Dear Friends and Members, If our cover suggest that this month’s guide is for the birds, you’d be right. The new year brings a flock of programs that focus on the beauty and the science of the avian world. A biologist and master falconer traces the link between modern birds of prey and their carnivorous dinosaur ancestors, and a naturalist takes a close look at a winged predator that might be sharing your neighborhood: the great horned owl (p. 31). Habitats play a crucial role in the life cycle of migratory songbirds, particularly those for which coffee farms provide a southern winter home. A research ecologist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute examines how the destruction of forests puts these birds at risk and how some farmers are protecting them by producing bird-friendly coffee grown under native shade trees (p. 33). Step into a re-creation of one of those farms—complete with birds flying overhead—at a walk-through aviary in the Bird House of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and and Conservation Biology Institute. It’s among the habitats you’ll explore during an in-depth tour focused on avian conservation led by an ornithologist from the Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center (p. 62). Fly south with a naturalist who shares his birding adventures in Puerto Rico (p. 33) and capture your own with a camera by exploring the basics of photographing birds (p. 38). At Smithsonian Associates we love to offer you ways to explore fascinating subjects from a variety of perspectives. We’ll be here to help your curiosity and imagination take flight throughout 2024.
THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE (NZCBI)
January 2024 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Studio Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Helpful Information . . . . . . . . . . 66
On the cover: Bird Friendly coffee, an initiative spearheaded by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, helps protect scarlet tanagers that make their winter homes among coffee farms of South America. (p. 33)
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Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu
instagram.com/smithsonianassociates issuu.com/smithsonianassociatesprograms Programs with these icons showcase Smithsonian’s world of knowledge and long-term initiatives
Smithsonian Associates (USPS 043-210) Vol. 52, No. 5, January 2024. Published monthly by Smithsonian Associates, Smithsonian Institution, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, DC. and at additional mailing offices. Vesna Gjaja, Director of Marketing and Membership; Robert A. Sacheli, Editor; Ric Garcia, Visual Specialist. Copyright 2023 by the Smithsonian Associates. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Smithsonian Associates, P.O. Box 23293, Washington, D.C. 20026-3293. Printed in the U.S.A. on recyclable paper.
JANUARY 2024 SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES
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Smithsonian Associates
In Person
We invite you to join us for selected in-person programs, concert series, and studio arts classes and workshops in our nation’s capital, as well as walking tours, full-day study tours, and overnight tours. Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Revolutionary Road Trip
Chocolate’s Delicious History
Thurs., Jan. 18
Mon., Feb. 12
Join PBS television host Darley Newman and a panel of travel and history experts on a road trip through American Revolution historic sites from South Carolina to New Jersey. (see p. 5)
The Cuisine of Nigeria
2023–2024
Concert Season
Explore the history and cultural impact of chocolate on the world with food historian Francine Segan. Afterward, treat yourself to a sampling of chocolates and take home recipes, both sweet and savory, to try.
The 46th season features masterpieces from the late 16th century to the cusp of the 21st, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments.
(see p. 19)
(see p. 18)
Miss America, 1921: How It All Began Sun., Feb. 4
Washington Post journalist Amy Argetsinger, author of There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America, explores this pop culture icon’s story, beginning with its start in 1921. (see p. 12)
SmithsonianAssociates.org
Masterworks of Five Centuries Sat., Feb. 10, Feb. 24, March 16 Sun., Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 17
The music of quartet masters Haydn, Beethoven, and Shostakovich are joined by three 20th-century works.
The Studio House Thurs., March 7
Join independent researcher and author Mona Khademi for an evening at the Studio House as she examines its intriguing links to history, culture, and creativity. Following the presentation, enjoy a light reception.
The season presents three chamber program dyads, plus a chamber orchestra concert. (see p. 21)
(see p. 20)
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Sun., Feb. 10, Fri., Apr. 5, Sat., June 1
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 33-year history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. (see p. 22)
(see p. 15)
Studio Arts Let your creative side shine in a wide variety of hands-on classes led by professional artists. (see pp. 46–48)
Tours Our expert-led tours offer one-of-a-kind travel experiences. They’re perfect ways to learn more about topics that intrigue you—and satisfy your yen for learning and discovery. (see pp. 59–64)
Read more about these in-person programs in this guide on our website.
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The Axelrod String Quartet Sat., April 6, April 27 Sun., April 7, April 28
Wed., Jan. 31
Yewande Komolafe discusses the hallmarks of Nigerian cuisine, the country’s regions and peoples, and how writing a cookbook led to selfdiscovery. Afterward, enjoy a light reception featuring bites from a local West African restaurant.
Smithsonian Chamber Music Society
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Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS'
Keep Marching On: Life in the Civil War Armies The American Civil War mobilized hundreds of thousands of young men, North and South, and hurled them into some of the most vicious ground combat the world had ever seen. These volunteers and conscripts were not professional soldiers. Most had never heard a shot fired in anger, and many were leaving home for the first time. Why did they join? What was their experience in the armies and on the march like? Most importantly, how did so many men—farmhands, schoolteachers, shopkeepers, factory workers—with no professional military training manage to endure the brutal fighting of the Civil War battlefield? Historian Christopher Hamner delves into the gripping stories of the young men who answered the call to arms and offers a poignant and unforgettable glimpse into the human side of this pivotal period in American history. Mon., Jan. 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-037; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Court at War FDR, His Justices, and the World They Made By the summer of 1941, in the ninth year of his presidency, Franklin Roosevelt had molded his Supreme Court. He had appointed seven of the nine justices and handpicked the chief justice. But the wartime Roosevelt court had two faces: one old and progressive, the other supine and abject, cowed by the charisma of the revered president. Cliff Sloan, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, explores this pivotal period and examines how one president forever altered the most powerful legal institution in the country, with consequences that endure today. He profiles the justices—from Vienna-born intellectual Felix Frankfurter to the Alabama populist Hugo Black, and from William O. Douglas, FDR’s initial pick to be his running mate in 1944, to his former attorney general and Nuremberg prosecutor, Robert Jackson. Sloan’s book The Court at War: FDR, His Justices, and the World They Made (PublicAffairs) is available for purchase.
PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
Wed., Jan. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-436; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Secret History of Women at the CIA Created in the aftermath of World War II, the Central Intelligence Agency relied on women even as it attempted to keep them down and channel their talents, argues journalist and author Liza Mundy. Despite discrimination—possibly even because of it—women who started as clerks, secretaries, and unpaid spouses rose to become some of the CIA’s shrewdest operatives. Mundy reveals how women at the CIA ushered in the modern intelligence age and how silencing them made the world more dangerous in her new book, The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA (Penguin Random House), which is available for purchase. Thurs., Jan. 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-323; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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The Last Neanderthals Did you know that some Neanderthals ground their own flour and that others made cave art? Or that scientists have created mini Neanderthal “brains” in their labs to see how they grow and develop? These are just a few of the latest discoveries in the ever-changing field of research into our closest human cousins. Paleolithic archaeologist April Nowell leads a deep dive into the world of these ancestors. She offers an overview of the Neanderthals, beginning with their initial discovery and subsequent interpretation by scientists, and outlines our current understanding of who they were both biologically and culturally. Nowell examines the Neanderthals’ relationship with Homo sapiens and another human cousin, the Denisovans; the reasons for their extinction in the Middle East and Europe; and why thousands of years after the last Neanderthals disappeared from the Earth, they continue to engender great interest, and even emotion, among scientists and the public. INSIDE Tues., Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-799; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 SCIENCE
Live from Poland
Off the Beaten Path in Poland Visitors to Poland often focus on major cities such as Warsaw and Kraków, but Poland abounds in historical, cultural, and natural treasures elsewhere. Christopher Skutela, author and tour guide, leads you on a visual journey to places in Poland that are off the beaten path. Among the sites he reveals are smaller cities and towns with intriguing stories, such as Kazimierz Dolny and Katowice; the Tatra mountains, whose heights attract skiers and climbers; Slowinski National Park, home to sand dunes and lakes; and the extensive canals and rivers that connect more than 2,000 lakes in Masurian Lake Land. Parish church of St. John the Baptist and St. Bartholomew, Kazimierz Dolny, Poland
Tues., Jan. 16, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-326; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Live from Turkey
CZGUR
DELIHAYAT
Exploring Anatolia: A Turkish Odyssey Anatolia’s colorful history has left a windfall of riches—ancient ruins, ornate Byzantine churches, supremely elegant mosques, and magnificent Ottoman palaces. In an illustrated series, Serif Yenen, a Turkish-born tour guide and author, highlights the heritage and splendor of ancient Turkey through an examination of some of its cultural gems. FEB 22 Neolithic and Bronze Ages FEB 29 Iron-Age, Hellenistic, and Roman Periods MAR 7 Christianity in Anatolia MAR 14 The Turkish Period’s Capitals 4-session series: Thurs., Feb. 22–March 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-239; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
Facade of the Library of Celsus at Ephesus, completed ca. 117 Ulu Cami mosque in Bursa, completed ca. 1399
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In Person
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and Online Program
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HISTORY HISTORY
Revolutionary Road Trip
PBS television host Darley Newman and a panel of four travel and history experts take you on a journey through American Revolution historic sites, battlefields, and great places for food and drinks as they share hidden gems and rarely told stories about the American Revolution. This road trip route that travelers can recreate goes from Charleston, South Carolina, to Trenton, New Jersey. At the conclusion of the panel discussion, in-person participants have the opportunity to learn more while mingling with Newman and the panelists at a light reception. IN PERSON: Thurs., Jan. 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-327 Members $30 Nonmembers $40 ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-327; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Note to in-person ticket holders: The program is held at the Ripley Center.
Darley Newman at New Jersey’s Morristown National Historical Park, site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment of 1779–1780
The Surrender of General Burgoyne by John Trumbull, 1822
In the late summer and fall of 1777, after two years of indecisive fighting on both sides, the British devised what they believed a war-winning strategy: sending General John Burgoyne south to rout the Americans and take Albany. The British capture of Fort Ticonderoga on New York’s Lake Champlain was soon followed by Burgoyne’s surrender to the Continental Army and militia forces. The American victory at Saratoga changed the course of the war. Kevin J. Weddle, a professor of military theory and strategy at the U.S. Army War College, provides an analysis of the strategic underpinnings of the historic Saratoga campaign, why events unfolded the way they did, and a new interpretation of George Washington’s role in the American success. Tues., March 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-441; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
PD WIKIPEDIA
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL/PD WIKIPEDIA
The Saratoga Campaign: “The Compleat Victory”
The American Revolution and the Battle for India A Forgotten Connection The last battle of the American Revolutionary War wasn’t fought at Saratoga or Yorktown or anywhere in the emergent United States. It took place on the other side of the globe, as British and French naval forces met at Cuddalore on the Bay of Bengal off the coast of modern-day India on June 20, 1783, and only ended when a British ship brought news that King George had agreed to a provisional peace treaty with the American colonies six months earlier. The subcontinent had been the target of relentless British land grabs for decades, and the Crown’s adversaries in the region had hoped to use the distraction of American independence to push Britain out of India entirely. Historian Richard Bell explores this forgotten theater of the Revolution through the campaigns of Haider Ali, the ruler of Mysore, a highly militarized nation-state, whose prowess in battle proved him to be as tenacious an opponent of imperial authority as George Washington.
Engraving from the 1790s of Haider Ali
Thurs., March 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-310; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
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Inventor of the Future The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller As the architectural designer and futurist best known for the geodesic dome, Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983) enthralled a vast popular audience, inspired devotion from both the counterculture and the establishment, and was praised as a modern Leonardo da Vinci. In his book Inventor of the Future: The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller (Dey Street Books), author Alec Nevala-Lee reconstructs the origins of Fuller’s most famous inventions and designs, including the Dymaxion car, the Wichita House, and the geodesic dome; his fraught relationships with his students and collaborators; and his tumultuous private life. The book is available for purchase. Wed., Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-029; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Buckminster Fuller
PINACOTECA CIVICA DI FORLÌ
Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Virago
La dama dei gelsomini by Lorenzo di Credi, presumed portrait of Caterina Sforza
The illegitimate daughter of the autocratic Duke of Milan, married at 10 years old to a dissolute papal nephew, Caterina Sforza seemed destined to victimhood, yet she turned the tables on popes and princes alike. Her upbringing in the military Sforza court prepared the young Caterina to control fortresses, train mercenaries, and fearlessly face danger. Her exploits stunned Renaissance society as they tried to fathom this anomaly of iron determination wrapped in seductive beauty. Art historian Liz Lev looks at how Caterina Sforza’s contemporaries tried to capture the paradoxes of this virago, as she was dubbed, reconciling her courtly grace with her fierce defense of family and property. From battling the College of Cardinals on the ramparts of Castel Sant’Angelo to facing Cesare Borgia and the armies of France, Caterina’s bravery provoked criticism from Machiavelli, derision from her male neighbors, and the odd poem by mercenary soldiers. Meet this forgotten heroine, depicted by Botticelli and admired by Isabella d’Este, whose legacy included the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, her direct heirs. Fri., Jan. 19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-798; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Behind an Exodus From 1890 to 1921, 2.5 million Jews, fleeing discrimination and violence in their Eastern European homelands, arrived in the United States. Many sailed on steamships from Hamburg, Germany. The mass exodus was facilitated by three businessmen whose involvement has been largely forgotten: Jacob Schiff, the managing partner of investment bank Kuhn, Loeb & Co.; Albert Ballin, managing director of the Hamburg America Line; and J. P. Morgan, mastermind of the International Mercantile Marine Co. trust. Author and historian Steven Ujifusa tells their story drawing on his book Last Ships from Hamburg: Business, Rivalry, and the Race to Save Russia’s Jews on the Eve of World War I (Harper Collins), which is available for purchase.
