Art Blooms In Georgetown At L2 Lounge!

NORTHWEST -- Literally translated from Japanese to English as “flower viewing,” the traditional role of hanami is to emphasize the enjoyment derived from the beauty of flowers. And with the cherry blossoms now in full bloom surrounding the Tidal Basin, the start of spring is the perfect time to renew one’s appreciation of flowers.

Indeed, the cherry blossoms have become such an engrained part of the District’s annual spring ritual that it’s easy to forget that their presence in the city began as a gift from the people of Japan to the people of the United States in 1912, to celebrate the nations’ growing friendship at the time.

Given the turmoil now being experienced in Japan in the aftermath of the devastating March 11th earthquake, it’s difficult for some to enjoy the city’s cherry blossoms this season without also thinking about the current crisis some 5,000 miles away.

In seeking a way to bridge such a disconnect, local artist Don Patron and Ladies DC produced an art exhibit rooted in hanami, with all proceeds being donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Hosted inside Cady’s Alley hotspot L2 Lounge, Thursday night’s benefit brought together a handful of both established and emerging national artists to showcase a variety of pieces illustrating the beauty of flowers.

One of the works used mathematical computer models of the tsunami wave as inspiration, while another was literally made-up of the petals of a cherry blossom tree. And the pieces clearly touched a nerve, with many being snapped-up by local collectors on the spot.

Arigatou gozaimasu Washington…

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To learn more about the Japanese Red Cross Society or to make a donation, please visit the organization's website.