Nataley Davis | staff writer

Hope Seidel, a freshman biology major, went to Italy on a spring breakaway trip with Duquesne this year to study fashion in theater.

Having recently picked up crocheting as a hobby, she was determined to make a Renaissance-style dress to wear on the trip — except she fell short on time with her busy schedule.

“I did have to finish it on the plane, but it got done, and it was honestly kind of a great plane project,” Seidel said.

Seidel ended up submitting her work to be featured at an art show hosted by Duquesne’s literary journal, :Lexicon.

Sounds of ambient music and chatter filled College Hall’s Berger Gallery on Wednesday as various art projects including Seidel’s dresses were showcased.

As a STEM major, Seidel said that this opportunity allowed her to find purpose in something new.

“[I] just never thought that I was good enough to submit something like this, so I’m really proud of myself for being able to get over that,” she said.

:Lexicon accepted work from students, faculty and alumni to be presented at the show.

The organization used to hold shows annually in addition to the journal that comes out once a semester. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, like many campus events, the yearly art show was forced to shut down. Last year it returned after a six year hiatus, according to Tessa Markham, the journal’s editor-in-chief.

Markham displayed photography on Wednesday from her time in England and Wales.

She said that her work was spontaneous, simply admiring the sights of her trip.

“It just kind of happened, and I was like, “Oh, this is pretty, I want to take this fun, artful photography piece,” Markham said. “We visited lots of castles and old buildings…the architecture’s gorgeous.”

She added that it’s exciting to have :Lexicon’s art show back because it gives people a chance to be proud of their work while also spreading awareness about the journal.

“I think it’s good to show everyone on campus what their skill is and just show off their art … just get the word out,” Markham said.

Anisha Patel, an attendee, came to the show because her friend was displaying their art. Patel said she found the event to be a relaxing opportunity to interact with people in different schools and majors.

“I think it really helps you connect with a more creative audience,” Patel said. “If you have STEM-heavy courses, this could be a nice break to kind of release your creative side.”

Sophomore Connor Schiffgens was also there to take a break from class work and look at some art.

Interested in photography and creative writing himself, Schiffgens gained newfound inspiration in the artists’ works.

“I’ve seen different perspectives, and I would like to try and challenge myself to do kind of what other people are doing in my own style and find even more growth in terms of my own art,” he said.

:Lexicon’s art show will be hosted in the Berger Gallery until 7 p.m. April 9 with a reading of fiction and poetry at 6 p.m. On April 28 :Lexicon will host a release party for the spring 2026 journal in the Genesius Theater at 6:30 p.m.

Nataley Davis can be reached at davisn5@duq.edu