Girl looking at art

Brenau University Galleries

You will be inspired

View world-class pieces of artwork from internationally and nationally renowned artists, as well as local talent at the Brenau University Galleries, which are located on the historic Gainesville campus. Brenau houses four different exhibition spaces, and the galleries  serve as both an educational and cultural resource for Northeast Georgia through providing free public programming and shows.

History at a glance

Although Brenau has embraced artistic expression for the past 140-plus years, the first permanent art collection was installed in 1986, through the efforts of John S. Burd, who was the university’s president at the time. He reached out to the community for donations to the collection and helped designate the gallery’s space — a small chapel outside Pearce Auditorium, now known as the Presidents Gallery. Today, there are four gallery spaces on Brenau’s historic campus: the Presidents Gallery; Sellars Gallery in the Simmons Visual Arts Center; Leo Castelli Gallery in the John S. Burd Center for Performing Arts; and the Manhattan Gallery in the Brenau Downtown Center. 

Brenau’s collection encompasses over 3,500 works, includes drawings, paintings and sculptures by Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863), Anna Elizabeth Klumpke (1856-1942), Clyde Connell (1901-1998), and William King (1925-2015). The collection also includes many Pop art prints by Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008), and Frank Stella, as well as significant works from Georgia artists, including Maria Artemis, Beverly Buchanan (1940-2015), Lamar Dodd (1909-1996), Ruth Laxson (1924-2019) and R.A. Miller (1912-2006).

Our Exhibitions

To view our current and upcoming exhibitions, visit the Brenau University Galleries webpage.

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Brenau University Galleries presents contemporary and special exhibitions, oversee its university’s collection and provide educational programs.

Brenau Galleries will host an opening reception for Celebrating Freedom, an exhibit in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, from 4-6 p.m. on July 2, at Leo Castelli Gallery.

The exhibition will display pieces selected from Brenau’s Norton Family Legacy Art Collection. More than 60 artworks featuring Americana themes will be on display, including large-scale paintings, needlepoint, small works and ceramics. The works selected reflect various elements of American life and culture, including the Statue of Liberty, the American Flag and stars-and-stripes motifs.

The Norton family has long supported Brenau, including the establishment of the Norton Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Frank Norton Jr. is a current trustee, and his late mother, Betty Verson Norton, WC ‘52, was an alumna and trustee emerita

“The history of the Norton family is intertwined with freedom, ingenuity and fulfillment of the American Dream, so it is fitting that part of their century of art collecting embodies significant symbols of independence, strength and resilience,” Frank Norton said. “Flags, leaders, eagles and liberty are part of The American Story and a vital thread in the fabric of the Norton family.”

The opening reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit is OPEN NOW, and will be on display in Leo Castelli Gallery throughout the summer.

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Brenau Galleries will host an opening reception for Celebrating Freedom, an exhibit in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, from 4-6 p.m. on July 2, at Leo Castelli Gallery. The exhibition will display pieces selected from Brenau’s Norton Family Legacy Art Collection. More than 60 artworks featuring Americana themes will be on display, including large-scale paintings, needlepoint, small works and ceramics. The works selected reflect various elements of American life and culture, including the Statue of Liberty, the American Flag and stars-and-stripes motifs. The Norton family has long supported Brenau, including the establishment of the Norton Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Frank Norton Jr. is a current trustee, and his late mother, Betty Verson Norton, WC ‘52, was an alumna and trustee emerita “The history of the Norton family is intertwined with freedom, ingenuity and fulfillment of the American Dream, so it is fitting that part of their century of art collecting embodies significant symbols of independence, strength and resilience,” Frank Norton said. “Flags, leaders, eagles and liberty are part of The American Story and a vital thread in the fabric of the Norton family.” The opening reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit is OPEN NOW, and will be on display in Leo Castelli Gallery throughout the summer.

This summer, Brenau University’s Renaissance Gallery, located on the downtown Gainesville Square at 106 Spring St., is featuring Flora & Fauna: John Abbot’s Natural History of the Insects of Georgia. OPEN NOW!

Abbot, an English naturalist and artist born in 1751, studied the flora and fauna of the South by providing mounted specimens and detailed illustrations to collectors and scientists. In the summer of 1773, Abbot sold his personal belongings to fund his voyage to Virginia. He later relocated to rural Georgia.

He created more than 4,000 watercolor paintings of Georgia’s insects, plants and animals. Some of his work was published in two volumes in 1797 as The Natural History of the Rarer Lepidopterous Insects of Georgia… Collected from the Observations of Mr. John Abbot.

