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Writer's pictureCamille Kouyoumdjian

Gratitude for Art and Community in Washington, DC

This past month has been a whirlwind — averaging an art sale a day is something I never expected, and I’m beyond grateful to the incredible art collectors in the Washington, DC region and beyond. Your support means the world. In an age where so much is mass-produced and digital, seeing people invest in handmade art reaffirms the value of tangible, personal creations. There’s something irreplaceable about owning a piece of art that you can see, touch, and live with every day.




Living and creating as an artist in the Washington, DC area is a privilege I never take for granted. From the cultural richness to the supportive artist community, there’s so much to celebrate.


Here's a (relatively) short list of the things I’m most grateful for as an artist in this vibrant region. This hardly captures it all. What do you love about the DC art scene? Let us know in the comments.


Lilting Sun, acrylic, 18x24


  • Smithsonian Exhibits and Chamber Music Series: 

    The Hirshhorn and the ever-inspiring collections at the National Gallery of Art and the Renwick Gallery. And it's all free - need I say more!!! Plus, the Phillips Collection. Not free, but so awesome.


  • Community Art Events: Art Walks in Dupont Circle, the Torpedo Factory’s artist showcases, and the numerous holiday markets throughout the region, all of which shine light on the incredible network of creatives in our midst.


  • Concerts Combining Art and Music: 

    The Dumbarton Concert Series and Art Gallery, where I was honored to exhibit a solo show last December. Held in the beautiful and romanting Dumbarton Church in Georgetown, it's the perfect date night.


  • Creative Spaces: 

    Unique venues like Songbyrd Music House, the DC Art Center, the Birchmere, and the many other venues that feature a range of artistic disciplines, offer workshops, and bring the community together.


  • Public Art Installations: 

    Murals that brighten the U Street Corridor and Adams Morgan, NoMA, Shaw, the Southwest Waterfront, and the Smithsonian scupture gardens

Distant dream, acrylic on paper, 5x7
Distant Dream, 5x7

  • Art Markets and Shop Small DC, VA, and MD: 

    The international network that supports small, independent businesses and calls attention to the valuable and distinct contributions we make to local economies...plus Eastern Market’s weekly artist booths and Palette 22 DC, where I work as an Artist-in-Residence.


  • Cooperative Galleries and Galleries that support the community:

    These venues support both emerging and established artists, allowing us to network and learn from each other, while reaching a broad public audience: The Van Landingham Gallery and The Art League of Alexandria at The Torpedo Factory, The Arts Club of Washington, Women's Caucus for Artists DC, Mount Desert Island Artists, and the many, many collaborative arts organizations that serve and support creative work.


  • Solo Show Opportunities: The Bodzin Gallery at Pozez JCC, Green Spring Gardens, Glen Echo Park's Stone Tower Gallery, and 868 Estate Vineyards, where I've had the pleasure of exhibiting solo shows this past year, helping me share my art and philosophy with new audiences.

    Art & Nature:

    The National Arboretum, The Hill Center, and The Tregaron Conservancy’s outdoor concerts blending art and music with natural landscapes.

Rooted in Time, acryic, 18x24

  • Supportive Collectors, Family, and Mentors: 

    Finally, I’m deeply grateful for the people who support me: my family, mentors, and collaborators. Their encouragement pushes me to keep evolving and sharing my artistic voice.


All of you make this journey possible by supporting and celebrating original art.


Living as an artist in the Washington, DC area is more than a location—it’s an experience. Every museum visit, community gathering, and quiet moment in nature adds another layer to my journey. For that, I am endlessly thankful.


Thank you for being part of this vibrant creative ecosystem!


To show my appreciation, I’m offering 15% off in the Wild Horizon Fine Art shop with coupon code Gratitude24 through December 24. I've been updating the shop as I create new work, so check back periodically to see what's changed.




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Media Profiles and Awards

I'm delighted to share my story through media outlets and internationally recognized publications. In 2023, I was profiled by Artsy Shark, Artistonish, The Capitol Hill Art League, and It's Liquid. Click on the images below to read the stories and learn more about these prestigious commendations.

 

Scroll down to view my Instagram feed, where I frequently post videos showing my work in progress. Follow me to learn more! 
 

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