(Maybe that is where we got the idea)
I went three times in my four day visit, I was so thrilled that it was free and I could walk there from my hotel. As I walked the galleries with my sketchbook, I experienced a repeating thrill of discovery. Oh! That work of art is here! And that masterpiece?
I did not know that so much art that I have studied and longed to see was right there.
When I returned to my home in the western suburbs of Chicago, I had an interesting conversation with a good friend who is an immigrant from Rwanda. He was incredulous that the National Gallery was free. He asked ,"But must you be a citizen of America to walk in there for free?" I assured him that any citizen from anywhere could also enjoy this treasure. He was surprised at the accessibility we had when I described the visit to the Senate building.
What freedom to see our government and enjoy what is available.
