Opening Reception: Then, Now, and Tomorrow

This spring, the Stamp Gallery at the University of Maryland, College Park, presents Then, Now, and Tomorrow, an exhibition of artwork acquired this year by the University’s Contemporary Art Purchasing Program (CAPP). On view February 16 through April 4, the exhibition features eight artworks selected by the 2024-2025 Contemporary Art Purchasing Program Committee.

Deeply empathetic, forward-thinking, and community-centered, this year’s CAPP Committee selections encapsulate the multiplicity that exists within all of us. This CAPP cycle’s acquisitions showcase a wide range of artists from University of Maryland alumni, to Prince George’s County residents, to artists based in cities like New York and Baltimore, encompassing the variety of people and identities that exist and resonate within our nexus at the University of Maryland.

The 2024-2025 CAPP Committee (Vivian Castrillo, Raina Hatcher, Noa Nelson, Grace Orellana, Rachel Schmid-James, and Trinitee Tatum) spent the better part of a year researching and discussing potential artists, as well as conducting studio and gallery visits throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and New York City. Drawn to works that contend with resilience and resistance, the group bonded over artists that addressed the immediacy of representation in the current socio-political climate, emphasizing themes of collective futures, cultivating conversations, and reimagining the art historical canon. 

Of the selection, the Committee said, “We chose these pieces with great intention, capturing the essence of communities that have been foundational to the creation and structure of this academic institution. A desire for harmony and to create intergenerational dialogue deeply influenced our decision to pull together select past acquisitions with recent additions in this upcoming show, giving form to its title, Then, Now and Tomorrow. As a cohort, we hope that our choices uplift the stories and voices of our community both as an institution and as a part of life beyond our University.” 

After Then, Now, and Tomorrow closes, the included artworks will be installed in the study spaces, lounges, and corridors of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union—Center for Campus Life for the daily study, inspiration, and enjoyment of students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

This exhibition and associated programming is supported in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY ART PURCHASING PROGRAM (CAPP)

Now in its twentieth year, the Contemporary Art Purchasing Program (CAPP) empowers students to purchase contemporary artwork on behalf of the University of Maryland. The program operates on a biannual basis. Students of diverse majors are selected to participate through a competitive application process. Together, they embark on a rigorous research and training program, including extensive visits to galleries and artists’ studios in Baltimore, New York, and Washington, DC.

Since its inauguration in 2006, the CAPP Collection has grown to encompass 87 works of art by 68 artists. Represented in the collection are works by internationally recognized artists, including Titus Kaphar, Shimon Attie, Wafaa Bilal, Nikki S. Lee, Dulce Pinzón, Barbara Probst, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, and Lorna Simpson, some of them graduates of the University of Maryland such as Selin Balci, Nilou Kazemzadeh, and Jefferson Pinder. The work is on view throughout the Stamp Student Union, available for thousands of visitors to engage with daily.

ABOUT THE GALLERY

Located on the first floor of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union—Center for Campus Life at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Stamp Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art, especially the work of emerging and mid-career artists. The Stamp Gallery supports contemporary art that is challenging, academically engaging, and attuned to broad community and social issues. Through meaningful exhibitions and programming, the Gallery offers outside-of-the-classroom experiential learning opportunities. It functions as a laboratory where emerging artists and curators experiment and work through their ideas. The Gallery’s programming aims to emphasize the importance of process to contemporary artistic practice and to provide a forum for dialogue.

FREE and open to the public. Spring Hours: Mondays–Thursdays: 10 am – 8 pm, Fridays: 10 am – 5 pm, Saturdays: 11 am – 5 pm, Sundays: Closed.

More information: stamp.umd.edu/gallery