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The William H. Van Every and Edward M. Smith Galleries play a fundamental role in the life of Davidson College. The Galleries support the academic mission of the college through the presentation, interpretation, and discussion of primarily contemporary works of art in all media. Gallery exhibitions and programs nurture individual thinking, develop visual literacy, and inspire a life-long commitment to the arts.

The college maintains a permanent collection of art that offers students and members of the community an opportunity to interact with and research more than 4,000 works of art spanning five centuries. Works from the permanent art collection are also loaned to other regional, national, and international art institutions for inclusion in thematic exhibitions and/or individual retrospectives.

VISIT THE COLLECTION + EXHIBITIONS

The Van Every/Smith Galleries and Davidson College Permanent Art Collection provides a dynamic learning and research environment that benefits students. We encourage Davidson faculty, students, and the community to utilize the collection to connect with the over 4,000 pieces of original works of art and contemporary exhibitions in the galleries. We welcome individual research of the collection and exhibitions and can work with you to offer guided class visits tailored to specific curricula or more in-depth collaborative projects that span semesters.

To learn more about upcoming public programs, visit programs & events. To browse our Permanent Art Collection, visit collections.

To discuss curriculum collaborations or schedule free tours for groups of 8 or more of exhibitions and the permanent art collection, including Campus Sculpture, please contact Lia Newman at linewman@davidson.edu.

Class visit, looking at Park McArthur's "Overlook Park"

VIEW OUR FREE PUBLICATIONS

Over the years, the Galleries have published more than 60 brochures and catalogs in conjunction with exhibitions. Most of the publications are available for free through our website or through academic and museum libraries around the country. Click here to see our publications available for purchase or free download.

WORK STUDY + INTERNSHIPS

The Van Every/Smith Galleries offer comprehensive work study and internship opportunities that equip students with hands-on gallery experience. Work Study and Internship opportunities are posted at the beginning of each semester via Handshake.

Gallery Internships are open to anyone regardless of major or class year, though preference is given to Art History or Studio Art Majors. This internship will introduce students to all aspects of the gallery from handling and installing art to researching artwork in the permanent collection. Most of the intern’s work will consist of assisting the staff with the day-to-day workings of the gallery. Most interns work at least 2 hours and up to 10 hours per week. Internships are arranged the previous semester. For more information contact Lia Newman at linewman@davidson.edu.