  • Claire Smith, Philosophy
  • Theo Krummel, Philosophy
  • Abby Stephens, Philosophy
  • Sarah Sartorius, Paramedic Technology

Mier Family Shares the College Experience at ECC


May 10, 2022 | Art Campus News

Sarah, Ethan and Ryan Mier may be on different educational journeys, but to reach their destinations, the mother and her sons are taking the same path — East Central College.

Sarah, 42, is the mother of Ethan, 21, and Ryan, 18. The family of ECC students live in St. Clair with, their father and husband, Andrew Mier.

“I love attending ECC with my boys — this kind of thing doesn’t happen very often, and it wasn’t planned at all,” Sarah said. “I never thought that I would be going back to school with my children.”

Sarah will be walking across the stage at the ECC Commencement ceremony this Saturday, May 14, while Ethan plans to take one more course at ECC this summer. Ryan will attend ECC through the 2022-23 school year.

Sarah, the president Phi Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is studying social science and she plans to attend Central Methodist University to work toward a degree in social work.

Ethan’s path is leading him to Webster University, where he will pursue a degree in Computer Animation. Ethan recently was part of the ECC Theatre Department’s “Puffs” and he is a member of the Art Club.

Ryan expects to graduate from ECC in the spring of 2023 and then he will pursue a degree mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in Rolla.

“All our paths have been different here at ECC and each of us have had different struggles and strengths,” Sarah said.

“I am grateful that ECC has been a part of our journey together,” she added. “All three of us have been able to grow together academically and as family. I am blessed that we had this unique opportunity.”

None of the Miers have had classes together this semester, but they still would see each other on campus, which is, “always a nice surprise and makes my day,” Sarah said.

“We’re always excited to see each other because we don’t have any classes in the same buildings at the same times,” said Ethan.

“My mom and I only interact when I walk past her in the student center,” Ryan added. “She often just asks how I’m doing and sends me on my way.”

Ethan noted that he and his mother had one class together last summer, an online art appreciation class.

“We were able to study together over the summer,” he said. “We were able to help each other study with some parts and help with different forum posts.”

The Mier Home

With three college students under one roof, it is easy to understand why the Mier home looks similar to a dorm room at times.

“Our home a lot of days looks like a library spilled over into it, or it looks like an art studio,” Sarah said.  “There are always backpacks and books on the kitchen table, and I would not have it another way — I know at some time, I am going to miss it.”

She added that the challenges of going to college full-time are made easier with the support of her husband.

“I think it’s great,” Andrew said. “Sarah and the boys are going through and experiencing a lot of the same things and they relate to each other very well.

“I am happy to support them in any way I can — whether it be extra chores around the house or running to the store at the last minute for art supplies,” he added. “This is time together that they will look back fondly on.”

Proud Mother

Sarah noted that experiencing college alongside her sons offers a unique insight that she may not have otherwise.

“I am beyond proud of my two sons,” she commented.  “They are two vastly different people, yet just as equally smart and talented.

“Ethan’s creative mind blows me away, he can see the beauty in anything,” Sarah added. “He has a God-given gift that will take him far in life. He makes me laugh every day.”

For Ryan, Sarah said, his knowledge, skill, and curiosity of computers and technology are incredible.

“Ryan’s ability to look into a computer, break it apart and then want to know how that works and program it to do more is awe-inspiring,” she said. “He will be writing programs to better the world one day.”

Although Sarah recognizes how bright her children are, what impresses her the most is how they treat others.

“What I am most proud of is that both my boys are kind, caring, and compassionate human beings,” she said. “They will put all things aside when I am having a bad day just to sit with me and make me laugh.”

Family Background

All three of the Mier students are St. Clair High School graduates. Sarah was part of the Class of 1998; and Ethan and Ryan graduated from SCHS in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

Sarah joined the U.S. Air Force after high school. She met Andrew Mier while they both were stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Ark.  After Ethan was born, Sarah stayed home while Andrew continued to serve in the military.