The Abbot watercolors on exhibition at the Renaissance Gallery are among the artworks from Brenau University’s Graham Arader Art Collection. Established by Graham Arader in collaboration with Dr. Michael Stubblefield, the Arader Art Fund at Brenau University is dedicated to expanding its collection of natural history artwork and integrating them into its academic curriculum.

Since its inception in late 2018, the fund has facilitated the acquisition of more than 700 pieces, enriching Brenau’s campus with a wealth of artistic representations of the natural world. This initiative enables students to have unparalleled access to an extensive array of natural history art, fostering meaningful integration of artistic expression across disciplines and immersing and enhancing students’ educational experiences and appreciation of the natural world.

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This summer, Brenau University’s Renaissance Gallery, located on the downtown Gainesville Square at 106 Spring St., is featuring Flora & Fauna: John Abbot’s Natural History of the Insects of Georgia. OPEN NOW! Abbot, an English naturalist and artist born in 1751, studied the flora and fauna of the South by providing mounted specimens and detailed illustrations to collectors and scientists. In the summer of 1773, Abbot sold his personal belongings to fund his voyage to Virginia. He later relocated to rural Georgia. He created more than 4,000 watercolor paintings of Georgia’s insects, plants and animals. Some of his work was published in two volumes in 1797 as The Natural History of the Rarer Lepidopterous Insects of Georgia… Collected from the Observations of Mr. John Abbot. The Abbot watercolors on exhibition at the Renaissance Gallery are among the artworks from Brenau University’s Graham Arader Art Collection. Established by Graham Arader in collaboration with Dr. Michael Stubblefield, the Arader Art Fund at Brenau University is dedicated to expanding its collection of natural history artwork and integrating them into its academic curriculum. Since its inception in late 2018, the fund has facilitated the acquisition of more than 700 pieces, enriching Brenau’s campus with a wealth of artistic representations of the natural world. This initiative enables students to have unparalleled access to an extensive array of natural history art, fostering meaningful integration of artistic expression across disciplines and immersing and enhancing students’ educational experiences and appreciation of the natural world.

🇺🇸 Celebrate America`s 250th at Brenau University! 🇺🇸

Brenau & the Northeast Georgia History Center invite rising 3rd–5th graders in the region to a day of discovery, creativity & patriotic fun!
Free One-Day History & Art Adventure for Kids (8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

What Will Your Child Experience?
• Dance & Movement: Master traditional steps like the Yankee Doodle and the Cumberland Reel (taught by the Atlanta Historic Dance Society).
• Interactive History: Step into the past with workshops on Paul Revere and the deerskin trade. (led by History Now).
• Creative Crafts: Design George Washington and Abraham Lincoln puppets (taught by the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta).
• Artistic Expression: Create vibrant "firework-inspired" masterpieces.
• Be the Artist: Students will help install their work in a professional "pop-up" exhibition!
• SPACE IS LIMITED SO SCAN THE QR CODE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Family Celebration After-Party & Reception (4-6 p.m.)
Open to families and the public! Join us for light refreshments and tour three unique exhibitions:
• The Student Pop-Up Exhibit: See what the kids created today! (at NEGHC)
• Youth Juried Exhibition: Middle school art celebrating the USA. (at NEGHC)
• Americana Art Curation: A professional exhibition at the Leo Castelli Gallery.

#BrenauUniversity #NortheastGeorgiaHistoryCenter #GainesvilleGA #KidsEvents #GeorgiaParents #SummerCamp #InteractiveHistory #CenterForPuppetryArts #FreeEventsForKids

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🇺🇸 Celebrate America's 250th at Brenau University! 🇺🇸 Brenau & the Northeast Georgia History Center invite rising 3rd–5th graders in the region to a day of discovery, creativity & patriotic fun! Free One-Day History & Art Adventure for Kids (8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) What Will Your Child Experience? • Dance & Movement: Master traditional steps like the Yankee Doodle and the Cumberland Reel (taught by the Atlanta Historic Dance Society). • Interactive History: Step into the past with workshops on Paul Revere and the deerskin trade. (led by History Now). • Creative Crafts: Design George Washington and Abraham Lincoln puppets (taught by the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta). • Artistic Expression: Create vibrant "firework-inspired" masterpieces. • Be the Artist: Students will help install their work in a professional "pop-up" exhibition! • SPACE IS LIMITED SO SCAN THE QR CODE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Family Celebration After-Party & Reception (4-6 p.m.) Open to families and the public! Join us for light refreshments and tour three unique exhibitions: • The Student Pop-Up Exhibit: See what the kids created today! (at NEGHC) • Youth Juried Exhibition: Middle school art celebrating the USA. (at NEGHC) • Americana Art Curation: A professional exhibition at the Leo Castelli Gallery. #BrenauUniversity #NortheastGeorgiaHistoryCenter #GainesvilleGA #KidsEvents #GeorgiaParents #SummerCamp #InteractiveHistory #CenterForPuppetryArts #FreeEventsForKids

🎨 Call for Young Artists in Northeast Georgia! 🎨

The Northeast Georgia History Center and Brenau University want to see your work!

