Since the mid-1800s, Black craftswomen in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, have fashioned worn clothing, sacks and other fabric remnants into one-of-a-kind quilts. The Baltimore Museum of Art recently acquired five quilts by Gee’s Bend artists; four of these will be on view in the American Wing’s Berman Textile Gallery. artbma.org
This virtual, participatory exhibit combines the work of nine artists with submissions from the public, all of which will examine women’s role in providing sustenance and healing. The artists will […]
Ukranian-born artist Vladimir Kanevsky began his career as an architect before moving to the U.S. in 1989. After designing porcelain tableware for a project, he switched gears and wound up pursuing his fascination with botany as a flower sculptor. During winter’s throes, a profusion of the artist’s creations will bloom at Hillwood Museum. Each petal […]
This exhibit commemorates Mexican and Central American independence from Spain while exploring cultural exchanges between indigenous and European peoples. Perusing 19 works of art including books, gold adornments and ceramic […]
This exhibit focuses on 15 large-scale landscapes by contemporary painter Lisa Yuskavage. Noted for their exuberant, ethereal flair, the works encourage viewers to immerse themselves in the mysterious worlds Yuskavage […]
Edward Hopper often conveyed a sense of loneliness and isolation by painting subjects in hotels, motels and boarding houses. This Richmond exhibit highlights 65 paintings and works on paper by the artist depicting such settings, plus 35 pieces by John Singer Sargent, David Hockney and others who explored similar themes. vmfa.museum
Though he earned a degree in architecture, DC-based Alan Karchmer has devoted his career to photographing buildings rather than designing them. This show presents images of structures Karchmer has captured […]
Over a decade, American artist Sharon Lockhart documented the lives of children in Lodz, Poland. Over time, she produced a film, photographs and sculpture based on workshops she conducted in a center for young women. Now on exhibit, the series creates a profound sense of place and a commentary on children’s resourcefulness.
Harlem-born artist Tschabalala Self explores the significance of the Black female form in contemporary culture through her work. Two sculptures and 13 paintings that incorporate stencils, tracings, prints, casts and mechanically stitched lines of thread are on view.
Modern Australian artist Marley Dawson has created ghosts, a two-part kinetic sculpture installation that riffs on The Phillips Collection’s art and architecture. One installation consists of five chairs in brass, suspended from the gallery’s domed stairway (above), while the other is a wall-mounted work made of hundreds of brass rods, hung to spark a dialog […]
Museum director Jack Rasmussen curated this exhibit that assembles works by 32 Washington-area artists, including Sam Gilliam, Lisa Montag Brotman and Gene Davis. In an illustrated catalog available online and in print, Rasmussen reflects on the period, when, he writes, Black and women artists were “systematically underrepresented” and examines how memories of this formative period […]
In 1804, Prussian naturalist and author Alexander von Humboldt spent six weeks in the U.S., exchanging ideas about art, science, politics and nature with luminaries such as Thomas Jefferson and Charles Willson Peale. This exhibit examines von Humboldt’s impact on American cultural development through 100 sculptures, maps, artifacts and paintings—including Albert Bierstadt’s 1864 Valley of […]
From 1954 to 1956, Jacob Lawrence painted a 30-panel series entitled “Struggle…From the History of the American People.” It depicts early decades of the republic through the words and actions of founding fathers as well as enslaved people, women and Native Americans. Assembled for the first time in 50-plus years, the panels—including We crossed the […]
The Phillips Collection asked DC-area artists to submit work created between March 2020 and February 2021 that expresses the struggle and resiliency of the human spirit in the context of the pandemic and recent social upheaval. Many of these submissions are now on view in a juried exhibit that carries on museum founder Duncan Phillips’ […]
In her depictions of immigrants seeking a better life abroad, contemporary Chinese-American artist Hung Liu speaks volumes about exile, identity and the Asian Pacific American experience. Her multi-layered portraits, many […]
Rebecca Kamen’s paintings and sculpture explore the confluence of art and science. Working with scientists and researchers, she creates abstractions that shed light on the world around us.
In 2006, artist Diane Burko switched her focus from landscape painting to work that captures the effects of global warming. Informed by science and technology, pieces on view include Sphere 4 (right) and a 56-foot-long “World Map” series documenting changes in glaciers and reefs.
In celebration of The Phillips’ centennial, Spanish-born artist Daniel Canogar created a digital work that seamlessly “melts” together pieces from the museum’s permanent collection in an ever-changing abstract animation. Following its September 8 YouTube debut, “Amalgama” opens in the gallery on September 14.
