Steckline Gallery will present “Find & Explore” by Michael K. Davenport during a First Friday exhibition from 5-7 p.m., Sept. 6, at Newman University.
Additionally, a discussion session known as Art for Lunch will be noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, in the Steckline Gallery. Newman students can enjoy a free pizza lunch, while faculty and staff are welcome to bring their own lunch.
“Find & Explore” will be on display Sept. 5-27. All events are free and open to the public.
The artwork and the artist
“Find & Explore” showcases Davenport’s mixed media work in the form of acrylic paint and pastels on both paper and canvas.
“My work explores the intricate link between masculinity and vulnerability, reshaping our notion of strength through authenticity,” Davenport said. “Each piece, primarily mixed media pushing into abstraction, reflects the depth of human emotion drawn from my personal encounters, both past and present.”
Davenport uses layers not only as a visual technique but also as a metaphor for the complexity of human emotions. He invites viewers to “peel back these layers,” immersing themselves in each piece as they discover reflections of their own experiences.
“By sharing personal narratives, I aim to celebrate the bittersweet beauty of the human experience,” he said.
Davenport holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking from Wichita State University. He has more than a decade of professional experience in graphic design and helps clients transform their vision into visual masterpieces.
The Steckline Gallery is located inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman campus, 3100 McCormick. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, email Director of Steckline Gallery Emily Ritter at [email protected].
Steckline Gallery
Explore the Steckline Gallery’s page on the Newman University website, or follow the Steckline Gallery on Instagram (@steckline_gallery).
