. Year after year, Harding educated diversely talented students, producing well-equipped young professionals. Last year, one student made a name for herself by illustrating and publishing two children's books. Senior Laura Cooper, a fine arts major from Oklahoma, illustrated "Mom Reads to Us" and "The Optimistic Football Coach" by author Bill Farris. Cooper said she received the offer only a day after praying for a summer job. Farris called Harding in search of an illustrator, and through her connections with the art department, Cooper got thejob. She quickly began working on the first book. According to Cooper, her artistic career began when she was three years old, "helping" her mother. "I would draw all over my mom's paperwork from work," Cooper said. "I would just draw little tiny marks all over everything, and then she'd have to throw it all away and get more paper. Then I'd draw all over that. I've liked it ever since." Cooper said that the real experience of publishing her illustrations encouraged her to continue working in the children's books market. "I think children's books is really where I'm going," Cooper said. "Only this time, I think I'm just going to write them myself because I've got so many ideas, and I'd much rather put them down myself." Cooper studied under several teachers at Harding but Smiling over her book, senior Laura Cooper talks with a student, Oct. 29, at a book signing in the student center. Cooper had the opportunity to do what many artists only dreamed of, having her work published. Ashe[ Parsons Intent on her project, Cooper works on an illustration appearing in the coming book. Cooper was the illustrator of "Mom Reads to Us," written by Bill Fan;s. Courtesy of Bill Farris ~~IAH i4out for you specifically credited Art Professor Beverly Austin for encouraging Cooper to explore her potential and to think outside the box. "Laura is enthusiastic, disciplined and motivated to pursue the art of illustration," Austin said. "She has a quick wit and draws well." Cooper also studied under Steven Choate, associate professor of art and design, taking a total of six courses with him during her time at Harding. "He was the one that got me really seriously into oil painting," Cooper said. "He just showed me how to bring a painting together. He gave us great instruction on how to really bring a painting to life." According to Choate, Cooper was a talented student with a bright future and a wide range of artistic abilities. "Laura is a multi-faceted person," Choate said. ''As far as potential is concerned, I think the sky is the limit for Laura. She is personable, enthusiastic and sensitive to others [and] a real people person. She will brighten lives, lighten loads, entertain and contribute creatively wherever she goes." With two illustrated books completed, Cooper's third book of illustrations was scheduled to be published some time in Dec. 20 ll. Although the book was still a work in progress and did not currently have a title, Cooper was excited to announce that the book would be readyjust in time for Christmas. Zachery L. Decker People
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