HARPER COLLINS
The Tycoons Who Helped Jews Leave Eastern Europe
Tues., Jan. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-328; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Steven Ujifusa
Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.
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The World of the Crusades PD/WIKIPEDIA
When the Byzantine Emperor Alexius called on Pope Urban II to send him aid against the Turks, he had no idea that he was setting in motion a movement that we now call the Crusades. What caused tens of thousands of Europeans to travel more than a thousand miles to try to reclaim Christian territory and, perhaps more importantly, save their souls? The Europeans who settled in the Holy Land brought many Western institutions and customs with them, but they also acclimated in surprising ways to the very different culture they found there. The Muslim response to the Christian challenge was hampered by political infighting, but ultimately, local leaders were able to rally enough support to drive the last crusaders from Middle Eastern soil. Historian Jennifer Paxton explores the origins of the Crusades, the complex relations between crusaders and their opponents, and their legacy for the modern world. 10 a.m. The Theory of the Just War and the Origins of the Crusades 11:30 a.m. The First Crusade
Attack of the Crusaders on Constantinople, Geoffrey de Villehardouin, Venice, ca. 1330
12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. The Rise of the Holy Wars 2:45 p.m. Crusading Redefined
Engraving by William Faithorne of Queen Elizabeth I with William Cecil and Sir Francis Walsingham, 17th century
The Queen’s Spymasters William Cecil, Francis Walsingham, and the First Secret Service When Elizabeth I came to the English throne, her reign was challenged by all of Catholic Europe. Its rulers, including the pope, infiltrated Elizabeth’s court with spies in search of any weakness that could be exploited to topple her government. To maintain the country’s power, Elizabeth turned to William Cecil and Francis Walsingham, devoted Protestants who assembled a team of agents committed to securing Elizabeth’s crown and willing to do whatever it took to preserve her rule and her church. Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger examines how Walsingham developed a secret network of spies that spanned Europe and enabled him to prevent the overthrow of the English queen. She also considers how the emerging science of codes and ciphers and new ways of sharing, intercepting, and reading messages changed history and sparked the birth of modern espionage. Mon., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-299; Members $30; Nonmembers $35 PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRESS
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF FRANCE
Sat., Jan. 27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-298; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
Pox Romana In the middle of the second century, Rome was at its prosperous and powerful apex. The Roman-made peace, or Pax Romana, seemed to be permanent. Then out of nowhere, a sudden sickness struck the legions and laid waste to cities, including Rome itself. This fast-spreading disease, now known as the Antonine plague, may have been history’s first pandemic. Soon after its arrival, the Roman Empire began its downward trajectory toward decline and fall. Did a single disease—its origins and diagnosis still a mystery—bring Rome to its knees? Historian Colin Elliott asserts that Rome’s problems were more insidious: The pandemic exposed the crumbling foundations of a doomed empire, and that it was both the cause and effect of Rome’s fall. He discusses the plague’s “preexisting conditions” such as multiple economic, social, and environmental susceptibilities; recounts the history of the outbreak itself through the experiences of a physician, victim, and political operator; and explores postpandemic crises. Elliott’s book Pox Romana: The Plague That Shook the Roman World (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.
LISA FOLDENAUER THOMPSON
The Plague That Shook the Roman World
Colin Elliott
Tues., Jan. 30, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-435; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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A New Year of Delightful Destinations
Our study tours are designed for people who want more than just a getaway: They combine one-of-a-kind experiences with opportunities to gain new insights into the topics that fascinate you. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, theater, nature, or architecture—or simply love exploring new places—these expert-led excursions offer a year’s worth of tempting travels. We’ve added many new adventures, and several of our most popular sold-out tours return to the schedule for 2024.
New York: The Fashion Capital
BRIAN CRAWFORD
Jewels of Queens Sun., April 7–Mon., April 8 (on sale now; see p. 61) Highlights of this visit to the largest of New York’s outer boroughs include the site of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs; several distinctive museums; a sampling of international cuisines; and a night at the ’60s-inspired TWA Hotel. Leader: Richard Selden
Frank Lloyd Wright: Masterworks in the Midwest Sun., May 19–Thurs., May 23 (on sale now; see p. 64) This tour for architecture lovers includes Chicago-area visits to Unity Temple and the Robie House, a gem in Wright’s signature Prairie style, and the Wisconsin sites of his estate, Taliesin, and the Jacobs House, the first Usonian residence. Leader: Bill Keene
THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW
Fri., Feb. 2-Sat., Feb. 3 (on sale now; see p. 60) Splendid style is on the Manhattan itinerary when you take in fashion-focused exhibitions at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; Fashion Institute of Technology; and the Met’s Costume Institute. Leader: Elizabeth Lay Little
Note: All tour dates and content are subject to change.
RHODODENDRITES
ELLIOT GOLDSTEIN © SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Smithsonian Associates Overnight Tours for 2024
The Philadelphia Flower Show Sun., March 3–Mon., March 4 (on sale now; see p. 61) The spectacular displays at the nation’s top floral are even OUT SOLDevent more beautiful without the crowds. A private viewing is just one of the features of this visit to the 2024 edition, themed “United by Flowers.” Leader: Chelsea Mahaffey
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Birding in the Delaware Bay Chincoteague and Assateague: The Beauty of Nature Sun., Apr. 28–Mon., Apr. 29 (on sale Feb. 1) Chincoteague and Assateague are home to more than just wild horses—the islands are rich with history and unique flora and fauna ready for exploration. Leader: Liana Vitali
Wed., May 22–Thurs., May 23 (on sale Feb. 1) Your exploration of Delaware’s diverse avian population includes a special experience: Witness Atlantic horseshoe crabs gathering by moonlight to breed along the shores of Delaware Bay and the appearance of migrating shorebirds that rely on the crabs’ eggs to fuel their journey. Leader: Matt Felperin
The Hudson River Valley: Through Artists’ Eyes June 2024 (on sale Feb. 1) New York’s Hudson Valley has long attracted artists to capture its sublime riverbanks, mountainsides, and vistas. This 3-day tour visits the homes and studios of 19th-century Hudson River School landscape painters and examines their artistic legacies. Leader: Paul Glenshaw
Theodore Roosevelt’s North Dakota Sat., Sept. 14–Wed., Sept. 18 (on sale Apr. 1) Fly west and experience the wild beauty of the Dakota Territory that shaped young Theodore Roosevelt’s course as a conservationist and naturalist. Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Exploring Frank Lloyd Wright: Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, and Polymath Park Oct. 2024 (on sale Jun. 1) Visit prime examples of Wright’s organic architecture in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, a location made even lovelier by its autumnal palette. Leader: Bill Keene
ACROTERION
MUSEUM OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY | VIEW ON THE HUDSON RIVER BY JASPER FRANCIS CROPSEY, 1890
The Hamptons for Art Lovers Curtain Up in Shepherdstown July 2024 (on sale Apr. 1) One of the oldest towns in West Virginia comes alive every July with the newest plays at the Contemporary American Theater Festival. Take in the premieres and the summer countryside. Leader: Lynn O’Connell
Sat., Sept. 21–Wed., Sept. 25 (on sale Apr. 1) More than a haven for beach lovers, Long Island’s famed Hamptons have provided inspiration for artists from William Merritt Chase and Childe Hassam to Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Lee Krasner. View their works at the Parrish Art Museum, Guild Hall, and the former home and studio of Krasner and Pollock. Leader: Richard Selden
Scenic Shenandoah: Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam Oct. 2024 (on sale May 1) The beauty and culture of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley unfold as you ride the Virginia Scenic Railway; enjoy a performance at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse; and wander through historic Staunton. Leader: Lynn O’Connell
NICHOLE ANDONEGUI
PHOTO: THE PARRISH ART MUSEUM, WATER MILL, NEW YORK, LITTLEJOHN COLLECTION | THE BIG BAYBERRY BUSH BY WILLIAM MERRITT CHASE
Philadelphia’s Finest Museums Aug. 2024 (on sale Apr. 1) Stroll thorough galleries that house the treasures of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, and Barnes Foundation—and savor a taste of the city, too. Leader: Ursula Rehn Wolfman PHOTO: STEVE HALL © HALL + MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHERS, COURTESY PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART, 2021)
Outdoor Adventures in Shenandoah National Park Sun., Oct. 20–Mon.,Oct. 21 (on sale June 1) Celebrate the beauty of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park as you hike its trails and take in the panoramas from your accommodations at the historic Big Meadows Lodge, nestled along Skyline Drive. Leader: Keith Tomlinson
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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The Japanese Empire FEB 7 Himeji Castle and the Transformation of Japan FEB 14 Tourism FEB 21 Baseball FEB 28 The Tokyo Zoo MAR 6 Super Mario and Postwar Japan 5-session series: Wed., Feb. 7–March 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0333; Members $100; Nonmembers $110 Individual sessions: Wed., Feb. 7 (CODE 1J0-333A); Wed., Feb. 14 (CODE 1J0-333B); Wed., Feb. 21 (CODE 1J0-333C); Wed., Feb. 28 (CODE 1J0-333D); Wed., March 6 (CODE 1J0-333E); 6:45 p.m.; All Tickets $25 Related program: Materializing the Sacred, p. 43
THE WHITE HOUSE
Though it lasted for only 50 years, the Japanese empire forever changed the geopolitical balance in Asia and left a complex legacy that endures to this day. Historian Justin M. Jacobs takes you on a thematic tour of five fascinating Himeji Castle topics in the history of the Japanese empire: politics, tourism, baseball, zoos, and video games. He provides a nuanced overview based on recent scholarship and shares copious slides.
GARY A. RENDSBURG
From Politics to Baseball
The Worlds of Benjamin Franklin Rivaled only by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin was, at his death in 1790, the most famous man in America. Yet for all we know about Franklin the icon, aspects of the man still elude us and his many contradictions remain both puzzling and glaring. He treasured his identity as a proud subject of the British Empire until the moment he embraced the role of American revolutionary. He owned enslaved persons for most of his life, only to decry slavery in the harshest possible terms in old age. He nurtured a loving marriage and a large and doting family even while flirting with an array of star-struck women and severing all ties with his once-favored son and heir. How can we merge these several Franklins into one? Or should we even try? Historian Richard Bell argues that it’s Franklin’s many faces that make him so compelling. Both ordinary and extraordinary, Franklin—the man with nine fascinating lives—winks at us from across the centuries and dares us to wink back.
