This summer, I had the pleasure of traveling to the nation’s capital, Washington DC, for the 42nd annual Congressional Art Competition with my art teacher, Shara Wright; Lenora Cromer; and my mother, Maria Rodriguez. This girls trip was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to get a glimpse of the culture in one of America’s most important cities. Throughout those three blissful days, I experienced the wonderfully diverse atmosphere that makes the city so intriguing.
We arrived on Sunday, and our first stop was the National Gallery of Art. Arguably one of the greatest art museums in the states, it explains hundreds of years of human civilization through artistic movements and ideas. The paintings by impressionists Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet were housed in the Impressionist room, my personal favorite. The experience of standing in a room with the artwork of some of the most influential artists of all time was nothing short of amazing.
On Monday, we enjoyed the cool DC morning at the United States Botanical Garden, my mother’s favorite site. The indoor greenhouse housed thousands of global botanical species. The outdoor garden was a space to observe equal parts botany and wildlife. Afterwards, we headed to Ford’s Theatre an astonishing site. We got the chance to sit in the theater where President Abraham Linclon was assassinated. The theater was actually very small and seeing the theater really puts the event into perspective. The second art museum we visited was the National Portrait Gallery. It holds the official portraits of those who have helped shape the country. The vast presidential gallery included my favorite, Barack Obama’s almost life-sized and colorful portrait by artist Kehinde Wiley. We ended our day by heading down to Georgetown and visiting Levain Bakery for their internet-famous cookies (they were a 9/10). Our visit to Georgetown was brisk, but it was a beautiful area, full of people, a great place for clothes shopping, and unique dining.
On Tuesday, the day of the Congressional Art Competition, we started the day off with a guided tour of the United States Capitol. We were escorted from the US House of Representatives through the Cannon Tunnels and into the United States Capitol. As we were walking through the Cannon Tunnels, we got to see my painting and the other winners’ works of art. All of the artwork will hang there for one year. The reception took place at the Capitol Visitor’s Center and began with a luncheon; I had the pleasure of meeting the other winners and discussing various artistic ideas that artists my age are concerned with. The reception ended with congratulatory remarks and a slideshow of all the winning pieces. That afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting Congressman August Pfluger on the steps of the United States Capitol! He escorted me into the House Chamber where I had the honor of voting on Congressman Pfluger’s behalf. The House floor was bustling with discussion between congressmen and women right before my own eyes! I was in complete awe; It was a unique moment that I will certainly never forget.
Washington DC is an artist’s dream (minus the cost of living) with its diverse atmosphere and spectacular art scene, it is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities in the US. I am glad that this experience was shared with those who have offered unconditional support towards my artistic endeavors.