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WHere To see fine art (Other than museums) around the d.c. Region
Elliot C. Williams | Feb 14, 2024
The Amy Kaslow Gallery in Bethesda features regular exhibits, like the one pictured here: “Folk Art is Fine Art: Heritage Alive!”Courtesy of Amy Kaslow Gallery
There are an impressive number of fine art galleries in the D.C. region. Some are hidden in plain sight, while others are bold and in your face. But whichever way they present themselves, each gallery offers a unique window into what can feel like a mysterious world of fine art.
Most galleries allow visitors to pop in during business hours, and while the art itself may cost a pretty penny, there’s nothing expensive about browsing your local art showroom after grabbing a glass of wine at a nearby restaurant (a perfect first date idea, anyone?)
Galleries can bring the world to your neighborhood — some specialize in showing global works, while others focus on creatives from the D.C. region. Some even host parties or receptions for new exhibits that are open to the public, complete with complimentary wine and snacks.
To help you dive into the region’s fine art scene, we’ve crafted a non-exhaustive list of some of the local galleries that regularly host new exhibits:
Amy Kaslow Gallery, 7920 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda
Amy Kaslow, a longtime journalist, photographer, and D.C. native, moved her Northwest D.C. gallery to Bethesda last year, expanding her space to bring in more art and connect with more visitors. Her shows and panel discussions often appear in this publication due to their wide ranging subject matter, such as a talk she held with Native artists about “the surging interest in Indigenous creativity.”
The gallery is wrapping up its show “Folk Art is Fine Art: Heritage Alive!” on Feb. 25 and has two new exhibits on the way. (Tuesday-Sunday, 12 p.m.- 6 p.m., or by appointment).
Here’s How To Celebrate Native American Heritage Month Around D.C.
Elliot C. Williams | Nov 7, 2023
Attend a discussion at an art gallery. The Amy Kaslow Gallery in Bethesda is hosting a Nov. 8 event with Muscogee-Creek painter George Alexander (a.k.a. Ofuskie) and Diné entrepreneur Sheyenne Sky Lacy to “discuss the surging interest in Indigenous creativity.” Ofuskie is featured in the NGA’s “The Land Carries Our Ancestors” exhibit (see above), so the conversation will cover modern symbolism, Indigenous values, and the ways Native artists continue to help shape the contemporary art scene.
A Conversation with Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández
Mikka Kei Macdonald | Oct 16, 2023
MORE: A Conversation with Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 6:30 p.m; FREE).
JAZZ AT THE GALLERY
Sylvia Mphofe | June 26, 2023
MORE: Jazz at the Gallery (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 6 p.m.; FREE).
K/NOW Dialogue: Artrepreneurship and Social Change
Kaela Roder | Sep 18, 2023
MORE: K/NOW Dialogue: Artrepreneurship and Social Change (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 6 p.m.; FREE).
Jane Kell: Color and Light
Sylvia Mphofe | MAY 22, 2023
“Nocturne IV,” 2022, is among the works by Jane Kell that will be on view at the Amy Kaslow Gallery through June 18.
THURSDAY, MAY 25
GALLERY OPENING: Be among the first to check out Jane Kell: Color and Light at the Amy Kaslow Gallery in Bethesda. Kell served as the gallery’s first artist-in-residence in 2020 and 2021, and recently moved back to the U.K. The exhibit opens Thursday and her abstract landscapes will be on view through June 18. (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 7 p.m.; FREE).
Aboriginal Art
Ella Feldman | Jan 26, 2023
ABORIGINAL ART: Australia’s Aboriginal heritage dates back over 50,000 years. Over those centuries, Aboriginal peoples have told stories through illustrations, using everything from rock formations to sand as their canvases. Today, contemporary Aboriginal artists are carrying those artistic practices forward. See some of their work this weekend at “Dreamings: Aboriginal Art From Australia’s Central Desert.” (Amy Kaslow Gallery; through February; FREE).
