Before the Americas

Before the Americas is an exhibition curated by Cheryl Edwards that brings together approximately 40 thought-provoking works by Caribbean, African, Latino, Afro-Latino, and African American artists who are working or have worked in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The exhibition explores themes of ancestral memory, migration, invisibility, and interconnectivity, drawing on the artists' stories, experiences, and individual backgrounds. The University of Maryland Global Campus Arts community invites visitors to an opening reception featuring a panel discussion with exhibiting artists moderated by curator Cheryl Edwards.

Exhibition: Before the Americas, at University of Maryland Global Campus Arts Program Gallery, College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783.

Dates: February 15 – May 10, 2026. Opening Reception and Artists Panel: Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Gallery Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily.

Moderator: Cheryl Edwards, Curator.

Artists: Featuring a panel of exhibiting artists from Caribbean, African, Latino, Afro-Latino, and African American backgrounds; full lineup is available through the official event page.

Tickets: Admission is free; RSVP is requested at umgc.edu/artrsvp.

Accessibility: The venue is located in the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, which is wheelchair accessible; specific accommodations can be arranged by contacting the UMGC Arts program.

Note: The exhibition runs through May 10, 2026, with ongoing daily viewing hours. The opening reception on February 15 includes a moderated artists panel.