Calvin Hertel ‘25 didn’t enter college expecting to become an artist. What began as a biology major slowly transformed into something much more personal: a recognition that creativity wasn’t just an interest, but a calling.
“It took me about two more tries to find art to be my true path,” he said. “Art has been a passion of mine these past few years.”
That turning point came when professors in the St. Ambrose art and design department noticed his potential.
“Kristin Quinn, MFA, Joseph Lappie, MFA, and Chris Reno, MFA, took me under their wing,” he said. “They told me that they found some creativity in me, and they see that I like to move my hands around when I work with a canvas.”
What followed was a journey defined by exploration, mentorship, and self-discovery – one that led Hertel to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design with a concentration in painting, and to embrace a future he once never imagined for himself.
A New Home in Davenport
Hertel began college at Dominican University in Chicago, but quickly realized the environment wasn’t right for him. The pace, atmosphere, and overall fit didn’t match what he needed to grow as a student or person.
As he searched for transfer options, the Minnesota native found himself drawn to St. Ambrose in a way he didn’t expect. The combination of campus life, community feel, and the surrounding Quad Cities area made him pause and reconsider what he wanted from his college experience. Something about the place simply resonated.
“I noticed that there was this really cute area in Davenport,” he said. “I felt like it really looked like home for me.”
That initial spark pushed him to visit campus in spring 2022 – a turning point in his journey. The visit confirmed what he felt online.
“I loved it. I just fell in love,” he said. “It was so exciting to see that there’s a campus that really enjoys the community, and it’s so welcoming.”
Despite that excitement, starting over at a new school came with natural anxiety. He worried about fitting in, finding friends, and adjusting to a new academic environment. But those worries quickly eased.
“It was scary, I will say. I think it’s scary for everyone, even transfers,” he said. “But once I came here in the first week of classes, everyone on campus was so nice. Everything seemed to be put into place.”
Discovering His Style
Hertel’s path to the art studio wasn’t straightforward. He began college as a biology major, then tried psychology and behavioral health. But none of those majors felt right. Everything changed when he shifted his focus to art.
“When I started my first semester with the painting concentration, everything just felt right,” he said. “Before then, I felt like I didn’t fit. But after going into the art department – drawing birds with Quinn and creating with Lappie and Reno – it felt like the world was moving in ways I never truly expected.”
Hertel found himself drawn to collage, a medium that allowed him to experiment with cut images, layered materials, and paint.
“I explore 3D material. I like to cut out magazines, art books, even just images of anything, and place it in ways that would be fitting for me in my head.”
He credits Reno, clinical assistant professor of art, for helping shape that direction.
“He showed me his collage work from when he went to college in New York,” Hertel said. “I was amazed. I can’t believe that these professors are here right now teaching me the greatest skills they’ve learned from other institutions.’”
One of his early standout pieces was created for 3D art and design: a life-size Nike Air Force 1 built entirely from cardboard.
“It was pretty fun to see everything collide together,” he said. “I was even surprised.”
He is now nearing completion of one of his most ambitious works – a 30-by-40-inch anatomical collage titled “Behold Man.”
“It’s basically all images of human cells, human parts, the brain, hands, everything – our evolution, our distinction,” he said. “I think that it looks beautiful so far.”
Finding Community and Confidence
Even beyond the studio, Hertel found a sense of belonging at St. Ambrose that shaped his experience in powerful ways.
“Oh, it’s just so warm,” he said. “It feels like you’re part of a team that is about to get something that is truly attainable to all.”
One of his favorite memories is the campus-wide excitement during the 2024 solar eclipse.
“It was just truly remarkable,” he said. “It felt like everyone was just hugging each other. It was truly a fun time.”
As an out-of-state student from Minnesota, residence life played a major role in his St. Ambrose journey.
“I was always welcomed. I was always happy. I felt safe,” he said. “Living on campus definitely shaped who I was and helped me create this chapter in life.”
Growth, Gratitude, and what Comes Next
Looking back, Hertel is most proud of how far he has come academically and personally.
“As someone who grew up with an IEP (individualized education plan) in high school and was determined to be a construction worker, I am so proud to be on the Dean’s List,” he said. “If Calvin from the past talked to Calvin now, of course there would be some hugs.”
He is deeply grateful for the mentorship he received throughout his time at SAU.
“The faculty and staff have always been by my side,” he said. “They wanted to see me succeed at times that I didn’t feel like I could.”
As a first-generation college student, walking toward graduation brings special meaning.
“I’m pretty dang proud of myself,” he said. “The amount of love you can give yourself is truly remarkable, and I did it.”
After commencement, Hertel hopes to continue making art and inspiring young creators.
“My goal is to create more art. To go inspire others,” he said.
His advice for future art students is simple and sincere: “Just do it,” he said. “You don’t know the wonders and the amount of love that you can explore in the art realm until you try. If you were going to do something with art? It would have to be at Ambrose.”
Ready to explore your own creative path?
St. Ambrose University’s art program blends mentorship, experimentation, and community to help students discover who they are – and who they can become.
Learn more and apply today.
