Reflection on the D.C. Arts Scene: What’s the Hype?
When I learned that this course would be traveling to D.C. for part of our assignments, I have to admit that it was definitely a selling point for me, and I know quite well that it was for many others also. I’ve been lucky, in a sense, that my grandma lives in D.C., so it’s one of the cities that I’d say I feel most familiar with. With my parents and siblings, Gran & Jim, I have some really fond memories in this place-- many of sticky June days weaving in and out of the countless Smithsonians.
In regards to the arts, I’d say it’s almost impossible to compare a sleepy mountain town, like Boone, to the nation’s
capital; it’s inevitable that D.C. will have a more diverse, rich arts and culture scene. That being said, I’d argue that
touring through the National Gallery never gets old, and having numerous art museums and exhibits to choose from
on the daily certainly beats having to pick between either the Turchin or the Smith Gallery. Alongside the
stereotypical museum experience, D.C. is known for its extraordinary theatre, of which I know Haley and Erin got
to enjoy, alongside a lively film scene. Doing a Google search of “Things to do this weekend in D.C.,” proves all of
this; it’s more of an issue of pairing down what you’d like to see most.
In regards to the arts, I’d say it’s almost impossible to compare a sleepy mountain town, like Boone, to the nation’s
capital; it’s inevitable that D.C. will have a more diverse, rich arts and culture scene. That being said, I’d argue that
touring through the National Gallery never gets old, and having numerous art museums and exhibits to choose from
on the daily certainly beats having to pick between either the Turchin or the Smith Gallery. Alongside the
stereotypical museum experience, D.C. is known for its extraordinary theatre, of which I know Haley and Erin got
to enjoy, alongside a lively film scene. Doing a Google search of “Things to do this weekend in D.C.,” proves all of
this; it’s more of an issue of pairing down what you’d like to see most.
Overall, I guess that what I’m trying to say, in a roundabout, maze of a way, is that I’m really grateful that our class
had the opportunity to write critiques and study the arts in the capital of our country. As someone who’s interested
in art, and how we as Americans are engaging with it in this time and place, I think that it would be a real deficit to
the course if all I had reviewed were my favorite music videos from my apartment in Watauga County. So, from a
self-proclaimed city-girl and arts enthusiast, I thank both the Art and Communications department for funding our
trip to explore the vibrant arts scene in the District of Columbia. And with that-- I’ll sign off.
had the opportunity to write critiques and study the arts in the capital of our country. As someone who’s interested
in art, and how we as Americans are engaging with it in this time and place, I think that it would be a real deficit to
the course if all I had reviewed were my favorite music videos from my apartment in Watauga County. So, from a
self-proclaimed city-girl and arts enthusiast, I thank both the Art and Communications department for funding our
trip to explore the vibrant arts scene in the District of Columbia. And with that-- I’ll sign off.
Gratefully,
Mary Elizabeth M. 
"Marcotte d'Argeneuil" by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (photo by me, from the National Gallery of Art).
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