Editor’s note: This is a new series intended to highlight student artists in art, music and theater on Union’s campus.
Art – Zac Pankey
Zac Pankey, sophomore fine arts major, originally planned to major in architecture, but that changed when he visited Union’s campus.
“I really felt at home here,” Pankey said. “Even though they didn’t have an architecture program, I felt like this is where I was supposed to be.”
As a fine arts major, Pankey has taken on graphic design and sculpture as supplements. He said he likes professors who encourage students to “push the envelope.” Pankey’s work has been greatly influenced by working on group projects with other art students.
“You get a lot of experience in sharing and doing projects together,” Pankey said. “It’s affected the way I work and view community.”
Pankey said that art students are learning just like other students, but instead of writing papers, they are putting together projects.
Music – Hillarie Henderson
Hillarie Henderson, junior vocal music education and elementary education major, loves working with Union’s University Singers.
“We’re such a tight-knit group,” Henderson said. “But we all bring different aspects to the department.”
Henderson said she plans to travel with the group to Ireland over spring break.
With so much going on, Henderson says that it is sometimes hard to balance life as a music major. Many people do not realize the amount of work that is required.
“I’m registered in 17 hours, but that’s 10 classes,” Henderson said. “Many of my classes are one-hour classes. That’s a lot of time and work.”
Henderson hopes to work in music education for grades K-6 upon her graduation.
Theater – Caitie Vance
Caitie Vance, junior theater and speech education major, has been involved in some way in every show the theater has put on since she came to Union.
“My favorite show to be onstage with was ‘Barrel Full of Pennies,’” Vance said. “But my favorite part offstage is all the costuming I do.”
Vance is a costume closet worker who costumes every show Union does, as well as some shows at local high schools.
“If being a good artist in 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration, Caitie qualifies,” David Burke, professor of theatre, said. “She is dedicated, works hard, always shows up, and all that with a smile and a loving heart.”
As president of Union’s chapter of the theatre honors society Alpha Psi Omega, Vance is always busy with theater.
“It can eat your life,” Vance said.
Vance will next be seen playing Apalonia, a gender-bent version of Polonius, in Union’s upcoming production of “Hamlet.”
