The University of Mary Washington Galleries have announced their fall 2025 exhibition lineup, featuring four major shows at the duPont and Ridderhof Martin Galleries. Highlights include Erika Stearly's participatory installation 'Take a Painting,' where visitors exchange artworks; 'Intersection,' pairing David Carlson's abstract paintings with Chee Keong Kung's geometric sculptures; and 'Adaptation, Innovation and Tradition: Art from the Patawomeck Community,' showcasing historic and contemporary Native American art. The season also includes gallery talks, a juror lecture, and a community roundtable, all free and open to the public.
This programming matters because it bridges national and regional artists with alumni and students, emphasizing participatory and community-engaged art. By featuring interactive works, abstract explorations, and Indigenous perspectives, the galleries foster dialogue and accessibility, reinforcing the role of university art spaces as hubs for cultural exchange and education. The inclusion of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe's art highlights underrepresented voices, while the 'Take a Painting' project challenges traditional notions of ownership and authorship in art.