Honorary doctorate celebrates a lifetime of artistic impact

UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD, presented artist Joseph Sheppard (left) with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree at an exhibition opening featuring his work on June 28.

On June 28, 2026, a yearlong exhibition by internationally renowned artist Joseph Sheppard opened at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Sheppard attended the opening, where UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD, presented him with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.

Sheppard—whose commissioned works are displayed across the region and around the world—was born in Owings Mills and attended the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he also later taught painting, anatomy, and life drawing.

Fowler conferred the honorary degree during the exhibition’s opening, citing Sheppard’s exceptional contributions to the fields of art and sculpture.

Attendees at the Rooted in Classical Realism exhibition opening discuss Last Supper, a work by Sheppard.

In his remarks, Fowler praised Sheppard as an "artist of international stature" whose "work has achieved landmark status." He pointed out that Sheppard is still at it today, at the age of 95, from studios in Baltimore and Italy. His "vision and mastery continue to inspire," said Fowler.

The exhibit explores six decades of Sheppard’s work as a draftsman and painter. Many pieces highlight Sheppard’s love of anatomy and technical mastery, while others explore cultural subjects.

His work’s style is classical and reminiscent of old masters. With a focus on anatomical correctness, Sheppard is an expert in the chiaroscuro technique, using strong contrast and gradual transition to create dramatic subjects with depth and realism.

Sheppard (left) reviews the exhibition program book with an attendee.

Highly regarded as both a sculptor and painter, Sheppard has painted official portraits of President George H. W. Bush, Pope Benedict XVI, and other notable figures.

Many of his sculptures and murals can be found in Baltimore, including a landmark statue of Brooks Robinson at Camden Yards. His works are also on display in museums in cities across the world, such as the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the Museo Dei Bozzetti in Italy.

This is the latest exhibit at UMGC featuring Sheppard. 

Sheppard signed catalogs at the exhibition opening, often including small drawings.

UMGC also houses permanent holdings of his collection of 1,000 books on classical art and artists, as well as 20 of his acclaimed bronze and marble sculptures, donated to the university as part of the Leroy Merritt Center for the Art of Joseph Sheppard. Established in 2010 after a multi-million-dollar investment from Maryland philanthropist and businessman Leroy Merritt, the center aligns with UMGC’s goal of lifelong learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Rooted in Classical Realism: The Drawings of Joseph Sheppard will be open to the public through June 27, 2027.

 

Learn more about current exhibitions from the UMGC Arts Program. 

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