Notable Collections
The Martin W. Brown Collection
The Martin W. Brown Collection of prints and drawings is the University of Maryland Art Gallery’s founding collection. Donated in 1955, it laid the groundwork for object-based scholarship in the classroom and set the stage for future acquisitions. What began as a group of around 100 works on paper has grown into a teaching collection of nearly 5,000 works of art and cultural heritage objects from across the globe.
A fund was created to support students doing research on the Brown Collection, the permanent collection, and other related projects. It was established by the children of Martin W. Brown—Lawrence Brown and Deborah Brown Saxton (’72)—along with their spouses, Alice Brown (’94) and Phil Saxton.
The Frederick R. Weisman Collection
The Frederick R. Weisman Collection of celebrity sports portraits by Andy Warhol comprises a generous gift of ten portraits—the complete set of Warhol’s 1977 Athletes series—donated by renowned art collector and philanthropist Frederick R. Weisman.
Warhol’s Athletes series features silkscreen portraits of ten iconic sports figures, including Muhammad Ali, Chris Evert, and Pelé, each rendered in Warhol’s bold, color-saturated pop style. The series captures the charisma and celebrity of its subjects, examining the cultural crossover between athletic stardom and media fame.
Frederick R. Weisman believed deeply in the power of art to inspire and educate. He was committed to expanding public access to modern and contemporary art by supporting not only major institutions, but also smaller museums and universities throughout the United States. His gift of Warhol’s complete Athletes series to UMD reflects that vision—making world-class art available to a broader audience.
The Bill McGillicuddy Collection
The Bill McGillicuddy Collection of works by Paul Reed and his circle is one of the region’s strongest holdings of art associated with the Washington Color School. The collection includes paintings, drawings, and prints, spanning from Reed’s early explorations in the 1960s to his later pieces produced in the 2000s.
Offering one of the most comprehensive representations of Reed’s career, the collection provides valuable insight into the evolution of his artistic practice and the broader context of postwar abstraction in Washington, D.C.
The Drs. Stephen M. and Sharlene M. Weiss Collection
The Drs. Stephen M. ('59) and Sharlene M. (Ph.D. '80) Weiss Collection of African art is a world-class assemblage of traditional works, featuring beautifully carved ibeji figures, striking masks, and intricate basketry. As some of the earliest donors of African art to the UMD Art Gallery, the Weisses laid a vital foundation for future acquisitions in this area. They believed in the importance of not only visual appreciation, but also, when appropriate and safe, allowing students to handle objects—deepening their engagement with the rich cultural significance of each piece.
The Dr. Gilbert and Jean Jackson Collection
The Dr. Gilbert (M.S. '69, Ph.D. '72) and Jean ('71) Jackson Collection showcases a world-class selection of African art, assembled over decades with scholarly dedication and a discerning eye. Spanning diverse regions and traditions—from dynamic Ci Wara headdresses to intricately carved Baule figures—the collection reflects the Jacksons’ deep respect for the cultural and artistic significance of each piece. Their legacy offers a compelling window into Africa’s rich artistic heritage.
The Allan Chasanoff Collection
The Allan Chasanoff Collection—featuring modern and contemporary sculpture alongside significant works on paper by twentieth- and twenty-first-century artists—reflects a lifelong dedication to artistic creation and a deep commitment to supporting fellow makers. A passionate photographer and collector, Chasanoff championed the work of both close peers and artists who resonated with his distinct sensibilities, also amassing a major photography collection and a notable trove of book arts. Education lay at the heart of his philanthropy, evidenced by his generous gift of photographs to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the establishment of the Allan Chasanoff Classroom at Yale University, his alma mater. With the inclusion of his work at the University of Maryland Art Gallery, the institution joins the ranks of these esteemed cultural and academic venues—affirming its place among those entrusted with preserving and presenting Chasanoff’s visionary legacy.