Edith Renfrow Smith '37 Gallery

The Edith Renfrow Smith '37 Gallery offers visitors a welcoming space to experience contemporary art in the heart of Grinnell. Located in the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center at 1115 8th Avenue, this gallery serves as an important cultural hub where students, faculty, and community members can engage with diverse artistic expressions. Named after Edith Renfrow Smith, a member of Grinnell College's class of 1937, the gallery reflects the institution's long-standing commitment to the arts and provides an accessible venue for those interested in exploring visual culture. As a college gallery, the Smith Gallery presents a dynamic range of exhibitions throughout the year that span various media, artistic approaches, and cultural perspectives. Visitors can expect to encounter rotating shows that might include contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and new media works. The gallery's programming often features both established and emerging artists, with exhibitions that encourage dialogue about pressing social issues, aesthetic innovation, and creative experimentation. This variety ensures that each visit offers something different, whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or someone just beginning to explore the visual arts. The gallery space itself provides an intimate yet thoughtfully designed environment for viewing art. As part of the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center, the venue benefits from the academic atmosphere while maintaining its own distinct identity as a place dedicated to artistic presentation and contemplation. When you visit, you can expect a quiet, reflective setting where you can take your time with the works on display. The gallery's location on campus makes it easy to combine an art viewing experience with other activities in Grinnell, and the space welcomes visitors from all backgrounds, whether they have formal art training or simply appreciate the opportunity to encounter creative work in person. For those planning a visit, checking the gallery's website at https://smithgallery.sites.grinnell.edu/ will provide current exhibition information and details about any special events or artist talks that might enhance your experience.