The person behind the designs used for sustainability initiatives around campus deserves to be recognized. Tera Gotschall, a senior, will be graduating in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Earth and sustainability science and minors in chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
Gotschall’s work has been featured on Student Sustainability Council items including buttons, tote bags, logos. Her art is currently displayed on IU Kokomo’s Little Free Library, as well as a 4×4 moss art installation that can be seen from the top of the stairs in Hunt Hall.
Gotschall spent time in high school taking art classes where she began to combine her love of the natural world with her artwork.
“I enjoyed working with different mediums, and particularly gravitated toward nature themed designs,” she says.
While pursuing her education in earth sciences, Gotschall sought out an opportunity to let her artistic side shine her freshman year by participating in a rain barrel design contest during sustainability week.
“My first project was designing a rain barrel to be displayed during sustainability week,” says Gotschall. Her work was titled “Native Birds and Plants of Indiana,” it featured an american robin, blue jay, american goldfinch, ruby-throated hummingbird, as well as various butterflies and plants.
After this project she was approached to be a design intern for the Office of Sustainability. In this position, she continued designing items on campus.
“My favorite projects are those that involve wildlife designs. I’ve found these to be the most fun to create and my favorite results. The turtle tote bag, Little Free Library scenes, and bird shirt are all top contenders, she says.
Gotschall is thankful for the time she spent balancing her interest in art with her studies.
“Having the opportunity to create nature-themed pieces at IUK alongside my studies has been fulfilling,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have this incorporated into my internship with the Office of Sustainability.”
It is important to Gotschall that she is able to continue her artistic passions as she advances in her career.
“Having a creative outlet has been important for me and I love seeing others enjoy my pieces” she
adds, “It is my hope that I can continue designing nature artwork in my future career or as a lifelong hobby.”
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