Carol Rowan, a seasoned fine artist based in Woodley Park, is celebrated for her detailed monochrome sketches. Her exquisite artistry is showcased at various esteemed venues, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Her recent solo exhibition featured her exceptional graphite drawings, reflecting a nearly forgotten craft that attracted admiration for its rarity and grandeur.
The relocation to Woodley Park in 2008 marked a new personal beginning for Rowan, coinciding harmoniously with the integration of her residential and professional spaces. The locale’s proximity to inspirations such as the Phillips Collection and the National Cathedral’s gardens and architecture plays a vital role in her creative process. Rowan’s background as a cellist—the result of a musically rich upbringing—instills discipline and concentration that she translates into her visual art endeavors.
Over a 40-year career span, Rowan’s artistic expression has continually evolved. Beginning with realistic graphite compositions, she has branched out into painting and now anticipates incorporating sculptural elements using wood and metal into her repertoire. Influences on her art draw from a broad range of sources, including historic architecture, the natural beauty of various landscapes, and urban details, often observed through the intimate perspective of bicycle explorations within Woodley Park and beyond.
Rowan speaks highly of Washington, D.C.’s vibrant art scene, which teems with talent across disciplines, from visual arts and theater to music. Frequenting museums and galleries fuels her creativity, offering solace and inspiration from the works of art history’s masters. Despite the challenges brought forth by public health concerns, her practice has adapted—embracing limitations as opportunities for growth and creative resourcefulness.
In Woodley Park, Rowan is an active figure, engaging with the community through cycling, running, and social gatherings. The symphonic sounds of the National Cathedral bells and the distant calls from the National Zoo animate the area’s atmosphere. She values local festivities and envisions Woodley Park as a potential hub for artistic exposure, with avenues for artists to exhibit their work, interact with the community, and contribute to the district’s diverse cultural tapestry.
