Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
There's not much we can count on in life, but if there's one guarantee, we can bet that our bodies change as we grow older. That's especially true for men as they age. One moment you're partying at the club, waking up refreshed, and hitting the gym. The next moment, getting out of bed is a chore. You're sore in places you never thought before, and hangovers don't just go away after a hot shower and a big breakfast.
And while sore joints and backaches can be treated with aspirin and ice, other signs of aging aren't as easy to treat. Of course, we're talking about challenges in getting and maintaining erections needed to satisfy your partner. At the extreme, we all know it as erectile dysfunction or ED for short but long before full ED, there are warning signs that things aren't working as they used to work. Hearing the ED word sends shivers down most men's spines. When you think about it, that makes sense - being unable to perform when you need to most is a scary thought.
If you're beginning to suffer from ED or male performance issues or you've been dealing with performance issues for some time, it may seem like nobody has any solutions or even really understands how these issues can impact your life and sense of well-being. However, ED of varying degrees is very common. More than 18 million men suffer from the condition in the U.S. Unfortunately, many of those men hide their performance issues without ever addressing them. If you're one of those men, and it feels like you're stuck in a rut with no help, we're here to tell you you're not alone. Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC is here to provide you with a long-lasting solution to help you regain confidence and perform like you used to.
Additionally, many men including the so-called "bio hackers" are using our treatments to PREVENT the performance decline in the first place. Why wait for the inevitable when you can implement strategies to prevent the decline in the first place.

The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
Our programs are all about reversing and slowing the aging process, preventing disease, and treating chronically ill patients. We utilize a three-pronged approach:
- 1. We equip patients with the knowledge required to take charge of their health and achieve optimal well-being.
- 2. We focus on disease prevention by providing a thorough evaluation using comprehensive diagnostics including the patient-supplied information.
- 3. We work with patients to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of various science-based treatments that reduce cellular degeneration, promote tissue regeneration and healing, and slow down the aging process.
We consider every individual as physiologically unique. As such, we don't subscribe to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach, leveraging genetics and advanced testing, utilizing advanced therapeutics like Gainswave and addressing risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for reducing many chronic conditions that men suffer from year-round.
Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health. For men whoare just starting to have challenges, or who have erectile dysfunction, or for the biohackers that just want everything optimized, one of those proven therapies is GAINSWave therapy in Potomac, MD
Our Services
- Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
- The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
- What is GAINSWave Therapy?
- What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Potomac, MD Work?
- Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
- Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
Service Areas
What is GAINSWave Therapy?
If you have ED or even a minor decline in sexual performance, there's a good chance you've already seen your primary care doctor. You've talked to them about the issues you're facing. And, if they're like many doctors, they prescribed you some pills and sent you on your way. Unfortunately, going this route doesn't do much to solve erectile dysfunction - you're just putting a band-aid on the problem. Plus, you're putting strange chemicals in your body via a "little blue pill" that may cause adverse side effects.
At the end of the day, you need a real-deal solution to ED, not a quick fix. The good news? A safe, non-invasive, injection-free answer to your problems exists. It's called GAINSWave therapy, and according to recent studies, it has shown an 85-92% success rate for mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction.
Reports from men who have used GAINSWave therapy in Potomac, MD report the following benefits:
- Stronger, Longer Lasting Erections
- Improved Sexual Pleasure
- More Blood Circulation and Flow
- Better Girth and Length
- Less Rest Needed Between Orgasms
- Enhanced Intimacy in the Bedroom

Unlike many ED treatments, you don't have to worry about surgery or drugs when you choose GAINSWave. This revolutionary treatment uses acoustic wave technology, also called pulse wave therapy, instead of surgery or pills, which helps to rebuild blood flow to the penile region, thereby boostings erectile strength and, by proxy, confidence.
But the benefits of GAINSWave don't end there. This therapy also breaks up micro plaques and boosts nitric oxide, which forms new blood vessels and collagen. That's exciting news for men suffering from Peyronie's disease, which is another condition specific to male sexual health.
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What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Potomac, MD Work?
With time, men's blood flow decreases, sensitivity isn't what it once was, and blood vessels start to get thinner or even partially or fully blocked. With GAINSWave, high-frequency, low-intensity shockwaves rejuvenate areas of the penis that have suffered with age. For instance, micro plaques are removed, new blood vessels form, and blood flow increases. According to several clinical studies, enhanced blood flow from GAINSWave translates to more sustainable, rigid erections in 75% of men.
