Despite the financial challenges that Kasey Uhter ‘23 faced when she enrolled in Moore College of Art & Design’s Illustration program, she began her first year focused and ready to work. The Sis Grenald Endowed Scholarship helped create the conditions that made it possible.
“Being selected for the scholarship was a huge honor and motivated me to do my best every day in class, even during rough times,” Uhter said. “[It] reminded me why I wanted to become an illustrator in the first place.”
With the financial stress of attending Moore alleviated, Uhter was able to immerse herself in her coursework and focus on her artistic development. She created a captivating portfolio that landed her a coveted job designing and painting backgrounds for two animated projects that aired on Cartoon Network.
“Right before graduating from Moore in 2023, I was hired as a background designer at Studio Yotta, an indie animation studio,” she said. “During my time at Yotta, I designed and painted backgrounds on the Adult Swim television show Smiling Friends for season two and the Cartoon Network television film Craig Before the Creek.”
Moore's emphasis on fostering creativity while developing technical skills was instrumental in preparing Kasey for the demands of the animation industry. Her time at Moore equipped her with the tools and confidence to excel in her role as a background designer. Originally from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Uhter knew she wanted to be an artist since she was a child.
“I always loved animation,” Uhter said. “When I decided to go to art school and major in Illustration, I was hopeful that I could [eventually] work in the animation industry. As a background designer, I can use my skills as an illustrator while working on animated productions. I love being part of a team and working together to create something beautiful!”
Uhter was able to attend Moore because of the Sis Grenald Endowed Scholarship. Elizabeth "Sis" Kapnek Grenald, the founder of the scholarship and a strong supporter of the arts, served on Moore’s Board of Managers for 17 years. According to her son Ted Kapnek, who continues his mother’s legacy by serving on Moore’s Board of Managers today, the scholarship was established to help young artists pursue their dreams.
Uhter is grateful for the impact Grenald’s philanthropy has had on her education and career path.
“[The Grenald-Kapnek family’s] support not only eased my financial challenges but also inspired me to pursue my passion for illustration with even greater determination,” Uhter shared. “I am deeply appreciative of [their] belief in my potential and the impact [their] kindness has had on my journey as an artist.”
