Endowment Supports Student Art

Cowley College freshman Jazmin Lara had one of her photographs purchased by the Cowley College Endowment Association during the Life: Through Words and Lens event.

Lara, who is a student in the college’s digital photography class, had her photograph of an “old greenhouse” sell for $140. The photograph was one of 11 photos Lara had on display.

“Part of the mission of the Endowment Association is to provide support to our students,” Ben Schears, vice president for institutional advancement said. “Her work will go on display, along with others from prior shows, in the Endowment Association office and eventually around campus

.” Along with photography, Lara’s primary work ranges from pencil drawing, ink drawing, and color pencil drawings.

“I don’t normally showcase my photographs, so I really didn’t think I would sell anything,” Lara said. “I am real excited that everyone will get to see it,” Lara said.

Meg Smith, Lara’s digital photography instructor, considered Lara to be a hidden gem.

“She was very consistent and then toward the end of the semester her level of work went up considerably,” Smith said.

Lara, along with other students in Smith’s digital photography class, had their work on display Jan. 6-30 at Baden Square in Winfield. Cowley collaborated with Southwestern College for the event.

While a student at Arkansas City High School, Lara was the recipient of a First Place Portfolio award, Best of Show-Senior Flat Media award, a third place award in the Black and White Drawing category, and an honorable mention recipient in Ceramics at Cowley College’s Fine Arts Day events.

“Jazmin is a gifted artist and she has a great eye for catching unique perspectives in her work – that’s what drew our attention to her work,” Schears said.