Though males in America are only beginning to realize the benefits of GAINSWave, it's a treatment that has been used for over a decade around the world. Backed by science and proven to rejuvenate vasculature in male erections, GAINSWave works without any pain or recovery time. In fact, it's possible to pop into Proactive Wellness Centers on your lunch break for a therapy session.
Proactive Wellness Centers' GAINSWave treatments feature:
- Low-Intensity Pulse or Shockwaves
- All Natural
- No Needles
- No Pills
- No Pain
- No Surgery
- No Recovery Time
- Quick Procedures
Because this procedure is needle, surgery, and drug-free, most men don't have to suffer through costly insurance claims or unsightly scarring. With GAINSWave and our comprehensive and personalized ED treatment plans, all you need to focus on is enjoying life, knowing your erectile dysfunction is a thing of the past.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Gainswave Therapy in Potomac, MD?
If you're a man over the age of 30 and want to optimize your performance or if you are suffering a decline in this area, GAINSWave may be for you. That's even more true if other treatments never worked. For many men, those unsuccessful solutions include pills like Viagra. If prescription pills don't solve your ED problems, GAINSWave is a great option to consider. Academic studies show that shockwave therapy is successful where PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra or Cialis) fall short.
In fact, many urologists now consider shockwave therapy the greatest revolution in ED treatment in over a decade. Even men without erectile dysfunction use GAINSWave as a preventative therapy to keep their bedroom performance strong and avoid compromised blood vessels.
Some of the key benefits of GAINSWave procedures over other ED treatments include:
- No Drugs
- Backed by Clinical Studies and Extensive Medical Research
- Vast Record of Success
- FDA-Approved for Enhanced Sexual Wellness
- Available at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
What Should I Expect from GAINSWave Therapy at Proactive Wellness Centers?
If you're ready to begin your journey to a healthier, happier sex life, getting started at our wellness clinic is as easy as 1-2-3:
Make an Appointment: Give our office a call at 703-822-5003. One of our Clinical Intake Coordinators will answer any question you have and get you started. If you prefer, you can text "gainswave" to 833.341.0170, and our Clinical Intake Coordinator will get back to you personally and confidentially.
Prep: Once the intake process is complete, you'll schedule a time for GAINSWave therapy in Potomac, MD. You'll arrive at our wellness center for treatment at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. Procedure time is usually no longer than 30 minutes and occurs in our wellness center.
Enjoy the Benefits: Once your GAINSWave therapy session is over, you can get right back to what you were doing beforehand. Studies show that approximately 75% of men enjoy positive results like stronger, longer-lasting erections after treatment. Most men only need 6-12 sessions for optimal results.
Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
As the premier wellness clinic in Virginia and the metro D.C. area, we provide patients with a comprehensive list of treatments to slow the process of aging and treat chronic conditions. Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies, like GAINSWave therapy in Potomac, MD, for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health.
Some of the most requested services we offer include:

Low-T Treatment for Men
While not as widely discussed as menopause is for women, andropause is very real for men just as menopause is significant for women. Our Low-T program for men focuses on the unique needs of men who are suffering from andropause or low testosterone. The Program Testosterone replacement when clinically indicated, optimization of DHEA and Pregenenolone, combined with nutritional guidance, nutritional supplementation recommendations to optimize your health. For men where Testosterone has declined, the Low-T program is a necessary complement to the Gainswave therapy.
Depending on lab results and patient goals, the program may also include peptides to help patients optimize their health and body composition. If you can identify with some of the symptoms below, you are likely experiencing low testosterone / andropause and are a candidate for laboratory testing to determine if BHRT is right for you.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased stamina
- Loss of physical agility
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Prostate problems
- Insomnia

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Like men, women's bodies change as they grow older. Often referred to as menopause, this time in a woman's life can be stressful when the body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and hormones decline.
Many of the common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause are widely known and discussed, but there are many that are overlooked. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we've seen patients misdiagnosed with other illnesses that were actually caused by a decline in hormone levels. Our BHRT program for women focuses on the unique needs of women who are suffering from the common as well as the lesser-known symptoms of menopause.
