Tag Archives: museums

Photo Essay:  Dedication of Hill Center’s New Gathering Space

By Larry Janezich

Posted October 2, 2025

Wednesday night, The Hill Center dedicated and celebrated the opening of its new community space – seating in the round for the Center’s outdoor activities and public gatherings.   The space is named in honor of Hill Center visionary John Franzén.  Franzén, who died in 2020, was one of the Center’s founding board members and a former president of the Old Naval Hospital Foundation which created Hill Center. 

Some two hundred community members participated in the event.  Radio host, author and podcaster Bill Press was the master of ceremonies and recounted Franzén’s efforts leading Congress gifting the former Old Naval Hospital to the District and the sites subsequent transformation into the Hill Center which opened in 2011.

Mayor Bowser had planned to attend, but the closing of the federal government disrupted her schedule.  Press introduced the speakers which included Jennifer Cartland, President of the Hill Center Board of Directors; Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen; Nate Franzén, a nephew of  Johnathon who represented the family; and Mary Early, sculptor and juror of the six sculptures featured in the opening of the new sculpture garden. 

In his remarks, Allen paid tribute to Franzen’s vision of community:  “This is a space where you’ll run into friends whenever you come here…a place where the community can all come together.  John saw value in creating this space…he talked about the power of community and wanted to be part of making that community.  We are now a part of that effort and will carry it forward.” 

Following the dedication of the space, Mary Early, sculptor and juror spoke to the dedication of the newly established Hill Center Outdoor sculpture garden and announced the Best of Show:  “X and Why” by Luc Fiedler. 

Here are the six pieces inaugurating the new garden display.  The garden will feature a rotating exhibit featuring primarily local artists.  The current exhibition will continue through March of 2026.

Left to right:  Searching, by Nicholas Femia; Split Decision, by Todd Smitn; Repose, by Mimi Frank and Breon Gilleran.  Roots in Black and White, by Dalya Luttwak; Acorn, by Kirk Seese; and Best of Show, X and Why, by Luc Fieller.

Herb Scott, founder of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, and his band provided entertainment for the reception before and following the dedication.