UMGC Arts Program Presents Before the Americas Exhibition

Adelphi, Md. - Feb. 5, 2026 - The Arts Program at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) will host Before the Americas, a compelling new exhibition that showcases the works of Caribbean, African, Latino, Afro-Latino and African American artists from the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Curated by artist and historian Cheryl Edwards, the exhibition opens with a reception and artists' panel on Sunday, Feb. 15, and runs through May 10.

Featuring some 40 thought-provoking works, Before the Americas delves into themes of ancestral memory, migration, invisibility and interconnectivity. The exhibit was most recently presented by George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

The opening reception at UMGC will include a moderated panel discussion hosted by Edwards-who conceived the showcase as a celebration of the cultural richness of the artists' stories, experiences and individual backgrounds-along with Luis LaRoche, who will expand upon ancestral memory; Wilfredo Valladeres on migration; Michelle Talibah on the invisibility of artists; and Azia Gibson-Hunter on the interconnectivity of artists.

"For more than 75 years, UMGC has embodied the belief that learning is not confined to classrooms," said UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler. "Rather, it is a lifelong journey of exploration, discovery and transformation. Our mission is to inspire hope, empower dreams and transform lives, one student at a time, and the arts play a vital role in that mission. Before the Americas underscores this, inviting us to see the world -and ourselves -through a broader, more discerning lens."

Exhibition Details:
Dates: February 15 - May 10, 2026
Gallery Hours: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Location: UMGC Arts Program Gallery, College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783

Opening Reception and Artists Panel:
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Time: 3-5 p.m. Eastern Time
Moderator: Cheryl Edwards, Curator
RSVP: umgc.edu/artrsvp

The UMGC Arts Program has been a cornerstone of the university's cultural outreach since 1978, cultivating a permanent collection that includes works by Maryland artists, international creators, and centuries-old Asian art. Through exhibitions like Before the Americas, UMGC continues to foster dialogue and understanding through the visual arts.

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 servicemembers. Today, 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 of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.

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