Cindy Lou Palko

Lowcountry Originals 2025
October 2025 Issue
photography by (top)
Jacie Elizabeth Millen

Cindy Lou Palko

Art: Theatre Sets/Props
Current Residence: Bluffton
Hometown: Fort Leavenworth, KS
Career: Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management

When and how did you discover your artistic talent?
I have loved creative endeavors since childhood. I have been blessed to be able to take classes in auto shop, wood shop, sculpture, jewelry making, and drawing/painting in middle and high school. I went on to major in drafting and manufacturing for my college degree, whilst having electives in upholstery and fine arts classes. This broad range of training in how to “make things,” led to my career in Manufacturing and Supply Chain. This is where I had the opportunity to visit a multitude of factories to review the processes used to create products. This brought me to the dilemma of how I keep busy in retirement by having an endless supply of opportunities to “make things” in a variety of mediums. The solution…theatre!

As a “creative” you are unique. What are three words that best describe you?
Problem Solver, Creative, Driven

What’s the best encouragement you’ve ever received in pursuing your artistic talents? 
My mother always supported my interest in how things work and my desire to learn, with no barriers (like being a girl). I still want to make her proud.

What is your dream project?
I am doing my dream projects! Every show gives me a chance to bring the director’s vision to life. I get to solve problems, be creative, and see success! Who could ask for more?

What do you hope people who view your art “get” out of it?
I hope the sets I create and build for every production help the audience visually dive into the journey that the director, cast, and crew are working so hard to convey to the audience.

When someone finds out what you do, or where you are from, what question do they always ask you?
I am asked how I got into building sets in retirement. Apparently, it’s not on the standard list of “things to do in retirement!” All I can ask is, where else could I create an entirely new environment five times a year? I get to cross eras, styles, locations, and more to help tell the story for each play.

If you could take a semester of classes with no other responsibilities, what classes would be at the top of your list and where would you want to take them?
I do take classes every semester! I am a dedicated Osher Lifelong Learning Institute attendee at USCB. As broad as my background has been, I continue to take classes in history, science, ecology, religion, and art. One must never stop learning.

How would you describe the color palette of your life? Are you bold, soft, neutral, primary, all pink, black, black and more black? You tell us!
My color palette would have to be described as bold. I love all colors and see how colors define the world around us. I would be so bored in a black and white world, it just isn’t how I see things.

What encouragement do you have for those who are just beginning to pursue their artistic selves?
To anyone who has a desire or passion to create, TRY! Your art is a part of you and is ALWAYS worth investigating. Sometimes, it may take time for it to come together or to find the right outlet, but never give up on it. I was 61 before I started building sets.

See the Show:
May River Theatre's next show is Reefer Madness The Musical. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: October 31st - November 16th