Hal Gomer Gallery and Patricia Barland Gallery
Chesapeake Arts Center has two professional gallery spaces — the Hal Gomer Gallery and the Patricia Barland Gallery — as well as display spaces in hallways and in the Hammonds Lane Theater lobby. Renovated in 2015, Chesapeake Arts Center renamed its gallery closest to the main entrance after the beloved late artist and former Brooklyn Park High School art teacher, Thomas Hal Gomer. The gallery has two adjoining sections; room 1 is 374 square feet and the 2nd room is 363 square feet.
Located adjacent to the Hal Gomer Gallery is the Patricia Barland Gallery which was constructed in Spring 2022 when CAC office space was renovated into a new 800 square foot gallery space. Funds to create this gallery were provided by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.* The gallery was renamed the Patricia Barland Gallery in September 2024 in honor of longtime CAC donor and former CAC Board member Patricia Barland.
*(This Project has been financed in part with State funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland. However, Project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.)
Our thanks to Salvatore and Suzanne Vitale for their generous support of exhibit programming in the Patricia Barland Gallery.
Gallery Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10 am-8 pm
Saturday & Sunday 10 am-2 pm
*The above hours are subject to change based on Holidays and Closings. Updated information in regards to current Holidays and Closings that would affect available gallery hours can be found at the top banner of our website, Instagram, and Facebook prior to said date(s). Please contact us if there are any questions.
ON DISPLAY IN HAL GOMER GALLERY
Coming Soon…
HER Maryland: Stories that Inspire
A group exhibition featuring Maryland Women Icons
Hal Gomer Gallery I March 11-April 7, 2026
Reception: March 26, 2026 6-8 pm
HER Maryland: Stories that Inspire exhibition brings to life the extraordinary stories of Maryland’s women icons through a vibrant celebration of art and history. From pioneers and trailblazers to artists, leaders, and changemakers, each work illuminates the vision, strength, and creativity that have shaped Maryland’s culture. This exhibition honors their legacies, sparks reflection, and inspires audiences to recognize the influence and transformative power of women across generations.
This exhibit is on view in our Hal Gomer Gallery from March 11-April 7, 2026.
ON DISPLAY IN PATRICIA BARLAND GALLERY
The Game We Play
A solo exhibition by The Artist Oliver James
Patricia Barland Gallery I February 25-April 7, 2026
Reception: March 26, 2026 6-8 pm
The Game We Play is a new series from The Artist Oliver James. A play on "The Debt You Owe," a previous series about national wealth built on native land, this new series aims to put the focus on Black towns, cities, and communities that disappeared overnight. An attempt at celebrating what was created, but also a realization of a current reality in their absence. While there isn't a monopoly on gentrification, it's a game that African Americans know all too well. A game of cultural, mental, and physical survival on the move.
This exhibit is on view in our Patricia Barland Gallery from February 25-April 7, 2026. To order paintings, prints, and learn more about the project, visit their website at www.theartistoliverjames.com/thegameweplay
Join us for a Q&A with The Artist Oliver James and Cynthia Guillen from Kunta Kinte Celebrations on March 25 from 12-12:30 pm in our Patricia Barland Gallery. Art workshop with The Artist Oliver James to follow from 12:30-1:30 pm. Sponsored by Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area.
This event is free, however registration is required. RSVP FOR Q&A HERE