It’s that time of the year when one gets to paint cherry blossoms in Washington DC.
The blooms are spectacular in the Tidal Basin in early Spring. The delicate pink and white blossoms frame the Jefferson Memorial, a presidential memorial built between 1939 and 1943 to honor Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence. It is situated in West Potomac Park on the shore of the Potomac River in Washington DC.
Each spring, this Tidal Basin is alive with crowds of visitors who come to see the iconic monument and the cherry blossoms. The trees that line the walkways were a gift from the citizens of Japan in 1912, an act of landscape diplomacy and design initiated by the First Lady Helen Taft. Flowering of Japanese cherry trees has become synonymous with springtime in Washington DC.
Where: Jefferson Memorial,16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242
Event date: April 4, Tuesday, 2023.
You could follow the information on the peaking of the cherry blossoms and paint on site also on a day that suits you best. National Cherry Blossom Festival's website https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/bloom-watch/
Please share your photos on the MAA facebook page and on Instagram with #MAAArtists, #MAAPleinAir.
Time: 9.30 AM -- 1.00 PM
Meet Up: At the Visitor's Center at the entrance of the Jefferson Memorial from 9.30 to 9.45 am
Registration dates: Registration starts Tuesday, March 21, 2023. It ends Monday, April 3, 2023, at 11:59 pm ET.
Limit: 15 people. The limit to numbers is to ensure that we stay within DC regulations for assembling near the Monuments.
What to expect: Cherry blossoms lined tidal basin with view of Jefferson Memorial. Washington Monument is visible in the distance, and you also get a glimpse of the Smithsonian Castle. Reflections of the Monuments and the cherry blossoms in the Potomac are a beautiful sight in Spring.
Restrooms: Portables near the Visitors Center
Parking: Available. During the Cherry Blossom Festival the Parking area gets crowded and sections are cordoned off to regulate traffic. Please car-pool and carry lightweight supplies as you may have to walk to your best view of the Monument.
No Entry Fee
What to bring: Please bring everything you need for the day, including art supplies, equipment, and trash bag. Please leave the spot cleaner than you found it.
Rules to follow: Setup your easel away from public path, cemented areas, and the Monument. Avoid entertaining a crowd.
MAA Contact and Lead on Site: Elizabeth Mathews, zilmatt@gmail.com
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