Art in Embassies: “Morning Colors” Placed in Brussels, Belgium
A project that began in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Academy in 2022 came full circle with the 2026 placement of “Morning Colors” at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, Belgium. The piece was a collaboration with the U.S. Naval Academy and the Art in Embassies “Democracy” call for art.
“Morning Colors” 16”x20” oil on panel, 2023
“Morning Colors” explores a ritual that is anything but mundane at the U.S. Naval Academy: the daily flag raising. Every day at 0800, midshipmen assemble to handle the flag as a visual reminder of their oath to support and defend the constitution, which is the backbone of our democracy. It is a daily commitment, requiring the people to show up to and continuously choose to protect. It’s resiliency lies in that continued commitment.
The focus is on the teamwork amongst of the people themselves. It takes each of us doing our part to honor and protect the democracy which makes us great.
Details about the Exhibit
See the portfolio at Art in Embassies
Image captured from https://art.state.gov/portfolio/brussels-publication-2026/ on April 7, 2026
Image captured from https://art.state.gov/portfolio/brussels-publication-2026/ on April 7, 2026
Image captured from https://art.state.gov/portfolio/brussels-publication-2026/ on April 7, 2026
The process of actually painting this occured over months, during which we moved homes (and subsequently, my studio). I packed the piece with me!
Finishing the painting at an interim rental home surrounded by three kids home for the summer may not have been ideal, but we made it work.