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin by David Martin
Thurs., Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-302; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
LORELLA BROCKLESBY
London-born historian Lorella Brocklesby leads a lively overview of the city’s historic places from medieval to modern and from famous to lesser-known, including rarities, splendors, and surprises. Follow her route that begins in the ancient City of London to explore the Tower, Guildhall, and the legal quarter with its Knights Templar connection. Then to Covent Garden, the impressive Georgian architectural treasures along the Strand, and Whitehall with its royal connections, all within London’s adjoining City of Westminster. She concludes with the breathtaking Thameside splendors of naval Greenwich. 10 a.m. The Ancient City 11:30 a.m. Knights Templar to Trafalgar Square 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. Whitehall to Westminster 2:45 p.m. Thameside to Greenwich Sat., Feb. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-305; Members $80; Nonmembers $90 Trafalgar Square
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Queen's House, Greenwich
LORELLA BROCKLESBY
Insider’s London: City of Splendors and Surprises
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PD/WIKIPEDIA
The Hidden History of Jews in the American Southwest Centuries ago, hidden Jews—often referred to as Crypto-Jews—settled in the American Southwest, and many of their descendants only recently learned of their presumed Jewish ancestry. They are mostly Catholic Hispanics whose roots can be traced to Jews escaping from Spain and Portugal by disguising themselves as Catholics to avoid the Spanish Inquisition. Because of the generations of secrecy, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that this population discovered its ancestral roots. Since then, many historical and scientific perspectives have been offered by those who believe that they are indeed former Jews and those who believe it’s a case of mistaken identity. Ori Z. Soltes, a professor of religion at Georgetown University, explores how members of this population became aware of their presumed Jewish ancestry and how the questions it raises are relevant to the larger issues of human identity that are part of today’s world. Wed., Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-800; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Full-page miniature from the Sister Haggadah, Barcelona, 1350
Deceiving Hitler: The Ghost Army of WWII
Thurs., Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-801; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
THE GHOST ARMY LEGACY PROJECT
In the summer of 1944, a handpicked group of young American GIs landed in France to conduct a secret mission. Armed with rubber tanks, fake artillery, and more than a few tricks up their sleeves, their job was to create a traveling road show of deception on the battlefields of Europe, with the German Army as their audience. From Normandy to the Rhine, the 1,100 men of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the Ghost Army, conjured up phony convoys, phantom divisions, and makebelieve headquarters to fool the enemy about the strength and location of American units. Recruits including future fashion designer Bill Blass and painter Ellsworth Kelly were taken right out of art and fashion design schools. Operating dangerously close to the front lines, their deceptions saved thousands of lives, and in February 2022, President Biden signed legislation awarding this incredible unit a Congressional Gold Medal. Documentary filmmaker and author Rick Beyer tells the story of the most curious group of soldiers deployed in the Western theater of war and why their The Special Troops used a variety of inflatable story continues to resonate today. dummies to deceive enemy observers on the battlefields of Europe
Sutro’s Glass Palace San Francisco’s Fabled Baths
Interior of Sutro Baths in San Francisco, 1896
Like a majestic ocean liner or a grand hotel, the Victorian-era Sutro Baths dazzled visitors with its over-the-top opulence and its many attractions: seven swimming pools filled with heated seawater, museum exhibits, restaurants, tropical plants, promenades, and seating for thousands of spectators, all covered by more than 100,000 square feet of glass. The creation of Comstock millionaire Adolph Sutro, this San Francisco landmark opened in 1894 and ended in fire in 1966. Once the debris was cleared, little remained of Sutro’s ambitious structure, which he intended to outshine the baths of Rome. Today, visitors explore its concrete ruins and mysterious tunnels, which are protected by the National Park Service. Historian John Martini tells the fascinating story of a vanished but enduring piece of urban history and answers the inevitable question: “What was this place?” Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-073; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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Two centuries of archaeological excavation and exploration in the Holy Land and its environs have revealed more than we ever knew about the people, culture, society, and religion of ancient Israel. Religious artifacts and writings from ancient Egypt, Canaan, and Mesopotamia provide information about historical events as well as religious beliefs and practices not mentioned in the Bible. In an illustrated full-day program, biblical scholar Gary Rendsburg presents an overview of new findings that illuminate the world of ancient Israel. 10 a.m. In Search of Israel’s Origins 11:30 a.m. In Search of David and Solomon 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. In Search of Israel and Judah 2:45 p.m. In Search of God Sat., Feb. 3, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-301; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
In Person
Iron Age ruins at Megiddo
Miss America, 1921: How It All Began
D WIKIPEDIA
How did the Miss America pageant survive for more than 100 years despite scandals, shifting cultural tastes, and changing expectations for women? Washington Post journalist Amy Argetsinger, author of There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America, explores this pop culture icon’s story, beginning with its start in 1921. Following her lecture, attendees have the rare opportunity to see objects from the National Museum of American History’s Miss America collection that are not on public display, hear from curators Ryan Lintelman and Jane Rogers about collecting the objects, and meet former Miss America titleholders, who tell stories about the pieces.
Margaret Gorman, crowned Miss America in 1921
Sun., Feb. 4, 1 p.m.; CODE 1J0-335; Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, National Museum of American History, 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW (Metro: Federal Triangle); Members $25; Nonmembers $35
PD WIKIPEDIA
Presented in partnership with the National Museum of American History
J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Atomic Age Weaving fascinating stories of what it was like to work on the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos and the challenges the scientists encountered as they raced to get an atomic bomb before Hitler’s Germany did (or so they thought), historian Allen Pietrobon explores what made physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer famous. But not all Americans or even everyone who worked with him celebrated Oppenheimer or the devastating weapon he and his colleagues created. Pietrobon also discusses critics of the Manhattan Project and its dark side. Tues., Feb. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-337; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Our programs... your time
Oppenheimer in 1942 with Leslie Groves, military head of the Manhattan Project
Registered for a Smithsonian Associates online program but missed it because of a schedule conflict? Wish you could take a second look at a presentation you loved? Associates Encores offers the answer to these questions—and more.
Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org for more information
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GARY A. RENDSBURG
In Search of Ancient Israel
HISTORY HISTORY
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The historic handshake on the White House lawn on September 13, 1993, between longtime enemies Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat was an astounding moment of hope. Facilitated by President Bill Clinton, this gesture led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles which marked the first time Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) formally recognized one another. The resulting peace process was aptly named after the secret negotiations that had been held in Oslo, Norway. These were so clandestine that even Prime Minister Rabin was initially unaware of them. Neither the Declaration of Principles nor the Oslo Accords were peace treaties. Rather, they were interim arrangements, including a framework to facilitate further negotiations for a final agreement. The initial agreements included transferring control over major Palestinian cities and towns in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the newly created Palestinian Authority (PA). The PA was designed to be an interim structure to oversee administration and internal security and negotiate a lasting resolution to the conflict. The Oslo Accords were intended to last five years, but grim conflicts have persisted for more than three decades, with genuine peace remaining elusive to this day. In a presentation that helps frame aspects of current events, historian Ralph Nurnberger unravels the intricate web of secret diplomacy, alternating periods of hope and despair, and President Bill Clinton (center) presides over the handshake of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin the conflicting goals and objectives of supporters and opponents of the Oslo peace (left) and Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman Yasser Arafat (right) during the signing ceremony for process. Nurnberger is the former director of Builders for Peace, established to assist the the Oslo Accord peace process through economic and social programs.
PD NCPEDIA
Mon., Feb. 26, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-041; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Fighting the Cold War with Words
The Trail of Tears by Robert Lindneux, 1942
The Cherokee Trail of Tears During the 1830s, the number of slave-based plantations in the Southeast grew rapidly. To make room for them, many thousands of Native Americans were expelled from their homelands and forced to migrate to land west of the Mississippi. The Cherokee call their 800-mile forced journey to Oklahoma in 1838 and 1839 “The Trail of Tears.” An estimated one-fourth of the 16,000 people who left their homeland died as a result of the move. Historian Rowena McClinton discusses the chain of events that led to this removal. She also explains how the Trail of Tears is commemorated. Tues., Feb. 27, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-031; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
During the Cold War, novels, essays, and poems could win the hearts and minds of those caught between the competing creeds of capitalism and communism. They could also lead to blacklisting, exile, imprisonment, or execution for their authors if they offended those in power. The clandestine intelligence services of the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union recruited secret agents and established vast propaganda networks devoted to literary warfare. But the battles were personal, too: Friends turned on one another, lovers were split by political fissures, and artists were undermined by inadvertent complicities. Among those involved with dissidence, espionage, and propaganda were prominent international writers along with the spies, government officials, military officers, publishers, politicians, and critics who helped turn words into weapons at a time when the stakes could not have been higher. Cultural historian and literary scholar Duncan White introduces the key literary conflicts that animated the Cold War from the beginning of the Spanish Civil War to the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Thurs., Feb. 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-803; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Behind the Handshake: The Oslo Peace Process
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HENRY J FAIR / OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Most Americans know of Harriet Tubman’s legendary life: Escaping enslavement in 1849, she led more than 60 others out of bondage via the Underground Railroad, gave instructions on getting to freedom to scores more, and went on to live a lifetime fighting for change. Yet the many biographies, children’s books, and films about Tubman only touch on a crucial chapter: Hired by the Union Army during the Civil War, she ventured into the heart of slave territory—Beaufort, South Carolina—to live, work, and gather intelligence for a daring raid up the Combahee River to attack the major plantations of Rice Country, the breadbasket of the Confederacy. The June 2, 1863, action liberated 756 enslaved people. Historian Edda L. Fields-Black—a descendant of one of the soldiers who fought in the raid—discusses how Tubman commanded a ring of spies, scouts, and pilots and participated in military expeditions behind Confederate lines. Tracing the raid’s execution and aftermath, Fields-Black brings to life intergenerational extended enslaved families, neighbors, praise-house members, and sweethearts who were forced to work in South Carolina’s deadly tidal rice swamps, sold, and separated during the antebellum period, then ran for the U.S. Army gunboats toward freedom and reunions with their families in the Combahee River raid. Her book Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Edda L. Fields-Black Freedom during the Civil War (Oxford University Press) is available for purchase.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Harriet Tubman, Union Spy
Thurs., Feb. 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-455; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Making of a Monarch British Kings and Queens and Their Mums NATIONAL MUSEUM WALES
What do Richard the Lionheart, Henry VII, and Queen Elizabeth II have in common? They, along with other monarchs, came to the throne with their mothers eager to be involved in their lives and in the running of the country. The title Queen Mother has been used since at least the late 16th century, but the role itself has been significant since the 12th, when Eleanor of Aquitaine participated actively in the reign of her son Richard I. In the centuries since, the mothers of English monarchs have shaped the personalities and reigns of their royal children and influenced the nation they ruled. Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger examines the fascinating relationships of kings and queens and their mothers from the 12th century to today, illustrating that although they didn’t hold official public positions, the women who rocked the royal cradle changed the course of English history. 10 a.m. Nation-building, the Crusades, and the Wars of the Roses 11:30 a.m. The Tudors and Stuarts and the Reformation 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. Civil War, Restoration, and the Establishment of Great Britain and the British Empire Portrait of Queen Eleanor by Frederick Sandys, 1858
2:45 p.m. British Imperialism, World Wars, and Modern Monarchy Sat., March 2, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-306; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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In Person
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With Reception
The Studio House A Setting for an Ambassador for the Arts
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BRUCE WHITE/GOODE-WHITE COLLECTION/NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
HISTORY HISTORY
The distinctive Studio House on Washington, D.C’s Sheridan Circle (currently owned by the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia) was built in 1903 for Alice Pike Barney, an artist, playwright, civic leader, and philanthropist who dedicated her life in the nation’s capital to the support and promotion of the arts. In the late 1800s Barney spent time in Paris studying painting and began a salon in the home she rented there. Later, her regular salons in the Studio House brought together artists, writers, politicians, diplomats, and other The Studio House’s theater Studio House prominent guests in a setting inspired by Mission and Arts and Crafts styles. Barney died in 1931, and in 1960 her daughters donated the Studio House to the Smithsonian. It changed hands several times before it became the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the United States in 2001. Independent researcher and author Mona Khademi leads an evening at the Studio House, now on the National Registry of Historic Places, in which she shares fascinating stories about its original owner and her notable guests; traces the house’s Smithsonian connections; and looks at its current life as an embassy. Following the presentation, enjoy a light reception—and imagine yourself as a guest at one of Alice Pike Barney’s salons. Thurs., March 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-557; The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia, 2306 Massachusetts Ave., NW (Metro: Dupont Circle, Red line); Members $70; Nonmembers $85
PD / WHITE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION
Please note that as a historic building, the Studio House is not fully accessible for all visitors. Entry requires two sets of stairs, and there is no elevator. Please contact Customer Service if this presents any concerns.
Evangelicalism in America
Federalists vs. Antifederalists
Every election cycle, American evangelicals are heavy hitters on the demographic scene, a force to be reckoned with for journalists, pundits, politicians, and political strategists. But it was not always so. Who exactly are the evangelicals, where did they come from, and what does the term “evangelical” even mean? Historian Joseph Slaughter of Wesleyan University addresses these questions as he examines the complexity of a group that spans multiple denominations, regions, and ethnicities. As he traces the 400-year-old story of evangelicalism from its origins in the 16th and 17th centuries to its periods of growth in adherents and influence from the 18th through the 21st, Slaughter highlights key doctrines, figures, and events that shaped and transformed what it has meant to be an evangelical in America.
