BY RAEGAN NEUFELD
Currently on display in the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Essence is not only the product of student work, but a collaboration between Fort Hays State University students and the community.
Students from the Interior Design Association were responsible for creating the exhibit, which is a spa setting featuring a lounge and reception area, spa beds, a tea bar and a bathtub. Businesses like Ashley Furniture, Be Made and the Brickhouse Day Spa all contributed various aspects of the exhibit.
According to Holly Linenberger, one of the four student designers, they also contacted people in the art and construction departments for a few of the items, such as some ceramic pieces and the reception desk.
“Typically, (IDSA) does more of a residential design with these exhibits every fall, but we wanted to be unique this year and go more commercial,” Linenberger said. “We had to go around and get sponsorships, gather different materials and furniture pieces and we even handmade a few items. We really wanted to give the community a sensory and calming experience.”
The making of Essence included an initial floor plan, sketches of each area and a plan for getting all the needed furniture.
“We started big and then broke it all down, because that’s how you put everything together,” said Brianna Miller.
One of the specific aspects Miller highlighted was the chandelier in the lounge area, which the students made themselves.
“The materials are clear Christmas ornaments that clasp with fairy lights and copper sheeting,” she said. “We strung them through with fish wire, and we had to sew them all into the foam base. It was really cool to do that because it’s just a unique piece.”
As Linenberger said, one of the main focuses was a calming, relaxing experience. She also noted the inspiration they got from nature.
“We have rocks around the beds and by the pedicure station, and we have eucalyptus plants in there as well,” she said.
“We found a picture of this metal leaf piece and really wanted (the exhibit) to be organic,” Miller said. “We don’t have that in the show, but something simple like that sparked our inspiration.”
The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Essence will be on display through Nov. 18.