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.
