Art Walk - Eastern Market to the Wharf

Our next Art Walk event is a pleasant walk to the District Wharf with a stop at the historic Latrobe Gate at the Washington Navy Yard, as we welcome the warm days of spring weather by exploring the history and beautiful views along the Southwest waterfront.

Fish market at the Wharf

Art Walk is our regular event series, where we walk through the different parts of DC, Maryland and Virginia, taking photos, as we explore art, architecture, culture and history while having a fun time outdoors.

Eastern Market to the District Wharf

The area between the Eastern Market and the Navy Yard is Washington's earliest industrial neighborhood, and the Navy Yard is the oldest shore establishment of the U.S. Navy. The Wharf which stretches a mile along the Potomac River is DC's newest day trip destination, with restaurants, shops, and beautiful waterfront views.

Washington Navy Yard aerial view in 1985 by David MacLean

We will start our Art Walk at the Eastern Market and walk to the Wharf while making a stop at the historic Latrobe Gate at the Washington Navy Yard. The distance to the Wharf is around 2.5 miles from the Eastern Market.

As we walk, we will also take pictures for our Art Walk contest.

Latrobe Gate at the Washington Navy Yard

The Latrobe Gate built in 1806 is a historic gatehouse located at the Washington Navy Yard. The ceremonial entrance to the U.S. Navy's oldest shore establishment is an example of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture.

Latrobe Gate at the Washington Navy Yard

The entrance gets its name from its designer Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who is an important figure in American architecture and more famously known as the the second Architect of the Capitol, after the burning of Washington in 1814 by the British troops. Latrobe was a British subject and neoclassical architect who emigrated to the United States in 1796.

The District Wharf

The Southwest Waterfront has been an important part of Washington, DC’s story. Historically, this area was inhabited by Native Americans who fished and farmed along the shores of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers long before Captain John Smith an English explorer sailed up the Potomac during the summer of 1608, on his important exploration of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Boats at the District Wharf

With the establishment of the district in 1791, Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the street layout of what is now Southwest with a major inland seaport and incorporated a maritime community extending from the Anacostia River to Georgetown. Southwest Washington was one of the first areas of private development in the District.

Early in the 19th century, the Southwest Waterfront enjoyed popularity as a site for residences and businesses, including the opening of the Maine Avenue Fish Market in 1805.

Continuously in operation since 1805, the Maine Avenue Fish Market is the oldest operating fish market in the United States.

Southwest Waterfront includes some of the oldest buildings in the city, including the Wheat Row block of townhouses, built in 1793, the Thomas Law House, built in 1796, and Fort McNair, which was established in 1791 as 'the U.S. Arsenal at Greenleaf Point'.

Light Snacks and Drinks

We will stop along the way for a short break, so you can bring some light snacks and drinks for yourself.

After the event, we can break into smaller groups and get coffee, drinks or food depending on individual preferences.

Competition Rules

Take as many pictures as you would like but only upload two of your best photos for the Art Walk contest. Both the photos must be uploaded after completion of the Art Walk.

• Our judges, some who will be nominated from among our members will then judge the best photos and the overall winner. We will feature the best photos on our website and the winner will receive our award.
• The criteria for judging will be based on the artistic creativity, uniqueness of the photo composition and picture framing besides having a stimulating effect. The photo, must also capture the theme specified in the contest.
• A winner for the best photo will be announced three days after the Art Walk by our judges. The winner can pick the prize at any of our future Art Walk events.
• The winner will be invited as our guest, for our next Art Walk event.

During the event we will allocate a time frame for stopping at different locations before we continue with our walk.

Photography is more importantly an art of composing the story of an interesting moment and sharing your artistic creation with others.

The most important thing is to have fun enjoying the outdoors and the interesting company of our diverse group of participants.

Getting There

Our meeting point is Bourbon Coffee shop, which is a 2 minute walk from the Eastern Market station.

The station currently provides service for the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.

Event Message Board

Important messages related to the event are highlighted, so participants can catch the latest updates about the event.

Event Details

Event: Art Walk - Eastern Market to the Wharf

Description: Explore the Southwest Waterfront as we compete for the best photo for our Art Walk contest.

Date/Time: Saturday May 5th, 2018 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Admission: $2 for covering the cost

Meeting Place

11:00 am - Bourbon Coffee

621 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003

Google Map

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There is no contest fee for veterans, firefighters and teachers who are an important part of our community. Grapes & Grains will cover the cost of their participation.

Article Category: Events