Here at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, we are thrilled to collaborate with celebrated artist
Maggie O’Neill, displaying paintings from her First Lady Collection in the windows of Opaline Bar &
Brasserie, as well as her new portrait of former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis featured above our
front desk. This exhibit is exclusively featured at our hotel.

First Ladies Collection:

Nancy Reagan: “I am a big believer that eventually everything
comes back to you. You get back what you
give out.”

Michelle Obama– “Choose people who lift you up.”

Laura Bush– “There are a lot of women that I think are very
powerful and would be great presidents.”

Helen Taft– “A woman’s voice is the voice of wisdom and I
can see nothing unwomanly in her casting the
ballot.”

Betty Ford- “The search for human freedom can never be
complete without freedom for women.”

Mary Todd Lincoln– “Clouds and darkness surround us, yet Heaven is just, and the day of
triumph will surely come, whenjustice and truth will be vindicated.”

Lady Bird Johnson– “The clash of ideas is the sound of freedom.”

Eleanor Roosevelt– “Do what you feel in your heart to be right –
for you’ll be criticized anyway.”

Edith Roosevelt– “I think imagination is one of the greatest
blessings of life.”

Dolley Madison– “Disaffection stalks around us.”

Jackie Kennedy Onassis– “I am a woman-above everything else.”

Given Sofitel’s location in our nation’s capital, just steps away from the White House, we are proud to
celebrate these remarkable women who have made a lasting impact on our country. It is especially
fitting that Maggie’s original portrait of the beloved Jackie O be one of the first things you see upon
entering, as Sofitel DC draws great inspiration from her given the French influence she brought to
Washington D.C.

“I am so excited to partner with Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square to celebrate our First Ladies who, though often overlooked, have each played a significant role in shaping our nation and our views on domestic partnership and influence in the White House” said artist Maggie O’Neill. “ The power of women and women in power is a large focus of my work and storytelling is my goal. I hope my vibrant and colorful depictions of these women sparks curiosity and conversations around their lives, legacy and historical impact.”

Maggie O’Neill, a local Washingtonian visual artist, entrepreneur and designer, is known for her iconic
impressionistic artwork highlighting famous Washington D.C. landmarks and leaders. In 2012, Maggie
was called to personally present her painting of Barack Obama to then President Obama. Maggie is also
a community leader, as she consistently gives back by paying her artistic vision and ability forward for all
to admire.

We look forward to our continued partnership with Maggie O’Neill and recognizing the impacts of art
and culture in our current society.

Stay tuned for future activations with Maggie O’Neill and our property!

If interested in purchasing any of these original pieces from the First Ladies Exhibit by Maggie O’Neill,

please reach out directly to Director of Marketing and Communications, Paula Rivera

paula.rivera@sofitel.com