2026–2027 EXHIBITION SEASON
Established and Emerging Artists Explore Light, Landscape, Identity and Innovation Across Eight Exhibitions
Originally Published by Strathmore, August 17, 2026
NORTH BETHESDA, Md. – Aug. 17, 2026 – The Mansion at Strathmore, a historic arts venue offering an intimate setting for artistic discovery, presents its 2026–2027 season of exhibitions in the Mansion Galleries. Featuring eight free exhibitions – from striking black-and-white photography to inventive mixed media – the season explores light, landscape, identity, and the many ways artists transform ideas into compelling visual experiences. Together, these exhibitions reflect Strathmore’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and expanding access to the visual arts.
“We want every visit to the Mansion Galleries to feel like an invitation to discover something new,” said Lesley Morris, Strathmore’s director of mansion galleries. “Whether you’re encountering an artist for the first time or returning to explore a new exhibition, we hope the experience sparks curiosity, conversation, and a lasting appreciation for the arts.”
Season highlights include the 4th Annual Black and White Photography Exhibition, featuring juried works by photographers from across Maryland; Color & Light, showcasing lively landscape paintings by Hirons and Cathy Abramson; Strathmore’s 35th Annual Juried Exhibition: Fusion, celebrating creative combinations of materials, ideas, and artistic styles; and a solo exhibition by Pedro Ledesma III, whose research and sustained community engagement inform powerful portraits affirming the vital presence of Black history within the American narrative.
Additional exhibitions showcase contemporary textiles, regional artists, miniature art, and exceptional handcrafted works by the Mid-Atlantic’s finest makers.
The 2026–2027 Mansion Galleries exhibition schedule is as follows:
FALL 2026: BLACK, WHITE & BOLD
4TH ANNUAL BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
Exhibition: Sat., Sept. 12 – Sat., Nov. 7
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Opening Reception: Thu., Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
This exhibition explores landscapes through black-and-white photography, featuring works selected from 1,021 submissions by photographers affiliated with 24 clubs across Maryland. Photographer and MPA Maryland Master Leo Howard Lubow juried the competition.
INTERSECTIONS: LUSMERLIN & KELVIN HE HAO LOW
Exhibition: Sat., Sept. 12 – Sat., Nov. 7
Opening Reception: Thu., Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
Strathmore’s Intersections series brings together artists with contrasting perspectives in the Mansion Galleries. This exhibition features Lusmerlin’s vibrant pastel works and Kelvin He Hao Low’s woven textiles.
WINTER 2026-2027: MIXED MEDIA & MINIATURES
Exhibition: Sat., Nov. 21 – Sat., Jan. 9
Opening Reception: Sat., Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Artists Hirons and Cathy Abramson masterfully capture subtle light and shadow in a joint exhibition of vibrant pastel and acrylic landscapes.
Exhibition: Sat., Nov. 21 – Sat., Jan. 9
Opening Reception: Sat., Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C., hosts its 93rd annual exhibition, inviting viewers to use a magnifying glass to explore 700 tiny marvels.
35th ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION: FUSION
Exhibition: Sat., Jan. 23 – Tue., Feb. 27
Opening Reception: Thu., Feb. 4, 7 p.m.
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Strathmore’s 35th Annual Juried Exhibition showcases original works that celebrate creativity through the combination of materials, ideas, and artistic styles. Featuring both abstract and representational art across a variety of media, the exhibition highlights innovative approaches that transform diverse elements into compelling new creations.
SPRING 2027: POWERFUL PORTRAITS & LOCAL VOICES
Exhibition: Sat., March 6 – Tue., April 27
Opening Reception: Thu., March 11, 7 p.m.
Through research and sustained community engagement, Pedro Ledesma III creates powerful portraits that affirm the vital presence of Black history within the American narrative.
Exhibition: Sat., March 6 – Tue., April 27
Opening Reception: Thu., March 11, 7 p.m.
Curator Adah Rose Bitterbaum brings her singular approach, drawing on over 40 regional exhibitions to showcase, celebrate and champion local artists.
SUMMER 2027: HANDCRAFTED DESIGN
Exhibition: Sat., May 29 – Fri., July 31
Opening Reception: Thu., June 3, 7 p.m.
Meet the Makers: Sat., June 5, June 26 & July 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Creative Crafts Council returns for its 36th exhibition, showcasing the Mid-Atlantic’s finest handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and woodwork.
Gallery Information: All exhibitions are free and open to the public. Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday, noon-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and federal holidays.For complete schedules and event RSVPs: strathmore.org/mansion
ABOUT STRATHMORE
Since 1983, https://www.strathmore.org/Strathmore has enriched lives through transformative artistic experiences and meaningful community connections. Based in North Bethesda, Md., this nonprofit cultural institution showcases world-class talent, supports emerging artists, and offers diverse programs at its Music Center and Mansion, as well as across Montgomery County. Strathmore fosters creativity and community through performance, educational initiatives, and accessible arts programming. Experience the magic of Strathmore, where the arts are everywhere. Follow Strathmore on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.