Why the Battle Over the Constitution Still Matters
From left, evangelist Billy Graham, Nancy Reagan, and President Ronald Reagan at the National Prayer Breakfast, 1981
Wed., March 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-805; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
When the Constitutional Convention ended on Sept. 17, 1787, the battle over the Constitution had just begun. The convention had drafted a new Constitution for the United States, which required ratification by 9 of the 13 state legislatures. Federalists advocated for a strong central government. They clashed with opposing Antifederalists, who sought for power to lie within the states and favored the Articles of Confederation. Historian Denver Brunsman describes the battle of ideas and tactics that surrounded the ratification process and the patterns of political debate—local vs. national, urban vs. rural, elite vs. ordinary citizens—that were introduced and persist to this day. Mon., March 25, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-034; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Washington’s First World Series When the Washington Senators Were America’s Team The 1924 Senators were the only Washington, D.C., team to win a World Series in the 20th century and the last D.C. club to win one until the 2019 Nationals. They were the talk of America in the summer of ’24—a team of scrappy upstarts, with a 27-year-old rookie player-manager, seeking to dethrone the New York Yankees, who had won the three previous American League pennants. In the centennial year of the Senators’ victorious World Series run, sports historian Fred Frommer and former Senators stadium announcer Phil Hochberg cover the compelling story of this history-making team and touch on the mostly fallow years that followed.
Washington Senators, early 1930s
U.S. NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER PHOTOGRAPH
Tues., March 26, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-033; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The WWI Navy: Second to None For the U.S. Navy, World War I was the first significant test of an armed force branch billed as “second to none.” Could it rise to the challenge in the clash of powerful forces that had engulfed Europe? Chris Rentfrow, director of the Navy Museums Division at the Naval History and Heritage Command at Washington Navy Yard, examines the growing role of the Navy in peace and war during early decades of the 20th century. He discusses the launch of the first dreadnought battleship, USS South Carolina USS South Carolina; the creation of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; and the announced intention in 1916 to build a “Navy second to none” as steppingstones toward shaping the force that entered action in 1917. He also examines the importance of the 1916 Battle of Jutland, between the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet; the crucial American work of convoy escort and the deployment of a battleship squadron to join the Grand Fleet; and the role of Adm. William S. Sims as the London-based liaison to the Royal Navy. Tues., March 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-807; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Wales and England
PD WIKIPEDIA
Why is the heir to the throne of the United Kingdom traditionally called the Prince of Wales? The answer lies in the history of conflict and collaboration between medieval kings of England and the fractious princes who ruled a patchwork of territories in western Britain. Wales was never a united principality, let alone a kingdom, yet it still maintains a distinct cultural and linguistic identity more than seven centuries after being conquered by Edward I, the first English ruler to designate his son as the Prince of Wales. Historian Arthur Tudor, Prince of Jennifer Paxton of the Catholic University of America tells the fascinating story of how the Welsh developed a unified identity despite a history of warring regional dynasties and Wales, ca. early 16th century King Charles III, formerly political domination by their much larger neighbor. Prince of Wales Learn how Wales played an important role in the way that Shakespeare’s audience understood their own medieval past and how the Welsh rediscovered their medieval roots as part of the Celtic Revival movements of the 18th and 19th centuries. Paxton explores the story of conquest, revolt, and consolidation that led to the present, when Welsh nationalism is arguably stronger than ever. Wed., March 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-312; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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From King Arthur to King Charles III
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Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE
Winter Wine Adventures
Spend three fascinating evenings expanding your knowledge of wine as you travel the world with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable wine-tasting adventures. Each immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.
The “Tour de France”
JAN 26 Bordeaux Unearthed Bordeaux is all about the blend—and the distinctions between wines from the Left Bank and the Right Bank of the Gironde Estuary. Segelbaum explores the grapes of Bordeaux and leads tastings through classic regional wines including white Bordeaux, reds from selected Left- and Right-Bank appellations, and even a few surprises.
MAR 22 How Languedoc Changed the Wine World Languedoc has done arguably more for the wine world than any other region on the planet. While one of France’s oldest wine regions, Languedoc is also one of the youngest, with some appellations less than 20 years old. The region is a world leader in advancements in sustainable viticulture and the source of a forward-thinking response to climate change. This delicious exploration dives deep into the profound impact Languedoc has in the global wine world.
FEB 23 Wherever I May Rhône The Rhône Valley is home to some of the world’s most iconic appellations, such as Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite being part of the same broad region, the northern and southern Rhône produce distinctly different wine styles, a contrast mirrored in the products of their winemakers. As you taste multiple expressions from across the Rhône Valley, learn why wines from this beautiful area of France are food-friendly favorites of sommeliers the world over.
3-session series: Fri., Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 22, 6 p.m.; CODE WINE2024; Members $180; Nonmembers $210 Individual sessions: Fri., Jan. 26 (CODE 1L0-551); Fri., Feb. 23 (CODE 1L0-552); Fri., March 22 (CODE 1L0-553); 6 p.m.; Members $70; Nonmembers $80
Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes a curated personal tasting kit with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines. Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kit, which is an essential component of the workshop. The kit will be available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 1–5 p.m. at Shilling Canning Company (360 Water Street SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green line). Patrons receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to the program. Due to state and federal laws, Smithsonian Associates cannot ship wine kits. However, SOMLYAY may be able to provide kits to participants outside the Washington, D.C., area (who must cover shipping costs). Please contact erik@thesomlyay.com for more information.
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Spices 101: Turmeric Something of a wonder ingredient, turmeric gets attention for its health-giving properties. It’s also treasured as a culinary spice, lending a base of flavor and brilliant pop of yellow to dishes around the world. Writer and spice expert Eleanor Ford, author of The Nutmeg Trail, covers the facts, myths, stories, and properties of turmeric. Learn the difference between the fresh rhizome and dried powder and how to handle both in the kitchen. Discover how to use turmeric to the best effect and how to show it off in dishes including coconut curries, pickles, grilled meats, scrambled eggs, and even in the most vibrant lemon cake. Tues., Jan. 30, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-066; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
In Person The
The Cuisine of Nigeria: Transcending Boundaries
KELLY MARSHALL
With cookbook author Yewande Komolafe The city of Lagos, Nigeria, is a key part of a larger conversation about West African cuisine and its global influence. In her new cookbook, My Everyday Lagos, Yewande Komolafe, a chef and cooking writer for the Food section of the New York Times, looks at about 75 dishes that are served in her fast-paced, ever-changing home city of Lagos. Through essays that place ingredients in historical context, Komolafe explains how in a country where dozens of ethnic groups interact, a cuisine has developed that transcends tribal boundaries and has spread to Nigerian communities throughout the world. Join Komolafe as she discusses the hallmarks of Nigerian cuisine, the country’s regions and peoples, and her own journey of self-discovery through understanding her home country and its food. Afterward, enjoy a light reception featuring bites from a local West Yewande Komolafe African restaurant. Copies of My Everyday Lagos (Ten Speed Press) are available for purchase and signing.
LITTLE, BROWN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
Wed., Jan. 31, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-547; Ripley Center; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
The Stories Behind the Chinese Menu Do you know the stories behind delectable Chinese American dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Or how dumplings cured a village’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells the story of the creation of the world? Drawing on her new book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods, Grace Lin shares the tales behind favorite Chinese American food, from fried dumplings to fortune cookies. Rooted in history and folklore, the stories are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, join Lin in conversation with journalist Lisa Ling as they uncover the rich histories of Chinese American dishes. Along the way, discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food and what makes it undeniably American. Although Lin’s book is for young readers, this delicious conversation is for foodies of all ages. Copies of Chinese Menu (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) are available for purchase. Thurs., Feb. 8, 6:45 p.m; CODE 1L0-550; Members $20; Nonmembers $25; Students $15
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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With Tasting
Chocolate’s Delicious History Indulge your senses on a scrumptious journey through the history of chocolate led by food historian Francine Segan. This lively evening unravels the intriguing story of chocolate and traces the origins of this treat from the New World to Europe, exploring its remarkable transformation from a grainy, bitter brew to the irresistible delicacy we adore today. Learn about the pivotal roles played by Christopher Columbus and the legendary Casanova in shaping the destiny of chocolate; delve into its romantic allure and centuries-long reputation as an aphrodisiac; and discover how chocolate was savored by the elite in 17th-century Europe. Segan also offers insights into the intricate chocolate-making process, from the harvesting of cocoa beans to the creation of the chocolate bars we cherish today. Afterward, treat yourself to a sampling of chocolates by Italian artisan maker Venchi and take home chocolate-infused recipes, both sweet and savory, to try. Mon., Feb. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-039; Ripley Center; Members $45; Nonmembers $55
High School Classics Revisited In this series, Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, revisits and provides new perspectives on novels that typically appear on high school reading lists.
PD WIKIPEDIA
To Kill a Mockingbird Few books have had as much impact on American culture as Harper Lee’s legendary To Kill a Mockingbird from 1960. Luzzi considers Lee’s novel in depth, addressing such issues as the book’s relationship to earlier literary traditions, representation of life in the South, and treatment of racism and its pernicious effects. He also explores how To Kill a Mockingbird creates some of the most memorable characters in American literature while providing a brilliant example of how a literary text can probe complex issues related to society and justice.
PD WIKIPEDIA
Thurs., Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-336; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
Invisible Man Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man from 1952 is a searing account of a young Black man’s quest for identity as he leaves the segregated South and moves to New York. A classic work on the experience of Black Americans, Ellison’s work is essential for understanding the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement. Luzzi guides participants through a discussion of Invisible Man’s sophisticated literary techniques, memorable characters, and artful narrative elements. Thurs., Feb. 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-339; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights from 1847 is one of the most celebrated novels in 19th-century literature. Luzzi reveals the novel’s defining qualities and characteristics, with a focus on its Romantic elements, dazzling mix of the supernatural and natural, and construction of compelling characters such as Heathcliff and Catherine. Luzzi also discusses the different modes of storytelling Brontë employs.
PD WIKIPEDIA
Wuthering Heights
Thurs., March 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-343; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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Smithsonian Chamber Music Society
In Person
2023–2024 Season The 46th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society features musical masterpieces from the late 16th century to the cusp of the 21st, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments. Except for the January 28 Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra performance, concerts take place in the National Museum of American History’s intimate Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, with repertoire ranging from acclaimed masterpieces to undeservedly obscure gems by all-but-forgotten composers. Veteran musicians of the Society are joined on several of the programs by emerging artists. Kenneth Slowik, SCMS artistic director and recipient of the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar Award, again curates a series of pre-concert talks one hour prior to the Saturday concerts, shedding light on the glorious music and the lives and times of the featured composers.
The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati
SMITHSONIAN
Smithsonian Chamber Music Society audiences are privy to the unparalleled experience of being able to hear two magnificent quartets of instruments—one made by Antonio Stradivari, the other by his teacher Nicolò Amati—in this popular concert series. The Axelrod String Quartet, which now includes violinist Mark Fewer, presents two programs, both of which are anchored by one of Schubert’s last quartets. Works of quartet masters Haydn and Shostakovich are joined by 20th-century works related, in their diversity, to varied interests of the National Museum of American History. The music of the Argentinian Osvaldo Golijov, resident in the United States since 1986, has been characterized as “forcing us to look and listen in a way that we’re not asked to do inside other music, speaking to the divisiveness and coming together of Marc Destrubé, James Dunham, cultures.” Mark Fewer and Kenneth Slowik The Austrian American Erich Wolfgang Korngold is probably most widely known for the nearly two dozen Hollywood film scores he wrote in the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s (among them The Adventures of Robin Hood, for which he won the Academy Award in 1934), but many of his operas, orchestral and chamber works, songs, and piano pieces employ the same appealingly kaleidoscopic harmonic palette.
The Axelrod String Quartet Mark Fewer, violin; Marc Destrubé, violin; James Dunham, viola; Kenneth Slowik, violoncello Sat., Apr. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Apr. 7, 6:30 p.m. Joseph Haydn: Quartet in F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5 Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Quartet No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 26 Franz Schubert: Quartet in D Minor, D810, Death and the Maiden Sat., Apr. 27, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Apr. 28, 6:30 p.m. Osvoldo Golijov: Tenebrae for String Quartet Dmitri Shostakovich: Quartet No. 7 Franz Schubert: Quartet in G Major, D887
Note: Saturday concerts at 7:30 p.m. include a pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. Individual concerts: Sat., Apr. 6 (CODE 1P0-815); Sun., Apr. 7 (CODE 1P0-818); Sat., Apr. 27 (CODE 1P0- 816); Sun., Apr. 28 (CODE 1P0-819); Members $30; Nonmembers $35 All Axelrod concerts take place at the Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, National Museum of American History, 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW (Metro: Federal Triangle)
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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Masterworks of Five Centuries
The 2023–2024 season continues with a January chamber orchestra concert that honors the 150th anniversary of Arnold Schönberg’s birth. In February, Catherine Manson and Rebecca Landell Reed join Kenneth Slowik, the SCMS artistic director, to survey Beethoven piano trios, and in another pairing, Slowik is partnered with harpsichordist Corey Jamason in a program of suites and sonatas of J. S. Bach. The spring performance of the Smithsonian Consort of Viols features English consort music by Orlando Gibbons and Henry Purcell, whose 1680 fantasias provide a fitting capstone to a venerable tradition.
