The Art Lover’s Guide to Collecting Fine Art in Washington D.C. & the Mid-Atlantic States

As some of the oldest states in the country, the Mid-Atlantic states are imbued with deeply rooted histories. Typically, Americans view the region as being made up of the following states: New York, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as Washington D.C. Each of these states were part of the 13 original colonies that gathered during the Second Continental Congress. Filled with stories, culture and creativity, this region is a major go-to destination for collectors, with art galleries, festivals, fairs and museums seemingly around every corner.

The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. surrounded by cherry blossoms in the spring. Photo by Andy He.

The Mid-Atlantic has undoubtedly grown into one of the most artistically and culturally robust areas in the nation, from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; to Baltimore, Maryland; to New York City.

We’ll start in D.C., where the famed Smithsonian Institution makes up a massive 17 museums, galleries and a zoo. For an eclectic array of stunning artwork, collectors can explore the American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of African Art and the National Museum of Asian Art.

Washington, D.C. in autumn. Photo by Dez Hester.

Baltimore, Maryland, the most populous city in the state, is known for its historic neighborhoods and landmarks, as well as its scenic waterfront. The city is also home to the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum, the American Visionary Art Museum and more.

In historic Richmond, Virginia, explore museums like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which has a remarkable permanent collection of more than 50,000 works of art from almost every major world culture, as well as the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University, a non-collecting institution that showcases a slate of changing exhibitions, performances and programs.

Baltimore, Maryland’s Inner Harbor. Photo by Brendan Beale.

Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Yuhan Du.

Heading to Pennsylvania, there are numerous art institutions to explore like the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Palmer Museum of Art at Pennsylvania State University and many more.

As you peruse the pages of this collector’s focus, enjoy learning about even more institutions, artists, galleries and events based in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Bethany Beach, Delaware. Photo by Josefina Lacroze.

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Joe Shannon
(301) 651-8867
www.joeshannonart.com
Born in Lares, Puerto Rico, in 1933, Joe Shannon has been a resident of the Washington, D.C. area since childhood. He has shown in galleries and museums locally and nationally, and his work is represented in major museums and numerous private collections. For many years he was an exhibition designer and curator at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History and the Hirshhorn Museum, taught painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and wrote art criticism for several national magazines. Today he continues to paint in his studio in Glen Echo, Maryland.

Joe Shannon, Diana at Catoctin Creek, acrylic, 24 x 24 in.; Joe Shannon, Great Rocks, acrylic, 18 x 24 in.

Shannon’s love of nature is evident. As a dedicated realist he captures the inspiration of the great outdoors as well as his lifelong passion for hunting and fishing. Diana at Catoctin Creek portrays a mythical goddess hunting a deer along a creek, while Great Rocks reflects the intensity of the Potomac River Gorge in Great Falls Park, Maryland.

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Just Lookin’ Gallery
40 Summit Avenue Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 714-2278, (240) 527-0753
justlookin@justlookin.com
www.justlookin.com
Just Lookin’ Gallery was born in 1990 out of the frustration that gallery owner Eileen Berger experienced while trying to collect original art and hand-pulled prints by Black American artists. “I found that most galleries offered little to no representation of their incredible talents. This pivotal moment ignited a passion to create a space where these artists could thrive, and where collectors and enthusiasts could access a rich tapestry of original works that celebrate African American artistry,” says Berger. Over the years, Just Lookin’ has evolved into a vital resource for art lovers, fostering appreciation and understanding of the cultural narratives that each piece embodies.

Just Lookin’ Gallery, Cherished Times, raw edged appliqued fiber art, 38 x 30½ in., by Carolyn Crump; Just Lookin’ Gallery, Spiritual Awakening, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 16 in., by Charly Palmer.

The expansion of Just Lookin’ in 1995 to a spacious 2,500 square feet showroom space has not only provided a platform for showcasing the incredible talents of over 80 contemporary and legacy African American artists but has also solidified the gallery’s role as a cultural hub. This growth reflects the gallery’s unwavering commitment to fostering connections with collectors and art enthusiasts around the globe, enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for art appreciation. Since its inception, Just Lookin’ has embarked on a remarkable journey that embodies community engagement and the celebration of artistic expression.

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Jenny Davis
(571) 271-9722
jennydavispaints@gmail.com
www.jennydaviswatercolors.com

Jenny Davis, Son, Light, watercolor, 12½ x 8½ in.; Jenny Davis, Cargo, watercolor, 13 x 10½ in.

