The University of Mary Washington will hold the exhibition “Andy Warhol’s Athletes: Portraits from the Richard Weisman Collection” from Wednesday, February 11 to Wednesday, February 25 at the Ridderhof Martin Gallery. An opening reception and book signing of “Picasso to Pop: The Richard Weisman Collection,” by Richard Weisman will be held on Tuesday, February 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Both the reception and the exhibition are open to the public without charge.
Weisman is an art aficionado and philanthropist who became a friend and admirer of American pop artist Andy Warhol. In 1977, Weisman commissioned Warhol to paint a series of 10 world-class athletes, including golf legend Jack Nicklaus, tennis star Chris Evert, major league baseball pitcher Tom Seaver, basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Brazilian soccer star Pelé, former football star O.J. Simpson, Olympic gold medal ice skater Dorothy Hamill, jockey legend Willie Shoemaker, boxing superstar Muhammed Ali and ice hockey standout Rod Gilbert.
Weisman’s book “Picasso to Pop: The Richard Weisman Collection” showcases the Warhol works. Weisman lives in Seattle, Wash.
The Ridderhof Gallery is located directly across College Avenue from the parking lot at the corner of College Avenue and Seacobeck Street. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Free parking designated for gallery visitors is available in the lot on College Avenue at Thornton Street. For more information, contact UMW Galleries at (540) 654-1013.