D.C. has developed into a world-class arts center with more than 20 museums dedicated to collecting and preserving art. But this phenomenon is relatively recent. It wasn’t until the 1900s that the first Smithsonian art museum opened up, followed by the Corcoran Gallery and Phillips Collection for modern art.
D.C.’s reputation of being a center for art exhibits and a haven for art teachers and students grew. This attracted many art lovers and makers, and sustained several art schools around the city, including the Critcher School of Painting seen below.
However, it wasn’t until well into the 20th century that Black artists became part of the scene. Museums wouldn’t display their work until the late ‘20s, and no art schools would train Black students until Howard University opened its art department in 1921. A decade later, Howard Gallery opened, which fundamentally changed the way that Black art could be displayed and viewed, making it more accessible, year-round.
Students in sculpting class at Howard University when its art department first opened. (HUM Images/Getty Images)