2024 Sun., Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.
Béla Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances, Sz.56 Florence Price: Andante moderato Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. Gustav Mahler: Quartetto serioso, Op. 95 Arnold Schönberg: Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4 The Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra Kenneth Slowik, conductor
Suites and Sonatas of J. S. Bach The Smithsonian Chamber Players Corey Jamason, harpsichord; Kenneth Slowik, cello and viola da gamba
Sat., Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m. Piano Trios of Beethoven Op. 1, No. 1 in E-flat Major; Op. 1, No. 3 in C Minor; Op. 70, No. 1 in D Major, the Ghost The Smithsonian Chamber Players Catherine Manson, violin; Rebecca Landell Reed, cello; Kenneth Slowik, fortepiano
Please note: Saturday concerts take place at 7:30 p.m., with pre-concert talks at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday concerts take place at 6:30 p.m. (except the January 28 concert at 7:30 p.m.) and do not include pre-concert talks.
Sat., March 16, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 17, 6:30 p.m. Consorts of Orlando Gibbons and Henry Purcell The Smithsonian Consort of Viols Kenneth Slowik, Arnie Tanimoto, Wade Davis, Catherine Slowik, Chelsea Bernstein, and Lily Schrantz, viols Individual concerts: Sun., Jan. 28 (CODE 1P0-823); Sat., Feb. 10 (CODE 1P0-824); Sun., Feb. 11 (CODE 1P0-830); Sat., Feb. 24 (CODE 1P0-825); Sun., Feb. 25 (CODE 1P0831); Sat., March 16 (CODE 1P0-826); Sun., March 17 (CODE 1P0-832); Members $30; Nonmembers $35
All Masterworks concerts take place in the Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, National Museum of American History, Constitution Ave. at 14th St. NW (Metro: Federal Triangle) except for the January 28 performance at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill, 301 A St. SE (Metro: Capitol South)
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In Person
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra 2023–2024 Concert Series
JACLYN NASH
Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 33-year history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The 2023–2024 SJMO season adds new excitement and luster to that musical tradition.
Charlie Young
Sat., June 1 | Sarah Vaughan: The Divine One
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert
Sarah Vaughan’s colorful vocal tone, unparalleled range, elastic stylized phrasing, and all-around dynamic musical interpretation earned her the moniker “The Divine One.” Also known as “Sassy,” Vaughan became one of the greatest jazz vocalists in the history of the music. The SJMO features singer Sharón Clark in celebration of the centennial year of NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan. Songs like “After You’ve Gone,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” and “The Lady’s in Love with You” rekindle the Vaughan spell. (Full Orchestra) New Date Coming Soon
Sat., Feb. 10 | The Legacy of Max Roach
Inspired by Chick Web, Sonny Greer, Jo Jones, and the innovations of Kenny Clarke, during the 1940s Max Roach revolutionized the world of modern drum-set playing. He developed a swing and cymbal technique with dynamic expression that became the template for the creative imagination and technical mastery required to move modern jazz forward. With songs such as “Four-X,” “Cou-Manchi-Cou,” and “Liberté,” the SJMO honors the legacy of Max Roach, who would have turned 100 on January 20. (Smaller Ensemble) Fri., Apr. 5 | Aspects of Ellington
Individual concerts: Sat., Feb. 10 (CODE 1P0-835); Fri., Apr. 5 (CODE 1P0-836); Sat., June 1 (CODE 1P0-837); Date TBD (CODE 1P0-834); Members $25; Nonmembers $30 Please note: Concerts take place at 7 p.m. at Baird Auditorium in the National Museum of Natural History, except for the February 10 program, held at the Warner Bros. Theater at the National Museum of American History. Each concert’s musical program is subject to change.
JACLYN NASH
Duke Ellington composed dynamic music that inspired vivid visual imagery and emotion. Combining his unconventional orchestration technique with the unique talent of his individual orchestra members, Ellington was able to transpose everyday life into musical works of art. To mark what would have been his 125th year, the SJMO launches Jazz Appreciation Month by highlighting elements of the Duke’s music and his orchestra with signature works such as “East St. Louis Toodle-oo,” “The Degas Suite,” and “Jack the Bear.” (Full Orchestra)
Jazz and the U.S. Armed Services
Official military bands date back to 1798 with the establishment of the U.S. Marine Band. In the 1910s, First Lieutenant James Reese Europe infused elements of jazz into military music, and today all branches have an official jazz ensemble. The SJMO salutes the U.S. military jazz bands and the role they play inspiring soldiers, fostering patriotic support, and promoting national interests at home and abroad. Selections include “Memphis Blues,” “American Patrol,” and “Armed Forces Medley.” (Full Orchestra)
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Cinderella: Beyond Bippidy Boppidy Boo We all know the Cinderella fairy tale, the story of the downtrodden but kind young girl forced to toil for her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. But there’s a lot more to Cinderella: Her shoes are not always made of glass, for example, and she isn’t always an orphan. Sometimes there isn’t a fairy godmother at all but rather a magical tree, a fish, or even a flock of turkeys. Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman discuss how versions differ, what we can learn from Cinderella, and why the story has had such a lasting impact on Western culture. In addition, this program includes the opportunity for participation by attendees. Tues., Jan. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-325; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Buddhism for Today Some 25 centuries after the historical Buddha traveled around what is now Northern India imparting his wisdom, Buddhism is flourishing in the Western world, speaking to a contemporary audience seeking inner peace, durable happiness, and meaning in a challenging world. Finding the Buddha before the Buddhist religion emerged reveals an innovative teacher with a therapeutic, psychological orientation who emphasized introspection, discipline, and personal responsibility—concepts that are even more pressing in the digital age. Arnie Kozak, author of The Buddha Was a Psychologist, explores the Buddha, his mission, his central teaching—popularly known as the Four Noble Truths—and the reach forms of Buddhism have in the world today. Wed., Jan. 10, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-064; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Tibetan wall fresco, Jokhang Monastery, Tibet
Jane Austen: Reinventing the Novel
PD WIKIPEDIA
Jane Austen remains one of the most instantly recognizable names in all of literature, renowned for her contributions to our understanding of social life and women’s identity, among many other key issues. Through a detailed consideration of three of her most memorable works—Mansfield Park, Emma, and Northanger Abbey—explore how she helped reinvent the novel with her powerfully original writing and unique artistic vision. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, examines Austen’s remarkable career and astonishing life. 10 a.m. Jane Austen: Mapping her Life and Literary World 11:15 a.m. Mansfield Park 12:15 p.m. Break 12:45 p.m. Emma 2 p.m. Northanger Abbey and Concluding Thoughts Sat., Jan. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1J0-324; Members $80; Nonmembers $90 Illustration by C. E. Bock for Mansfield Park, 1907–1908
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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Stanley Kubrick Exploring the Master Filmmaker Exacting. Demanding. Controlling. Obsessive. This was Stanley Kubrick, the reclusive mastermind behind 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Strangelove, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, and Full Metal Jacket. The Kubrick approach to filmmaking was not for the weak of spirit. Actors ranging from Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman to Jack Nicholson and Ryan O’Neal were made to endure dozens upon dozens of camera takes until their director was satisfied. Studio executives came to expect production delays and cost overruns under highly classified conditions. Cinematographers resigned themselves to the producer/director occasionally seizing control of the camera. Craftsmen and artists were driven to near madness with Stanley Kubrick on the set of unpredictable Kubrickian instructions. the 1975 film Barry Lyndon But the results spoke for themselves: the breathtaking opulence of Barry Lyndon and its landmark uses of genuine candlelight for illumination; the superb Steadicam tracking shots of the terrifying Overlook Hotel in The Shining; the ritualistic cult orgy in Eyes Wide Shut; the spaceship and space station choreography of 2001; the immaculate and deceptive sterility of the Marine Corps barracks in Full Metal Jacket; the notorious “War Room” of Dr. Strangelove. Such visual splendor was compounded by Kubrick’s uncompromising (and in many cases prophetic) views of humanity that never failed to inflame critical and academic debate. Film historian Max Alvarez leads an electrifying filmmaking odyssey through the life and career of one of the 20th century’s most provocative, maddening, and brilliant cinematic practitioners. Thurs., Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-438; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
Spinoza: The Father of Modern Thought Baruch Spinoza is one of the most important philosophers—and certainly the most radical—of the early modern period. Raised in the Portuguese-Jewish community of Amsterdam, and ultimately shunned by it and by his family, he is correctly assumed to be the father of modernist thought with his developed highly controversial ideas that are often misinterpreted. He is mistakenly considered to have been an atheist, although his work includes no arguments against the existence of God. The questions, then, are how and why are atheism and modernism associated with him and why is he so important to our understanding of our own world? To find the answers, author and Georgetown University professor Ori Z. Soltes explores the philosophy of Spinoza by examining what he thought and wrote—and when; events in the Jewish and Christian communities in which he lived; and his relationship with the people and the world around him. Wed., Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-794; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Classical Sounds of the Cinema Since the beginning of the talkies, film directors have turned to classical music for their soundtracks. Whether it’s Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Richard Strauss, Mascagni, Puccini, or Bach, opuses of almost every famous composer have added emotional depth to hundreds of films. With fascinating clips, witty commentary, and piano demonstrations, concert pianist and movie fanatic Rachel Franklin delves into the magic of some of the greatest film music ever composed (even when it was unintentional). JAN 24 Mozart Goes to Hollywood JAN 31 The Myth of Beethoven FEB 7 Classical Crossovers FEB 14 Lights, Camera, Composer! 4-session series: Wed., Jan. 24–Feb. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-437; Members $95; Nonmembers $105
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Magnificent Movie Music
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Franz Josef Haydn: First of the Great Classical Masters
The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
Franz Josef Haydn (1732–1809) proved that music could be both serious and joyful—at the same time. He began as a multitalented adolescent, singing and working as a freelance composer as he made his way into the musical life of Vienna. Eventually he was recognized as the most famous composer in Europe. However, by the end of the 19th century, Haydn was often considHaydn by Thomas Hardy, 1791 ered only as a genial father figure—merely a precursor to Mozart and Beethoven. In an engaging series, classical music and opera expert Saul Lilienstein demonstrates the range of Haydn’s innovative genius in almost every field of musical endeavor. Each session is highlighted by music recordings and video performances of Haydn’s great works.