Those symptoms may include:
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- UTIs
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Osteoporosis
- Vertigo
- Anxiety Attacks
- Vaginal Dryness
- Fatigue

What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are also known as natural hormones. They are substances with the same chemical makeup as the hormones produced in your body. Hormones are not drugs - they occur naturally and are found in every human on earth. BHRT replaces hormones at a physiologic level that is not harmful to the body.
If you're suffering through the symptoms of menopause, taking Midol isn't going to solve any problems. Fortunately, our BHRT program for women is designed to eliminate many menopausal symptoms. That way, we give women a chance to recapture their energy levels and vitality with drugs or surgery. Contact our office today to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you recapture the joys of your youth.
Bredesen-Protocol Strategies for Improving Brain Health
We believe that a healthy brain is paramount to overall well-being. Unfortunately, little is known about promoting brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, or stabilizing symptoms for patients experiencing early signs.
After much research, however, Dr. Lawson from Proactive Wellness Centers determined that the Bredesen protocol provides the best evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating cognitive decline.
The approach, created by Dr. Dale Bredesen, is called ReCODE. This protocol involves multiple strategies to pinpoint specific health issues contributing to Alzheimer's Disease. The results of each strategy are measured using blood tests, dementia tests, cognitive evaluations, and other signs of overall health improvement. Now a Bredesen Certified doctor, Dr. Lawson now offers patients the full Bredesen ReCODE protocol to help them recover from debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer's.
Through this exciting approach, patients have shown dramatic improvements in cognitive function. In some cases, they achieve a reversal of symptoms and have even returned to work.
Proactive Wellness Centers' ReCODE program uses significant functional medicine experience and includes:
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Targeted Nutrients
- Therapeutic Diets
We're thrilled to add this promising Alzheimer's disease treatment for qualifying patients at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Chronic Disease Treatment
Long-term diseases like Lyme disease and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) can ruin a person's life and often leave them afraid to leave the house. To make matters worse, these chronic diseases are often initially misdiagnosed, complicating treatment and leaving the patient depressed and hopeless. And while some medical prescriptions can help, many chronic disease sufferers live without finding true relief.
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our innovative doctors have developed a comprehensive treatment program to address chronic diseases like CIRS and Lyme disease. Generally, our Chronic Disease Treatment follows SSRP protocols as defined below:
- Stop the progression of the disease while strengthening the immune system
- Stabilize patients by balancing hormones and restoring energy
- Reverse cellular, mitochondrial, and other damages caused by chronic diseases, based on lab markers and/or symptomatic expression
- Prevent further development of the chronic disease processes
Our SSRP protocol provides patients with a promising program based largely on the emerging bodies of evidence in the chronic disease space. This evidence is supported by peer-reviewed medical journals, clinical studies, and even double-blind placebo-controlled studies.

When choosing chronic disease treatments for patients, our team of doctors and clinicians focus on safety and efficacy before anything else. Typical therapies associated with our chronic disease treatment programs include:
- IV Vitamin Therapy
- Targeted Nutritional Supplements
- Compassionate Care and Personalized Service from Qualified Doctors
As an integrative practice, we use conventional medications when indicated, especially in cases of underlying co-infections and other areas where traditional medication offers the best course of treatment.
If you're at your wit's end living with a chronic disease, call Proactive Wellness Centers today. Our innovative treatments and therapies may be the key you need to unlock a new, healthy life.
Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
From GAINSWave therapy in Potomac, MD, to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for women, our doctors are here to serve you with care, compassion, and a commitment to your health.
That's because, at Proactive Wellness Centers, we take a patient-first approach to every service we offer. Unlike some anti-aging clinics, we focus on your goals, your experiences, and how we can address your health and well-being needs. We believe with a full heart that your story matters, and we're ready and waiting to listen. If you're looking for personalized, functional, regenerative treatments that address root causes, you're only a phone call away from living a healthier life.

Hours Open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Latest News in Potomac, MD
Cappies Review: 'The Lightning Thief' At St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Potomac, MD Patchhttps://patch.com/maryland/potomac/cappies-review-lightning-thief-st-andrews-episcopal-school
A student reviews St. Andrew's Episcopal School's "The Lightning Thief," a musical that follows the plot of the first Percy Jackson novel.By Langston Muller of Albert Einstein High SchoolSt. Andrew's Episcopal School has put on “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” with electrifying results. The show, which follows the plot of Rick Riordan's first Percy Jackson novel, takes the audience on a wild adventure alongside the titular demigod as he navigates a new world of gods, monsters, be...
