Opening reception: Saturday, September 27th, 4-7pm

Artist Talk: Saturday, October 11th, 1-3pm

Davis Gallery is pleased to announce A Common Prayer, a solo exhibition by multimedia artist and musician Darden Smith, opening Saturday, September 27th, 2025.

Darden Smith's diverse practice, encompassing songs, photography, drawing, and more, pulls inspiration from his Texas roots and a profound sense of place. He looks toward the simple forms and shapes of nature – the wildflowers and grasses of Texas, memories of his mother’s gardens, and the flowers and trees found in his travels in London and Scotland – to find order within what often feels like chaos. Rather than replicating what he sees, Smith aims to capture the essence of what "sings" to him in a piece. A Common Prayer is a testament to this philosophy, showcasing drawings that prompt contemplation of the familiar beauty around us that often goes unnoticed. 

Smith's visual artistry is influenced by diverse sources, including New Yorker cartoons, Karl Blossfeld’s nature photography, contemporary printmakers and the works of Cy Twombly, David Hockney and Francesco Clementi. He also draws inspiration from what he terms "rhythmic visual dissonance"—the everyday objects and recurring patterns that shape our lives. The exhibition invites viewers to discover the "hidden song" and "common prayer" that lie just beneath our awareness, encouraging a deeper connection to the ordinary yet profound elements of our environment.

SPOTLIGHT GALLERY:

Kevin Greenblat

Opening reception: Saturday, September 27th, 4-7pm

Davis Gallery is pleased to present Kevin Greenblat in our Spotlight Gallery, opening September 27th. Greenblat, whose work is archived at the Wittliff Collections, has focused his lens on Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico, capturing quiet, unguarded moments that reveal the texture and spirit of place. Drawn to Mexico's rhythm, Greenblat documents life unfolding in small details, moments of stillness, and landscapes that stretch wide while remaining deeply human. His hope is for viewers to feel presence, memory, and a quiet beauty in what might otherwise be passed by.