We are looking for original art from rising 6th–8th graders that give a fresh, modern spin on American symbols like the flag, the bald eagle, or the Statue of Liberty.

Mediums: All 2D and 3D styles welcome!
Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
Exhibition Dates: June 20 – July 25, 2026
Cost: Free and open to the public!
Drop-off Location: 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville, GA

Parents and Teachers: Please share this with any friends whose kids love to create! Let’s show off the incredible talent of our local students. 🦅✨

#NortheastGeorgia #StudentArt #MiddleSchoolArt #GainesvilleGA #SummerArtExhibit

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🎨 Call for Young Artists in Northeast Georgia! 🎨 The Northeast Georgia History Center and Brenau University want to see your work! We are looking for original art from rising 6th–8th graders that give a fresh, modern spin on American symbols like the flag, the bald eagle, or the Statue of Liberty. Mediums: All 2D and 3D styles welcome! Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026 Exhibition Dates: June 20 – July 25, 2026 Cost: Free and open to the public! Drop-off Location: 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville, GA Parents and Teachers: Please share this with any friends whose kids love to create! Let’s show off the incredible talent of our local students. 🦅✨ #NortheastGeorgia #StudentArt #MiddleSchoolArt #GainesvilleGA #SummerArtExhibit

Brenau University is excited to announce the opening of the Alumni Artist Juried Exhibition at the Renaissance Gallery. Held in conjunction with Alumni Reunion Weekend, this curated showcase honors the professional achievements and technical mastery of our distinguished graduates.

We invite you to engage with these works and connect with the artists who continue to shape our creative community!

Featured Artists:

Jennifer Shull, WC ‘94

Jennifer Griner, WC ‘96

Heather Hanline, WC ‘96

Veronica Martin, WC ‘99

Melinda Cooper, WC ‘00

Lainey Kennedy, WC ‘08

Nicole Klein, WC ‘09

Katlyn Ashe, WC ‘11

Shiloh Van Gray, WC ‘12

Ashley Warmack, WC ‘12

Alyson Boyko, WC ’13

Chrystal Strickland, BU ’20

Exhibition Engagements

We invite you to join us for two formal receptions designed to foster dialogue between the artists and the public:

Artist Meet & Greet Reception Thursday, April 16 | 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Muffins & Mimosas Gallery Reception Friday, April 17 | 10:00 – 11:30 A.M.

Additional Viewing Information: The Renaissance Gallery is open for public viewing every Friday from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. For those desiring a more intimate experience, please contact the Gallery directly to schedule a private tour.

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Brenau University is excited to announce the opening of the Alumni Artist Juried Exhibition at the Renaissance Gallery. Held in conjunction with Alumni Reunion Weekend, this curated showcase honors the professional achievements and technical mastery of our distinguished graduates. We invite you to engage with these works and connect with the artists who continue to shape our creative community! Featured Artists: Jennifer Shull, WC ‘94 Jennifer Griner, WC ‘96 Heather Hanline, WC ‘96 Veronica Martin, WC ‘99 Melinda Cooper, WC ‘00 Lainey Kennedy, WC ‘08 Nicole Klein, WC ‘09 Katlyn Ashe, WC ‘11 Shiloh Van Gray, WC ‘12 Ashley Warmack, WC ‘12 Alyson Boyko, WC ’13 Chrystal Strickland, BU ’20 Exhibition Engagements We invite you to join us for two formal receptions designed to foster dialogue between the artists and the public: Artist Meet & Greet Reception Thursday, April 16 | 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Muffins & Mimosas Gallery Reception Friday, April 17 | 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. Additional Viewing Information: The Renaissance Gallery is open for public viewing every Friday from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. For those desiring a more intimate experience, please contact the Gallery directly to schedule a private tour.

Alumni artists, there`s still time to submit your work for the Annual Brenau Alumni Art Juried Exhibition! There’s no entry fee, and selected works may be featured in the 2027 Brenau calendar. Submit your work through the online entry form (scan the QR) by February 21, 2026!!

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Open post by brenaugalleries with ID 18075511250370687
Alumni artists, there's still time to submit your work for the Annual Brenau Alumni Art Juried Exhibition! There’s no entry fee, and selected works may be featured in the 2027 Brenau calendar. Submit your work through the online entry form (scan the QR) by February 21, 2026!!