October 5, 2026—The Marshall T. Steel Center for the Study of Religion
and Philosophy at Hendrix College announces the opening of “Commodification of
Nature.” This thought-provoking art exhibition is curated by Hendrix College
student Sophie Gray ’28 in collaboration with the Windgate Museum of Art.
An opening reception for the exhibit, which is currently on
display for public viewing in Hendrix’s Ellis Hall, will take place Friday,
October 9, from 4 to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The exhibition brings together works by artists Abby
Spangel Perry (Wilmington, NC), Avery Nielsen-Webb (Vancouver, WA), Jeremy
Dennis (Southampton, NY), Katie Vota (Chicago, IL), Mary Claire Becker
(Clemson, SC), Natalie Petrosky (Cleveland, OH), Shreepad Joglekar (Manhattan,
KS), and Susan Graham (Rockaway Beach, NY). Displayed in Hendrix’s Ellis Hall,
these pieces examine how the commodification of nature in the 21st century
reshapes the human relationship with the environment.
“I am excited for people to interact with the art works I
put together,” Gray said. “I am very grateful for the opportunity and have
learned a lot from the experience.”
“Commodification of Nature” challenges viewers to
consider how monetization—fundamental to capitalism—renders natural resources
commensurable and exchangeable, often distancing people from the ecosystems on
which they depend. The exhibition's selection of ecologically engaged works
aims to foster awareness of these dynamics and inspire a reimagined
relationship between humans and the natural world rooted in mindfulness and
sustainability.
As part of its educational mission, the exhibition is
integrated into Hendrix College courses on Nature Aesthetics, Land Health, and
Wellbeing, with students responding to the artwork through critical writing and
reflection on the core themes.
“Sophie took my Aesthetics and Contemporary Art class
last spring, in which we discussed what the commodification of art means for
artists trying to express the value of art,” said Dr. James Dow, who serves as
director of the Steel Center and chairs the Department of Philosophy and
Religious Studies at Hendrix. “Sophie generated the idea to curate an exhibit
on artists engaging with the commodification of nature to address this question.”
By presenting these works and encouraging student
engagement, the exhibition seeks to promote dialogue around responsible
resource use and the broader societal impacts of treating nature as a
commodity. The exhibition represents a collaborative effort between student
curator Sophie Gray and the Windgate Museum of Art, underscoring Hendrix
College’s commitment to interdisciplinary education and ecological
consciousness. “Commodification of Nature” stands as a catalyst for discussion,
inviting the public and campus community to engage with urgent questions at the
intersection of art, philosophy, and sustainability.
Christian Cutler, director of the Windgate Museum of Art,
said, “This opportunity through the Marshall T. Steel Center for the Study of
Religion and Philosophy, with guidance and funding from the Windgate Museum of
Art, is unique to Hendrix, and I love helping students like Sophie through the
exhibition production process.”
Dow added, “Sophie has done an excellent job at every
step of the process: conceiving of the idea, writing the call for submissions,
organizing the shipment of work, hanging the exhibit, and preparing a curator
statement for the opening night.”
Cutler also said that Gray worked over the summer break
to create the exhibition for her fellow students to examine and learn from, emphasizing
the time and work required behind the scenes to make this unique collaboration
possible.
The exhibition is on display for public viewing through
May 15, 2027, in Ellis Hall on the Hendrix College campus. Hours are 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. on weekdays or by appointment. Admission is free. For questions or to
make an appointment to view the exhibit outside of normal open hours, contact
Dr. James Dow at 501-450-1284 or dow@hendrix.edu.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way
You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal
arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The College’s signature
career-readiness initiative, Via Hendrix, connects a transformative liberal
arts education with a four-year plan for life after college. Via Hendrix, every
student completes a full-time, semester-long professional co-op experience
before graduation.
The Hendrix experience extends
beyond the classroom, with students participating in 21 NCAA Division III
sports and a campus community shaped in part by the College’s longstanding
affiliation with the United Methodist Church, dating to 1884. As Hendrix
celebrates its Sesquicentennial in 2026–2027, the College is marking 150 years
of educating students while looking ahead to its next chapter. Learn more at via.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose