Monday, January 18, 2016

national treasures

The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC is a treasure that all American citizens should be proud of. First of all, I did not know that it is free! What great art gallery of the world is free? Oh yes, the National Gallery in London.
(Maybe that is where we got the idea)

I went three times in my four day visit, I was so thrilled that it was free and I could walk there from my hotel. As I walked the galleries with my sketchbook, I experienced a repeating thrill of discovery. Oh! That work of art is here! And that masterpiece?

I  did not know that so much art that I have studied and longed to see was  right there.

When I returned to my home in the western suburbs of Chicago, I had  an interesting conversation with a good friend who is an immigrant from Rwanda. He was incredulous that the National Gallery was free. He asked ,"But must you be a citizen of America to walk in there for free?" I assured him that any citizen from anywhere could also enjoy this treasure. He was surprised at the accessibility we had when I described the visit to the Senate building.
What freedom to see our government and enjoy what  is available.