An autumn-themed artwork by a University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic student will soon be featured on a greeting card produced by the Gallery Collection, a leading national publisher of holiday and greeting cards.
Aubrey Cronce, a sophomore from Wausau, also won a $10,000 scholarship as part of the 19th annual contest sponsored by the New Jersey-based company. Her artwork, a mixed-media illustration of decorative pumpkins created with graphite and color pencil, was chosen from nearly 6,000 entries nationwide.
Cronce said she was elated and shocked when she was told she had won the competition. “I absolutely adore the idea that my art is displayed on a greeting card because this way my art is being shared and appreciated beyond the art room,” she said. “All art should be appreciated, but it becomes difficult when its environment is limited. Being on a greeting card is the perfect way to share my artistic skill and efforts with others through the holidays with their loved ones across the country!”
The competition invited U.S. high school and college students to submit original artwork or photography, with the winner receiving a scholarship and having his or her design featured on a Gallery Collection greeting card.
“When we launched the Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest in 2007, our goal was to celebrate creativity while helping students invest in their futures," said Leslie Leifer, chief marketing officer of Prudent Publishing Company Inc., which owns the Gallery Collection. “Nineteen years later, we’ve awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships and have been inspired by thousands of students who have shared their talent, imagination and unique perspectives.”
Artist’s work displayed in Washington, D.C.
Cronce has loved painting and drawing in a variety of mediums since early childhood, and her artwork has been displayed in venues ranging from the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and Aspirus Hospital in her hometown of Wausau to the U.S. Capitol after winning the Congressional Art Competition for Wisconsin’s Seventh Congressional District.
“I love making art that makes a statement, and so my favorite style and theme of artwork of mine is patriotic,” she said, noting that her painting displayed in Washington, D.C., featured a little girl holding a sparkler in front of the American flag. “I am a very patriotic individual and love talking about tradition and respect for our country, military and elders.”
Cronce originally planned to be a graphic design or interior design major when she enrolled at UW-Stout Polytechnic. Ultimately, she decided to pursue a B.S. real estate property management degree with an architecture minor.
“I loved the Polytechnic aspect that Stout offered because I believe I am a very determined and hands-on individual,” she said. “I am fast-paced when it comes to learning and completing tasks and work, so naturally Stout piqued my academic interest.”
As Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, UW-Stout Polytechnic places a focus on applied learning, and Cronce said her affinity for art intersects with her chosen career path in real estate.
“Similarities between my artistic skills and my courses really overlap when it comes to residential renovation and property management as well as the architecture, detail and intention of homes,” she said. “I look forward to more classes this year that will follow this interest of mine.”
After graduation, Cronce plans to pursue a career in real estate with a brokerage or real estate firm in her hometown. According to the university’s most recent First Destination Report, 100% of graduates of the real estate property management program were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, and they reported average starting salaries of $56,000.
