Media Contact:
Cyndi Sutton
National Cherry Blossom Festival
cyndi@merakicommsgroup.com
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National Cherry Blossom Festival Previews Spring’s Biggest Welcome Party: the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival
Festival Unveils 2023 Official Artwork, Announces 2023 Parade Grand Marshals
Washington, D.C. [November 29, 2022] — This evening, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, in partnership with Washington, D.C. officials, Festival sponsors, and other stakeholders, gathered at The University Club of Washington, DC to share plans for the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival, being held March 20-April 16. The 2023 official artwork was unveiled, and the grand marshals for the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, presented by Events DC, were announced at the event.
“The National Cherry Blossom Festival is spring’s biggest welcome party – spanning four weeks and reaching from D.C. to Maryland, Virginia, and beyond,” said Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. “Spring’s arrival is only 16 weeks away, and we plan to present a host of traditional favorites and new experiences that will unite communities and bring friends and families together to make wonderful memories.”
In another exciting announcement, the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC will have a pair of very special Grand Marshals.
“We are delighted to present the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse as they bring the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort to our nation’s capital,” said Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events DC. “We invite everyone to join us April 15th on Constitution Avenue for what is sure to be a spectacular celebration of spring.”
The 2023 official artwork by Orlando Quevedo, an artist with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, provides a breathtaking and mesmerizing artistic interpretation of the 2023 Festival. It depicts the captivating beauty of the cherry blossoms on canvas using Quevedo’s deftly applied signature style, called magical realism.
The limited edition 2023 Commemorative Poster featuring the artwork is available for purchase in the Festival’s online shop. The official artwork will also be on display through December 7 at the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), part of the Embassy of Japan, which is committed to enriching the relationship between Japan and the United States through an active, vibrant cultural exchange.
There will also be an auction for two limited-edition giclee prints, with funds directly supporting the Trust for the National Mall’s Adopt a Cherry Tree Campaign, to help the National Park Service care for the 3,700 iconic cherry trees on the Tidal Basin and the National Mall and ensure they continue to bloom for generations to come. Bids can be made here through December 14, just in time for the holidays.
“I was honored to be able to create this piece for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Quevedo. “As the 2023 Festival Official Artist, I am proud to be a part of this longstanding tradition through my artwork.”
The Festival is proud to welcome back longtime supporter Events DC as a Leadership Circle Sponsor, and Amazon is also a Leadership Circle Sponsor for a third year.
“The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings the joy of spring’s arrival from the Tidal Basin and across the District to surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia, including National Landing,” said Patrick Phillippi, senior manager for community engagement at Leadership Circle Sponsor Amazon. “We’re happy to partner with the Festival team, government officials, and other stakeholders to bring the excitement of the 2023 Festival to the homes, businesses, and hearts of the greater D.C. community.”
Host Sponsors for the 2023 Festival include Chase, All Nippon Airways, Mars, Inc., TCMA (A Drew Company) for Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, and DowntownDC Business Improvement District.
The site of today’s preview event has its own roots to the Festival. The University Club’s first president was former President William Howard Taft. In April 2005, a Yoshino cherry tree was planted near the entrance to the Club and dedicated during a special ceremony at an event honoring former First Lady Hellen “Nellie” Taft, wife of President Taft. First Lady Taft helped champion the first cherry trees being planted at the Tidal Basin in 1912.
About Orlando Quevedo, Official Artist for 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival
Born in Holguín, Cuba in 1970, Orlando Quevedo studied at the Vocational School of Arts and later attended the Professional School of Fine Arts in his hometown. He finished his formal education at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba. After graduating, he immigrated to Philadelphia where he worked as a professor of art appreciation at La Salle University and used his talents to paint several murals in the downtown area. While in Philadelphia, Quevedo began to apply more vibrant colors on his canvases. The oeuvres show his mastery of color and form, inspired by the Baroque era and Surrealism. They depict a blend of architectural interiors with elements of illusion. Together, these elements form his unique style, Magical Realism. Learn more about Orlando here.
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About the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of spring. The 2023 Festival, March 20-April 16, will include four weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Leadership Circle Sponsors for the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival are Events DC and Amazon. Add the 2023 Festival dates and signature event dates to your calendar, and visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information. Get the latest updates via email, and be sure to follow the Festival on Facebook (@CherryBlossomFestival), Instagram (@CherryBlossFest), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest) and YouTube (@CherryBlossFest).
