The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.’s juried competition and exhibition, “For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C.”, opens April 22 in the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. This exciting new program preserves scenes of the District’s changing cityscape.
The 75 winning artworks feature places such as the McMillan Sand Filtration site, historic Anacostia, the Carnegie Library, the Franklin School, and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Program partners include the DC Preservation League and the Capitol Hill Art League.
“For over 120 years, the Historical Society has collected art and photography that portrays daily life in Washington,” said John Suau, the Historical Society’s Executive Director. “Collections like those of photographer John Wymer and watercolorist Lily Spandorf provide a unique visual record of the District’s history. For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C. continues this long tradition and encourages local artists to capture scenes of present-day Washington for future generations.”
The artworks were selected from nearly 100 submissions by a jury of experts from local gallery and museum curators, including FotoDC, The George Washington University Museum, National Building Museum, National Geographic Society, National Portrait Gallery, NEWSEUM, and The Phillips Collection. The top five winning artists will receive a cash prize and their pieces will be added to the Historical Society’s permanent collections.
The first, second, and third prize-winners and the two honorable mentions will be unveiled at the exhibit’s opening reception on April 22. Tickets are available to the public and cost $20 for members, $30 for non-members. A special preview for members of the press will take place on April 21, noon to 4 p.m.
The other 70 artworks will be available for purchase through an online auction. The exhibit and auction closes at the Historical Society’s 121st anniversary party on May 27, 2015. For a sample of the top 75 artworks, event ticket information, and auction details please visit DCHistory.org/FTR.
The opening reception has been generously sponsored by EHT Traceries and Events DC.