Opening reception set for June 28

Adelphi, Md. — June 15, 2026 — The Arts Program at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) will present Rooted in Classical Realism: The Drawings of Joseph Sheppard, a new exhibition exploring the acclaimed artist’s talent as a draftsman and painter. The exhibition will be open to the public June 28, 2026, through June 27, 2027, at the Leroy Merritt Center for the Art of Joseph Sheppard in Adelphi, Maryland. 

“It is always an honor to host an exhibition by Joseph Sheppard, whose work is on prominent display at our global headquarters in Adelphi,” said UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD. “His long and distinguished career, his mastery of classical realism, his support for the arts and our Arts Program, and his legacy as an educator are a constant source of inspiration. We are grateful for this opportunity to celebrate a life and career that continues to inspire creativity, learning, and a lasting appreciation for the arts.”

Completed over the past six decades of Sheppard’s career, the drawings on view showcase the artist’s love of anatomy and mastery of the medium. The opening reception will be held Sunday, June 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. 

“At UMGC, we are proud to share Joseph Sheppard’s work with the public and to preserve a space dedicated to his artistic legacy,” said Eric Key, director of UMGC’s Arts Program. “This exhibition honors his lasting impact on Maryland’s arts community and highlights the skill and vision that has defined his career.”

More information about the exhibition is available at https://www.umgc.edu/administration/arts/exhibits/joseph-sheppard-exhibition. 

Exhibition Details:

  • Dates: June 28, 2026–June 27, 2027 
  • Gallery Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
  • Location: College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center at the Leroy Merritt Center for the Art of Joseph Sheppard Gallery, Adelphi, Maryland | 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783

Opening Reception:

The UMGC Arts Program has cultivated and grown its permanent art collections since 1978, including one of the largest compilations of works by Maryland artists in the state. Established in 2010, the Leroy Merritt Center for the Art of Joseph Sheppard honors Sheppard’s work and supports the university’s goal of promoting lifelong learning. 

About University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military service members. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 100 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit https://www.umgc.edu. 

Media Inquiries: Please email media@umgc.edu.

Content advisory: This exhibition includes artistic depictions of nudity, presented in an educational, cultural, and historical context.