Porgy and Bess opened at the Alvin Theatre in New York City on October 10, 1935, running for 124 performances before the production ended in financial ruin. George Gershwin, his brother Ira, and the author and co-librettist DuBose Heyward crafted an intense musical drama that ultimately spawned a furious debate about musical style and form, authenticity, race, discrimination, prejudice, and national identity. The music and lyrics, however, have survived the almost 90 years of controversy, assuming a stature unsurpassed in the American operatic repertoire. Explore this pivotal work from its beginnings to its revivals in a lively evening led by Gershwin scholar and pianist Robert Wyatt. Highlights include an examination of intimate correspondence between Gershwin and Heyward, archival recordings, the composer’s film footage of a rehearsal, and Wyatt’s 1989 interviews with the artists who first portrayed the title characters, Anne Brown and Todd Duncan.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC
A Folk Opera on Broadway
Thurs., Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-300; Members $30; Nonmembers $35 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
JAN 30 Introducing Haydn FEB 6 The Revolutionary Classicist FEB 13 The Symphony Achieves International Status FEB 20 Final Instrumental Music FEB 27 The Choral Masterworks 5-session series: Tues., Jan. 30–Feb. 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2297; Members $85; Nonmembers $95
Porgy and Bess, original Theater Guild production, 1935
Charles Dickens: The Ultimate Storyteller Few authors are as revered and beloved as Charles Dickens, one of the most influential novelists in English literature and a writer whose work remains viscerally relevant. Through a detailed consideration of Oliver Twist, Hard Times, and A Tale of Two Cities, explore how Dickens pushed the novel form in new directions through his storytelling and commentary on key social issues. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, examines how Dickens’ complex characters and the challenges they face illuminate some of the most pressing concerns in the world today. 10 a.m. Charles Dickens: Elements of Literary Genius 11:15 a.m. Oliver Twist 12:15 p.m. Break 12:45 p.m. Hard Times 2 p.m. A Tale of Two Cities and Concluding Thoughts Sat., Feb. 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1J0-331; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
Charles Dickens reading to his daughters, 1865
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Yoga as Lifestyle Medicine A Prescription for Healthy Living Yoga can be the self-care component in your healthcare prescription: a lifestyle medicine that promotes overall well-being. In an interactive day, Linda Lang, a certified yoga therapist, shares how yoga can both prevent illness and injury and help manage your relationship with chronic conditions. Benefits can include increased self-awareness; greater vitality and mental clarity; risk reduction for illness and injury; pain management; and enhanced recoveries from myriad maladies. 10 a.m. Yoga: An Introduction 11 a.m. Asana Practice 12 p.m. Break 1 p.m. Pranayama Breath Work and Meditation 2 p.m. Yoga Therapy: Finding Your Personal Yoga Rx
The Broadway Musical Goes to Hollywood
PD/WIKIPEDIA
Thurs., Feb. 8, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1NV-067; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
For nearly a century, Hollywood has been captivated by the allure of the Broadway musical. From the beginning of talkies through today, most of the Great White Way’s biggest hits have made the transfer to the movie theater, though sometimes the journey has yielded damaged goods. Media historian Brian Rose looks at the colorful history of the Broadway-to-movie musical and traces its development from truncated adaptations, in which most of the songs were abandoned, to glorious reinterpretations like Milos Forman’s Hair or Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story in 2021.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Tues., Feb. 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-338; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Bedřich Smetana Visions of a Bohemian Homeland Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884) is celebrated as the Czech Republic’s first nationalist composer. Born in Bohemia, at the northwest corner of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Smetana dedicated his life to championing Czech culture and language through his operas, tone poems, chamber music, and piano works. His ardent nationalism produced such masterpieces as his joyful comic opera The Bartered Bride, the sweeping six-movement symphonic cycle My Homeland, and his autobiographical string quartet From My Life. To honor Smetana’s 200th birthday year, pianist and scholar Rachel Franklin explores his powerful legacy and spotlights many lesser-known piano and operatic gems by this pioneering Czech master. Thurs., March 7, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-448; Members $25; Nonmembers $30 Bedřich Smetana
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A Night at the Oscars Long before Academy Awards night rolls around on March 10 to honor 2023’s best cinematic achievements, you’ve probably assembled your own slate of favorites in the Oscars race. To become the most knowledgeable guest at your Oscar party, join Washington City Paper film critic Noah Gittell in an evening that focuses on all things Oscar, from Academy Awards history and trivia to discussions of this year’s nominations and behind-thescenes stories. The most accurate predictions are eligible for prizes after the awards are presented. Fri., March 8, 7 p.m.; CODE 1J0-340; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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“Make ‘Em Laugh”: A History of Movie Comedy from Charlie Chaplin to Mel Brooks Since the beginning of motion pictures, making audiences laugh has been one of the film industry’s chief box office attractions. Skilled acrobatic comedians like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Charlie Chaplin were enormously popular in the silent era; so were their more verbally dexterous talking picture successors the Marx Brothers and W.C. Fields. Media historian Publicity photo from Charlie Brian Rose looks at major Chaplin's 1921 movie The Kid highlights of screen comedy over the last 125 years, illustrated with more than 40 examples from Hollywood’s funniest films.
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Tues., March 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-342; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Writing a Novel A Character-Driven Approach Author Elizabeth Poliner guides four weekly sessions focused on a character-driven approach to novel writing—one that allows novels to develop organically, moving from character into plot and structure. Where do ideas for fictional characters come from? How do we move from an understanding of character into the development of story and plot? How do we integrate setting into the development of story, too? In addition to answering these questions, the series focuses on structure, narration, theme, research, and the ever-essential role of revision. Poliner is the author of the novel As Close to Us as Breathing, winner of the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize in Fiction and an Amazon Best Book of 2016. MAR 8 Character MAR 15 Setting MAR 22 Narration and Point of View MAR 29 Research 4-session series: Fri., March 8–29, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-804; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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Bach’s Sacred Cantatas A Journey Through Human Emotions
Portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach, ca. 1746, by Elias Gottlob Haussmann
Why does Johann Sebastian Bach’s music remain deeply relevant to our times, despite having been composed 300 years ago under entirely different social, economic, political, cultural, moral, and religious circumstances? Because it draws on all shades of timeless human emotions. A Bach performer once said he couldn’t think of one that the composer had not set to music. Singer Thierry van Bastelaer leads a journey through those emotions in Bach’s religious cantatas. These works—in essence, poetic and musical commentaries on sacred texts associated with specific dates on the Lutheran liturgical calendar—constitute about a third of Bach’s entire output, yet just a few of them are performed or heard regularly, despite containing some of his most affecting music. In a presentation highlighted by musical recordings and video clips of performances that span sentiments from sadness and despair to jubilation and consolation, van Bastelaer discusses the oftenchallenging circumstances under which the works were composed, points out features of the music, and offers glimpses of Bach as a man, employee, husband, and father. Thurs., March 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-311; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
PD/PROMOTIONAL IMAGE/WIKIPEDIA
“It’s a Wonderful Town” New York City in the Movies For more than 125 years, filmmakers have been drawn to the vitality of New York City. Its diverse neighborhoods, universally recognized landmarks, and 8 million stories have helped make the city a featured player in more than 17,000 movies. The city has starred in a wide variety of films, including King Kong, Naked City, On the Town, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Taxi Driver, Wall Street, and Do the Right Thing. With more than 50 clips, media historian Brian Rose demonstrates the changing ways New York has been captured on film and why it remains a star attraction. Tues., Apr. 9, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-346; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 King Kong 1933 promotional image, RKO Pictures
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Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
A Grand Tour of the Solar System Presented in partnership with George Mason University Observatory A Grand Tour of the Solar System
NASA/JPL/SPACE SCIENCE INSTITUTE
This series treks Presented to the sun andinthe four inner terrestrial planets before traveling outwardObservatory to the asteroid belt, four Jovian partnership with George Mason University planets, and beyond. At each session, a professional astronomer presents the latest research on a solar system body. Following the talk and a question-and-answer period, Peter Plavchan, a professor of physics and astronomy at George Mason University, brings that night’s sky right into participants’ living rooms via remote control of the university observatory, weather permitting.
Titan: A Moon With Atmosphere Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is an extraordinary world. Among the solar system’s more than 150 known moons, Titan is the only one with a substantial atmosphere, and it is made mostly of nitrogen, like Earth’s. And Titan is the only place in the solar system besides Earth known to definitely have liquids, including water. Sarah Horst, associate professor in the earth and planetary sciences department at Johns Hopkins University, delves into the complex chemistry of Titan’s atmosphere and what it means for the potential habitability of the moon. Tues., Feb. 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-332; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Titan, captured during a flyby on April 16, 2005 by the Cassini spacecraft
National Parks of Washington State North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier Journey to high volcanoes, ancient temperate rainforests, glaciers, and big rivers in three geographically and topographically interrelated national parks: North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier. Among the most distinctive public lands in the country, these parks harbor a dazzling array of habitats and recreational opportunities. Naturalist Keith Tomlinson discusses the region’s geologic evolution, biological diversity, and unique hydrology from glaciers to the sea. His tour highlights ways to access and enjoy these extraordinary natural treasures and covers conservation priorities in all three parks. Chris Williams, an interpretive ranger with the National Park Service working in Olympic and North Cascades National Parks, joins the program as a guest speaker. Picture Lake with the peaks of Mount Shuksan in North Cascades National Park
Thurs., Jan. 4, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-061; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
How the Brain Works Decision-making, Dreams, and Emotions How do we know what we want? Is it free will that propels us to make decisions or is there something deeper that guides us? What role does our unconscious play in the process? A study of neural mechanisms may provide some answers and even help us predict future choices. Neuroscientist Moran Cerf leads an exploration of our brain to examine behavior, emotion, decision-making, and dreams. He explains how he directly records the activity of individual nerve cells using electrodes implanted in a patient’s brain for clinical purposes. These techniques bypass the conscious mind to unearth our subconscious choices. His focus on the neural mechanisms that underlie decision-making offers a new perspective on predicting future choices and investigating how much free will we have. Tues., Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-797; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates
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Surviving the Climate Crisis For most of its 4.54 billion years, Earth has proven it can manage just fine without human beings. Then came the first proto-humans, who emerged a little more than 2 million years ago—a fleeting moment in geological time. What made it possible? Ironically, it’s the same thing that now threatens us—climate change. Climate variability has at times created new niches that humans or their ancestors could potentially exploit and challenges that at times have spurred innovation. But there’s a relatively narrow envelope of climate variability within which human civilization remains viable, and our survival depends on conditions remaining within that range. Climate scientist Michael Mann examines the knowledge necessary to appreciate the gravity of the unfolding climate crisis—and how to meet it with action. His book Our Fragile Moment: How Lessons from Earth’s Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis (PublicAffairs) is available for purchase. Michael Mann
JOSHUA YOSPYN
Lessons from the Earth’s Past
Thurs., Jan. 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-434; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Bone Wars Not long after the California Gold Rush, a different frenzy captured Americans’ attention: A rivalry dubbed the Bone Wars emerged in the fledgling field of paleontology between two young scientists, Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope. Originally amicable colleagues—they even named fossils after each other—they became rivals in a long and bitter turf war that featured theft, corruption, and sabotage. Hans Sues, the curator of vertebrate paleontology at the National Museum of Natural History, discusses their epic struggle and how it influenced the future of the field. Tues., Jan. 23, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-030; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
SUSAN CASEY
Othniel Charles Marsh (left) and Edward Drinker Cope (right)
The Haunting World of Dolphins Inspired by a profound experience swimming with wild dolphins off the coast of Maui, author Susan Casey set out on a quest to learn everything she could about dolphins. Her journey took her from a community in Hawaii known as “Dolphinville,” where the animals are seen as the key to spiritual enlightenment, to the dark side of the human-cetacean relationship at marine parks and dolphin-hunting grounds in Japan and the Solomon Islands, to the island of Crete, where the Minoan civilization lived in harmony with dolphins, providing a millennia-old example of a more enlightened coexistence with the natural world. Drawing on her 2016 book Voices in the Ocean, Casey recounts the history of dolphin research and introduces the leading marine scientists and activists who have made it their life’s work to increase humans’ understanding and appreciation of the wonder of dolphins.
