Dedication: Catherine Wunderlich Art Studio
Catherine Wunderlich, a passionate supporter of the arts, made a generous $25,000 donation to the USCA's art department.
On Wednesday, March 26, students, staff, and faculty gathered at the University of South Carolina Aiken to celebrate the dedication of the Catherine Wunderlich Art Studio, located in the Etherredge Center.
Wunderlich, a passionate supporter of the arts, donated a generous $25,000 to the university's art department. Her contribution has funded the purchase of several pottery wheels, a new kiln that will soon be installed, and other improvements to enhance the university's art facilities.
"My goal is to eventually earn a degree in art and have fun along the way," said Wunderlich, expressing her enthusiasm for her artistic journey.
After a successful corporate career, Wunderlich moved from Pennsylvania to South Carolina and now resides in a rural home in Johnston. There, she enjoys managing a small farm and has set up her own woodworking studio. Driven by a desire to deepen her artistic knowledge, she enrolled in multiple art courses at USCA, where she has had the opportunity to study under talented faculty members such as Joe Kameen, Jeremy Culler, and the late Al Beyer.
For the past ten years, Wunderlich has been a student at USCA, and her passion for art grew from her desire to view the world from new perspectives and her love for working with children. She fondly recalled a moment when her neighbor’s four-year-old son received a set of HB pencils, which are ideal for writing, sketching, and even some technical drawings. "I was able to sit down with him, show him how to use the pencils, and we worked together on his drawing. That's what I love to do," she shared.
Daniel Heimmermann, USCA's chancellor, expressed deep gratitude for Wunderlich's generosity. "We are extremely grateful for Cathy’s gift and the improvements it will bring to our Visual Arts programs at USCA, especially for our students," he said.
The celebration concluded with the unveiling of a plaque in Wunderlich's honor, followed by a brief showcase of the new pottery equipment that students can use.
For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.