Is Hemphill Artworks still open?

As of February 2026, the gallery closed its Mount Vernon Square location and will no longer host regular exhibitions. However, it will continue to represent artists and sell work through a different business model.

What are the hours for Hemphill Artworks?

While the gallery's stated hours were Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m., it is currently only open by appointment, particularly when between exhibitions.

Where is Hemphill Artworks located?

The gallery's contact address is 1140 3rd Street NE, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20002.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Hemphill Artworks in Washington, D.C.

Hemphill Artworks

A cornerstone of the D.C. art scene since 1993, Hemphill Artworks is a contemporary gallery known for championing emerging artists and the legacy of the Washington Color School.

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What is Hemphill Artworks known for?

Hemphill Artworks is a contemporary art gallery that presents work by emerging, mid-career, and established artists, as well as historically significant artwork and socially relevant subjects. It has also promoted exhibitions tied to the Washington Color School, featuring artists like Alma Thomas and Thomas Downing.

What to know

Hemphill Artworks established itself as a commercial gallery in September 1993, becoming a stalwart of the Washington, D.C. art scene. For over three decades, the gallery focused on presenting contemporary art across various media, featuring a roster that spanned from emerging talents to mid-career and established artists. Beyond contemporary works, the space dedicated itself to historically significant artwork and subjects of social relevance. A notable focus of the gallery was the resurgence of the Washington Color School, where it promoted exhibitions featuring the work of artists such as Alma Thomas, Paul Reed, Howard Mehring, and Thomas Downing. In February 2026, the gallery closed its physical location in Mount Vernon Square. This marked the first time in 33 years that Hemphill had operated without a storefront. Despite the closure of the physical space, the gallery pivoted its business model to continue representing artists and selling work without the need for regular public exhibitions. Throughout its history, the gallery also engaged in community-focused events, such as a print sale held on May 31, 2025, to benefit the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts.

Visitor tips

Note that the physical gallery in Mount Vernon Square is now closed.
Contact the gallery via email or phone to inquire about artist representation and work for sale.
Research the Washington Color School artists like Alma Thomas before visiting the area.

Nearby context

Located in the Mount Vernon Square area, this former gallery space was once a hub for contemporary art enthusiasts in the heart of the city.