The Steckline Gallery will present “Walks with Joy” by Newman graduate Rebekah Strickbine ‘25 during a First Friday exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m. May 1 at Newman University.
This event offers a chance to experience the gallery in an energetic, social setting, connecting directly with the art, the artist and the community. Attendees can engage with the artwork, ask questions and be part of a shared cultural moment rather than simply viewing art in passing.
The exhibition will be on display April 30–May 14. All events are free and open to the public.
About the artwork
Strickbine’s work features a collection of more than 40 hand-drawn and hand-painted illustrations with the goal of creating an immersive, memorable experience for all ages. Her artwork introduces four characters — Joy, Mabel, Twiddle and Twitch — who come to life through reflections such as, “What does grieving joy look like?”
“It is true that this work came from many of my own struggles, but ultimately it’s not about my story; it’s about everyone else’s,” Strickbine said. “As I was describing my vision for the gallery to a friend, he said, ‘You want it to feel like they’re walking into a hug.’ I think that summarizes it perfectly. I want to give others the proverbial hug that I needed as I wrote this series.”
The exhibition touches on themes of joy, grief, fear, loneliness, connection and healing. Ultimately, Strickbine said, “it’s about life: the beautiful, the painful and everything in between.”
“Walks with Joy” is Strickbine’s biggest project to date, and one that encapsulates her biggest takeaways from her Newman experience.
“I believe this series represents the culmination of all the most important things I have learned at Newman,” she said. “It talks about community, personal healing, healthy communication and friendship. And, of course, it is all tied together with everything I learned in Newman’s art department.”
About the artist
Strickbine graduated from Newman University as an art major in December 2025 and now pursues freelance design work opportunities — some of which have been at Newman University.
As a student, she participated in the Honors Program, worked for the University Relations department and attended Campus Ministry events whenever possible. Additionally, she completed two off-campus graphic design internships and slowly built her art business, presenting her work at art and craft fairs along the way.
She credits two art professors for coaching her throughout her undergraduate experience: Shannon Johnson, chair of the Arts & Humanities division and assistant professor of art, and Emily Ritter, director of the Steckline Gallery and assistant professor.
“I am so grateful for both of these professors,” Strickbine said. “They were both fundamental in helping me create this project. I received so much helpful guidance from the art department to really dig into the why behind my work, but I also found art coaching from unexpected places as well.”
Strickbine will always remember Associate Professor of Theology Matthew Umbarger’s Inklings class, which incorporated reflections on authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.
“I was discussing philosophical ideas of beauty, joy, grief and the meaning of life on a weekly basis,” Strickbine said. “This was so fundamental in helping me write ‘Walks with Joy.'”
When reflecting on her Newman experience, Strickbine said she has gained confidence and a clearer understanding of what she wishes to communicate with her work.
“I’m able to verbalize the deeper mission behind everything: to bring encouragement, hope and joy,” she said. “Being a messenger of joy is the ultimate dream career for me. I didn’t know that was even a possibility when I first started college, and I am so grateful for everything in my life that has brought me to the point where I’m able to do that.”
Strickbine walk the stage alongside fellow graduates at Newman’s upcoming commencement ceremony on May 16.
About the gallery
The Steckline Gallery is located inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman campus, 3100 McCormick Ave. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. or by appointment.
For more information, email Director of the Steckline Gallery Emily Ritter at [email protected].
Explore the fine arts program at Newman University
The Bachelor of Arts degree is a great blend (as a double major or minor) with degrees in marketing, communication, education and psychology.
