×

LHU senior Danielle Sander recognized for artistic excellence

Danielle Sander

LOCK HAVEN — Many Lock Haven University students regularly go above and beyond what is expected of them to earn their degree during their time at The Haven – and senior, Danielle Sander, is one of those students.

Sander is a visual arts major with a concentration in 2-D art and a minor in psychology, who will graduate in May.

LHU art faculty often encourage all of their students to enter their work into professional judged exhibitions, and according to Jason Bronner, art and design professor at LHU, Sander has entered her artwork and has been accepted to be featured in a number of shows.

Sander, who said she has been drawing since a young age, focuses most of her artwork in painting with oils and drawing with pastels, charcoal and ink – but also enjoys creating 3-D art. “Since starting at Lock Haven University, I have been given opportunities to explore 3-D art and I have continued my interest in creating sculptures through independent studies,” she said.

As a single mom, Sander said she wanted to set a positive example for her son, by returning to college and completing her degree.

Danielle Sander’s artwork

“As a full-time mom, a full-time student and an individual with a mental health diagnosis, art has given me a sense of belonging,” she said. “I use art as catharsis, a way for personal expression. I focus on storytelling and by using symbols to help convey my message. While creating, I don’t shy away from disturbing topics, instead, I want to bring awareness and shed light on troubling issues we face in society today.”

Sander has had her work accepted into three group exhibitions at The Station Gallery in Lock Haven and numerous works accepted into LHU Juried Student Shows over the last three years.

“Juried exhibitions are the peer review system for the fine arts,” Bronner said. “We are proud of her efforts.”

Sander has been recognized for excellence during each of the LHU juried shows since 2016 by the visiting jurors and won the Best of Show award, as well as a number of first place awards as determined by the visiting professionals in art. At the spring 2018 student show, she received six of the 13 total awards given.

In October 2018, she was the featured artist for the Bald Eagle Art League and her paintings were on display at the Pajama Factory in Williamsport. In September, her painting, “Piece of Meat,” was selected for the juried national show, “Finding Your Voice,” in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Baton Rouge show featured 46 other artists and Sander said it was an honor to showcase alongside other talented artists. “Just having my painting displayed in a gallery outside my ‘known area’ was amazingly awesome,” she added.

Sander had a show in January at Arthaus Projects in Williamsport, sponsored by the international pop artist, Johnny Romeo.

She is the recipient of the Margery Krevsky Dosey Scholarship for the Arts and will have a solo show at the Margery Krevsky Dosey Celebration for the Arts Evening at 7 p.m. on March 29 at the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center on the campus of LHU.

She also will show her work during the Juried Student Show from March 25 through April 19 in the John Sloan Fine Arts Gallery at LHU. A reception will be held from 6-7 p.m. March 27 and artwork will be on display for free public viewing from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, she will participate in the Graduating Senior Art Show from April 29 through May 10 in Sloan. This show also is open for free public viewing and a closing reception will be held from 6-7 p.m. on May 10.

“After graduation, my opportunities are endless,” she said. Sander has interests in receiving a teaching certificate, pursing a Master in Art Therapy or continuing her love for painting and sculpture by pursing a Master in Fine Arts.

“I appreciate Danielle’s strength. To be a successful artist, one needs not only to be talented, but also to be persistent with one’s applications,” Bronner said.

Sander agrees with her professor and echoes his point of persistence. “I may have a creative ability, but without the drive, determination and my education, I would not be where I am today with my art,” she said.

For more information on Lock Haven University, visit www.lockhaven.edu, email admissions@lockhaven.edu, or call 570-484-2011.

Lock Haven University’s main campus is located on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in the scenic mountains of Pennsylvania. The university offers 49 undergraduate majors and certifications with 47 minors and five graduate programs.

LHU is a member of Pennsylvania’s State System, the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 2,300 degree and certificate programs in more than 530 academic areas of study. Nearly 520,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.69/week.

Subscribe Today