Meet Rebecca Pempek, Class of 2020, who has been working for the Van Every / Smith gallery for her four years at Davidson! Not only is she a dedicated representative of the gallery, but she is also a DACE fellow and an incredibly talented artist. In case you missed seeing her extraordinary exhibition in January, check out this past blog post about her show (https://www.davidsoncollegeartgalleries.org/uncategorized/an-interview-with-rebecca-pempek-20/) and go to her website to see more current work (rebeccapempek.com). We love you Rebecca!
Major/Minor: Studio Art
Why did you intern in the gallery?: Coming into Davidson, I knew I wanted to be involved in everything art. I was stoked when I found out the gallery was hiring work-study students. I can still remember interviewing with Lia over skype!
What has been your favorite memory from the job?: The gallery has been so formative in my Davidson experience. I would say that at least 50% of my Davidson memories have been made at or working for the gallery. In my freshman year, I got to model Mella Jaarsma’s work at the Baik Art Residency opening. That was one of the coolest experiences.
Do you plan to pursue anything in the arts post-grad? If not, what are your plans?: Most definitely! I don’t currently have anything nailed down, but I am actively applying for fellowship and teaching positions. I would like to pursue museum or art education in some capacity.
Favorite artist/work and why?: Julie Mehretu. I remember learning about Mehretu’s work in Cort’s advanced drawing class during my sophomore year. After seeing her work, my understanding of my work completely changed.
Hobbies?: making art, looking at art, eating art, breathing art. Also hanging out with my cats.
Little known fact about you? : I used to be a competitive artistic roller skater (not roller derby)!
And finally, if you could have a meal with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For all of the reasons.