City Hall Art Collection Expands

The District of Columbia City Hall Art Collection celebrates the addition of 28 works by 17 artists new to the collection purchased through the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, DC Creates Public Art Program. This brings the total works in the Collection to 203 by 117 artists. Artists from all eight wards are represented and at least 25 artists are District of Columbia natives.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty said, “I am pleased that we have been able to add more artwork to this deep and rich collection of local art.” He added, “Artists in the District of Columbia are as creative and talented as those in New York, Paris and Los Angeles. This collection reflects the vitality and strength of our local arts community. I encourage you to bring your family, your neighbors, your colleagues, and your visitors to experience this extraordinary permanent exhibition in our nation’s capital.”

“2008 marks the centennial of the John A. Wilson Building,” adds Vincent C. Gray, Council chairman. “And this reception for the artists whose work we enjoy every day is just the start of a multiyear celebration of the important cultural legacy that is intertwined with the building's history. We invite all District residents and visitors to join us in celebrating our great heritage.”

Since 1968, the DC Arts Commission has developed and promoted local artists, organizations, and activities as part of its mission to enrich the quality of life for the residents in Washington. The City Hall Art Collection fulfills an important goal to support local visual artists and to bring art to the workplace. Enjoying artwork should not be limited to the traditional context of galleries and museums.

Newly added works by: Wayne Edson Bryan, Lilian Thomas Burwell, Manon Cleary, Gene Davis, Willem De Looper, Aziza Claudia Gibson-Hunter, Janis Goodman, Kevin Kepple, Kevin MacDonald, Percy Martin, Paul Reed, Robin Rose, Molly Springfield, Di Bagley Stovall, Lou Stovall, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Dan Treado, Andrea Way, and James Lesesne Wells

The collection is open to the public, free of charge to view, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. On-street metered parking is limited. Visitors are encouraged to use Metro (closest stations are Federal Triangle or Metro Center).

Contact: Rachel.Dickerson@dc.gov, (202) 724-5613