Adelphi, Md. (July 15, 2025)--The Arts Program at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has announced a new exhibition, Preston Sampson: Letters from Home, exploring the artist’s life and experiences. Sampson’s colorful, stylistic paintings and mixed media, collage, encaustic and pulp paper works will be on display at the UMGC Arts Program Gallery in the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center from July 27 to October 19, 2025.
An opening reception and artist talk will take place on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Arts Program Gallery.
“This exhibition is a journey of reflection on Sampson’s life and experiences through art,” said Eric Key, director of the Arts Program at UMGC. “Each work is a pictorial representation of some part of his life—his family and their ups and downs, his community, his church, and athletic and musical events.”
A graduate of University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in fine arts, Sampson has worked in a variety of art-related jobs, including cartoon artist, printmaker and art exhibition curator. Over the years, his work has gained international renown for its mastery of color across a variety of media and for the unique perspectives in his depictions of family, friends, Black culture and society. His works are featured in public and private collections across the country and around the world.
In addition to his work as an artist, Sampson is a sought-after public speaker and workshop host who has held residencies regionally and nationally and served as curator for a variety of exhibitions. Prior to focusing solely on creating art, Sampson taught art in elementary school, high school and community colleges and participated in community programs, including the Neighborhood Arts Academy in Washington, D.C.
About UMGC
For more than 75 years, UMGC has worked to bring education within reach for underserved populations, including adult learners in the workforce and the military. UMGC’s Arts Program supports that mission, introducing the works of new and emerging talent and expanding the audiences of established artists.
UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland. It continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.