This exhibition is at Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Ave, SE, Washington, DC.

PHILLIPS@THEARC EXHIBITION | SEPTEMBER 24, 2025–FEBRUARY 19, 2026

Pioneering DC artist Rik Freeman has been creating paintings and murals that focus on the African diaspora for over three decades. Wade in the Waters features artworks that engage themes of history, community, resilience, joy, and faith. The power and rhythm of water flows through the paintings—from the beaches of Bahia to the Anacostia River—sharing stories of both survival and triumph. Through a kaleidoscope of narratives, the exhibition draws from several of Freeman’s series, exploring waterways and their connection to the diaspora over generations.