The Art of Dentistry
An Exhibition of Science and Art
Presented by Notre Dame's College of Science and Saint Mary’s College Department of Art
The Art of Dentistry is a public exhibition of drawing and sculpture made by Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s, and Holy Cross pre-dental students during a semester-long course co-taught by Kelly Harrington in Notre Dame’s College of Science and Sandra Ginter in the Department of Art at Saint Mary’s College.
The American Dental Education Association articulates that dental school is a "demanding environment that involves seamlessly blending science and art." Studying the morphology of teeth through the lens of artistic practice contributes to students’ technical ability and appreciation of the shared language of line, form, texture, space, unity, and balance utilized to support the health and expressiveness of the human smile.
Credits
Kelly Harrington and Notre Dame's College of Science
Kelly Harrington is an academic advisor for students majoring in biological and environmental sciences. She has special interest in the intersection of art and science and utilizing art in her advising and teaching practice. Harrington has taught in public and private institutions and local museums, including art history, art education pedagogy for preservice teachers, and drawing and design studios at Saint Mary’s College as well as courses at Notre Dame. She has written articles about art and art education, exhibited in solo and group exhibitions, and received awards and research grants in support of her work as an educator and artist.
Guided by common human curiosity and Catholic character, the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame undertakes its mission to prepare the scientific leaders of tomorrow, inspiring them to seek greater understanding of the natural world, to translate that knowledge into human improvement, and to share discoveries in ways that make a difference in society.
Kelly Harrington Discover the College of Science
Sandra Ginter and Saint Mary’s College Department of Art
Sandra Ginter is an associate professor and department chair in the Department of Art at Saint Mary’s College. Her ceramic works investigate aspects of science and philosophy and explore the microbiological levels of our connectedness to other things. Ginter has participated in an invitational residency at The International Ceramics Studio in Kecskemet, Hungary and exhibits regularly at the annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. She has had numerous solo exhibitions including Cottey College in Neveda, MO, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, and Spaces Gallery in Cleveland, OH.
Saint Mary’s College Department of Art offers Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees as well as minors in studio art and art history. Through visiting artist programs, lectures, and gallery exhibitions, the department shares its experience with students at the College and the larger community. The Moreau Galleries are integral to the program and make professional exhibitions of contemporary art readily accessible for teaching and learning.
Sarah Ginter Discover the Department of Art
Funding & Support
Funding & Support
This is a partner program of the 2027 Notre Dame Arts Biennial, supported with funding from the Notre Dame Arts Initiative.
This project is also made possible with funding from the Notre Dame College of Science and Saint Mary’s College Department of Art.
Images
All photos courtesy of Sandra Ginter and Kelly Harrington.