Climate Art Talk
Emily Martin | Sep 6, 2022
CLIMATE ART TALK: Sit in on a talk with landscape artist Andrea Limauro and the leader of Green Neighbors DC about climate change. The talk, focusing on ways to combat climate change, will include drinks. (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 6 p.m.; FREE).
Artist Talk: Washington Terrain
Ella Feldman | Aug 19, 2022
MORE: Artists Talk: Washington Terrain (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 6 p.m.; FREE); Looks Good on Paper opening reception (Pyramid Atlantic; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; FREE); Mixology for the Lovelorn (Folger Shakespeare Library; 6 p.m.; FREE); The Shins (The Anthem; 6:30 p.m.; $49.50+); The Collection (Songbyrd Music House; 7 p.m.; $15+); Lamii (Union Stage; 7 p.m.; $30); Lavender (DC9 Nightclub; 7 p.m.; $15); Traumedy: A Dark Comedy Show (The Public Option; 7:30 p.m.; $17); Mipso (9:30 Club; 8 p.m.; $20).
HumanKind
Ella Feldman | May 19, 2022
MORE: HumanKind (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 12 p.m.; FREE), Restless Road (Hamilton; 6:30 p.m.; $15), Arco & Aire + Avalos Solera Duo (Public Option; 7 p.m.; $30+), Arkells (9:30 Club; 7 p.m.; $26); 81355 (Pie Shop; 7:30 p.m.; $12+), Julia Shiplett (DC Improv; 7:30 p.m.; $20+), Sofar Sounds concert (Langdon; 7:30 p.m.; $25), Marc Maron (Kennedy Center; 8 p.m.; $45), Earthgang (Fillmore Silver Spring; 9 p.m. $35).
Nature Unbound
Mikka Kei Macdonald | Feb 24, 2022
MORE: Opening Night: Nature Unbound at Amy Kaslow Gallery (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; FREE); An Evening with We Banjo 3 (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show; $16.75+); Independent Film Series (Kentlands Mansion & Arts Barn; 7:30 p.m.; $15); Fridays at the Saloon (Saloon on U Street; 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; FREE); Punkhouse Comedy Showcase (Pie Shop; 7:30 p.m.; $10+).
10 Virtual And IRL Things To Do Around D.C. This Week
Emily Martin | January 10, 2022
MORE: Art Exhibition: Abstract Light by Jane Kell (Amy Kaslow Gallery, 1 p.m., FREE).
Native Art
Emily Martin | Nov 22, 2021
NATIVE ART: Head over the Amy Kaslow Gallery for one of the final days of the Native Hands: Folk Art is Fine Art exhibit. The exhibit features work from more than 25 artists of different tribes and ethnicities from over 14 countries, challenging generations-old practices. (Amy Kaslow Gallery, open through Nov. 28, FREE).
Artist Talk with Lisa Tubach
Mikka Kei Macdonald | Sep 9, 2021
MORE: Artist Talk with Lisa Tubach (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; FREE).
DC Lines
Emily Martin | Jun 21, 2021
NEW EXHIBIT: Head to the Amy Kaslow Gallery in Spring Valley for an opening reception for its latest exhibit: DC Lines. The exhibit includes linear works from four Washington artists, including Elroy Williams, Andrew Kaslow, and Linda Cafritz. (Amy Kaslow Gallery, 6 p.m. reception, on view through August 8, FREE).
Art Exhibition: Noah James Saunders: Sculpting Shadow
Emily Martin | Mar 15, 2021
MORE: Art Exhibition: Noah James Saunders: Sculpting Shadow (Amy Kaslow Gallery, FREE).
Bark!
Mikka Kei Macdonald | Feb 18, 2021
BARK!: This weekend, experience photographer Amy Kaslow’s new exhibit, BARK!, that explores the details and beauty of “trees’ most intricate and protective armor.” Kaslow is a native of the region and opened her in-person gallery last year. The show will be open until mid-March and is also available online. (Amy Kaslow Gallery or online, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.; FREE).