Blue light illuminates a small room with fish and other objects suspended from the ceiling

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.

Illustration with large pink “Split Ends” text overlaid with small purple birds

Current Exhibition

“Split Ends: Senior Thesis Art Exhibition 2026”

  • Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m.
    Art talk by Thesis Visiting Educator Nika Blasser in Olin Auditorium
  • Friday, April 24, from 5:30–7 p.m.
    Opening celebration in Sheehan Gallery
  • Saturday, May 23, from 1–3 p.m. 
    Reception with family and friends in Sheehan Gallery

The Sheehan Gallery and Studio Art Department invite you to celebrate the artistic accomplishments of the 2026 Studio Art Majors with their Sheehan Gallery exhibition and connected events. This exhibition and programming made possible thanks to the Les & Carolyn Stephens Visiting Artist Endowment.

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.

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. 

Shelf Life: Senior Thesis Art Exhibition 2025

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

FACT: fashion + art construct tomorrow

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

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.

HYPERSPATIAL: Comics & Character in the Fourth Dimension

Featured artist: Sebastian Jones and collaborators

Panorama: Cantos Unfolding

Featured artist: Xiaoze Xie

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

Four faculty portraits of Dalia Biswas, Maria Lux, Erin Pahlke and Andrea Sempértegui

Whitman Celebrates Faculty Excellence With New Paul Garrett Fellows

Whitman College has named Dalia Biswas, Maria Lux, Erin Pahlke and Andrea Sempértegui as the newest recipients of the Paul Garrett Fellowship, which is awarded to Assistant or Associate Professors for excellence in teaching and scholarship.
November 07, 2025

A hanging sculpture in the foreground with students looking at artwork on gallery walls in the background

‘The Transfer Collective’: Art Show Spotlights the Creativity of Whitman Transfer Students

With “The Transfer Collective,” a recent group of Whitman College transfer students made their mark on campus—and introduced their artwork to the wider Whitman community.
October 17, 2025

Keiko Hara paints a large canvas in her studio

PBS Spotlights Work of Professor of Art, Emerita, Keiko Hara

Cascade PBS recently visited the Walla Walla studio of Whitman College Professor of Art, Emerita, Keiko Hara to explore the artist’s vivid large-scale works inspired by natural landscapes. (Photo by Art by Northwest/Cascade PBS.)
September 15, 2025

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.