Most creators dream of the opportunity to show their talents at a major event that offers to catapult them into fame, and for Anna August of Park West Gallery in Southfield, Michigan, that chance has come with the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF).
“Joy, serenity and a bit of nostalgia is what my art is about,” said August, who was revealed as next year’s official artist during the 2025 NCBF launch event at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Northwest D.C. on Nov. 21. “The style of art is expressionism with the use of vibrant, bold colors.”
Her piece “Bloom,” the official artwork of the festival, showcases the beauty and nuances of spring and the cherry blossoms.
“My art is my way of capturing the beauty and ever-changing moments of life, so being able to share that through the cherry blossoms, an iconic symbol of renewal and joy, is truly amazing,” August, a 23-year-old Massachusetts-based artist, said. “I hope it reminds [audiences] of the magic that the blossoms bring each year and give a sense of connection to the festival.”
August’s art was the highlight of the launch, which also included vignettes of activities that will take place during the 2025 festival, which runs from March 20 to April 13.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, an outgrowth of the gift of cherry trees from Japan to the United States in 1912, has grown into an annual official District event.
“In 2024, the Cherry Blossom Festival attracted 1.6 million attendees and generated $220 billion for the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area,” said District Secretary Kimberly Bassett.
Bassett said the District made millions of dollars from tourists and visitors coming for the festival, “staying in hotels, eating in our restaurants and patronizing local businesses.”
Planned NCBF staple events include the Pink Tie Party on March 14, the Opening Ceremony on March 22, Blossom Kite Festival on March 29, Petalpaooza*at Capitol Riverfront on April 5, National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 12 and the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage on April 12. In addition, the festival with feature signature programs such as the Blossom Kites for Kids, Blossom Tea Party, Kites in the Classroom and the Student Art Showcase, Art in Bloom, City in Bloom, and Cherry Picks.
In addition, festival attendees can also tap into events such as: The Art of Pink, Jazz & Blossom and the Sakura Matsui—Japanese Street Festival.
Although winter hasn’t officially started, NCBF President and CEO Diana Mayhew told The Informer in a WIN-TV interview that the festival is already spreading the beauty and warmth of spring throughout the nation’s capital.
During the festival kickoff, the excitement for the 2025 festival was palpable.
As part of the Nov. 21 event, CenterStage Academy for the Arts, based in Clinton, Maryland, performed dance routines to leading hit songs such as “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie, and Diana Mayhew energized the crowd even more, jumping in the middle and dancing with the performers.
“This is just a glimpse of the talent that will be showcased during the festival,” said Mayhew, appreciating the work of the dancers, August, and many artists who are participating in the 2025 programming.
Mayhew also said that 2027 will mark the 100th anniversary of the festival, and emphasized the hard work NCBF does to engage with the community beyond the annual spring programming.
“It is more than just a festival,” she said. “It’s about creating connections all year.”
