Participatory Art and Abstract Works Anchor UMW Galleries 2025 Lineup

The University of Mary Washington Galleries open their doors this fall to a dynamic slate of exhibitions and events that bring together national and regional artists, alumni and students for both creativity and conversation.

From an interactive painting installation to mixed-media sculpture, abstract works and Native American art, the fall 2025 schedule at Mary Washington’s Ridderhof Martin and duPont Galleries offers opportunities for reflection, analysis and participation. A series of gallery talks, a juror lecture and a community roundtable will further connect audiences with artists, curators and cultural leaders.

“We are pleased to share a full season of programming that reflects the diversity of contemporary art and the strength of our community connections,” said Tracy Stonestreet, director of UMW Galleries. “Each exhibit and event is designed to spark dialogue, encourage participation and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement.”

Fall 2025 Exhibitions
UMW Galleries presents four major exhibits this fall, two opening this month and two in late October. All gallery events are free and open to the public; no prior registration or tickets are necessary.

At the opening receptions for ‘Intersection’ and ‘Take a Paining’ this month gallery visitors view the artwork meant to spark creativity and conversation. Photo by Nellie Bittenbender.

‘Take a Painting’ at duPont Gallery is an evolving, participatory installation by Erika Stearly that transforms the gallery into a working studio. Photo by Nellie Bittenbender.

Artist Erika Stearly’s participatory project, ‘Take a Painting,’ emphasizes both the process and the product, blurring the line between audience, participant, artist, and individual, and offers multiple ways to engage with the work. Photo by Nellie Bittenbender.

The ‘Intersection’ exhibit features abstract art and sculpture by David Carlson and Chee Keong Kung. Photo by Nellie Bittenbender.

Both artists, David Carlson and Chee Keong Kung, explore concepts of space and time through graceful, undulating forms in the ‘Intersection’ exhibit. Photo by Nellie Bittenbender.

An eel pot crafted by artists from the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, along with more artwork and crafts by the tribe, will be part of the exhibit in the Ridderhof Martin Gallery.

The oil on canvas painting by senior Lily Price ’26 titled “Leave Me Like You Found Me,” won the Melchers Gray Purchase Award at last year’s Annual Student Art Exhibit.

From Oct. 30 through Dec. 7, UMW Galleries presents two new exhibitions – kicking off with joint receptions on opening night, Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m., at both locations.

At Ridderhof Martin Gallery, Adaptation, Innovation and Tradition: Art from the Patawomeck Community presents both historic and contemporary art from the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, highlighting their connections to place and environment. The tribe’s works illustrate how community identity is created, maintained and remade over time. Artists and Patawomeck community members will share their perspectives in a roundtable discussion on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5 to 6 p.m.

At duPont Gallery, the Annual Student Art Exhibition will showcase works by Mary Washington students, juried by Clare van Loenen, director of museums at Sweet Briar College. An array of artwork, typically around 50 pieces, will be on display with awards presented, including the Melchers Gray Purchase Award for the piece added to UMW’s permanent collection. Van Loenen will give a juror talk on her curatorial work on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 6 p.m.

The UMW Galleries promote art education on campus and in the Fredericksburg community, hosting three to four rotating exhibitions per semester, featuring artwork by national and international artists as well as students and faculty.

See the full calendar of events, visiting artists and speakers on the UMW Galleries website.