Several framed painting of natural water scenes on a wall that has been illustrated with river names and pathways

Sheehan Gallery

Get Creative. Be Inspired.

Step Into a World of Wonder

The Donald H. Sheehan Gallery beckons art lovers and curious minds alike. Explore diverse exhibitions featuring contemporary works, delve into art history's rich tapestry, and discover the beauty of Asian art treasures. Free to the public, the Sheehan Gallery offers a vibrant hub for artistic exploration, intellectual engagement and community connection. Step through its doors and embark on a journey of creativity and wonder.

painting of two converging rivers

Current Exhibition

Dreams of Water

  • Friday, Sept. 25, at 5:30 p.m.
    Artist Talk by Elise Richman in Olin Auditorium, followed by a reception in Sheehan Gallery
  • Friday, Oct. 2, at 5:30 p.m.
    Artist Talk by Ohan Breiding in Olin Auditorium, followed by a reception in Sheehan Gallery
  • Friday, Oct. 23, at 5:30 p.m. 
    Storytelling Event with Rebecca Hom, followed by a celebration in Sheehan Gallery

Rippling through the Sheehan Gallery in Fall 2026 is a trio of water-based shows collectively called “Dreams of Water,” featuring contirbutions from Ohan Breiding and Elise Richman as well as a community-based group show called “We Are Water.”

Past Sheehan Gallery Exhibitions

The Sheehan Gallery at Whitman College has showcased a diverse range of artistic talents, with exhibitions from various genres and periods reflecting the rich creative spirit of the campus community.

April 24–May 24, 2026

Split Ends: Senior Thesis Art Exhbition

Celebrating the artistic accommplishments of the 2026 Studio Art majors with a gallery exhibition and connected events.

Sept. 23, 2025–March 13, 2026

To Make Us Free: Witnessing Activism at Whitman & Beyond

Exploring activist histories as an integral part of Whitman College’s past and present, and investigates how institutions of higher education have been both the locus for, and the object of, protests. 

Apr. 25–May 25, 2025

Shelf Life: Senior Thesis Art Exhibition

Celebrating the artistic accomplishments of the 2025 Studio Art majors in a cross-campus, multisite exhibition.

Jan. 28–April 4, 2025

FACT: fashion + art construct tomorrow

Featuring paintings by Erik ReeL ’75 and fashions selected by fashion curator and writer Rhonda P. Hill.

Sept. 3–Dec. 6, 2024

Picturing Family: Métis Life in the Walla Walla Valley

A collaboration with family historian of the Métis (mixed Indigenous and French Canadian) population of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Feb. 9–April 5, 2024

HYPERSPATIAL: Comics & Character in the Fourth Dimension

Featured artist: Sebastian Jones and collaborators

Aug. 29–Dec. 9, 2023

Panorama: Cantos Unfolding

Featured artist: Xiaoze Xie

two art-infused gates standing in a stream

Self-Guided

Campus Sculpture Tour

The Whitman College campus includes dozens of public art installations. Our self-guided Campus Sculpture Tour will introduce you to more than 30 sculptures which you can explore and enjoy at your convenience. A handy guide provides more information about each art piece and the artist who created it.

View the Sculpture Tour Guide

Art Collection at Sheehan Gallery
A Treasure Trove

Exploring the Whitman College Art Collection

The Whitman College Art Collection offers a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, from ancient Buddha statues to contemporary paintings and prints. Managed by the Sheehan Gallery, this collection comprises various treasures, including the Davis Collection, featuring Japanese art, the diverse Sculpture Collection and the fascinating Print USA Collection. New acquisitions are constantly enriching the diverse holdings and the gallery welcomes both contributions and collaboration with students and the community. 

Latest Stories

Erik ReeL (left) and Rhonda P. Hill (right) in Sheehan Gallery surrounded by paintings and mannequins displaying clothing

Extraordinary Gift Supports the Visual Arts at Whitman

A major testamentary gift from artist Erik ReeL ’75 and fashion curator Rhonda P. Hill names Whitman as the home of a $10 million art collection and establishes an endowment to support the visual arts.
August 21, 2026

Portrait of Anna Dawson in front of a pink wall

Designing a Life: Insights From a Whittie Web Designer

After a career that has spanned art direction, marketing and UX design, Anna Dawson ’13 launched her own website design studio in 2024 from her home in Madrid, Spain. Here she shares how her journey to entrepreneurship evolved and tips for crafting a creative career.
August 19, 2026

A student works on a sculpture in an art classroom

A Home for the Arts at Whitman

Take a student-led virtual tour of the Fouts Center for Visual Arts with Art major Joey Biehl ’26—and discover a place where creativity and exploration thrive.
August 19, 2026
Mission Statement
“

The Donald H. Sheehan Gallery is a professional and educational gallery whose principal purpose is to provide the Whitman College and Walla Walla communities with diverase opportunities to experience art firsthand. The gallery fosters experiential learning by providing exhibitions that engage contemporary and historical art in its many forms and to communicate its importance within a wide range of cultures and disciplines. 

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Visit the Sheehan Gallery

Admission to Sheehan Gallery is free and open to the public. Standard hours are Tuesday–Friday, noon–5 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, noon–4 p.m., or by appointment.

Schedule An Appointment Gallery Staff

The Sheehan Gallery is in Olin Hall at Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington.