for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
at Davidson College

Marquia Humphries ’22 & the Ada Jenkins Murals

Marquia Humphries may have just graduated, but she's not done with Davidson yet. Humphries is working with Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement and the Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship as the Arts and Innovation Fellow in a two-year program focusing on project management, public art, fundraising, and grant writing. 

With funding from Steph Curry’s non-profit “Eat. Learn. Play.” in combination with Summit Foundation and Under Armour, the Ada Jenkins Families and Careers Development Center renovated the Ada Jenkins gym. The space was overdue for restoration, and along with new floors, baskets, and equipment, funding included a stipend for a new wall mural: Unbounded

Having volunteered at Ada Jenkins her Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years at Davidson, Humphries’ personal connection to the Center makes these murals especially significant. Instead of a conventional wall mural where the art is painted directly on the wall, the murals were painted on three movable canvases to represent that while the Ada Jenkins building is significant, it’s their services of teaching and community building that are their most significant contributions to our Davidson community. The paintings go off the edges of the canvas and the three fragmented sections “create the sense that there is more than what can be seen on the canvases,” says Humphries. The mural was a month-long process of “whirlwind emails, paint, and caffeine,” and the product creates a bright and vibrant space for children and families at Ada Jenkins. 

“I believe art can create a glimpse into the lives and stories of a community in ways verbal expressions cannot. It brings people together and can speak to individual and collective experiences in vibrant and powerful ways.” 

Humphries recently held the first staff and faculty art exhibit at the Hurt Hub, through a partnership with Davidson College Van Every and Smith Galleries. A variety of artwork from College employees across multiple disciplines will have work displayed at the Hurt Hub from January 27, 2023 until February 28, 2023. Humphries will be presenting a commissioned artwork at the Davidson Men’s Basketball game hosted at home at 2:30 pm on Saturday, February 11th – keep a lookout!  

Humphries is focusing on “the business side” of being an artist: working on her LLC, attending tax workshops, learning how to keep accurate records, and how to budget. Humphries is also intentionally dedicating her time to connect with local artists, who are major inspirations for her work.

The beautiful photos were taken by News of Davidson.

Marquia Humphries may have just graduated, but she's not done with Davidson yet. Humphries is working with Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement and the Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship as the Arts and Innovation Fellow in a two-year program focusing on project management, public art, fundraising, and grant writing. 

Hello!

Are you a Prospective Davidson College student or Prospective coworking member?

The Hurt Hub logo

Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College