Sheppard Contemporary

Celebrating contemporary art

Sheppard Contemporary Gallery is the University’s flagship art gallery, a dynamic space with a legacy rooted in the Church Fine Arts building. Since its founding in 1960, the gallery has evolved through several expansions and honors, including its namesake dedication to longtime University Professor, artist and curator Craig Sheppard and artist Yolande Jacobson Sheppard. Today, Sheppard Contemporary continues this tradition of creative research and innovation, serving as a vibrant hub for contemporary art on campus and in the wider community.

Current exhibition

Scholastic Art Awards 2026: Gold Key Works

Feb. 7-21, 2026

Since 1999, Northern Nevada middle and high school students have been invited to submit their artwork to the Scholastic Art Awards competition. The annual presentation of the Scholastic Awards is scheduled in conjunction with the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a national program designed to identify America's most gifted young artists and writers. Gold Key Works in this show represent the highest award-winning students of Northern Nevada. This program has honored some of our nation's most celebrated artists, including Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Cindy Sherman, Robert Redford, Andy Warhol and Nevada's own Michael Sarich.

Awards Ceremony: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall in the Church Fine Arts building.

Past exhibitions at Sheppard Contemporary

Interested in more artwork displayed at Sheppard Contemporary? Explore previous exhibitions from recognized artists and students alike.

Past exhibitions

Visit Sheppard Contemporary

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Support University Galleries

Supporting University Galleries allows us to continue engaging the campus community, the growing Reno arts communities and the region at large by exhibiting innovative, contemporary artwork.

Additional galleries within University Galleries

McNamara Gallery A dynamic, ever-evolving space that showcases emerging ideas and creative work.

McNamara Gallery

Student Galleries South A vibrant, student-centered space that showcases emerging artists and highlights the breadth of creative work on campus.

Student Galleries South

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