You may not think about it often, but artwork constantly surrounds us. Murals on buildings, paintings or photographs in offices, billboards along the highway, posters on bulletin boards, etc. Art helps to set the tone of a space and communicate without saying a word. Taryn Schilling, 2014 recipient of the Stanton Brock Art Scholarship, has always had a passion for artwork.

“I was drawn to art, even at a young age. I remember in elementary school I was always drawing,” said Schilling. “It was a way for me to express myself.”

Once Taryn graduated from Warren High School, she wanted to take her love for art to the next level. She attended the University of Cincinnati and completed a degree in Fine Arts. After her graduation, she found a position creating commercial artwork at Design Decor.

“I didn’t even know this was a field in the art world. It’s a small company, but it’s awesome for commercial art. It’s something I never thought of but it’s out there,” said Schilling. “For anyone that is looking to go into the art field, just realize there are options out there!”

Schilling reflected on the Student Awards Ceremony held her senior year. This is when she received the scholarship that would fund a portion of her academic career.

“When the Marietta Community Foundation was on stage talking about all the students that had won awards, the Stanton Brock was the first one they announced. When my name was announced I thought it was so cool,” she said. “I wasn’t even expecting it; I was really excited to win it and to be a part of it.”

When asked to give advice to rising seniors, Schilling stressed the importance of researching and applying to several different colleges.

“The sky is the limit for opportunities; I didn’t discover commercial artwork until after graduation,” she said. “You will find a job and you will make something of yourself!”

Marietta Community Foundation supports philanthropy and efforts to improve natural, human and civic resources in Washington County through grants and initiatives. Founded in 1974, Marietta Community Foundation has grown to approximately $42.6 million in assets, oversees more than 300 funds and has distributed more than $22 million to charities while meeting rigorous national standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector.

If you want to change the life of a local student, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.

Author: Katen Petty