Jenny Davis has always been drawn to the human face, but it is ultimately light that inspires her work. This shines through in her close-cropped portraits, which display a luminosity and vividness seldom seen in transparent watercolor. By zooming in on the face, she creates a sense of closeness and connection. Backgrounds are simplified and abstracted, keeping the focus on the subject. She is fascinated by strong cast shadows and glowing reflected light that give form to the subtle planes of the face. Working slowly in many layers, Davis utilizes numerous reference photographs to develop the colors of the painting. Taking her own reference photos allows her to get to know the subject and to capture fleeting expressions that reveal their personality. In addition to portraiture, Davis, now a mother of two, is building a series of still lifes inspired by the everyday experience of raising young children in 2025. Her still life work features the same characteristic natural lighting, illuminating saturated children’s toys and everyday objects in unexpected arrangements.

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Principle Gallery
208 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-9326, info@principlegallery.com
www.principlegallery.com

Principle Gallery, Venetian Fishmonger, watercolor on paper, 21 x 14 in., by Joseph Zbukvic. Principle Gallery, Amphibious, oil on linen, 8 x 8 in., by Russell Gordon.

Principle Gallery showcases contemporary realism by a diverse group of nationally and internationally recognized artists. With locations in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina, the gallery features masterfully crafted original works ranging from figurative and portraiture to still life and landscape.

Artists represented at the gallery share a deep commitment to strong technique, compelling narratives and emotional resonance. Whether through bold brushwork or delicate detail, their work reflects a deep respect for traditional skills paired with a fresh, contemporary perspective.

A view of Principle Gallery’s Alexandria, Virginia, location.

Through constantly rotating exhibitions, artist talks, live painting demonstrations and special events, Principle Gallery fosters meaningful connections between artists, collectors and the wider art community.

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Waterfowl Festival
40 S. Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601
(410) 822-4567
www.waterfowlfestival.org
The Waterfowl Festival uses art to mirror the beauty of nature while deepening public engagement in environmental stewardship. For more than five decades, the festival has curated a juried showcase of wildlife and sporting art ranging from masterful paintings and sculptures to intricate carvings and evocative photography that inspire viewers to appreciate the outdoors. By situating this artwork within multiple downtown pavilions and galleries that are only available during the three-day event, the festival transforms Easton, Maryland, into a living museum, inviting both seasoned patrons and casual visitors to reflect on the splendor of the natural world. Outdoor events such as sporting dog exhibitions and outdoor clothing and equipment pavilions encourage attendees to explore the natural world.

Clockwise from left: Waterfowl Festival, Cardinal, tupelo wood, brass, acrylic, 9 x 10 x 15 in., by Al Jordan; Waterfowl Festival, Down the Road, oil on board, 14½ x 22 in., by Al Barker; Attendees explore artwork at the 2024 Waterfowl Festival.

Artistic expression at the festival quietly advances its core mission of conservation and stewardship. Every sale becomes a tangible contribution to initiatives like wetland restoration, youth environmental education and support for local nonprofits. This artistic conservation model turns aesthetic appreciation into action. Viewers who purchase a painting or attend a live art event not only take home a piece of nature-inspired beauty, they also actively shape the future of wildlife protection, sustaining the festival’s mission of community, education and habitat preservation year after year.

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The Art League Gallery
105 North Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-1780 www.theartleague.org

Visitors view artwork at the Art League Gallery during Second Fridays. A previous Patrons’ Show auction at the Art League Gallery.

Nestled along the scenic waterfront of the Potomac River, near charming cobblestone streets and celebrated restaurants, the Art League Gallery is a hidden gem in the Torpedo Factory Arts Center, at the heart of historic Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia. Inviting art collectors to explore a vibrant showcase of creativity, the gallery hosts monthly juried exhibits featuring an eclectic mix of works from emerging and established artists, alongside special exhibitions like solo artist showcases, Tabletop, Little Winter and the highly anticipated annual Patrons’ Show auction. Many of the gallery’s talented members are dedicated students of the Art League’s renowned school, guided by esteemed instructors such as Robert Liberace, Danni Dawson, Susan Abbott and Susan O’Neill. Jurors, including nationally recognized figures like Peter Trippi, Debbie Millman, Zoey Frank and Xander Berkeley, ensure a curated selection of exceptional art.

The gallery is open seven days a week. —