Susan Casey, swimming with the dolphins
Tues., Jan. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-440; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates
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All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned
Many Brains But No Bones Octopuses and Their Relatives Octopuses and other cephalopods are jet-propelled rockets, instantaneous shapeshifters, and master tacticians. Their bodies seem nothing like our own (they have zero bones, nine brains, three hearts, and blue blood), but their minds, if we can agree that these exist, seem strangely similar to ours. Octopuses exhibit curiosity, creativity, even cross-species companionship. Dive deep with marine biologist Danna Staaf (who’s been obsessed with octopuses since age 10) into the evolutionary history of cephalopods—octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and the mysterious nautiluses—to discover how we came to share today’s world with these astonishing, clever, and colorful creatures. Thurs., Jan. 25, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-329; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Birds of Prey: Living with Modern Dinosaurs Although dinosaurs became extinct nearly 65 million years ago, their descendants still live among us today, patrolling the skies, stalking prey, and perched outside our windows at night. Modern birds descended from a group of carnivorous dinosaurs called theropods. Millions of years of evolution may have changed their form, but no other group of birds resembles the essence of their carnivorous ancestors like raptors. Robert Johnson, master falconer, author, and professor of biology at Coastal Carolina University, explores the vast diversity of birds of prey, from eagles and hawks to falcons, vultures, and owls. Johnson also reviews the shared history of humans and raptors. Wed., Jan. 31, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-330; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Great Horned Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight Did you know that there is a top-of-the-food-chain predator likely living in your neighborhood? This animal moves silently at speeds of 20 to 40 miles per hour and eats animals twice its size. Not a bear or mountain lion or coyote, it’s a great horned owl, found in every state except Hawaii and in almost every habitat you can imagine. Naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw—who has closely observed and documented the lives of great horned owls in Forest Park in St. Louis since 2005—takes a deep dive into the study of these magnificent creatures in a program rich in audio clips, photos, and videos. He covers the basic facts about the species; how he finds these owls; their camouflage, nocturnal habits, and silent flight; and the various behaviors he has seen and documented. Sun., March 10, 2 p.m.; CODE 1K0-444; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Mark H.X. Glenshaw
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates
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FEB 4 Donabo Gardens of Tangier, Morocco, and the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, Israel
ADIEL LO
Botanical Gardens: A World Tour Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural experts lead a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as far-flung as Morocco, New Zealand, Israel, Belgium, and the East Coast of the United States. In vibrant visuals they explore how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom. FEB 11 The Royal Greenhouses, Laeken, Belgium, and Chanticleer Gardens, Pennsylvania OWNEYTHEDOG
FEB 18 Dunedin Botanic Garden, New Zealand, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Virginia 3-session series: Sun., Feb. 4, 11, and 18, 4 p.m.; CODE 1NV-BOT; Members $60; Nonmembers $75 Individual sessions: Sun., Feb. 4 (CODE 1NV-070); Sun., Feb. 11 (CODE 1NV-071); Sun., Feb. 18 (CODE 1NV-072); 4 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, Israel
Chanticleer Gardens, Pennsylvania
Wed., April 17, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-076; Members $25; Nonmember $30
ROB CARDILLO
Nicole Juday
A Total-Solar-Eclipse Countdown Get those pinhole projectors and proper viewing glasses ready: On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur across the United States. Few celestial events are as dramatic as when the moon’s silhouetted disk gradually slides across and then completely obscures the sun. It’s only during totality that the gossamer strands of the sun’s corona—its incandescent atmosphere—can be seen surrounding a small black circle where the brilliant solar disk should be. This forthcoming celestial event has created quite a buzz among amateur astronomers and eager “umbraphiles” who are already planning to be positioned somewhere along its path from Mexico to Maine. The spring sky show will be a relatively short one, with totality lasting up to 4½ minutes. Kelly Beatty, senior editor for Sky & Telescope magazine, presents an overview of the nature of solar eclipses, including important past ones in U.S. A total solar eclipse experienced by a history and helpful advice narrow portion of the contiguous United for seeing the next event States in 2017 safely and successfully. Wed., Feb. 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-549; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates
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NASA/BILL INGALLS
The Philadelphia region boasts a wealth of exceptional gardens, both public and private. Nicole Juday, author of the new book Private Gardens of Philadelphia, digs into the history and circumstances—from politics to economics to religion—that have contributed to the intense concentration and high quality of horticulture in the area. Using stunning photos, Juday showcases examples of the region’s finest private gardens, ranging from small urban jewel boxes to vast estates. She finds themes that connect these disparate spaces, shares details about what makes them so special, and reveals the stories of the fascinating people who created these gardens, often under challenging conditions.
There Goes the Sun ROB CARDILLO
The Private Gardens of Philadelphia
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A Geologic Year in North America Three Geologic Eras in 365 Days The geologic time scale is one of the most difficult concepts in geology to grasp yet is fundamental to our understanding of how Earth and life processes have changed the face of our planet over the past 4.6 billion years. In a program geared to the layperson, world traveler, or aspiring geology student in awe of deep time and the geologic record, geologist Kirt Kempter offers a unique approach to making the topic approachable: He condenses the last three geologic eras into a humanly comfortable time frame of a single calendar year. Within those 365 days, Kempter explores the evolution of life and land from the perspective of North America, beginning 541 million years ago at the start of the Paleozoic Era. He covers the formation of significant mountains, including the Appalachians and the Rockies, and the first appearance of major animal groups, such as amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Not surprisingly, the human story in North America takes place in just the last hour of this geologic year. Kempter’s approach to geologic time provides a simplified strategy to perceive and digest temporal connections among important events in the Earth’s history. Mon., Feb. 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-068; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Brewing up a Bird-friendly Cup
The blue-necked tanager is often found on shade-grown coffee farms
Did you know that your morning cup of coffee has the power to protect birds—or to destroy their habitat? In the 1980s, North American scientists noted that fewer and fewer migratory birds were found singing on their summer breeding grounds, but what happened to these birds during the winter remained a mystery. Researchers discovered that lush, shaded coffee farms from Mexico to Peru were the winter homes for many migratory songbirds. But not all coffee farms protected these birds. Ruth Bennett, a research ecologist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Migratory Bird Center, journeys south to the coffee farms responsible for migratory songbird survival, exploring why some farmers are actively protecting bird habitats by growing coffee under native shade trees, while others are eliminating their winter habitat by cutting down cloud forest to grow more coffee. She also reports on how the Smithsonian is taking action to reverse the loss of winter habitats by creating a market for coffees certified to be Bird Friendly.
Thurs., Feb. 22, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-069; Members $25; Nonmembers $30 Related program: The National Zoo’s Bird House, p. 62
Birds of Puerto Rico Discover the wild side of Puerto Rico, a Caribbean destination that you don’t need a passport to visit. In a lively program, naturalist Matt Felperin shares his experience birding on the island—which despite being about the size of Connecticut boasts a surprising diversity of habitats, climate, and culture. It’s also home to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States. Felperin surveys the variety of endemic bird species that you can’t see anywhere else, as well as other fascinating fauna such as the omnipresent coqui frog. Along the way, he also touches on the culture and the architecture of Old San Juan. Wed., March 6, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-074; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates
Puerto Rican Tody (“San Pedrito”) by Matt Felperin
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Leonardo da Vinci’s Infinite Curiosity Leonardo da Vinci has been called the most curious person to have ever lived. What exactly was he curious about? And what did he do to satisfy that curiosity? In a fascinating presentation, renowned astrophysicist and author Mario Livio examines the intimate relation between Leonardo’s art and his scientific experiments and observations. He explores in detail how Leonardo used his science to advance his art and his art to inspire and present his science. He also analyzes modern neuroscientific and psychological research into the types of curiosity that Leonardo exhibited and how this curiosity manifested itself in his extensive notebooks. Livio brings together all Leonardo’s facets to create a portrait of the quintessential Renaissance man.
ALIMOND STUDIO
Thurs., March 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-308; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
A water-powered gyroscopic compass drawn by Leonardo da Vinci
Unveiling the Secrets of Gut Health With WebMD’s John Whyte Physician John Whyte, chief medical officer of WebMD, delves into the microscopic universe of the gut microbiome—a complex community of trillions of microorganisms that play a pivotal role in our overall well-being—to explain how these tiny inhabitants influence our digestion as well as our immune system, metabolism, and even mood. The last decade has shown the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and the consequences of its disruption. Whyte provides an opportunity to empower yourself to make informed choices for a healthier, happier gut and to learn about the factors that can influence it, such as diet and lifestyle choices, stress, and the use of antibiotics and probiotics. Tues., March 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-454; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 John Whyte
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates
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You love art.
Now become the expert you’ve always wanted to be.
Certificate Program in World Art History Art is all around us. It excites us, enriches our lives, and enlivens our imaginations. But to truly appreciate any work of art, we need to understand the context and culture in which it was produced. That’s why Smithsonian Associates offers an exciting certificate program in World Art History. The wide-ranging offerings are designed to provide a global perspective on art and architecture and draw on the Smithsonian’s world-class collections and the rich resources of other Washington institutions. The core courses and electives in our program are selected from among Smithsonian Associates’ ongoing courses, seminars, study tours, and Studio Arts classes. In 2024, you’ll find an expanded roster of instructors and a new range of course topics. Complete the program requirements at your own pace and track your credits online. Credits are counted from the day of program registration and are not given retroactively. Register now and receive invitations to informal gatherings with fellow art lovers in the Washington, D.C., area. To learn more about the Smithsonian Associates certificate program in World Art History, visit
SmithsonianAssociates.org/ArtCertificate
Left column, from the top: Taj Mahal, completed 1643, Agra, India; Fresco of the Libyan Sibyl, ca. 1511, Sistine Chapel, by Michelangelo; The Young Ladies of Avignon, 1907, by Pablo Picasso; Equestrian ceramic figure, ca. 13th–15th centuries, Mali*. Second column: The Calf-Bearer, ca. 570 B.C., Athens, Greece; Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, 2010, by Frank Gehry, Las Vegas; Frida Kahlo by Magda Pach, 1933*; Before the Ballet, ca. 1892, Edgar Degas. *from Smithsonian museum collections
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Art-full Fridays | Live from Italy, with Elaine Ruffolo World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each
Elaine Ruffolo, a Florence-based Renaissance art historian, examines the rich heritage of Italian art and architecture across the centuries.
Everyday Life in Renaissance Florence Capturing the Spirit of a City The streets and public spaces of Renaissance Florence served as vibrant arenas for social encounters, business transactions, political discourse, and everyday interactions. They were bursting with people swept up in the hustle and bustle of commerce, the intricacies of healthcare, the ever-evolving world of fashion, and the jubilant spirit of festivals that brought communities together. Ruffolo leads a virtual stroll through the streets, piazzas, and medieval alleyways of the city, offering A woodcut illustration of Florence insights into public life, shopping, business and labor, and the celebrations that characterized this refrom the Nuremberg Chronicle, 1493 markable period. Discover how ordinary Florentines lived, from the organization of their society to the intimate details of their homes. Uncover the challenges they faced and the defining facets of their lives, such as marriage and the family, food, piety, and patronage—and the connections between our lives today and theirs over 500 years ago. Fri., Jan. 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-038; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Love and Lust in Renaissance Art
Venus and Cupid by Lorenzo Lotto, 1530
In the heart of the Renaissance, love and marriage were celebrated with unparalleled fervor, resulting in the creation of some of history’s most iconic artworks. They were the pinnacles of a tradition—dating from earlier in the period—of commemorating a betrothal, marriage, and the birth of a child by commissioning extraordinary objects or exchanging them as gifts. These would range from the exquisite craftsmanship of maiolica ceramics, glassware, and jewelry to birth trays, musical instruments, and magnificent nuptial portraits. Bonds of love of another sort were represented during this period as well in erotic drawings and prints. From these precedents, an increasingly inventive approach to subjects of love and marriage culminated in paintings by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, including Giulio Romano, Lorenzo Lotto, and Titian. Join Ruffolo for a special postValentine’s Day celebration as she illuminates the tradition of commemorating love and marriage through the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. Fri., Feb. 16, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-040; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Images of Christ: Variations and Themes Jesus Christ is an instantly recognizable figure, perhaps the most frequently depicted in all Western art. He is typically portrayed with long hair and a beard, dressed in flowing robes with long sleeves and a mantle. Yet much of what we understand about Jesus’ appearance is a result of artistic tradition. Since Scripture does not provide a description of what Christ looked like, painters and mosaic-makers would often resort to the artistic canons of their time to create a visual image of the Nazarene. This fascinating process provides valuable insights into the diverse iconographic styles of early Christianity, as different places and people contributed to the evolving depictions of Jesus. Ruffolo delves into some of the most impactful portrayals of Christ, uncovering how the social, political, and religious contexts directly shaped the iconic image we recognize today. Fri., March 29, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-043; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
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Depiction of Jesus on the ceiling of the Florence Baptistery di San Giovanni (detail)
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Writing Workshops Experience the power of reflective writing guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface. These reflections can become creative fertile ground for memoir, poetry, and more. The workshops have a limited enrollment to maximize interaction among the instructor and students.
Colors of Love A Reflective Writing Workshop Inspired by paintings of the visionary Belarusian-born French artist Marc Chagall and by poetry across time, take the opportunity to slow down, look closely, and reflect to explore love as an animating force in our lives. Designed for writers of all levels, the workshop invites you to look outward at paintings and poetry and to look inward through writing. Tues., Feb. 13, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-447; Members $40; Nonmembers $45
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
The Birthday by Marc Chagall, 1915
Write Into Art Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art
MUSÉE DU CHÂTEAU, BLOIS
Discover how visual art can inspire creative writing and how writing can offer a powerful way to experience art in eight online workshops that explore essential elements of writing and styles through close looking, word-sketching, and imaginative response to prompts. The winter and spring sessions spotlight a diverse range of visual art chosen to inspire writers of all experience levels to deepen their process and practice. The Boating Party by Mary Cassatt, 1893
Winter Sessions Tues., Jan. 9–Feb. 6
Spring Sessions Tues., March 5–19
JAN 9
Character: Uncovering Complexity
MAR 5
JAN 16
Setting: The Power of Place
MAR 12 Discover Story
JAN 23
Story: Arcs of Action
MAR 19 Navigate Journeys
JAN 30
Dialogue: Spoken and Unspoken
FEB 6
First Person: Monologues and More
3-session series: Tues., March 5, 12, and 19, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-450; Members $105; Nonmembers $115
5-session series: Tues., Jan. 9–Feb. 6, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-445; Members $175; Nonmembers $185 Individual sessions: Tues., Jan. 9 (CODE 1K0-446); Tues., Jan. 16 (CODE 1K0-456); Tues., Jan. 23 (CODE 1K0-457); Tues., Jan. 30 (CODE 1K0-458); Tues., Feb. 6 (CODE 1K0-459); 10 a.m.; Members $40; Nonmembers $45
Imagine Character
Portrait of Antonietta Gonzalez by Lavinia Fontana, 1595
Individual sessions: Tues., March 5 (CODE 1K0-451); Tues., March 12 (CODE 1K0-452); Tues., March 19 (CODE 1K0-453); 10 a.m.; Members $40; Nonmembers $45
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Photographing Birds: The Basics Just getting into birding and trying to figure out how to capture the feathered creatures with your camera? Learn the basics of bird photography for species identification as well as artistic expression from naturalist Matt Felperin. Topics of discussion include equipment, basic settings, composition, light, and positioning. View beautiful photos of various species of birds and learn the stories and strategies behind each image.
