For anyone who is visiting D.C. or lives in the area, the National Portrait Gallery is a must-see. About one block from the Gallery Place Metro stop/Verizon Center. As with all other Smithsonian museums, it's free so you can stay as long or little as you want and come back as many times as you want with no problems. Speaking of $$$, they have a fascinating exhibit on Depression Era portraits. Lots of landscapes (a lot of rural/ Heartland stuff that I'm all about), biblical-oriented pieces, culminating in a 50+ set of handmade figurines, plaques, alters, etc... all made out of aluminum foil. Real crazed, but jaw-dropping. Other floor has a whole exhibit on the Presidents and Vice-Presidents with painted portraits, photographs, etc...a particular focus on Abraham Lincoln in one area (complete with the portrait our penny picture is based off of).
The highlight was no doubt the beautiful courtyard (see the pictures I nagged above). Water flowing across the floors, calming sandstone facade with frosted glass ceiling. Lots of trees and greens and place to sit, do work, read, whatever you're about. Only got to wander for about an hour in there and I'm already counting down until I can head back. Check it out.
-D-Artist
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