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 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM or on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, mornings from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM or by appointment at other times for individuals or small groups.To request an appointment, email us at gallery@frederickuu.org with your name, phone# and date/time of desired appointment.
Visit the Blanche Ames Gallery for "Art is Universal," an art exhibit by members of TAG/The Artists Gallery: Karen Peacock, Christine Stovall, and Liz LaGarde.
"Art is Universal" opens with a reception that will take place on Sunday, September 6, from 12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The art exhibit runs through Sunday, October 25, 2026.
When asked about the meaning of the exhibit’s title Christine Stovall says, “Art is created in all societies. The drive to create and appreciate art is present in every known human society throughout history. Emotion is felt in art; common feelings of love, grief, joy, and fear that every person understands.”
The backgrounds in Stovall’s oil paintings lean towards abstraction, while the focal points are more defined.“I think about the effects of climate change on humans and other creatures,” says Stovall. “I love the natural world and want to protect it. My paintings reflect nature and my desire for a more harmonious interaction between man and nature.”
Liz LaGarde’s art is also influenced by her love of the natural world. She is fascinated with biological illustration and printmaking. LaGarde experiments with paint and collage, playing and arranging to illustrate her thoughts and environmental concerns.
Mixed-media artist, Karen Peacock, uses a variety of materials in her work that would otherwise be destined for the landfill. She enjoys giving purpose to unwanted items, especially vintage dresses.
Artwork will be available for purchase.
artwork from left to right by Karen Peacock, Christine Stovall, and Liz LaGarde
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. During those two months, everyone attending programs inside our facility will view your work -- we estimate that to be between 1500 and 2000 visitors.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 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 short link to this page is frederickuu.org/gallery).