Exhibitions

2026 Mid-Atlantic New Painting Biennial
Ridderhof Martin Gallery

As one of UMW Galleries’ longest standing traditions, this biennial event brings together regional artists to survey current directions in painting. Juried by Alexis Assam from the VMFA, this exhibition spans abstraction to figuration, capturing a snapshot of contemporary practice.

Juror Talk: Alexis Assam
October 15, 2026 | 5-6pm | Digital Auditorium, HCC 136

Image Credit: Emma Knight, Proteus, oil on canvas, 2026; image courtesy of the artist.

Practice What You Teach: UMW Faculty and Staff
duPont Gallery

We start the year off right with an exciting exhibition of faculty artwork! This exhibition highlights the creative research of the Department of Art’s faculty and staff. Featuring recent work across diverse media, Practice What You Teach reflects the innovation, experimentation, and talent the Department is known for.

Faculty Gallery Talk
October 1, 2026 | 5-6pm | duPont Gallery

Image Credit: Jason Robinson, Blender Animation, 2026.

USA 250: A Print Exchange
Ridderhof Martin Gallery

Curated by Coorain Devin and Tracy Stonestreet and supported in part by a 2026 AHSSSI Research Grant, USA 250 brings together artists from across the country to explore identity in our current moment. Through a portfolio of various printmaking approaches and styles, this exhibition asks: What does it mean to be American in 2026? The portfolio will be accompanied by recent student artwork, writing, and research on the theme.

Artists’ Round Table
November 19, 2026 | 5-6pm | Monroe Hall 116

Credit: Brooke Ann Inman, Patchwork Quilt; screen print, 2026.

Annual Student Art Exhibition
duPont Gallery

An annual favorite, the Annual Student Art Exhibition showcases exceptional work from across disciplines, celebrating student creativity and achievement. This year will be juried by Richard Rinehart, Director of the Samek Art Gallery at Bucknell University. The exhibition includes the Melchers Gray Purchase Award, through which a selected work enters the University’s permanent collection.

Juror Talk: Richard Rinehart
October 29, 2026 | 5-6pm | Digital Auditorium, HCC 136

Pictured: Kiley Hyson winning an Award of Excellence in 2025 for her artwork 52 Days Without.

Lasting Legacy: A Celebration of Historical American Prints through the Career of Wendy J. Shadwell
Ridderhof Martin Gallery

Lasting Legacy, curated by Clayton Lewis and Allison Stagg (MWC, ‘02), traces the development of American printmaking as a significant art form from the 17th through the early 20th centuries. Featuring historical works, the exhibition honors Wendy J. Shadwell, whose career as Curator of Graphic Arts at the New-York Historical Society shaped access to and scholarship in visual culture.

Pictured: Wendy J. Shadwell (MWC, ’63), photo by Glenn Castellano.

Senior Studios
duPont Gallery

Throughout Winter 2027, duPont Gallery transforms into an active workspace for graduating students to develop their final projects. Operating as an open studio, this environment will support experimentation, collaboration, and expanded modes of making, while giving visitors a rare view into artistic process and production as it unfolds. Stop by and see what they’re up to!

Pictured: Richard Simpson live performing his Senior Thesis, Capacity.

35 and Thriving: A Birthday Show
Ridderhof Martin Gallery

Thirty-five years calls for a celebration! Drawing from the University’s robust permanent collection, this exhibition features 35 artworks that capture the history and breadth of art at Mary Wash. Come raise a slice of cake with us as we celebrate the gallery’s past, present, and future.

Pictured: Phyllis Ridderhof (middle) at the groundbreaking of Ridderhof Martin Gallery.

*35 and Thriving: A Birthday Show will close May 30, 2027.

In the Making: Senior Exhibition
duPont Gallery

Culminating their years of study, the graduating class of 2027 will present a body of work developed over the course of the semester. Spanning multiple disciplines, this exhibition will highlight individual perspectives and creative growth, marking an important transition from academic work to emerging professional practice.

Research and Creativity Day: Senior Talks
April 23, 2027 | 2-3pm | duPont Gallery

*In the Making: Senior Exhibition will close April 25, 2027.