Interior design project lead to the redesign ofdowntown space. In fall 20 18 , president of Think Idea Studio Mat Faulkner approached Amy Cox, assistant professor of art and design, and proposed a student-led project in Searcy to revamp an abandoned and vandalized lot that was previously home to the Daily Citizen newspaper. Faulkner's design proposal coincided with Cox's annual interior design project she assigned to spark creativity in her students. According to Cox, Faulkner wanted to intertwine a practical space in the community with artistic flare. "We envisioned the area becoming a statement piece in Searcy that people could enjoy their lunch breaks at, hang out with their friends and more," Cox said. After a semester of cultivating design concepts for the space, Cox asked her students if any of them were interested in presenting their work to Searcy city officials for legitimate review. Seniors Garrett Coker, Hannah Porter and Joanna Roberts quickly volunteered. "We all saw so much potential in the space and thought it would be a really unique opportunity to contribute to Searcy's aesthetic," Roberts said. According to Roberts, the empty lot was of historical importance to Searcy because it held one ofthe city's first murals.The original design was curated by Stacy Gibson, associate professor of art and design, and all three students wanted to preserve its significance in their new renditions by transferring the original sketch onto a piece of sheet metal. "It was so special to be able to learn how to incorporate the old and the new together in a single project," Roberts said. With funding from the Small Business Revolution, the three students helped Faulkner's dream come to fruition. They designed an enclosed theater that contains a stage for live performances and a turf area for children and families to play or rest. The official dedication for the newly named Citizen's Park took place at the August Beats & Eats festival in 2019. According to Coker, the space represented people coming together in a community. "During our time at Harding, we have been able to give something to Searcy and really just leave our mark here," "No matter who you are, you're welcome here," Coker said. "You can play music or make art. You can just enjoy being yourself there." Porter said the opportunity to participate in the community building project was very rewarding. "During our time at Harding, we have been able to give something to Searcy and really just leave our mark here," Porter said. story by Caroline Lea academics 1 03
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