Friends of the Arts
The arts play a vital role in fostering creativity, collaboration and learning at Davidson.
Members of Friends of the Arts support the visual, performing and literary arts at Davidson College. Because of the generosity of our members, the college offers dynamic programs that enhance the academic curriculum at the college and expand audiences' awareness of and accessibility to the arts in our community. Specifically, faculty and student projects in the music, theatre, visual and literary arts are supported by Friends of the Arts.
The Holiday Gala has quickly become one of our signature events welcoming the holiday season with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Author, cultural critic and MacArthur Fellow Ta-Nehisi Coates addressed a crowd of nearly 4000 at the Davidson's annual Reynolds Lecture.
Davidson's Symphony Orchestra Director and Music Professor Tara Villa Keith has also served as cover conductor to the Charlotte Symphony.
The artist-in-residence program is also supported by Friends of the Arts and it remains essential to the creative life of the college. The college is proud to host renowned guest vocalists, musicians, dance troupes and theatre companies from around the world as part of the Smith Artist Series and Concert Series.
Davidson hosts traveling gallery exhibits, student and faculty works, and our own extensive permanent collection of visual art at the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center. And throughout the academic year, our exceptional Davidson students share the stages, contribute to the galleries and reach into the community as part of the many performances, exhibitions, demonstrations and lectures.
Become a Member
Friends of the Arts members make these connections possible. Membership benefits are available at various giving levels, including special events for donors, priority ticketing and seating, advanced notification of performances, exhibits and lectures by email and wonderful volunteer opportunities.
We invite you to learn more about the arts at Davidson College and hope you will join our efforts by making a tax-deductible gift today. For more information, please email the Director of Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement, Sherry Nelson, at shnelson@davidson.edu or call 704-894-2101.
Make an online, tax-deductible gift in support of the arts at Davidson and in the local community.
Student & Alumni Profiles
During his time at Davidson, Jacob Kim '26 has discovered diverse artistic passions, from music and digital art to improv and sewing, shaping his academic and personal growth on campus. Learn more.
Savannah Deal '18 returns to Davidson College as DACE and Dance Department coordinator to foster creativity campus-wide while also supporting students' artistic endeavors.
A lifelong thespian, Amelia Lumpkin ’13 has acted, directed and written plays at Davidson College and beyond. Now working full-time in tech, she spends her free time participating in and advocating for community theatre in her hometown of Raleigh, NC.
Caroline Sillars ’24 spent her four years at Davidson College immersed in the arts across campus. Now a museum education intern at the Smithsonian, she prepares to keep sharing her love of art after graduating.
Delaney Cook ’27 came to Davidson College eager to explore the many subjects that interest her. A Malú Alvarez Visual Art Scholar, her art draws inspiration from creative writing, biology, computer science and more.
Rick Thurmond ’94 wants his home city of Charlotte to be recognized for its vibrant music scene. Through Music Everywhere CLT, he’s working to strengthen the local music economy.
Pianist and trumpet player Gavin Daniel ’26 takes his musical skills to the next level — composing original works and bringing home awards.
As Davidson's first Arts and Innovation Fellow, Marquia Humphries ’22 brings her knowledge of entrepreneurship to art students and her passion for art to the Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
When he learned of Davidson’s search for a professor specializing in Black contemporary theatre, he felt the job was made for him.
Brown Payne ’24 has used his time at Davidson to dive headfirst into the world of art.
Anna Murray ’23 chose Davidson College because she knew it was the perfect place to pursue her interests in both art history and dance.
The through-line of Roger Brown’s career is clear: trying to make people’s lives better.
Lori Pitts ’12 is a perfect example of the ways a liberal arts education can shift perspectives and open minds to new possibilities.
Sometimes it’s the spur-of-the-moment stories that have the happiest endings.
Through academic exploration, friendship and loss, Pearce Hyatt '22 shares his gratitude for the foundation Davidson has provided as he discovered new pieces of himself over the last four years.
Emma's passion for theater started at a young age and only grown at Davidson with opportunities to direct, act and be part of technical stage production.
The office of Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement (DACE) strives to integrate the arts into the daily lives of our students, faculty and staff. When you give to the arts, you become a member of Friends of the Arts, a part of DACE.
Join Our Mailing List
The Friends of the Arts eNews is a great way to stay in touch with art events on campus. Published monthly, the eNews highlights theatre, music, visual arts, and literary events. You will have plenty of time to mark your calendar, buy tickets, and enjoy an evening on Davidson's beautiful campus. The international, national and local artists perform and exhibit in intimate venues throughout the college.
For more information, please email Sherry Nelson, director of Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement, at shnelson@davidson.edu or call 704-894-2101.
Contact Information
- Phone
704-894-2101 - Email
dcfota@davidson.edu - Mailing Address
Box 7176
Davidson, NC 28035 - Shipping Address
209 Ridge Road
Davidson, NC 28035