Empowering Exhibits: Celebrating Women’s History Month in D.C.
Happy Women’s History Month from VRE! This month, we’re celebrating a handful of women who have shaped the rich and diverse history of D.C. From art to orchids, their stories echo across the city’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks. Washington, D.C. isn’t just a prominent stop on our railway; it’s a testament to the enduring power of women, whose contributions, though sometimes overlooked, have been vital in building this dynamic city. Let’s celebrate their contributions and dive deeper into the dynamic city they helped nourish and maintain.
Jackie Kennedy and the Renwick Gallery
The Renwick Gallery boasts a rich history as the first building in America with the original purpose to house an art collection that belonged to William Corcoran. Inspired by the pavilions of the Louvre, it emerged as a pioneering architectural marvel in Washington, earning it the name of the “American Louvre.” However, the onset of the Civil War halted it interior work in 1861, leading to its seizure for war efforts due to its proximity to the White House. It was finally opened as a museum in 1874 but when the Corcoran outgrew the space, the building then went into federal service as a court and shortly after became abandoned. Dilapidated, neglected, and at the core of a blooming city that was only growing bigger and better, President Kennedy signed an order to destroy the building for newer, more modern government buildings.Unbeknownst to him, his wife, Jackie Kennedy, with her familial ties to France & keen eye for architecture, recognized the historical French architecture and was set out to halt all demolition plans. In one of her letters regarding the building she wrote, “It may look like a Victorian horror, but it is really quiet a lovely and precious example of the period of architecture which is fast disappearing. I so strongly feel that the White House should give the example in preserving our nation’s past.” In purposing alternative uses for the abandoned building she suggested a museum and thus The First Lady successfully led the campaign in 1962 and was able to save the Renwick Gallery, marking her as a critical figure in the historic preservation of Washington. Today the Renwick Gallery showcases Janet Echelman’s exhibition, 1.8 , an immersive piece that examines the complex, and intrinsically interconnections between human beings and our physical world through captivating displays of colored lights and fabric. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience her installation at the Renwick Gallery now!
Phaan Howng and the Annual Orchid Exhibition
The 28th annual orchid exhibition has returned to DC at the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Dubbed “The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration,” there are around three hundred fifty live orchids on display. The exhibition delves into the challenges facing wild orchids today, such as climate change, habitat destruction and over-collecting. The beautiful and inspiring exhibition is on display now through April 28th, 2024. Check out this video of horticulturist Virginia Thaxton explaining the underrepresented realm of women in orchid sciences as she spotlights Edith Coleman, Alyssa Weinstein, and Hannah Margonska for their impactful work.
This year’s orchid exhibition is in collaboration with local Baltimore-based artist Phaan Howng, who specializes in large-scale landscape paintings and site-specific installations. She received her BFA from Boston University and her MFA from the Mt. Royal School of art at MICA. Her work is meant to help audiences visualize the future of orchids and gain some inspiration to take actions toward a more sustainable future. Howng has a deep curiosity in the manipulation of nature and her works reflect this interest. Along with her continuous research around the environment, she was the perfect artist to showcase the orchids this year. Check out her interesting conversation with Maake Magazine where she dives deeper into her story & art here.
Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw
As the first elected woman mayor of Fredericksburg, VA in 2012, Mary Greenlaw had poured years of dedication and love into the city. With three decades of service, including eleven years as Mayor, four on the city council, and twelve on the planning commission, her commitment to Fredericksburgs community is evident. A lifelong resident, Greenlaw has been instrumental in fostering local healthcare, education, arts, homeless assistance, and business development. Greenlaw’s own mother attempted to make history as on the city council in 1948 when the League of Women Voters nominated a slate of women to secure the first female presence on the city council. Reflecting on her election as mayor, Greenlaw felt the weight of not only her own accomplishment but also the legacy of women who had served the city before her, including her mother, Louise. One of the highlights of Greenlaw’s tenure was the city-wide decision to relocate the Slave Auction Block, a decision reached after two years of community discussions happening across the city. For Greenlaw, it was integral to tell the entirety of Fredericksburg’s history by collecting stories from the citizens themselves. After making profound strides for women in Fredericksburg’s history, Mayor Greenlaw is now enjoying retirement, spending time with her grandchildren and tackling crossword puzzles.
https://news.fredericksburgva.com/feature/freehling-finds-12-26-23-an-interview-with-mayor-greenlaw/
Through the history these women have made we are reminded of the transformative power that lies in perseverance, innovation, and collaboration. As a bonus I will leave you all with some must see memorials/ monuments commemorating women around D.C. Happy Women’s History month (and happy site seeing!)
Works Cited
Smithsonian Institution. "Renwick Architecture." Smithsonian Institution, American Art Museum, n.d., https://americanart.si.edu/about/history/renwick-architecture. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.
Lepore, Jill. "The Renwick Gallery". Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Sept. 2018, https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024 ArtsHelp. "The Renwick Gallery." ArtsHelp, https://www.artshelp.com/the-renwick-gallery/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.
Smithsonian Gardens. "Orchids: Hidden Stories of Groundbreaking Women." Smithsonian Institution, https://gardens.si.edu/exhibitions/orchids-hidden-stories-of-groundbreaking-women/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.
WTOP. "Hundreds of Orchids to Go on Display at New Smithsonian Show." WTOP News, 10 Jan. 2024, https://wtop.com/dc/2024/01/hundreds-of-orchids-to-go-on-display-at-new-smithsonian-show/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.
Smithsonian Gardens' 28th Annual Orchid Exhibition. "Fantastical Art Joins Hundreds of Blooming Orchids to Shed Light on Conservation Efforts." Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Institution, www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/fantastical-art-joins-hundreds-of-blooming-orchids-toshed-light-on-conservation-efforts180983786/#:~:text=Fantastical%20Art%20Joins%20Hundreds%20of%20Blooming%20Orchids%20to% 20Shed%20Light%20on%20Conservation%20Efforts,- Smithsonian%20Gardens'%2028th&text=To%20construct%20her%20sculptures%2C%20artist,a%20stee l%20armature%20and%20base.
Fredericksburg Economic Development & Tourism. (n.d.). Freehling Finds 12.26.23: An interview with Mayor Greenlaw. Retrieved from https://news.fredericksburgva.com/feature/freehling-finds-12-26-23-aninterview-with-mayor-greenlaw
Potomac Local. (2023, December 29). Fredericksburg mayor bids farewell. Retrieved from https://www.potomaclocal.com/2023/12/29/fredericksburg-mayor-bids-farewell/