Studio Art and Children’s Book Illustration Major, Philosophy Minor
Hometown: Berea, Ky.
   

Anthony stands near one of his own works, a self-portrait. Photo by M. Marrash

Spray paint and graffiti may not be prominently featured in every art gallery, but for one UF senior, the two are media of choice.
   
Anthony Panciera will graduate in May with a bachelor of arts degree in studio art and children’s book illustration. Panciera, who is vice president of UF’s Theta Chi fraternity and volunteers for the campus Habitat for Humanity chapter, enjoys creating art from a variety of media, and especially enjoys spray paint and graffiti.
   
As his senior project, Panciera has been working on illustrating a children’s book that combines fun and whimsy to teach children the importance of good dental hygiene. The illustrations are pen-and-ink drawings with watercolor, placed on top of spray-painted backgrounds. Panciera drew some inspiration for his project from graphic novels and comic strips, both of which he is a long-time fan.
   
Throughout his two-semester project, Panciera worked with Valerie Escobedo, instructor of art, whom he says has “really good knowledge of art and what it would take to continue an art career after college.”
   

Anthony talks to Dr. Freed during a Senior Art Show.

Also, Panciera completed an internship in fall 2008 with the Mazza Museum on campus, giving him access to thousands of examples of original children’s book illustrations. He did some archival work at the museum and helped with several activities, including Funday Sunday, which introduces children and their families to art and picture books.
   
And while Panciera has developed his art skills during the past four years in the art studio, he also has developed his leadership skills through his involvement with Theta Chi.
  
“It’s been one of the best things that’s happened in my college career,” he said. “The leadership experience I’ve had with Theta Chi has been absolutely incredible.”
   
Last academic year, Panciera was awarded the All-Greek Male Award and the Theta Chi service award.
   
Through the fraternity, Panciera says that he’s learned when to be a leader and when to be a follower, and he’s been able to strengthen his ability to deal with people in a variety of situations. As vice president of Theta Chi, Panciera leads a committee that addresses individual violations of the group’s constitution, which often leads to disciplinary action and requires sensitivity to individuals in those situations.
   
Those same people skills also helped Panciera when he volunteered for two Alternative Spring Break trips with Habitat for Humanity. Working closely and living with nearly 40 other people for more than week, Panciera helped build homes in Biloxi, Miss., and Birmingham, Ala.
   
“You get to make a significant impact in someone else’s life,” said Panciera of the experience, and also noted the many unexpected friendships he gained from the trips.
   
Panciera will continue to be instrumental in lives after he graduates. He signed on for a 10-month position beginning in August with City Year, an affiliate of AmeriCorps.
   
In New Hampshire, Panciera will work with at-risk youth to help them graduate from high school. He, along with approximately 40 other young adults, will provide group and one-on-one academic tutoring and also organize after-school and weekend programs. Part of his responsibilities also includes administrative tasks for the nonprofit organization.
   
He says the position ties his passion for nonprofit service with his interest in education.