Our art and design programs host myriad exhibitions and showcases throughout the academic year, all of them free and open to the public. Join us to experience the power of art to inspire, provoke and transform lives.
When you step into our galleries, you embark on a journey through captivating works of art that push boundaries and challenge conventions. With a wide range of exhibitions, our galleries provide a stimulating platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents, while also hosting established artists who captivate audiences and inspire our students with their artistic prowess.
Upcoming Art & Design Exhibitions
- Feb6February 6, 2026 - February 20, 2026
- Feb12February 12, 2026 - February 20, 2026
- Feb23February 23, 2026 - March 12, 2026
Arts Center Gallery
Location: Theatre Building, second floor | 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Hours: During exhibitions or by appointment
The 3,500-square-foot Arts Center Gallery serves as a teaching and research laboratory. It provides an annual setting for exhibitions by students, alumni and special guests, as well as thesis exhibitions, faculty exhibitions and undergraduate scholarship competitions. The gallery is split into four exhibition spaces, which rotate from September to May.
Kenilworth Square East Gallery
Location: Kenilworth Square East | 2155 N. Prospect Ave.
Hours: During exhibitions or by appointment
Originally a Ford Model T plant, the Peck School of the Arts’ Kenilworth Square East building is now a dynamic hub where creativity, innovation and expression converge. The ground level KSE Gallery hosts a wide range of exhibitions, where you’ll encounter everything from paintings and sculptures to cutting-edge installations and multimedia showcases.
Union Art Gallery
Location: UWM Student Union, Room W199 | 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Hours: Visit the Union Art Gallery for hours and exhibitions
The Union Art Gallery is an art space dedicated to the exhibition of diverse, contemporary art. It presents a broad range of visual art by exhibiting work in all mediums by local, regional and national emerging and established artists. In addition, the Union Art Gallery prides itself on being an accessible space for UWM student artists to exhibit and learn.
Emile H. Mathis Gallery
Location: Mitchell Hall, Room 170 | 3203 N. Downer Ave.
Hours: Visit the Emile H. Mathis Gallery for hours and exhibitions
The Emile H. Mathis Gallery serves both the campus and greater Milwaukee community by providing access to the UWM Art Collection through exhibitions. The gallery’s objective complements the university’s educational and outreach mission. As envisioned, both serve as pedagogical vehicles for enhancing art education at all levels, fostering inter-departmental and inter-disciplinary relationships and creating community partnerships.
Kenilworth Open Studios
Immerse yourself in creativity when Peck School of the Arts student and faculty artists open their studios to the public. From exhibitions and studio visits to live performances and family-friendly art activities, you’ll find something to excite you at Kenilworth Open Studios.
Exhibitions & Showcases
September 5, 2025–September 28, 2025
Sum Total: Department of Art & Design Faculty Exhibition
Celebrate the vibrant artistic community at Peck School of the Arts with this unmissable, biennial exhibition featuring the work of faculty and teaching staff from the Department of Art & Design.
September 6, 2024–September 28, 2024
Continuum 24: Where Everything Begins
Continuum 24: Where Everything Begins combines selected pieces from distinct bodies of work by Raoul Deal created both individually and in collaboration with other artists and communities in the United States and Mexico over a period of 35 years.
September 12, 2025–September 28, 2025
ChemLight presents a selection of works by students from the Photography & Imaging Area’s Materials and Processes and Studio Lighting courses.
September 12, 2025–September 28, 2025
Exhibition of selected hand-woven pieces from Fibers courses in the Department of Art & Design.
November 6, 2025–November 20, 2025
Worlds Within: Midwestern Microcultures Photography Exhibition
Worlds Within: Midwestern Microcultures is a photography exhibition curated by Peck School of the Arts Advanced Photography Students currently enrolled in ART 452: Contemporary Issues in Photography.
November 14, 2025–December 11, 2025
Students who received scholarships in the previous year are invited to display work in this exciting exhibition that spans a wide range of mediums and topics from emerging artists.
November 20, 2025–November 23, 2025
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant intersections of creativity and technology, connecting the Milwaukee community with the next frontier of artistic expression.
December 5, 2025–December 7, 2025
Contemporary Craft Exhibition & Sale
Featuring handmade works from students in Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Ceramics, Photography, Digital Fabrication, and Design & Visual Communication.
December 5, 2025–December 20, 2025
Art & Design BA/BFA Fall Exhibition
A semiannual exhibition showcasing the work of graduating students in the BA and BFA programs. The exhibition traditionally takes place at the end of fall and spring semesters.
December 11, 2025, 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Design & Visual Communication Showcase
Seniors in the Design & Visual Communication program present their most recent and innovative work.
February 6–February 20
Exhibition of selected pieces from Fibers courses in the Department of Art & Design.
February 23–March 12
Union Art Gallery Annual Juried Exhibition
This juried exhibition showcases student artists from around the Greater Milwaukee area working in a variety of mediums.
March 13–April 18
Art & Design MFA Thesis Exhibition: Gathering | Place
Witness the culmination of years of artistic development and intensive research as Master of Fine Arts graduate students unveil their captivating works.
April 1–April 10
Art & Design First Year Experience Exhibition
This exhibition is an opportunity for first year students to showcase work created during a time of significant artistic and personal development.
April 10–April 26
Makers! 26 + Sculpture 26 + Focus!26 Student Exhibitions
Delve into the captivating work by Sculpture and Jewelry & Metalsmithing students and discover the intricate beauty and craftsmanship of this timeless art form.
May 2–May 16
Design & Visual Communication BFA Capstone Exhibition
Join Design & Visual Communication BFA Students in an interactive exhibition of their Capstone Thesis projects.
May 8–May 16
Art & Design BA/BFA Spring Exhibition
A semiannual exhibition showcasing the work of graduating students in the BA and BFA programs. The exhibition traditionally takes place at the end of fall and spring semesters.