Senior interior design exhibit opening at SFA

Recent SFA graduate Elizabeth Royal is pictured with her display at the fall 2012 "Essence of Design" exhibit.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Senior interior design students at Stephen F. Austin State University will be showcasing their work in the "Essence of Design" exhibit on display Feb. 9 through March 2 on the second floor of the Ralph W. Steen Library.

Each of the 21 students designed, fabricated and installed a freestanding structure on which to display work. The structures are 8 feet wide, 8 feet long and 7 feet tall and reflect each student's design philosophy and personality, as well as provide a backdrop for each display.

For the first time, digital portfolios of the students' work also will be on display during the showcase. The public is invited to attend.

The exhibit achieves multiple objectives in the interior design curriculum, including readying digital student portfolios for the job-search process; encouraging student self-assessment; allowing students to experience the complete design process, including conceptualization, design development, fabrication, installation and evaluation; communicating the scope of interior design education to the public; and providing a recruitment tool for the program. Johnson Furniture and the Ralph W. Steen Library are sponsors of the event.

The opening reception for the exhibit will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, in the library. Guided tours may be arranged by contacting Sally Ann Swearingen at (936) 468-2048.