Artist brings sketches to life in exhibit

"It's All in the Family," the senior art show featuring the design projects of Whitehouse resident Rebecca Blake, was recently displayed at the Stevens Art Gallery at Harding University.

Blake, an interior design major, used tangible pieces to showcase her work, not just sketches on paper. Her show includes detailed architectural drawings, vibrant photographs and handmade jewelry in addition to a full-sized wooden bed and table. Blake said she wanted to actually bring her pieces to life, not just have them represented in a conceptual drawing.

"I asked my uncle, who makes wooden furniture, to teach me [to make furniture] last Christmas," Blake said. "I was really excited to assemble the bed I had made for the first time for the show."

The show's title comes from Blake's reason for many of her pieces: her family. "So many different members of my family have inspired me to do different kinds of art," she said. "I wanted to have an eclectic presentation to tie everything together for my show."

After graduation in May, Blake plans to find a job in the interior design sector. She said wherever her career pursuit leads, it will fall within the art and design field.

"I think everybody loves to do different things. I love to draw. I love to make things. I just love to work with my hands," she said.