Faculty connections led Abington art graduate to illustrate new book

ABINGTON, Pa. — Small classes allowed Theodora Dagkli Andonopoulos, a 2023 art program graduate, to forge relationships with Penn State Abington art faculty and those connections led her to create more than 50 illustrations for a book by another Abington faculty member. 

Carla Chamberlin, professor of applied linguistics and communication arts and sciences, was writing "Media Work: Language Teaching Through Media Literacy," published by University of Michigan Press, when she met Andonopoulos by networking with other faculty.

“We hit it off immediately," Andonopoulos said. "We talked about a lot of things including what she wanted in terms of illustrations for her new book. The relationship felt natural for both of us, so Carla broke down the schedule, and we agreed to work together.” 

She said she felt lucky that Chamberlin gave her complete freedom when she was developing the black and white illustrations using micropen on paper.

Andonopoulos’ connections with Abington art faculty began when she enrolled in a boat building course, led by H. John Thompson, teaching professor of art. She was one of a dozen students who made weekly visits to the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia to build a 12-foot fully functional duck boat named Squonk.

“Theodora entered the Penn State Abington art program as a big personality. Students gravitated to her welcoming and supportive spirit, and she helped to create a tight-knit community amongst her cohort of peers,” Thompson said of Andonopoulos, who called him an “incredible mentor.” 

After the boat building course, a version of which Thompson teaches on campus, Andonopoulos signed up for a printmaking class with Bonnie Levinthal, professor of art. Levinthal thought she would be a match for Chamberlin's book project and introduced them. The rest is history, and the book made its debut this spring. 

As the first in her family to earn a college degree in the United States, Andonopoulos’ journey had some twists and turns. She moved from Greece when she was in her third year of high school and explored several degree programs before finding her home in the Abington art major. 

“I went for bio, kinesiology and finally landed on art and painting," she said. "My family has a history of pursuing careers in law and doctors, but I wanted a career that I truly enjoy and value."

As an undergraduate, Andonopoulos was honored with the annual Bertha Lear Purchase Award for Best in Show, so a select piece of her work became part of the Penn State Abington permanent art collection.  

She completed her master of fine arts in May at Temple University's Tyler School of Art, concentrating on painting although she considers herself a comic artist at heart. She said she hopes to teach and continue her art practice, which focuses on black and white and often incorporates humor. 

“I work in black and white because it echoes that people rely on the gray areas to justify their behavior in certain situations,” Andonopoulos said. 

Thompson said the art faculty at Abington were proud to see her continue her studies.  

“As Theodora finished her graduate thesis work, she continues to maintain relationships with students and faculty at Penn State Abington while enlarging her circle of friends and colleagues and becoming a new artistic voice in the Philadelphia arts community,” Thompson said. 

About Penn State Abington 

Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,100 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 26 majors, accelerated master's degrees, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.