Peace, Hope, and Renewal
On behalf of all of us at the National Gallery of Art, I’m writing to express our best wishes for peace, hope, and renewal in the new year.
I remain in awe of the steadfast spirit of empathy and generosity that our visitors, donors, and staff have shown over the past months. As we look ahead to 2021, I can’t help but reflect on the National Gallery’s inauguration, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The dedication of this Gallery to a living past, and to a great and more richly living future, is the measure of the earnestness of our intention: that the freedom of the human spirit shall go on.” This message resonates with me particularly now during the pandemic, a time of great challenge and loss. Together, we’re experiencing how art, creativity, and our shared humanity can be sources of individual resilience and also unite us.
With this in mind, we asked visitors and staff three questions in the days before the National Gallery closed once again: What brings you joy? What are you thankful for? What do you hope for others? Their responses are collected in this video, which we hope will bring you joy and inspire your own reflections.
We are also sharing two terrific resources: an art-making guide inspired by Alma Thomas and “21 Artworks to Ring in 2021,” activities designed for all ages to engage and connect. This season of community and celebration will not be the same as in past years, but I hope that you and your loved ones will discover new ways to make it meaningful. We look forward to welcoming you back to the National Gallery in 2021.
In gratitude,
Kaywin Feldman, Director
Activities to Engage and Connect
Related Resources
Image caption: Alma Thomas,