07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Journals
Events DC presents Art at The Center featuring 130-piece art collection
One of the best kept secrets in Washington, D.C., is that the Walter E. Washington Convention Center has one of the largest art collections outside of a museum in the District.
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of Washington, DC will present its final tour as part of Art at the Center series in November. The series allows visitors to enjoy select artwork throughout the Walter E. Washington Convention for free every quarter. The final tour of the year will be held on November 12 at 6:30 p.m.
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center's collection features local, national and international artists representing the distinct qualities of the communities in the District of Columbia, as well as several large-scale works created specifically for the building's unique spaces. The paintings, photographs, sculptures and other artistic work support the local artistic community, as well as beautifying the halls and inspiring those who visit the Convention Center.
"Since celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2023, we have hosted quarterly Art at the Center tours in Downtown D.C. that attract art enthusiasts from near and far,' said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "These tours provide an excellent opportunity for Events DC to showcase the vibrancy of our remarkable 130-piece collection, while supporting the creative community."
Art at the Center features a guided tour by Curator Robin Moore that highlights various art pieces, including Rik Friedman's 'Shaw Rhythms' and Lisa Scheer's 'Rapunzel.'
"The Convention Center's collection is truly world class — its selection committee included curators from our area's outstanding museums as well as community members and other stakeholders,' Moore said. 'The more than 100 works of art represent contributions by many of the region's finest artists, including Sam Gilliam, Jim Sanborn and Yuriko Yamaguchi, as well as national and international names such as Sol LeWitt, Carrie Mae Weems, and Radcliffe Bailey. A special section, known as the Shaw Wall, features reminiscences and dreams of the neighborhood that houses the Center."
Radcliffe Bailey's 'Black Star Line,' Sam Gilliam's 'Many Things' and Sol Lewitt's 'Wall Drawing #1103' are among the many other works in the 130-piece collection.
Nearly half of the collection is made up of artists from the D.C. area. There also are works by Native American artists, such as the three pieces: 'Tribal Map' by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, 'The Armstrong Triptych with Bugle Boys (from the Hampton Project)' by Carrie Mae Weems and 'Lingua' by Jim Sanborn.
Registration is required for tours. More information is available at
