Former Art Chair Donates $11,450 to Support Art, Biology Students
For former UNC Pembroke professor Janette Hopper, inspiration often begins outdoors — kayaking, hiking and observing the natural world. Now, the sale of paintings inspired by those experiences is helping create new opportunities for students studying art and biology.
Hopper, an internationally exhibited artist who taught at UNCP for a decade, has donated $11,450 from the sale of her artwork to support student research and scholarships in the university's art and biology departments.
The gift grew out of her 2025 solo exhibition, Acute Observations: Expansive Experimental Works Inspired by Water & Sky, at Red Springs Artspace. Featuring large-scale oil paintings inspired by the Carolina landscape, the exhibition reflected Hopper's fascination with nature and her desire to support the next generation of UNCP students.
Hopper had pledged a portion of the artwork sales to the university, recognizing both the need for art supplies and scholarships and the challenges facing student research funding in biology.
“Every painting begins outdoors,” Hopper said in advance of the exhibition. “I kayak, I hike, I observe closely.”
For Hopper, the decision to support both departments was intentional. Having spent much of her career exploring the natural world through art, she also recognized the need for resources that allow students to pursue their own creative and scientific interests.
“I know art students are always in need of supplies and scholarships, and I've also learned that biology student research funding has been cut in recent years,” Hopper said when announcing the exhibition. “If people will be generous and buy a painting, I can do my part to support the next generation of UNCP students.”
The exhibition ran from Nov. 16 through Dec. 14, 2025, with five paintings — Dawn, Glimmer, Journey, Low Tide Reverie and Moonlight Sonata — sold during the show.
Both departments plan to use the donated funds to support student research and scholarships, providing resources that can help students pursue academic interests and gain experience beyond the classroom.
Dr. Velinda Woriax, professor and chair of UNCP's biology department, said the gift creates opportunities for students to engage directly in scientific discovery.
“We're putting the power back into the hands of students to do investigative research with talented faculty and then disseminate their findings to the broader scientific community,” Woriax said.
The support is especially meaningful because undergraduate research gives students opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom, work alongside faculty mentors and develop skills that prepare them for graduate study and professional careers.
Hopper's gift also reflects a relationship with UNCP that extends well beyond her years on the faculty.
She served as chair of the art department from 2002 to 2008 and helped shape the university's arts facilities and academic opportunities. During her tenure, she directed the design and renovation of Locklear Hall, including the AD Gallery and Painting Studio, and initiated art student exchanges with Ludwigsburg Pädagogische Hochschule in Germany.
Her contributions were recognized in 2010 with UNCP's Adolph L. Dial Award for Art and Creative Research.
Since leaving UNCP, Hopper has continued to build an accomplished international career. Based in Wilmington, she has exhibited her work in more than 300 art centers, galleries, museums and juried exhibitions, including the Frye Art Museum in Seattle and Lincoln Center in New York, as well as exhibitions in Spain, France, Denmark and Germany.
Despite the reach of her work, Hopper has maintained close connections with the university and the people who helped make the exhibition possible.
“I am particularly grateful to those at UNCP who publicized this project, particularly professors Lisa Kelly and Carla Rokes,” Hopper said. “Thank you to the patrons of the arts who purchased this work, allowing me to be generous.”
Hopper also credits Red Springs Artspace, co-owned by former UNCP philosophy professor Dr. Jeffery Geller and his wife, Irina Shin-Geller, with encouraging her artistic growth. The gallery presents her work in the region and regularly showcases artists working across a variety of styles and media.
The exhibition's opening reception brought together members of the UNCP community, including faculty, staff, administrators and retirees, reflecting the relationships Hopper continues to maintain with the university.
Through her gift to UNCP, Hopper’s artistic legacy will continue to impact students — supporting their research, education, and creative pursuits while strengthening the connection between the university and one of its longtime members of the arts community.