A Day of Delights
When I first read Ross Gay’s book of lyric essays, “The Book of Delights,” I was in a coffee shop. It was a Saturday morning (delight), in a sunny corner (delight), at a shared table with strangers who seemed friendly,…
Volunteer Profile: Fran Hoffmann
Fran Hoffmann is a beloved longtime volunteer at Hill Center. She is a retired sociology professor who began volunteering at Hill Center soon after moving to Capitol Hill. Whether she’s expertly directing crowds at Galleries Receptions, or answering phones in…
The View From the Outside
These are trying times. We're so sad that our halls aren't full of people, music and conversation. But, since you can still see out beautiful grand building from the outside, we thought it worth talking about its rehabilitation. We get…
Volunteer Profile: Jeff & Judy Zippin
Jeff and Judy Zippin, usually referred to simply as “the Zippins” around here, have been volunteering at Hill Center for over eight years. Since 2011, they’ve helped out in our reception office, been a staple at annual events such as…
Eastern Market Art Series & Teachings: Make Art at Home For Calvary Women’s Services
In April, the Eastern Market Art Series & Teachings (EAST), a monthly series that brings kids ages 6-10 and artists together to explore a different craft or medium, goes online! Here are the details from EAST’s Adrian: Becca, our…
What’s Up With Our Program Partners During Our Closure?
While our physical doors are closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many of our program partners are open for business – but in a new way. While we can't wait until we can once again all gather together at Hill…
Hill Center Galleries Announces Juried Show Award Winners
Hill Center Galleries is proud to announce the winners of the Hill Center Galleries Juried Exhibition. Juried by Myrtis Bedolla, owner of Galerie Myrtis, Baltimore, MD, 165 artists submitted nearly 700 pieces for consideration. Bedolla selected 94 pieces for the…
Preservation Notes: Feeding the Horses
When we set out to restore and refurbish the Old Naval Hospital site ten years ago to create Hill Center, our principal focus, of course, was on the handsome main building, which had fallen into serious disrepair. The little carriage…
Learn to Love Chamber Music with Perfect Octave
Chamber music is having a moment and Hill Center is on top of it. Small musical ensembles can now be found performing in private homes, churches and other non-profit centers throughout the country much as they did in 19th-century Europe…
Preservation Notes: Our Trick Elevator
Preserving a historic building like the Old Naval Hospital is full of surprises, like the lawn that wouldn’t drain. But just as often it’ll be a key part of the physical plant whose lifespan is limited and whose need for…