Art Collection
Featuring the Works of Local and National Artists
The Umstead Hotel and Spa's private collection is carefully curated and features the works of renowned local and national artists, including famed glass artist Dale Chihuly.
A Gathering of Green by Lynn Boggess
A walk through the exhibition moves quickly through the seasons, ultimately coming to rest on the vibrant emergence of spring green and its gradual shift into summer.
With the tidal wave of green come accents of colorful blossoms, birds, and insects, an awakening of the natural world. Spring and early summer have always held a special place for Plein Air painters, despite the challenge of unpredictable weather. The reason is simple: the muted tones of winter still linger, making the greens appear even more luminous by contrast. The greater the contrast, the more the green glows.
There is also the timeless symbolism of the season itself, renewal, vitality, and promise. The eastern United States, especially the highlands in West Virginia, radiate a wholesome glow that is both grounding and profound. As Lynn shares, “It’s truly a privilege to document it in oils.”
This exhibition will be on view in The Umstead’s Art Gallery from May 1 through August 31, 2025.
Gallery Artwork is available for purchase through the Gift Shop.
Gift Shop Hours: Sun. - Wed. 9am-6pm, Thurs. - Sat. 9am - 8pm.
New Beginnings
Works by Alice Ballard
Ceramic artist Alice Ballard creates organic, hand-built vessels that reflect the quiet strength and subtle beauty of the natural world. Her sculptural forms are inspired by seed pods, leaves, and other botanical elements often overlooked, yet rich with texture and meaning.
Working primarily with white earthenware, Ballard uses pinch, coil, and slab techniques to explore the expressive potential of each form. Her work often carries a serene, meditative presence, rooted in her deep observation of nature and its cycles.
Alice Ballard’s Pod Triangle, outside of Herons, in the permanent collection reflects our core theme of Art in Nature, inviting guests to pause and connect with the simplicity and elegance found in the world around us.
This exhibition will be on view in the Pottery Case found in the Conference Center lobby starting on Earth Day. For information or to purchase these works please visit our Gift Shop.
Gift Shop hours: Sun. - Wed. 9am-6pm and Thurs. - Sat. 9 am-8pm
About The Art Gallery
The Umstead rotates new artists' work seasonally into the hotel to complement the permanent collection. The pieces featured in the collection are modern and minimalist, adding to the contemporary, clean design of the hotel.
Guests are invited to take self-guided tours of the hotel's collection with the guidance of an art brochure that’s available at the concierge desk.
For upcoming art gallery openings, please visit our event calendar.
Pictured: Linda Ruth Dickinson’s 2023 Art Gallery Show