The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (HSW) announces the launch of “For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C.”, a new program to capture and preserve scenes of the District’s built environment. Co-sponsors include the DC Preservation League, the Capitol Hill Art League, and the National Building Museum. The initiative seeks submissions of paintings and photography for the juried competition by February 1, 2015.
Continuing on its long tradition of collecting artworks that depict life in Washington, the Historical Society partnered with the DC Preservation League to develop its list of Most Endangered Places. That list will provide local artists with the subjects for art and photo submissions to a juried contest. The Capitol Hill Art League is helping guide the competition process.
“The launch of For the Record continues a long tradition of collecting artwork and photographs that preserve scenes of both well-known locations and local neighborhoods throughout the city,” said John Suau, the Society’s executive director. “We envision For the Record to build on notable collections such as those by watercolorist Lily Spandorf and photographer John Wymer, which have been some of the Society’s most notable and important holdings.”
Jurors will pick 75 artworks for display at the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square and will also be included in a printed catalog. Of those 75 pieces, the top five winning artists receive a financial award and their artworks will be formally accessioned into the Society’s permanent collection. The exhibit will open on April 22, 2015 and close at the Society’s 121st anniversary party on May 27, 2015, which will feature a raffle of the remaining artworks.
The competition’s jury consists of individuals from: FotoDC, The George Washington University, National Building Museum, National Geographic Society, National Park Service, National Portrait Gallery, NEWSEUM, and The Phillips Collection.
More information about the project can be found on the program page.