A student reviews St. Andrew's Episcopal School's "The Lightning Thief," a musical that follows the plot of the first Percy Jackson novel.
By Langston Muller of Albert Einstein High School
St. Andrew's Episcopal School has put on “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” with electrifying results. The show, which follows the plot of Rick Riordan's first Percy Jackson novel, takes the audience on a wild adventure alongside the titular demigod as he navigates a new world of gods, monsters, betrayal and James Brown.
As Percy, Joel Crump presented himself with ample naïveté and spunk, qualities that made the character endearing in the first place. Additionally, Crump's incredible voice helped carry the weight of a show whose score was placed firmly on his back.
Aiding him was Charlotte Lobring as daughter of Athena, Annabeth Chase, who imbued the character with wit and charm aplomb while matching her costar's vocal skills beat for beat.
Find out what's happening in Potomacwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Rounding out the main trio is Eliora Adu as Grover the satyr, who provided much of the show's comic relief. Adu lent Grover a nervous energy that propelled him throughout the show. However, he didn't forget to lend the character dramatic heft as demonstrated in his performance of "The Tree on the Hill." In this song, demonstrating Grover's guilt over a past failure, Adu was able to endear the character to the audience on a deeply emotional level.
Now, “The Lightning Thief” is quite a busy show, with the characters moving from scene to scene quicker than Hermes. This made the ensemble's ability to keep pace all the more impressive. The cast was tasked with playing a great number of characters, with all save for the main three doubling up on roles. However, they were all able to make each character distinct and memorable.
A standout in this area was Cameron Best, who played Percy's centaur mentor Chiron and an unnamed farmer. Best lent a dry wit to Chiron, which, combined with his excellent horse-like physicality, made the character a joy to watch. As the farmer, Best carried on this same level of effort and charm, which resulted in a drawling tractor operator who became an audience favorite.
Another performance of note was that of Lara Alarapon as Percy's mother Sally Jackson. Alarapon was able to seize the stage despite portraying a less intense or heightened character than her costars. She made Sally believable, which in turn made her chemistry with onstage son Crump quite palpable.
This veritable treasure trove of iconic performances was bolstered by the show's lighting, designed by Christina Rowe and Rebecca Piercey and operated by Vince Wayne. Characters were given their own signature colors, such as blue for Percy and green for Grover, which were mixed together in interesting and aesthetically appealing fashion throughout the show.
All in all, the entire show was simply a ball of entertainment. Everyone was having fun — audience, cast, and crew alike — and when you're watching a musical featuring a conversation with a squirrel, why wouldn't you be?
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Dan Snyder reportedly selling $47m home in Potomac, MD
FOX 5 DChttps://www.fox5dc.com/video/1176678
Members Enjoy the Perks of the Priority List at The Grandview
Jeff Getekhttps://patch.com/maryland/bethesda-chevychase/members-enjoy-perks-priority-list-grandview
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.BusinessOpportunities to reserve an apartment home before the public, attend exclusive events are among myriad of benefitsCommunity ContributorWhen Steve and Laura Lodge heard that the former Marriott headquarters in Bethesda, Md., would evolve into ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Opportunities to reserve an apartment home before the public, attend exclusive events are among myriad of benefits
Community Contributor
When Steve and Laura Lodge heard that the former Marriott headquarters in Bethesda, Md., would evolve into The Grandview, a new Erickson Senior Living community, they were elated.
"We got wind that it was going to become an Erickson Senior Living community. We were excited because the location is so great," says Laura.
They were familiar with Erickson Senior Living, as Steve's parents had lived at Riderwood, an Erickson community in Silver Spring, Md.
Quality care
"The staff at Riderwood is so nice--they treated my parents really well. We have a great feeling about Erickson," says Steve.
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He explains how his dad's progression from independent living to assisted living was a seamless process because, as a continuing care retirement community, Riderwood has different levels of care all on site.
Eager to embrace a worry-free retirement, the Lodges joined The Grandview's priority list, which grants them right of first refusal on apartment homes as well as exclusive access to events and social occasions.
"I like that we will get first dibs on apartment home choice!" says Laura. "It's nice that we will get updates early, too. Plus, since the deposit is refundable, there is no risk."
"We knew that we wanted to downsize and stay in Bethesda, where we would be close to our two daughters. When we heard about The Grandview, it all just fell into place," adds Steve, who also liked that the timeframe for construction gave them plenty of time to plan their move.
