The United States is preparing to celebrate its 250th anniversary, and a unique exhibition is being held to mark the occasion. The exhibition, titled "Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy," will feature over 30 contemporary American artists whose work explores patriotism, diplomacy, military service, immigration, and national identity. The event is being presented through a partnership between the Office of Art in Embassies and the American Arts Conservancy, and will be free to the public.
The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of artworks, including photography, painting, sculpture, and fashion. One of the featured works is a sweeping interpretation of the American flag by acclaimed artist Barbara Ernst Prey, which anchors the exhibition's exploration of national identity. Internationally recognized pop artist Romero Britto will also be featured, with his signature bold palette reimagining the Statue of Liberty to celebrate the American dream.
The exhibit will also include a powerful series of photographs by Korina Marie Moore, which capture moments of military service through a deeply personal lens. Rather than focusing solely on combat, Moore's photographs spotlight the men and women who serve, from sailors gathered around a U.S. Navy vessel to service members standing watch as the Statue of Liberty rises across New York Harbor. Visitors will also encounter an America 250 haute couture gown created specifically for the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, inspired by Betsy Ross' flag.
The exhibition is being led by Erin Scavino, director of the Office of Art in Embassies, who was appointed to the role by President Donald Trump. Scavino's career has taken an unexpected path, from appearing on reality TV to overseeing one of the Trump administration's signature cultural initiatives. She views her appointment as part of a broader effort to elevate American culture alongside American history ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.
Scavino's goal for the exhibition is to create an event that feels welcoming to visitors who may not consider themselves "art people." She wants to make the exhibit approachable and inclusive, with each artwork featuring QR codes that allow visitors to hear directly from the artists about their work and creative process. By doing so, Scavino hopes to inspire conversations and connections among visitors, and to celebrate the stories that the artworks tell about the nation they represent.
The exhibition will be held at the Art Museum of the Americas, and will run from July 30 to October 18. Scavino hopes that visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation not only for the artwork, but for the stories it tells about the United States and its people. As she said, "You only get to celebrate 250 years once, so let art be a way of celebration."
For Scavino, the exhibition represents a unique opportunity to introduce the Office of Art in Embassies to a broader audience. The office has existed since 1964, placing American artwork in nearly 190 diplomatic properties around the world as a form of cultural diplomacy. Scavino believes that the office's work is more important than ever, as it helps to promote American culture and values overseas. By creating a major public exhibition in Washington, Scavino hopes to start a new chapter in the office's history and to inspire a new generation of art lovers and patriots.
The exhibition is ultimately less about individual works than the conversations they may inspire. Scavino believes that art has the power to bring people together, and to transcend political and cultural divides. As she said, "What I love about art is it's totally different from politics... and maybe instead of tear down, we can come together." By celebrating the stories and artwork of American artists, Scavino hopes to inspire a sense of unity and patriotism, and to mark the nation's 250th anniversary in a meaningful and lasting way.
