From Studio to Locker Room: Tahir Henry ’27 Finds Creative Freedom With Support from His Team

A Crutchfield Family Scholar from Durham, North Carolina, Henry has juggled sports, art and academics for as long as he can remember. Even while navigating football recruitment, he helped run his high school’s art club and developed a passion for politics. When it came time to choose a college, he knew Davidson would nurture all of his interests.

“I wasn’t sure how art would fit into my life at Davidson at first,” he said. “I’ve always appreciated music, fashion and visual art. It was important to me that I made time to fully express myself.”

In the quiet moments in between classes and practices his first year on campus, Henry would often sit outside the Alvarez College Union with a sketchbook and pencil, drawing what he observed. He took “Basic Drawing” with Associate Professor of Art Tyler Starr, who encouraged him to explore new materials and art styles.

“He pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Henry said. “Before, it was all semi-realism, graphite and pencil. As I gained more confidence, I started adding color, painting with acrylics and making more abstract art.”

As he dove into political science, history, philosophy and economics, Henry realized law school was his ideal post-Davidson path. 

“My classes gave me the knowledge and resources to understand how political and legal systems affect the world around me and how I might have an impact,” he said. “I care about justice, I like to argue a little, and law is my open door to pursue that.”

Still, he wondered how he might incorporate his love of art into a legal career. Over spring break, he participated in an Arts Career Trek, hosted by DACE and the Matthews Center for Career Development, which brought a student group to New York City to connect with alums working across the arts scene. 

This year, they heard from alums with careers in media, music, standup-comedy, theatre, opera and more, but Henry’s favorite conversation took place at a networking event at the Whitney Museum of American Art. There, he met Sara Nordstrand Bricker ’14, an arts and entertainment lawyer who offered Henry a glimpse of his own possible future.

“It was amazing to be surrounded by people who are just as excited about art as I am,” he said. “Those connections made me realize I want a career that helps artists thrive.”

In his current fellowship, Henry serves as the liaison between DACE and the Matthews Center. He’s charged with organizing events, bringing alums to campus and keeping students informed about arts-related careers. 

When he isn’t using one of the studios in the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center, Henry makes frequent visits to the DACE Studio, a low-pressure environment where students can work side by side on creative projects. He’s made new friends while working side-by-side on all kinds of crafts and hopes the studio will continue to provide friendship and connection for others. 

“Not everyone has such a big group of trusted friends like the ones I found through football,” he said. “We share similar schedules, similar challenges, and we get to do it all together. No matter what, they make me feel safe, welcome and supported, no matter where I go on campus.”