Looking ahead, the couple is excited to take advantage of the community's array of amenities. Steve has his eye on the on-site bocce ball court, while both say the proximity to the Music Center at Strathmore is a real perk.
Longtime connections
Wendy and Jeff Cossman of Potomac, Md., also have a longtime connection to Erickson Senior Living. Wendy explains that one of her sisters lives at Brooksby Village, an Erickson community in Peabody, Mass., and the other lived at Riderwood.
"She had a lot of medical issues and, unfortunately, passed away," Wendy recalls. "George Mishraky, sales director of The Grandview, was serving as the sales director of Riderwood at the time. He was so kind to my family."
Wendy and Mishraky kept in touch over the years. When plans for The Grandview were being finalized, he reached out to the couple.
"The timing was perfect for us. We have a big house and need to downsize, so the fact that we have a couple of years to prepare is great," Wendy says. "We've had friends move into condos, so we've learned how you can adapt to a smaller space. The Grandview will give us the space we need, along with numerous amenities and activities to make new friends."
After learning more about The Grandview, the Cossmans also joined the priority list. "We are very healthy, active, and on the younger side, so getting on a path to a future move seemed like a good idea," says Jeff. "The location is perfect, as we will be close to our children and grandchildren. The new construction is also a draw."
The couple enjoys playing bridge and canasta, as well as traveling. Wendy is a dancer and a painter, while Jeff plays golf and is also an artist. They look forward to continuing these activities at The Grandview--and meeting other active, engaged residents.
Invest in your future at The Grandview. From top-notch amenities and activities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you'll enjoy living your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!
The Grandview is pending approval from the Maryland Department of Aging.
By Gregory J. Alexander
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
More from Bethesda-Chevy Chase
RPS superintendent’s chief of staff resigns
richmondfreepress.comhttps://richmondfreepress.com/news/2023/mar/02/rps-superintendents-chief-staff-resigns/
Michelle Hudacsko, chief of staff for Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, has resigned.In an email addressed to Mr. Kamras and the RPS School Board less than a week ago, Ms. Hudacsko announced her last day of employment with the school division would be Feb. 28.“It has been a privilege serving RPS students, family and staff over the past five years,” she said in announcing her resignation. She cited accomplishments during her tenure, including navigating the school division through the COVID pandemi...
Michelle Hudacsko, chief of staff for Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, has resigned.
In an email addressed to Mr. Kamras and the RPS School Board less than a week ago, Ms. Hudacsko announced her last day of employment with the school division would be Feb. 28.
“It has been a privilege serving RPS students, family and staff over the past five years,” she said in announcing her resignation. She cited accomplishments during her tenure, including navigating the school division through the COVID pandemic, facilities improvements, managing the budget, the collective bargaining agreement and more.
But Ms. Hudacsko was critical of the “hostile and toxic environment that some members of the RPS School Board have created and actively perpetuate on a daily basis . . .,” and said the students ultimately pay the price for the often adversarial interactions between some members of the School Board and Mr. Kamras.
In his daily digital communication addressed to the division, RPS Direct, Mr. Kamras announced Ms. Hudacsko’s departure on Tuesday.
“Michelle is quite simply one of the most impressive people I have ever met,” he said. “We have worked together for 12 years and I’m still constantly amazed by her work ethic, intellect, thoughtfulness, dedication, empathy and humanity.”
He said Ms. Hudacsko will be remembered for the “thousands and thousands of so-called little things” she did for people. “She showed us all what it truly means to #ServeWithLove.”
According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms. Hudacsko worked as the deputy chief for Washington, D.C., Public Schools with Mr. Kamras before joining RPS with him. She began her career working for several years as a schoolteacher in Weslaco, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Potomac, Md. before working for a couple of nonprofit organizations focused on education.
Ms. Hudacsko is one of several members to leave Mr. Kamras’s cabinet since the start of his administration. Others have included Tracy Epp, former chief academic officer; Alan Gonzalez, former chief operations officer; Darin Simmons Jr., former chief operating officer; two chief talent officers, Jennifer Bramble and Sandra Lee; and Harry Hughes, former chief schools officer. Various reasons were given for their departures, ranging from a taxing commute schedule to medical reasons.
With Ms. Hudacsko’s departure, Shadae Harris, chief engagement officer for RPS, is the only original cabinet member who remains in Mr. Kamras’ administration.