Now in its 30th year, this festival will showcase the work of more than 200 artists in the fields of fine art and craft. Visitors will have an opportunity to engage with artists from around the country and will also enjoy dance performances, a family-friendly art park and more. The event is hosted by Tephra […]
This event puts a modern spin on the ancient Jewish festival of Sukkot, which celebrates the fall harvest. During the holiday, families build temporary structures with partially open roofs called sukkahs, where they share meals, rejoice and even sleep. Notable DC architects have taken on the challenge of designing sukkahs of their own that explore […]
The work of seven contemporary artists reveals the profound ways in which humans impact the planet. A photograph by Edward Burtynsky (above) documents the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in […]
Northern Virginia’s largest self-guided home tour encompasses properties in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties. Visitors are welcome to view houses from 11 am to 5 pm both days.
During a 43-year friendship with Henri Matisse, Baltimore collector Etta Cone acquired more than 700 works by the French master—the majority of which she bequeathed to the museum upon her death in 1949. This exhibit chronicles their relationship and the evolution of the renowned Cone collection.
This exhibit documents the Venetian glass revival on the island of Murano between 1860 and 1915, which coincided with Grand Tours of Europe made by American luminaries. The period produced […]
This exhibit features more than 50 paintings, collages, prints and drawings by artist, educator and art historian David Driskell, who died last year at the age of 88. A 1955 […]
Anil Revri’s complex geometric abstractions embody spiritual ideas from the East and West. Born and raised in India and a U.S. resident for nearly 40 years, the artist employs tantric visualization techniques in his paintings and drawings that tap into unexplored realms of the unconscious.
Pieces in this show depict a cross-section of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish life. Among the 27 paintings on view: landscapes by Jacob van Ruisdael and Salomon van Ruysdael and winter […]
This global survey on glass-making features objects, installations, videos and performances by more than 50 artists, designers and architects from 23 countries. Works on view include Promise (right), made of […]
This survey of work by Canadian artist Jeff Wall showcases nearly 30 photographs made between 1978 and 2018. Ranging from everyday moments to urban scenes and landscapes, Wall’s enigmatic, carefully crafted images convey the depth and gravitas of paintings seen through a camera’s lens.
This retrospective spotlights Baltimore artist Betty Cooke’s jewelry creations, dating from the 1940s to the present. Cooke’s iconic work—collected by museums around the world—is inspired by nature and kinetic forms. About 160 objects drawn from public and private lenders are on view.
Tracing the career and life of the beloved American landscape photographer, this retrospective displays more than 70 photographs taken by Ansel Adams over five decades. Visitors will not only peruse Adams’s most famous and lesser-known works but will also learn about his passions for conservation and classical music.
Marking the 100th anniversary of Man Ray’s 1921 arrival in Paris, this exhibition assembles portraits taken by the photographer of the city’s avant-garde residents between the two world wars. Among […]
A GW art history professor invited artists and cooperatives in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to create new textiles inspired by works in The Textile Museum Collection. This show displays […]
Some 100 works in aquatint—a printmaking technique that became popular in 18th-century Europe—are included in this exhibit that explores the medium’s influence on art publishing, travel and the rise […]
Glenstone spotlights American artist Vija Celmins, known for her powerful depictions of the natural world, from ocean currents to the night sky, as well as her portrayals of everyday objects. […]
Amber Robles-Gordon, a mixed-media visual artist of Puerto Rican and West Indian descent, examines past and present policies of the U.S. in its territories and in Washington. Her abstract paintings, collages and quilts spark a dialog about marginalized communities and their access to resources and citizenship—especially during crises.
This show chronicles the life and work of Alma Thomas (1891-1978). Raised in rural Georgia, Thomas was Howard University’s first art department graduate and the first Black artist to […]
A mammoth work by Swiss artist Nicolas Party, 829 feet in circumference, hides ongoing construction outside the recently reopened Hirshhorn. Digitally printed on scrim, the work encircles the museum with […]
Visitors experience what it would be like to travel through the human brain during this immersive, technology-driven event. A collaborative project between artists and scientists, it simulates neuron activity throughout the life cycle.
After this exhibit was cut short by the pandemic in 2019, the Freer has reopened it with more works by Katsushika Hokusai. Among the folding screens, scrolls and drawings on display, visitors will have an opportunity to view the Japanese artists’ rarely seen masterpiece, Breaking Waves.
James Van Der Zee’s images captured during the Harlem Renaissance celebrate the people and places of this historic bastion of African American culture. Portraits are on display, along with photos of nightclubs, storefronts and religious, social and political groups.
