Former Hill Staffer Finds New Life In Art

Illness drove Gavin Glakas back to canvas

Ten years ago, Gavin Glakas was one of many Capital Hill staffers, working for Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.). But a frightening illness inspired him to pursue art.

A Bethesda native, Glakas studied at Washington University in St. Louis and the Slade School of Fine Art in London. He also worked for a year as an illustrator in Greece before returning to the area to work for Reid.

Glakas picked up his brushes again after a mysterious illness culminated in the removal of a benign tumor from his lung.

A decade later, Glakas was back on the Hill, this time to unveil his first Congressional portrait, of former Congressman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) News4's Melissa Mollet caught up with Gavin to discuss his career, his art and what he plans to do next.

You can find out more about Gavin's work at www.gavinglakas.com.

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