Whitman 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

An oil painting of an Alutiiq woman holding a small bear in an Alaskan landscape

The Art of Belonging: How a Whittie Artist Connects With Landscape & Legacy

In a career that has spanned continents and decades, artist Linda Infante Lyons ’81 explores her Alutiiq roots, Alaskan history and her deep relationship to the land in her iconic oil paintings.

May 13, 2026

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

Rhonda Hill and Erik Reel.

Art & Fashion Come Full Circle at Whitman’s Sheehan Gallery

With their show at the Sheehan Gallery, Erik ReeL ’75 and Rhonda P. Hill found meaning in the past and hope for the future. Check out the innovative exhibit—and its unique origin story.

July 22, 2025

Asaya Johnson

Portrait of a Creative Student Leader

Art major Asya Johnson ’26 started a student-led Photography Club on campus that brings students together around a shared creative interest. Learn how she finds growth, leadership, community and creativity on campus.

June 16, 2025

Whitman College Faculty Fellows.

Whitman Faculty Fellows Bring Fresh Perspectives to Teaching & Research

Whitman College’s Faculty Fellows program started strong this year with a cohort of emerging scholars who are sharing their unique experience and expertise with students while developing their teaching, creative and research skills.

May 13, 2025

A panelist stands holding a microphone

‘Sojourning to Freedom’ Panel Elevates Black Women’s Voices

The panel event, organized by Whitman College Black faculty members during Women’s History Month, sought to highlight the contributions of Black women to their research, theories, classrooms and lives.

March 31, 2025