Darrell E. Sechrest Art Gallery | High Point

The Darrell E. Sechrest Art Gallery is a distinguished art exhibition space located within the Hayworth Fine Arts Center on the campus of High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. The gallery honors the legacy of Darrell E. Sechrest, a respected art educator and advocate who contributed significantly to art education and community engagement. It functions as both an educational resource and a public cultural venue, playing a key role in fostering artistic dialogue and appreciation among students, faculty, and the broader community.

Historical and Institutional Context

Named after Darrell E. Sechrest to recognize his contributions to the university and the arts, the gallery reflects High Point University’s commitment to integrating arts into academic life. It serves as a practical learning environment where students in art, design, and related disciplines can engage directly with professional exhibitions and the curatorial process. The gallery helps bridge academic study with real-world artistic practice, enriching the educational experience.

Location and Facility

The gallery is situated inside the Hayworth Fine Arts Center, a hub for creative disciplines at High Point University. The center houses classrooms, studios, and performance spaces, with the Sechrest Gallery serving as the primary exhibition venue. The location on One University Parkway places it at the heart of campus, making it accessible to students, faculty, and visitors.

The gallery itself offers a clean, modern exhibition space with well-lit walls and flexible layout options suitable for a wide range of art forms, including paintings, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and installations. The design focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and showcasing works in ways that engage the viewer’s senses and intellect.

Mission and Vision

The core mission of the Sechrest Art Gallery is to:

Provide a vibrant, dynamic platform for exhibiting contemporary and historical artworks.

Support educational objectives by offering students hands-on exposure to the art world.

Promote dialogue and cultural exchange by featuring artists whose work brings diverse perspectives and challenges viewers.

Serve as a community resource that welcomes the public, encouraging lifelong learning and appreciation of the arts.

The gallery intentionally curates exhibitions that inspire and provoke thought, fostering meaningful connections between art, artists, and audiences.

Exhibitions and Programming

The gallery hosts a diverse array of rotating exhibitions throughout the academic year, typically curated to highlight a mix of local, regional, and national artists. These exhibitions often focus on:

Solo and group shows that explore a variety of media, themes, and artistic approaches.

Collaborative projects involving students, faculty, and visiting artists, enriching the academic environment.

Thematic exhibitions addressing social, cultural, historical, and environmental issues through art.

Alumni exhibitions celebrating the achievements and creative paths of former High Point University students.

Special pop-up exhibits and curated shows, such as photographic series or fashion retrospectives, that bring unique cultural experiences to campus.

Examples of past exhibitions include "A Century of Style," a historical look at student fashion trends at High Point University, and "RIPPLE EFFECT," which showcased the work of art and graphic design alumni.

Educational and Community Engagement

In addition to displaying art, the Sechrest Gallery is deeply involved in educational programming. It offers:

Artist talks and lectures: Events where exhibiting artists share their creative processes and insights with students and the public.

Workshops and classes: Practical sessions that complement academic coursework and expand creative skills.

Guided tours: Organized visits for student groups, schools, and community organizations, fostering art appreciation.

Collaborations with academic departments: Cross-disciplinary projects integrating art with other fields of study.

These programs aim to create a rich, interactive environment where art becomes a catalyst for learning and community connection.

Visitor Experience

The gallery is open to the public with free admission, making it an accessible cultural resource for the High Point community and visitors. It operates mainly during the university’s academic calendar, typically Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere, with thoughtfully curated exhibitions that change regularly, providing fresh and engaging experiences throughout the year. The gallery’s proximity to free parking and other campus amenities adds convenience for attendees.

Summary

The Darrell E. Sechrest Art Gallery stands as a vital cultural institution within High Point University, blending educational objectives with public art presentation. It is a space that honors artistic diversity, promotes cultural dialogue, and nurtures creativity. Through its varied exhibitions and programs, the gallery supports both the university’s mission and the broader community’s cultural enrichment, making it a key destination for art lovers, students, and educators alike.