Local Art - In the Neighborhood

 

Washington DC has many opportunities to see art and anyone local to the area can become spoiled with the fact that there are world class museums that do not charge for entry. I was recently surprised when visiting Norfolk VA that the Chrysler Museum was also free. The Chrysler Museum is an extremely interesting museum and in recent years added a Glass Studio where you can take classes and see live demonstrations. I would highly recommend visiting both the glass studio and the museum if you are in that area. When I visited recently, they had an amazing show on Thomas Jefferson’s Architecture. The show is now over but check out the link below from CBS where his complex legacy is explored as Architect and Founding Father.

Not all art appreciation needs to be found in large cities. Even closer to my home, the Strathmore Mansion in Rockville Maryland, provides access to the arts on a local scale. The current show at the Strathmore Mansion is a show called “Home”. Robert LeMar, who is featured on Blue Fish Gallery has 3 of his paintings in the show.

One of my favorite subjects that Robert has painted is a local gas station that is very reminiscent of Edward Hopper, but distinctly unique. Robert often paints from local locations and offers unique perspectives. All of Robert’s originals can also be purchased as reproductions.

Another artist on exhibit at Strathmore is David Scheirer. He is a local artist who works in watercolors. He has two distinct styles. One is very realistic and the other is a distinctive illustrative style with bold lines. He can also be found at local art shows as that is where my wife and I first met him.

Art does not have to be found in a large museum in a large city, it can be closer than you think.

 
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