When Rebekah Strickbine arrived at Newman University, she loved art but had no career direction. Her recent exhibition “Walks with Joy” moved audiences to tears with 45+ original illustrations—a transformation that reveals how the right mentorship helps artists discover what their work should truly communicate.
Every artist's journey begins with passion, but finding a clear voice and professional direction requires more than talent alone. The path from artistic enthusiasm to purposeful creation often involves mentorship and real-world experience that transforms both technique and vision.
When Rebekah Strickbine first arrived at Newman University, she faced a common dilemma among creative students: knowing she loved art but having no clear vision for turning that passion into a sustainable career. Her artistic journey lacked direction, and she struggled to understand what message her work should communicate to the world.
Fast-forward to her recent return to campus as a graduate, and the transformation becomes clear. Strickbine's first major illustration series, "Walks with Joy," filled the Steckline Gallery with more than 45 original acrylic illustrations during a First Friday exhibition. The collection, originally conceived as a children's book project, represented far more than a senior capstone—it showcased an artist who had found her voice and purpose.
This dramatic evolution from uncertain student to confident professional illustrates how the right educational environment can nurture artistic development. Newman University's fine arts program provided the foundation that enabled Strickbine to examine her artistic identity while developing practical skills for professional success.
Rather than limiting her artistic education to studio courses, Strickbine actively pursued diverse opportunities that would expand her understanding of professional art careers. This multi-faceted approach proved essential in developing both her technical abilities and business acumen.
Working as a student graphic designer for University Relations provided Strickbine with invaluable real-world design experience. Under the mentorship of senior graphic designer Matthew Miller and Amy Brooks, she learned to navigate different design programs while developing professional communication skills. This role later enabled her to collaborate on creating pole banners displayed across Newman's campus, many celebrating fellow graduates.
The summer before her final semester, Strickbine secured an internship with McCurdy Real Estate and Auction, where she designed marketing materials, assisted with online auctions, and conducted competitor research. This experience taught her concrete skills in graphic design and marketing while developing important soft skills like professional communication with colleagues and supervisors. The internship demonstrated how art skills translate into diverse business contexts.
Beyond professional development, Strickbine's involvement in Campus Ministry events and the Honors Program contributed significantly to her artistic growth. Honors Program discussions examining themes of beauty, grief, joy, and meaning directly influenced the conceptual foundation that would later become "Walks with Joy." These intellectual discussions provided the philosophical depth that transformed her from a creator of "happy, cheerful art" into an artist capable of moving audiences to tears.
The relationship between student and faculty mentor often determines whether artistic talent develops into meaningful expression. Strickbine's experience demonstrates how dedicated professors can challenge students to think more deeply about their work's purpose and impact.
Professor Shannon Johnston consistently challenged Strickbine throughout her art classes to consider the meaning behind her work. This emphasis on conceptual depth pushed her beyond surface-level aesthetics toward art that communicates genuine emotion and experience. Johnston's approach helped Strickbine develop the analytical skills necessary to articulate her artistic vision and create work with lasting impact.
Professor Emily Ritter brought a complementary approach, fostering a culture of friendship and support within the art department that made "creating in community fun." Through printmaking demonstrations and ongoing guidance, Ritter helped establish an environment where artistic experimentation felt safe and collaborative. This supportive atmosphere proved important in helping Strickbine take creative risks and develop confidence in her artistic voice.
The concept for "Walks with Joy" emerged during Christmas break 2024, starting as colorful sticky notes and index cards taped to Strickbine's bedroom wall. Over several months, this initial inspiration evolved into a fully illustrated story featuring four characters: Joy, Mabel, Twitch, and Twiddle.
What began as a children's book project transformed into a powerful gallery exhibition that created an entirely different audience experience. While Strickbine's previous "happy, cheerful art" would make people smile and keep walking, visitors to "Walks with Joy" stood and stared for extended periods. Some were moved to tears by the emotional depth of the work.
The exhibition itself was carefully crafted to feel welcoming and healing. The intentional curation demonstrated Strickbine's growth from simply creating art to orchestrating complete artistic experiences.
At the heart of "Walks with Joy" lies a profound lesson Strickbine learned during a difficult personal season: the difference between happiness and joy. Wrestling with the question "What does grieving joy look like?" led her to examine themes of community, personal healing, and healthy communication through her art.
The series represents the culmination of everything important Strickbine learned at Newman. Her faith in Jesus Christ provided the ultimate joy that carried her through challenging times, and this authentic spiritual journey translated into art that connects with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Strickbine's transformation from an uncertain first-year student to a confident professional artist reflects the approach of Newman's fine arts program. The program successfully integrates studio practice with real-world application, mentorship with independence, and technical skill development with conceptual depth.
The program's emphasis on hands-on learning allowed Strickbine to find her path through direct experience rather than theoretical study alone. She worked for real companies, experienced genuine work environments, and graduated with both artistic expertise and business experience. This preparation equipped her for the diverse career opportunities she now pursues.
Today, Strickbine continues expanding her professional portfolio through various projects, including an indoor mural for Country Acres Baptist Church featuring a world missions map and visual interpretation of the church's mission statement. She also works part-time for "The Graphic Tee," a T-shirt design company that provides flexible opportunities for continued growth.
The dramatic difference between the artist Strickbine was as a first-year student and the confident professional she has become illustrates the transformative power of arts education. Her artwork has become more confident, her vision clearer, and her ability to communicate deeper meaning through visual expression significantly improved.
While publication plans for the "Walks with Joy" children's book remain pending, Strickbine continues creating art that brings encouragement, hope, and joy to audiences. Her commitment to sharing work in progress, letting go of perfectionism, and focusing on creating cohesive narratives demonstrates the professional mindset developed through her educational experience.
Ultimately, Strickbine's journey from passion to purpose illustrates how the right educational environment can transform artistic talent into meaningful professional expression. Her story was never meant to be solely about her own growth—it's about empowering others to find their own voices and tell their own stories through art.
Learn how Newman University empowers individual artistic expression through fine arts education that combines technical excellence with meaningful purpose.
