The Sheehan Gallery was established in 1973 during the presidency of Donald H. Sheehan, who envisioned a space where visual art could become an essential part of Whitman College’s liberal arts education. Named in his honor, the gallery was founded not just to showcase exhibitions, but to serve as a learning environment for students, a platform for faculty and guest artists, and a cultural bridge between the college and the wider Walla Walla community. In its early years, the gallery hosted diverse shows that complemented the academic curriculum and fostered interdisciplinary dialogue.

A major turning point came in 1987 with the acquisition of the Davis Collection of Asian Art, which brought increased scholarly attention and enriched the gallery’s programming. This focus was further deepened in 1999 with the construction of a Japanese tearoom, a unique space designed to complement the collection and introduce students to East Asian cultural practices. Over the years, the gallery has curated exhibitions on topics ranging from contemporary social issues to regional Pacific Northwest artists and historical retrospectives. Its programming has regularly included lectures, artist talks, workshops, and film screenings, reinforcing its mission to offer accessible, thought-provoking content for both the campus and the community.

The Sheehan Gallery records, held in the Whitman College and Northwest Archives, span from 1972 to 2016 and offer a detailed history of the gallery’s development and impact.. These records reflect the gallery’s ongoing role in fostering creativity, dialogue, and cultural engagement within the liberal arts tradition at Whitman.