Bruce HermanDuke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts (DITA) welcomes its second artist-in-residence, Bruce Herman, to Duke March 1-10 and March 28-30. Herman is the Lothlórien Distinguished Chair in Fine Arts at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass. His art has been exhibited widely in North America, Europe, Hong Kong, and Japan.

While in residence, Herman will complete a large painting commission for the Divinity School on themes related to the resurrection, and there will be several opportunities for members of the university community and the general public to engage with the artist both in formal presentations and in open studio sessions.  

Herman will deliver a public lecture titled, “Making, Unmaking, Remaking: Conflict and Resolution in the Creation of a Painting,” at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, in Westbrook 0014.  Later that month, the commissioned painting will be installed in the York Room of the Divinity School, and an unveiling ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30.

A highlight of Herman’s residency will be open studio hours in 0020 Westbrook, during which visitors are welcome to observe the artist at work on the following days: 

  • March 2 (3:30 p.m.–5 p.m.)
  • March 3 (1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.) 
  • March 7 (3:30 p.m.–5 p.m.)
  • March 9 (1:30–2:30 p.m.) 
  • March 10 (3:30–4:30 p.m.)

Herman took part in the Divinity School's 2013 "Engaging Eliot" event on T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets, which included an exhibition of paintings by Herman and artist Makoto Fujimura. Watch video of Herman speaking at the event.

The commission has been made possible through the generosity of Walter and Darlene Hansen. 

DITA's first artist-in-residence was Malcolm Guite, who delivered lectures, preached, and performed in the Dean’s Songwriters Series in the fall of 2014.