The clearest example of interdisciplinary studies at Davidson College is the Herb Jackson annual student art exhibition hosted by the Visual Arts Center. Students from all disciplines, including chemistry, English, psychology, and of course, various different art practices, were selected to showcase some of their artistic projects developed either in class or during personal time. The 2026 exhibition opened on April 22nd and is currently on view until May 7th. The exhibition is a physical illustration of the well-roundedness of Davidson’s students as it gives space for students across all areas of study to tie in their unique experiences into their work.
Two specific art pieces in the exhibition stood out to me the most as I walked through and experienced the event. The first piece was Jane Marten’s Forget-me-not. Jane Marten is a current sophomore studying Psychology and Studio Art. The piece uses only blue and yellow watercolor and alcohol ink on white Yupo paper. Forget-me-not is visually invigorating. Blue and yellow forget-me-nots are illustrated all throughout the painting. In the midst of the flowers, I identified four faces, some more clearly defined than others. This piece illustrates the battle to remain visible. One face can barely be seen, peaking out among the sea of blue flowers while another face takes up almost half of the painting’s space. This piece shows the intricacies of remembrance, fighting for others to see you while also fighting to see yourself. The different forms and stages of remembrance bear the words Forget-me-not.
The second piece was Cara Richards’ Intermingle. Cara Richards is a current sophomore chemistry major. This piece was created using spray paint and paper and includes two 3D models of what I understand to be hearts. The models are made up of paper, cut into different intricate designs, twisted and warped in various shapes, and attached back to a separate part of the background.
This creates an entangled, 3D visual effect that is further exacerbated by the selective shading and shadowing of black spray paint. There is power and obvious intention in choosing to create two models. The title of the work, Intermingle, suggests interaction between two things. I see the paper in each model intermingling within itself as it wraps and forms a 3D object. The two heart models do not touch, or even sit directly beside one another, but their existence beside each other suggests some intermingling despite physical separation. The shading is not confined to the typical behaviors of shadowing where the dark shadow appears behind the light. Instead, the shades of white, gray, and black intermingle with each other throughout the whole piece.
These two student pieces are just brief examples of the exemplary student art that can be found in the VAC’s art exhibition from April 22nd to May 7th. The interdisciplinary emphasis at Davidson allows for beautifully curated art that’s created with intended fields of study in mind. Jane Marten’s artistic process could have been influenced by her understanding of psychology. Cara Richard’s chemistry major could have laid the scientific foundations of their modeling. These examples illustrate how the VAC gives space for students to explore different areas of study, express themselves, and combine interdisciplinary learning with passion to create intricate, thought-provoking art.
Works Cited
Martens, Jane. Forget-me-not. 2025, Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center, Davidson.
Richards, Cara. Intermingle. 2025, Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center, Davidson.
