Blanche Ames Gallery
UUCF's Art Gallery is currently open for IN-PERSON viewing or by appointment.
Our gallery shows are available for viewing in person on Sundays from 10-2:00 or on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, mornings from 10-12:00 or by appointment at other times for individuals or small groups. To request an appointment, email us at with your name, phone# and date/time of desired appointment.
"And Still We Paint"
Blanche Ames Gallery welcomes the Shepherdstown Friday MorningPainters. Their show opens Sunday, September 3 from 11:45-1:45 with a reception and artist's talk, and the show will run through October 29. The FMP (for short) is an informal group of local artists who spend every Friday morning working together and supporting each other in their creative endeavors. Exhibitors in this show include: Pat Barnes, Denny Clark, Claudia Giannini, David Hutchins, Kirsten Lee, Ann Lesman, Bob Lesman, Joanna Morrison, Julie Read, Kira Skala, Hilary White, Monica Wilkins and Virginia Winston.
The group works in a variety of media including watercolor, pastels, oil and acrylic painting, drawing and collage. Members share techniques and information on exhibitions and workshops.
The group paints "plein air" or meets at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church when the weather isn't good- sometimes traveling further afield to spend two or three days immersed in capturing the beauty of West Virginial.
FMP grew out of a watercolor class nearly 30 years ago led by Joe Mayer. The students enjoyed working together so much that when the class ended, they just kept going.
In some ways FMB is a unique organization, if that word can be used to describe a group with no rules, officers or dues. New members come and go in an interesting process of renewal. Love of art, creativity and friendship is the glue that holds them together. Enjoy this show that includes work by our own UUCF member, Dave Hutchins. 
Painting credits left to right: "Wired" by Julie Read, watercolor "Blushing Varietals" by Monica Wilkins, watercolor
For artists: Are you wondering how to Exhibit in our Gallery?
We invite artists working in any media that can be wall hung to inquire about an exhibit with us. The Blanche Ames Gallery features over 100 linear feet of art exhibition space in two light-filled hallways within the UUCF building. Sorry, our space does not lend itself to displays of pottery, jewelry, or three-dimensional work that is free standing.
Artists interested in showing their work should submit a completed application and digital images by email or USMail to the office at UUCF . Please download the Proposal Form. Blanche Ames Gallery's email address is gallery@frederickuu dot org.
The Visual Arts Committee plans, schedules and executes all art exhibits at UUCF. We schedule six art shows (two months each) during the year, with an art reception and artist's talk on the first Sunday of each show. Here are a few examples of artists' shows at our Gallery:
- Andrex Family Art Show
- Chris Fowler Photography Show
- Art Quilters on the Edge
- Brenda Murphy Art Show
Click here for a history of Gallery Exhibits since 2016.
Who was Blanche Ames? Why her name?
Blanche Ames (1878-1969) was an exceptional woman and a member of her Unitarian Congregation in Massachusetts. She was a leader who serves as an inspiration to us today.
With her minutely observed drawings and etchings she illustrated her husband's 7-volume treatise on orchids. Ames' talent extended well beyond art. She was a feminist, a suffragist, a leader in civic and charitable affairs, an inventor, an engineer and an author.
A more extensive biographical sketch can be found by clicking on Blanche Ames. After her death, the Ames family homestead, including the mansion with her studio, became a Massachusetts state park with more than 1800 acres of recreational space. https://www.mass.gov/locations/borderland-state-park
A new documentary film - "Borderland: The Life and Times of Blanche Ames Ames"- was released in 2020. Go to https://www.borderlandthedocumentary.com to watch the trailer and find out how schedule a private viewing or sign up for a community event at which the film will be shown.
The Gallery Has a Facebook Page
Click here to "Like" Us
(The short link to this page is frederickuu.org/gallery).