Opening "Color, Form, and Space" the works of Dorothy Gillespie

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Public Art Review Board present the Art in the Chambers Opening celebration of "Color, Form, and Space" the works of Dorothy Gillespie.

Dorothy Gillespie was an American painter and sculptor, born in 1920 in Roanoke, Virginia. She maintained an artistic career spanning over 70 years until her passing at age 92 in 2012. She pursued her studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art and relocated to New York City in 1943, where she continued her education at the Art Students League of New York and at Stanley William Hayter's Atelier 17.

Gillespie was a significant figure in the women’s art movement. Recognized for her prolific creation of vibrant, expressive sculptures, she contributed to paving the way for women artists during the feminist art movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Continuously exploring and experimenting with various materials and techniques, Gillespie skillfully worked across multiple mediums, including painting, paper arts, sculpture, printmaking, environmental art, performance art, ceramics, jewelry making, and set design.

As a painter, sculptor, and installation artist, Gillespie's work reflects numerous prominent 20th-century artistic movements, including abstract expressionism, decorative abstraction, site-specific installation, the women's movement, and art in public spaces.

Education was always very important to Dorothy Gillespie throughout her life. She visited more than 50 colleges and universities, where she delivered public lectures, mentored, and taught aspiring young artists. She served as a Distinguished Professor of Art at Radford University and was a Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellow for many years. In 1990, she was honored for her dedication to education when she received a Doctor of Pedagogy degree from Niagara University.

Dorothy Gillespie has been the subject of numerous reviews, scholarly articles, television and radio interviews, as well as the publication of the book Dorothy Gillespie.

For additional information regarding the artist and the Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation, please visit the website at www.dorothygillespie.com.

The exhibition "Color, Form, and Space" featuring works by Dorothy Gillespie will be available for viewing through January 28, 2027. The Orange County Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

WHEN:

Opening Reception on October 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Doors open at 5 p.m.

Program begins at 5:45 p.m.

Display continues through January 28, 2027

WHERE:

The Chambers Art Gallery

Orange County Administration Center

201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801

For more information, please contact Dawn.Knight@ocfl.net.