Ella Stuart

This is a photo of me working in my studio. It was taken by a friend for a project in her journalism class.

Degree: BFA, Ceramics, minor in Art History

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2022

2021-2022 Scholarship
David McCosh Memorial Scholarship in Fine Arts

I Am Originally From Portland, OR

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
It was close enough to home to see family but far enough to get away as well. I was also initially pursuing journalism and UO has an excellent journalism program. I enjoy the college of design because of the sense of community it has allowed me to foster, especially being apart of the fine arts studios.

I chose my major because art makes the most sense to me. There isn’t really anything that gets my brain and my hands on the same page like the arts, specifically textile and ceramic art.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
My mother passed away when I was 21. I find that impacts my experiences a lot, especially as an artist. I think it has drastically shaped who I am and my experiences since.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
Stacy Jo Scott, Assistant Professor of Art, has taught me a lot within the field of ceramics but has also shown a lot of patience and support that encourages me to work hard for myself and my future.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I have been involved with UO Hillel in the past. My experiences with Hillel have allowed me to create a spiritual community around me and also create a foundation of spirituality and community in the future, wherever I settle down.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
I have spent four years at UO and I am an incredibly different person than who I was when I first stepped on campus. I am even more different than I expected myself to be as well. As an artist I believe the process of something is the most important aspect, not necessarily the outcome. In the same way, the process of my growth here over the years has been monumental and can’t be attributed to one experience.

AFTER GRADUATION
I would like to pursue an MFA and after that I would like to start a non-profit organization that includes studio spaces and a gallery space. The intention would be to provide arts education and gallery showing opportunities for low income minority students.

YOUR GIFT
I come from a background of poverty and often times I struggle to have optimism in paying my way through school. This award makes it easier to see my end goal and takes a lot of stress off me. It also makes things easier for my future when I am paying back loans.

Thank you for the opportunity to continue my education. I have a lot to say and a lot to learn and your donation has made me feel as if those are both important and achievable.