Way to Gogh Award

Rachel Engers

Rachel Engers is our feature this week due to her outstanding performance throughout her time in the Art Department. Her excellence is displayed in her work and her work ethic as she aids all the Art Faculty as a work study for the Art Department, where she is loved and appreciated. Rachel is a senior graphic design major that says she's inspired by " an environment that fosters creativity that helps me to want to do more than is required." While working on this Way to Gogh award the Art Professors wanted to make sure that they definitely got their two cents in.

"Rachel is swell. What would we do without her. She is talented, a hard worker, and motivated. The department would not be the same without her. (Rachel, Thank you for all your hard work.) ps. You play the cup very well." - Todd Goehner

"What would we do around the office suite without Rachel. She has been the Art Department's Workstudy assistant for three years and we have simply gotten to where we depend on her for so many things like designing gallery labels and departmental posters, helping hang exhibits and serving at the receptions, assisting us with our clerical duties and so much more and she always does her work with such a sunny disposition. She is a great person to work with and a darn good designer too! I just don't know what we will do without her when she graduates - that will be a big pair of shoes for someone to fill." - Charles Peer

"Way to Gogh Rachel! Not only has Rachel been an always pleasant addition to the Art Department as a work-study helper she is also an excellent designer and student. I am particularly pleased with her go-get-it attitude - from finding an internship for herself last summer to her willingness to tackle any job around the department. It has been a pleasure to work with you, Rachel. Thanks!" - Mr. Andrus

Everyone in the Art and Design faculty pretty much loves you, why would you say this is?

Wow! Well, I suppose it's because I show enthusiasm when I come to work and I'm eager to learn about them and their life stories and how God has worked through them. In the 3 years that I have worked with them, I have developed the best relationships with my professors that I could've ever have hoped for. It's nice having relationships with adults in college especially when you're away from your parents. I would definitely say that the Art & Design faculty have become my family-away-from-home. I know that if I ever have a problem, I can always rely on them and for that, I'm thankful.

What is your favorite medium, and why?

My favorite medium to work with would have to be pastels! I love how you have freedom in working with them and how they force you to truly study the color in your subject matter. I started working with pastels in jr. high and since coming to John Brown, I've definitely furthered my skills in the medium of pastels.

What's one of your best memories about work with the Art and Design faculty?

Honestly, it would have to be a combination of memories in helping them hang new gallery exhibits. As we work on getting new shows ready, we like to laugh and tell stories to pass the time away. I always look forward to those times because I know I'll get the chance to learn something new about them while at the same time, build stronger relationships them in the end.