WOW! Summer Special

AY-O’S HAPPY RAINBOW HELL AT THE SACKLER

Born in 1931, the Japanese artist Ay-Ō (pronounced “eye-oh”) moved to New York in 1958 where he would soon become a member of the avant-garde group of artists, poets, and performers known as Fluxus. As a part of Fluxus, Ay-Ō produced many works that focus on tactile experiences, such as the Finger Boxes: wooden boxes with hidden compartments that contain objects participants can only touch, not see. Driven by his vibrant sense of humor and curiosity, Ay-Ō’s greatest output has been in rainbow-hued silkscreen prints that cover a wide range of subjects, from treatments of the human body and the animal kingdom to abstract compositions and extending to rainbow reinterpretations of other artists’ works. Happy Rainbow Hell is at the Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, through Sept. 10. si.edu/museums/sackler-gallery.

Cyrano De Bergerac At Synetic

Cyrano de Bergerac, a brilliant poet and soldier, possesses enormous wit, tremendous bravery, and an unmistakable feature – a nose that could rival mountains. Lacking confidence and good looks, Cyrano is hopelessly in love with his longtime friend and endearing companion, Roxanne. He lives vicariously through the handsome Christian as he ghostwrites poetic love letters to his beloved, signed by his own romantic rival. Synetic Theater’s clowning, commedia-inspired adaptation takes audiences on a journey through the beauty of romance, loyalty, and sacrifice.Suitable for ages six and older, is at Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, from July 14 to Aug. 13. Tickets are $35 to $65. synetictheater.org.

Around The World Cultural Food Festival

The annual Around the World Cultural Food Festival is on Saturday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria on the waterfront. Admission is free and there are many traditional beverages and dishes to purchase and with only one food vendor per country, they have selected the best or the best for festival attendees. There will also be singers, dancers, ethic artisans and crafters from around the world. aroundtheworldfestival.com.