Hartford Art School student Tommie Barker ’26 (he/they) has designed this year’s Day of Giving stickers. Barker is majoring in illustration and minoring in art history. Day of Giving is an annual event that celebrates UHart, bringing together alumni, students, parents, and friends to raise funds for scholarships, programs, and student experiences. In recent years, students have been selected to design the stickers, offering a creative connection between the artist, the University, and the wider community.
The stickers will be available on Day of Giving, held this year on April 1.
This year’s designs highlight everyday moments on campus — scenes that feel instantly familiar to UHart students. From sitting outside GSU on the red chairs with friends to passing conversations on the bridge between classes, Barker’s illustrations focus on the small interactions that define campus life. “There’s a sense of community that can be found everywhere,” Barker says. “I really wanted to show those connections in the sticker designs.”
The project was a meaningful experience for Barker, who enjoyed translating personal memories of UHart into visual storytelling for all to enjoy. Barker’s creative process began with a series of thumbnail sketches to explore ideas and composition. From there, Barker developed rough sketches — sometimes incorporating color — before presenting options for feedback and revision. “At the end of the process, we have the finished pieces,” Barker explains. Working across both traditional and digital styles, they approached each design by considering which medium would best bring the concept to life.
Beyond the Day of Giving project, Barker has been actively involved in the Hartford Art School community. As a senior, Barker is currently collaborating with peers to prepare for the upcoming senior art show, opening April 18. “It’s been a super fun process working with everyone,” Barker shares. “It’s really brought the illustration department together, and it’s so cool to see everyone’s unique styles come together.”
In addition to working in the studio classrooms at the Hartford Art School, Barker is also a member of the University’s track team and is currently competing in the outdoor season. Balancing athletics and art, Barker and their teammates have been training intensely, with hopes of a successful conference season and potential national qualifications.
As graduation approaches, Barker reflects on the experience at the Hartford Art School, emphasizing the impact of the program’s close-knit environment. “Because the department is so small, we get a lot of one-on-one interaction with our professors,” Barker says. “That’s really helped me grow as an artist and build meaningful connections.” Barker credits several faculty members with shaping their artistic journey, from strengthening foundational drawing skills to developing storytelling techniques and professional practices.
At the heart of Barker’s UHart experience are the relationships. “My favorite memories really include just hanging out with my friends — whether it’s in the senior studio, going to dinner, or sitting outside the library,” they say.
Through the Day of Giving designs, Barker captures those shared moments — celebrating not just the spaces on the UHart campus, but the people and connections that make them meaningful.