History of The Donald H. Sheehan Gallery

Founded in 1973, the Sheehan Gallery at Whitman College serves as a vital intellectual and cultural resource for the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This mission extends beyond the liberal arts curriculum, offering a diverse range of exhibitions, events, and educational opportunities.

The collection’s focus on both historical and contemporary art broadened in 1987 with the acquisition of the Davis Collection, particularly enriching its Asian art holdings. This emphasis further deepened in 1999 with the addition of a Japanese tearoom (Chikurakken), now housed in the Asian Studies Center.

Named after Whitman’s ninth president, the Donald H. Sheehan Gallery showcases six exhibitions annually. These exhibitions feature contemporary art, explore art history themes, and delve into broader human cultural issues. The gallery also offers a vibrant program of symposia, lectures, films, and workshops, often complementing the exhibitions.

Beyond exhibitions, the Sheehan Gallery manages the college’s Seafirst Bank Thomas P. Davis Collection of Asian Art, housed in the Asian Studies Center. This collection provides valuable research resources for students and faculty.

The Sheehan Gallery offers internship and employment opportunities to students interested in contemporary art, art history, visual culture studies, Asian art, and museum studies. Additionally, all exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public, ensuring accessibility for the entire community.