Local designers create stunning holiday trees and festive wreaths to be auctioned off during this virtual event. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics District of Columbia. Now in its 37th year, the gala will include entertainment, a make-your-own cocktail demonstration and live and silent auctions, all held via Zoom. Participating designers include Studio Q Designs, Kristin Try […]
The Dutch master Rembrandt left an indelible mark on the art of printmaking. This exhibit chronicles his influence on printmakers prominent during the Etching Revival (1850 to 1920), presenting his work alongside pieces by 19th- and 20th-century artists such as Edouard Manet, James A. M. Whistler and Mary Cassatt.
Bronze sculptures and works on paper from the museum’s collection illustrate Henri Matisse’s ability to capture graceful forms and movement in his work, from simple sketches to elaborate compositions. Pen-and-ink drawings, etchings and lithographs are part of the show.
Featuring monumental glass works and installations by Tlingit American artist Preston Singletary, this immersive exhibit chronicles the story of Raven, believed to be the creator of the world. Viewers will discover how Raven transformed darkness to light by releasing the sun, the moon and the stars. Original music and storytelling round out the experience.
This annual event welcomes more than 40 exhibitors from the U.S. and Europe showcasing broad collections of antiques and fine art. Scheduled lectures include a panel on January 8 with area designers Laura Hodges and Janie Molster.
This survey of works by Washington printmaker Lou Stovall will offer a comprehensive look at his career, from the 1960s to today. The show will document Stovall’s collaboration with fellow artists including Elizabeth Catlett, Gene Davis and Sam Gilliam. An accompanying exhibit examines Stovall’s “Of the Land” series, a collection of poems, drawings and […]
Exhibits by more than 200 home-improvement companies will connect attendees with specialists in the fields of kitchen and bath design, appliances, home décor, construction and renovation, smart-home technology and more. Experts will present useful and informative lectures and seminars throughout the event.
Attendees will view a vast array of fabrics, from vibrant abstracts, florals and figurative motifs to simple stripes and block prints, created in India between the ninth and early 20th centuries. Masterworks from The Textile Museum and the collection of Karun Thakar make up the show.
Taking inspiration from young patients at Childrens National, local designers fabricate festive trees and other holiday décor—all on display in the Four Seasons lobby. Visitors are welcome to view these one-of-a-kind creations there or at a weekend holiday market featuring the work of local artisans. Proceeds benefit Childrens National.
Showcasing landscapes depicted in various media, this exhibit of Israeli art from the 1950s through the early 2000s applies the formal language of Western modernism to narratives about myth-making, forced migration and displacement. Pictured: "Crazy Tree" by Tal Shochat.
The Katzen presents some 70 paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures created by 12 women and nonbinary artists from the Mid-Atlantic region. Infused with emotional and metaphorical content, the selection celebrates these artists’ often under-recognized contributions to the color field movement. Pictured: "Flow" by Jae Ko.
Ongoing—New York-based artist Iké Udé paid homage to Nollywood, the $3 billion film industry in his birthplace of Nigeria, by photographing its most famous celebrities. On view with garments and other items used in their creation, these portraits make bold statements about African identity. Pictured: A portrait of actress Genevieve Nnaji.
A necklace by Amy Blair. Now in its 45th year, the event formerly known as the Baltimore American Craft Show returns. More than 300 artists will display creations in ceramics, glass, jewelry, clothing, furniture, basketry and more. For the first time, admission is free but donations are encouraged to support the nonprofit event. The show […]
This comprehensive exhibit traces the complex history of porcelain, from its ninth-century origins in China to the 18th century, when Europeans finally unraveled the mystery of porcelain production and factories […]
More than 70 paintings, sculptures and works on paper from Picasso’s early career (1900 to 1904) shed light on how the master’s famous Blue Period evolved. In addition, the exhibit […]
While temporarily closed for renovation, the museum will display a series of public commissions on its scaffolded façade. The first is a mural by DC-based MISS CHELOVE, also known as […]
Chronicling the life and work of American abstract artist Joan Mitchell, this retrospective presents paintings, pastels and works on paper. Viewers will discover the influence poetry and music had on […]
Historical maps, prints and documents explore the complex relationship between the city and its adjacent rivers. Above: art from an 1866 publication, National Farm School for Children of Colored Soldiers […]
The museum shines a light on the myths and legends surrounding subjects living on the fringes of society in early modern Japan. Works on view reflect on the virtues of […]
Visitors can experience five installations by Yayoi Kusama, who at 93 is still creating art in her native Tokyo. The show includes sculptures, an early painting, photographs and two of […]
