Origins Press Release — SAMANTHA VAN HEEST

UMW Galleries Press Release – January 2026

duPont Gallery

1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

The University of Mary Washington Galleries are pleased to present Origins: Samantha Van Heest.

The Origins series highlights the work of UMW Art alumni and the UMW Galleries are thrilled to host Samantha Van Heest (UMW Class of 2020). Van Heest utilizes still life, found objects, and textiles to explore our relationships and rituals with the seemingly mundane, navigating patterns of collecting and preserving through unconventional means of presentation. Her hyperrealistic renderings of everyday domestic objects memorializes ephemeral discards and invites conversation around the politics of consumerism.

Samantha Van Heest has been awarded several residencies and is currently an MFA candidate in Painting at Boston University. Along with solo exhibitions, Van Heest has been included in various group shows, was featured in New American Paintings South #148, and worked for contemporary painter Amy Sherald.

Hours & Admission:

The exhibition will be on view from January 20 – March 15, 2026, in the duPont Gallery, with an opening reception on Tuesday, January 20th from 5-7pm. A gallery talk with Samantha Van Heest will be held on March 12th at 5pm in duPont Gallery. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Sunday from 10am-4pm. Admission is always free and tours are available.

If you have any questions, please call (540) 654-1013 or email gallery@umw.edu. Visit us online at www.umwgalleries.org or in person at 1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

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