As is typical with families in the military, Sarah added, the Miers moved often.

“With moving around so much and raising a family, school was never an option,” she said.

However, her opportunity would come after Andrew retired from the Air Force and then earned a degree in early childhood education.

“As soon as Andrew was done it was my turn to go to school, and it just so happened to be at the same time my boys were also attending college,” Sarah said.

Initially, Sarah planned to take online courses, just as her husband had done.

“I was also going in that direction, and at the last minute I changed my mind and decided that in-person learning at ECC was a better decision for me,” she said.

Sarah noted that in-person classes offered many more experiences and opportunities than online-only courses could.

“I could not be happier with the decision that I made,” she added. “The education, connections and experience here at ECC has been amazing.”


Art & Design Student Exhibition Winners Announced


May 3, 2022 | Art Campus News

During a reception for the Annual East Central College Art & Design Student Exhibition, the Best of Show was presented to Manny McQueen for his Self Portrait.

That is in addition to several other Best in Category and Honorable Mention accolades presented at the exhibition reception held April 28 in the ECC Art Gallery.

The exhibit is a celebration of the culmination of the year’s hard work, growth, and learning by the students, according to Jennifer Higerd, ECC art instructor and gallery coordinator.

This is the first reception that was held in person since 2019. For the artists, it is an opportunity for their parents, friends, and family to join the faculty to acknowledge and honor their hard work.

The Art & Design Exhibition showcases the work ECC students accomplished over the course of the academic year. The show closes Wednesday, May 4.

During the award presentations, Sean Barton, graphic design instructor, described that the class of freshman and sophomore students as a “powerhouse,” due to the number of incredible artists in the ECC program.

Students may submit up to five works to be considered for the exhibition. The art faculty selected the works to be on display, and an outside judge – Michael Behle, artist and art professor at UMSL — chose the best works in each category as well as the Best in Show award.

Listed are the show winners and honorable mentions by category, and the names of the works:

Best of Show

Manny McQueen – Self Portrait

Digital Design (Poster Design)

Honorable Mention – Caleb Brinker, Visit Rothyll travel poster

Best in Category – Parker Williamson, Labyrinth, have a cup of tea

Digital Design (Page Design)

Honorable Mention – Carolyn Horst, Gerard Way

Best in Category – Blake Rodgers, Critical

Digital Photography

Best in Category – Sage Sparkman, Delicate Daffodils

Graphic Design

Best in Category – Carter Hanse, Wild Advances

Photography

Honorable Mention – Miriam Bondor, Love With Your Life

Best in Category – Joseph McCary, Art School Jesus

Sculpture (3D Design, Ceramics)

Honorable Mention – Madison Barbarick, Humminghorse

Honorable Mention – Manny McQueen, Ugly Tiger

Best in Category – Carter Hanse, Treeli

Functional Ceramics

Best in Category – Manny McQueen, Sake Set

Painting

Honorable Mention – Kylee Vawter, Self Portrait

Best in Category – Emma Lombardino, Self Portrait

Drawing

Honorable Mention – Megan Pritchard, Colanders & Cones

Honorable Mention – Emily Knoppe, Arts n’ Cats

Best in Category – Chloe Eades, Not your hole

Figure Drawing

Honorable Mention – Mary Bequette, Skellyman & the Patient

Honorable Mention – Emily Knoppe, Colorful Figure

Best in Category – Abby Stanfield, Female Figure

2D Design

Honorable Mention – Caleb Brinker, 200 Lines

Best in Category – Lacy Buchanan, Danny 5 Ways

Illustration

Honorable Mention – Emily Knoppe, Aerial Witchcraft

Honorable Mention – Ash Dodson, Vegan Pho Bowl

Honorable Mention – Travis Gatlin, The Harp

Best in Category – Sara Carter, Unreliable