This exhibit assembles more than 130 works including paintings, sculptures and photographs to reflect upon the African Diaspora since the 17th century. Artists from Africa, Europe, the Americas and the […]
Now in its 89th year, this event opens the doors of a handful of historic Georgetown homes and gardens. Attendees are invited to a tea reception at St. John’s Episcopal […]
Situated in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, historic Burwell-Morgan Mill is transformed into an art gallery each year as more than 300 artists display their creations. Works on view include paintings, […]
This triennial competition recognizes work that challenges traditional definitions of portraiture. Open to artists living and working in the U.S., this year’s contest received entries in a wide range of […]
A selection of works from the museum’s collection illuminates Henri Matisse’s ability to speak volumes about his subjects with a few simple lines. Pen-and-ink drawings, aquatints and bronzes reveal the […]
Seventeen local designers will transform 22 rooms in Oakdale, a 19th-century estate that once belonged to Maryland’s 45th governor, Edwin Warfield. Visitors can tour the revamped spaces and peruse a […]
An artist whose work focuses on the social history of plants, Beatrice Glow has turned her lens on tobacco and the repercussions of its trade. Digitally printed and embroidered silk […]
Glass bowls by Kenny Pieper. More than 350 jury-selected craft artists display their work in a wide range of media, from ceramics, glass and jewelry to clothing, furniture and […]
Born in Pakistan and living in New York, Salman Toor upends tradition and outdated notions of power and sexuality in his work. This assemblage of 45 of his paintings and works on paper made between 2019 and 2022—some for this exhibit—weaves together motifs from historical works and 21st-century events.
The museum celebrates the late Washington-based abstractionist with an exhibit of his circular paintings, or tondos, created in 2021. Ranging from three to five feet in diameter, each starts with a beveled-wood panel on which the artist layers dense, vibrant pigments, sawdust and metal fragments to reveal a bold combination of colors and textures. Rail, […]
Hamiltonian Artists is a DC incubator that promotes the careers of emerging visual artists. This indoor-outdoor exhibit presents new work by seven Hamiltonian Artists’ fellows alongside pieces in the museum’s permanent collection to examine how subject matter and media shift over time. The new creations include video, mixed media, photography and sculpture (such as a […]
After studying fine arts at the Corcoran in DC and working under several Washington Color School artists in the ’80s and ’90s, Mokha Laget eventually moved to Santa Fe. The Katzen will display more than 40 of her abstract geometric expressions, from paintings and drawings to sculpture and lithographs. american.edu/cas/museum
More than 80 pieces of couture, accessories and photographs on loan from the Palace of Monaco shed light on the glamorous wardrobe of Princess Grace and her longstanding collaboration with Marc Bohan, the one-time artistic director at House of Dior.
This exhibit displays drawings, paintings and sculptures by 43 seminal self-taught artists of the 20th century; it includes a painted work on cut-and-pieced sheet metal by David Butler (pictured). The […]
The gallery displays a selection of rare prints, engravings, etchings and woodcuts created in Northern Europe from 1450 to the 1600s. Originating in the region that now comprises Germany, Switzerland, […]
This exhibit is the first to examine the life of Joanna Hiffernan, a model who was depicted in many early works by James McNeill Whistler and who played an integral […]
Twenty works explore the evolving role of indigenous artists in the North American Arctic. The exhibit traces the transition from the ornate, ritualistic and utilitarian objects crafted for many generations […]
Through January 29, 2023 This show explores various brush techniques Japanese artists applied in their depictions of birds over several centuries. On view are hanging scroll paintings, folding screens, ceramics […]
Curated by Rebecca Cross of Cross MacKenzie Gallery, this exhibit of powerful ceramic sculptures created through accumulation and repetition demonstrates the principle: “out of many, one.” Pieces by eight artists […]
This installation blurs the lines between real and imagnary. Sculptures by Georgia Saxelby (pictured) and paintings by Devan Shimoyama explore alternate realities in a post-pandemic world where fantasy and imagination […]
More than two dozen works on paper by the French Fauvist artist celebrate the pomp and pageantry of British horse racing. Sketches of the famous Ascot course made by Dufy […]
Working in a range of media, seven Hamiltonian Artists Alumni mimic surfaces, spaces and objects, exploring the aesthetic possibilities of materials and textures.
In 2020, the museum acquired 40 works from the Souls Grown Deep Foundation—all created by Black artists who were seldom recognized for their contributions. Though many were made from recycled […]
Past meets present in this immersive exhibit that juxtaposes futuristic digital imagery with two paintings from the museum’s permanent collection. Drawing on disparate influences, from video games to Baroque architecture, […]