The Average Person’s Guide to Approaching Museum Art
Jordan Stovkahttps://districtfray.com/articles/guide-to-dc-art-museums/
On any given D.C. museum trip, most visitors brush dangerously close to fragile sculptures, ignore the religious art galleries and make their pilgrimage to Impressionism to take selfies with a Van Gogh or Renoir.Hushed comments like, “I could have done that” gently echo throughout the modern art galleries, at which point guests often start thinking about what they might want for lunch. Hidden silently in the corners of these episodes are the doting museum guides, so passionate about art history that they want to amplify th...
On any given D.C. museum trip, most visitors brush dangerously close to fragile sculptures, ignore the religious art galleries and make their pilgrimage to Impressionism to take selfies with a Van Gogh or Renoir.
Hushed comments like, “I could have done that” gently echo throughout the modern art galleries, at which point guests often start thinking about what they might want for lunch. Hidden silently in the corners of these episodes are the doting museum guides, so passionate about art history that they want to amplify the experience for others.
“There is something about the space around a work, about being in the presence of something beautiful that draws us in,” says Eryn Peak, a Glenstone Museum guide. “This kind of pull that we see is why people want to get up next to things, see something from different angles and experience it in a very physical way.”
As a practicing fine artist and Savannah College of Art and Design graduate, Peak has forged her lifelong interest in art to a career path, using her museum guide job as her entry into the art industry. While she normally encourages guests to experience work in any way accessible to them, she often has to interrupt visitors who become so captivated by a painting, they want to have a tactile experience.
“I get that compulsion, but the biggest thing is don’t touch,” she says.
In a more hands-off approach, museum guides and exhibiting artists alike have the same advice for viewers of artwork: to approach it with as much emotion as possible.
“Whenever you’re looking at art, I think it’s important to be honest with how it makes you feel,” says Jessica Devilbiss, a Maryland-based exhibiting oil painter. “A lot of times, people try to contextualize it in a way that’s educational or even scholarly, and I don’t think it needs to be all of that.”
Devilbiss’s paintings ruminate on themes of nostalgia, place and mental health but she enjoys when viewers walk away with a different interpretation.
“I find a lot of people try to figure out what the meaning is,” she says. “Ultimately it’s about the feeling you personally are getting from the artwork, not necessarily what the artist meant to say.”
Peak recommends applying these same emotional tools for works of art the viewer doesn’t particularly like, and trying to identify what details in the art are evoking those feelings.
“I think a lot of people are quick to dismiss a work they don’t understand, or that they think is telling them something they don’t like. There is something fun about not liking a work that sometimes adds to the experience.”
While wearing practical clothes and shoes helps alleviate the physical strain that comes from a day spent at a museum, doing so often makes people feel underdressed for the occasion because of the cultural air that surrounds gallery spaces.
“There is this sense that museums are a formal space,” Peak says. “I think people feel like they have to prove that they’re supposed to be here and letting go of that is important.”
Devilbiss suggests a simple mindset shift that elevates any museum experience.
“Some museums don’t always feel as welcoming as others, but I find that if you just welcome yourself into the space, that is most helpful.”
Glenstone Museum: 12100 Glen Rd. Potomac, MD; glenstone.org // @glenstonemuseum
4 Art Museums to Get You Started
National Museum of Women in the Arts NMWA always offers an empowering, feminist experience to visitors walking through its galleries solely dedicated to female artists. NMWA is currently closed for renovations but will be reopening this October. 1250 New York Ave. NW, DC; nmwa.org // @womeninthearts
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The Phillips Collection America’s first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art is quietly tucked away in the heart of Dupont Circle. The special exhibits are always powerfully thought-provoking, and the permanent Rothko Room is a sweet meditative space. $10-$16. 1600 21st St. NW, DC; phillipscollection.org // @phillipscollection
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Art Museum of the Americas The AMA of The Organization of American States (OAS) holds one of the largest American collections of contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art. The architecture and gardens of this museum are just as breathtaking as the works housed inside. Free. 201 18th St. NW, DC; museum.oas.org // @amamuseum
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Glenstone Museum Glenstone integrates its expansive collection of post-World War II artwork with thoughtful architecture and tranquil nature, creating a serene space for guests away from the bustle of the city. Free. 12100 Glen Rd. Potomac, MD; glenstone.org // @glenstonemuseum
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