"Of the People" Exhibition

January 20, 2026 – March 28, 2026

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence has inspired people across the country to reflect on the meaning of American democracy. The ideas that the government’s authority comes from the people who elected them and that its purpose is to serve the values and overall welfare of its people, have been embedded in the American cultural psyche for some time. As too have repeated stories of democracy that teach the American public to trust in democratic process and the justice system. 

Of the People features a selection of works on paper by contemporary artists from across the United States who responded to the question: what does American Democracy mean to you? Through investigative research, consulting various formal and informal repositories of knowledge, and reflecting inwardly, this group of artists particularly consider the meaning of American democracy in the present moment.

Schedule of Events

Opening Reception: Of the People
Thursday, January 29, 2026
5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Stedman Gallery

Artist Talk: Meridith McNeal
Thursday, February 26, 2026
12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Stedman Gallery

Family Day
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Noon to 3 p.m., Stedman Gallery

Book Discussion and Poetry Workshop
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Stedman Gallery

Of the People Exhibition Highlights Tour
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Stedman Gallery

Artist Talk: Kumasi Barnett
Friday, March 27, 2026
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Stedman Gallery