Artspiration Frederick marked a significant milestone this weekend with the opening reception of Women Artists of the DMV, a regional, multi-venue exhibition highlighting the work of women artists across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The new state-of-the-art arts hub, co-founded by Natasha Valencia and Tammy O’Connor, served as one of the featured host sites, reinforcing Frederick’s growing presence in the regional creative landscape.
The “Women Artists of the DMV” exhibition spans more than 18 partner venues across the region and showcases the work of over 400 female artists representing a wide range of mediums, styles, and voices. At the Frederick location, visitors were welcomed into a bright, contemporary gallery space designed to support both professional artists and emerging creatives.
Local representation was a notable highlight. Works by Frederick-based artists, including Arts Council Director Louise Kennelly, Lis Zadravec, and Frederick native Diane Mitchell, were featured among the broader regional collection, offering a meaningful connection point for local audiences and reinforcing the depth of talent found within the community.
The reception drew artists, supporters, and members of the broader cultural community for an evening of conversation, visual exploration, and celebration. Attendees moved through a curated selection of works that reflected themes of identity, resilience, and creative innovation, consistent with the exhibition’s mission to elevate the visibility and impact of women artists across the DMV.
The exhibition at Artspiration Frederick will remain open through January 2026, offering ample opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the work and engage with the new arts center.
As part of its launch, Artspiration is also hosting “The Artspiration Challenge,” a campaign to raise $5,000 in 60 days to support the build-out of programming, community classes, and accessible creative spaces. Donations directly fuel the development of Frederick’s newest arts community center — positioning it as a future hub for collaboration, learning, and cultural activation.
Those wishing to support the initiative may donate here: https://givebutter.com/gL05vI/kennediw1.
With its participation in a large-scale regional exhibition and the successful launch of a dynamic new venue, Artspiration Frederick signals a new chapter for local arts engagement, one that strengthens community ties, amplifies diverse voices, and contributes to the broader creative economy of the region.