MATT FELPERIN
HISTORY
JÖRG BITTNER UNNA
Tues., Jan. 9, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-063; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Michelangelo’s David The Marble Marvel of the Renaissance At the dawn of the 16th century, Michelangelo Buonarroti created a marble colossus that caused a sensation for the residents of his native Florence. Five centuries later, this work is more than a sculpture: it’s an icon of Western civilization that continues to spark artistic and cultural conversations. Art historian and author Laura Morelli unfolds the remarkable story of how an ambitious 20-something sculptor turned a discarded chunk of marble into a masterpiece, singlehandedly transforming Florence and the history of art. She examines how Michelangelo merged a biblical hero and an ancient god to create an image custom-made for the aspirations of the Italian Renaissance. Wed., Jan. 17, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-796; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
AVERY ARCHITECTURAL & FINE ARTS LIBRARY, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit per session
Architects Respond to Nature Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Over the course of the last century, the work of two architectural giants, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, responded to nature in very different ways, influencing other architects as well as builders and clients. In a three-part series, architectural professionals examine how contemporary architecture draws on the legacies of these groundbreakers in structures that integrate nature and eco-friendly considerations into their designs. JAN 21 Frank Lloyd Wright and the Myth of the Prairie Jennifer Gray, vice president and director of the Taliesin Institute
A view from across the reflecting pool of the Avery Coonley House by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1906–09
FEB 25 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: Views of Nature Dietrich Neumann, professor of the history of modern architecture and urban studies at Brown University MAR 24 Beyond Sustainability: Living Architecture in the 21st Century Lindsay Baker, CEO of the International Living Future Institute 3-session series: Sun., Jan. 21, Feb. 25, and March 24, 2 p.m.; CODE NATURE; Members $50; Nonmembers $65 Individual sessions: Sun., Jan. 21 (CODE 1L0-554); Sun., Feb. 25 (CODE 1L0-555); Sun., March 24 (CODE 1L0-556); 2 p.m.; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Presented in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Edith Farnsworth House Related study tour: Frank Lloyd Wright: Masterworks in the Midwest, p. 64
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Visions of Panama Commerce, Culture, and Biodiversity What defines contemporary Panama? The Panama Canal, the global trade hub at the crux of North and South America, is just the beginning. Its people, a blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and other diverse ethnic influences, create a unique cultural tapestry. Nature thrives in Panama along two ocean coasts with more than 1,600 islands, two major mountain ranges, and more bird species than the United States and Canada combined. Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Essdras M. Suarez—a native of Panama—leads a visual tour that explores the country’s interplay of commerce, culture, and biodiversity in images that capture the deep connection between its inhabitants and their environment. Whether a trip to Panama is on your wish list or you’re simply curious about one of the Western Hemisphere’s most culturally and geopolitically critical nations, Suarez offers a personal and powerful picture of his homeland.
Images courtesy of Essdras M. Suarez
Mon., Jan. 22, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-065; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Visual Language of Islamic Art Islamic art encompasses a variety of artistic traditions that have flourished in a vast geographic region from southern Spain and North Africa to the islands of Southeast Asia. While different cities and regions developed their own distinct visual language, they also share certain aesthetic characteristics. In an introduction to the traditional arts of the Islamic world, Sabiha Al Khemir, founding director of the Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha, Qatar, provides an overview of objects across media including calligraphy, painting, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles. Her survey examines the essence of Islamic art from the 9th to 19th centuries in the context of the cultures that produced it, connecting the various aspects that are present throughout different media and identifying artistic styles and their cultural significance. The program is illustrated with examples of works of Islamic art from public and private collections around the world. Wed., Jan. 24, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-548; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Luster-painted earthenware dish, Spain, late 15th century
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Beyond Bollywood 2000 Years of Dance in South Asian Art Dance is everywhere in the arts of the Indian cultural world, from the sacred dance of a god bringing the world into being to the sensual dance of a courtly performer before a maharaja. A recent major exhibition at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, “Beyond Bollywood: 2000 Years of Dance in Art,” highlighted the rich meanings and ideas that dance has conveyed over the last two millennia in South Asia. Dance has played—and continues to play—an especially significant part in religion, mythology, courtly life, and ceremonies. Exhibition co-curator Forrest McGill examines how artworks from countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia revealed the enduring capacity of dance to inspire a wide range of artists and audiences alike. Thurs., Jan. 25, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-546; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Shiva as King of Dancers
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World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit
Visual Literacy: How To Look at Art
ALBRIGHT–KNOX ART GALLERY
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
The ability to derive meaning from what we see is an essential skill in a culture saturated with images. Much like other forms of communication, it is a way of making a statement—but visually, not verbally. Once you understand this language, reading images, particularly art, is not only simpler but infinitely more gratifying. Using outstanding works from the history of art as well as images from popular culture, art historian Nancy G. Heller focuses on how art communicates, how to analyze and interpret it, and how we can see it as a cultural product that reveals something about the society that produced it. JAN 29 The Visual Elements of Art JAN 30 The Principles of Design JAN 31 Iconography: Understanding Symbols and Meaning FEB 1 Is There a Correct Way To Appreciate Art? 4-session series: Mon.–Thurs., Jan. 29–Feb. 1, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-296; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash by Giacomo Balla
Young Girl Reading by Jean Honoré Fragonard
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit TRETYAKOV GALLERY
Russian Art From Icons to the Avant-Garde The evolution of Russian art is inextricably bound to the rich cultural exchanges between East and West. These resulted in a fascinating blend of visual languages and styles, from the late-medieval icons and frescos indebted to Byzantium to the great avant-garde experiments of the early part of the 20th century that developed side by side with the various currents of Modernism in other parts of Europe. Art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine brings the culture of this vast country to life as she highlights some of the major art developments in Russia over the centuries. FEB 6
Icons
FEB 13 Russian Art and the Western Academic Tradition FEB 20 Modernism FEB 27 Art and Revolution The Holy Trinity by Andrej Rublëv, 1411
4-session series: Tues., Feb. 6–27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-439; Members $95; Nonmembers $105
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Standing Guard The Terracotta Warriors and the Legacy of China’s First Emperor The life-size terracotta figures created for China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, were buried in battle formation by the thousands to accompany him in the afterlife. In 1974, the uncovering of this treasure trove in Xi’An, China, renewed interest in this 3rd-century B.C.E. empire. Qin Shi Huangdi profoundly shaped the visible expression of Chinese imperial power for centuries to come, leaving behind a legacy including glittering palaces, sweeping defensive walls, and stunning artwork, along with these figures. Robert DeCaroli, art history professor at George Mason University, explores this ruler who founded an empire. Tues., Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-334; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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HISTORY
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: La Vie Bohème As a painter, printmaker, draughtsman, caricaturist, and illustrator, Henri de ToulouseLautrec found rich subjects in the colorful whirl of Paris during the Belle Époque. Its streets, theaters, and cabarets inspired a significant collection of provocative images of his modern—and often decadent—times. Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar explores the artist’s family background; his sufferings due to his physical ailments; and how he found comfort in his art. Cassar offers a critical analysis of his paintings and posters within the context of life in Montmartre, which attracted Lautrec and many other artists for its bohemian freedom. His place in history is discussed in connection to the vast collection of works at the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in the Palais de la Berbie in Albi, France, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2020.
NEW BRITAIN MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Wed., Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-442; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
Marcelle Lender Dancing the Bolero in “Chilpéric” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Wyeth Dynasty The World of N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth For a relatively young nation, America has produced a surprising number of artistic dynasties: the Peale family, the Calders, and spanning the 20th century, the Wyeths of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Art historian Bonita Billman highlights the extraordinary body of work the Wyeths have created and the links—and differences—among them. She traces the artistic lineage of the patriarch painter N.C. Wyeth, a founder of the Brandywine School and a famed illustrator; N.C.’s younger son, Andrew, who refused to become an illustrator like his father and was ultimately hailed by some as the greatest American Realist painter; and his son Jamie, the third generation of Wyeth painters, who continues the family tradition into the 21st century, forging his own distinctive style.
Illustration by N.C. Wyeth for the 1911 edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island
Thurs., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-304; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
Sicily A Crucible of History, Art, and Gastronomy Throughout its millennial history, Sicily has been settled and colonized from all sides: by Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans and by Spain, Catalonia, France, and mainland Italy. In addition, it was fought over by Allied and Axis forces in World War II. All of these elements have influenced, in often profound ways, Sicily’s complex culture, language, art and architecture, its customs and its masterful cuisine, from the profusion of its Greek temples and the splendor of its Baroque palaces to the frightening reality of Mafia culture and the ingenious origins of that most famous of Italy’s exports, gelato. In a richly illustrated day-long seminar, art historian Nigel McGilchrist reconstructs and analyzes the intricate web that unites these disparate influences, which make Sicily, for many, the most seductive and fascinating land in Europe. 10 a.m.
A Garden of Eden: Landscape and Geology
11:30 a.m. The “America” of Ancient Greece 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. Cultures and Cooperation: Muslims, Jews, and Christians 2:45 p.m. History Repeats…
Ruins of an ancient Greek theater in Taormina
Sat., Feb. 24, 10 a.m–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-303; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
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PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Return to Wonder Artists Confront the Darkness The disenchantment of modern times is often reflected in art, with grim images and subject matter that mire the spirit in darkness. But artists of other eras chose to confront the dark side of their world with the compelling force of wonder despite the inequality, poverty, and violence that surrounded their cultures. Art historian Liz Lev highlights how these artists wrestled with their own catastrophic times to instill hope and spark amazement. Through examples of immersive art from Western Europe including the mosaics of Ravenna, Giotto’s fresco cycle in Padua, Bernini’s Altar of the Chair, and Monet’s Water Lilies series, Lev examines how artists of different eras have responded to adversity by highlighting the extraordinary. Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge by Claude Monet
Mon., Feb. 26, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-802; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
Related Studio Arts class: Illuminating Positivity, p. 52
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
From Neoclassicism to Romanticism Is it possible that Neoclassicism, with its focus on order and the enduring values of Greece and Rome, can coexist with Romanticism, with its emphasis on exotic scenes and studies of sublime nature? Yes, it can—and did—in the 18th- and 19th-century art world. Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar explores the artistic and cultural highlights of Neoclassicism and Romanticism from the Enlightenment to the Age of Revolution and the movements’ lasting impact on Western artists. FEB 28 The Discovery of the Greco-Roman Ideals MAR 6 David and Ingres: The Guardians of Academic Orthodoxy MAR 13 Gericualt, Delacroix, Turner, Blake, and the Forces of the Sublime
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, LONDON
3-sessions series: Wed., Feb. 28–March 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-443; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
The Marquise de Pezay, and the Marquise de Rougé with Her Sons Alexis and Adrien by Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun, 1787
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Artists of Bloomsbury The name Bloomsbury conjures up an image of early 20th-century bohemia whose literati included Virginia Woolf. But artists also were in the circle, and Woolf ’s sister Vanessa Bell, critic and painter Roger Fry, Duncan Grant, and Dora Carrington formed the nucleus of visual Bloomsbury. Through Fry, the Bloomsbury artists became acquainted with their contemporaries on the Continent, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, André Derain, and the French postwar avant-garde, who gave them a grounding for their modern artistic movement. Curator Nancy Green delves into this tight-knit group of artists and friends and their place in the pantheon of 20th-century Modernism. Left to right: Lady Ottoline Morrell and Maria Nys with Bloomsbury members Lytton Strachey, Duncan Grant, and Vanessa Bell
Wed., Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-032; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Henri Matisse: An Enduring Fascination The pioneering French modernist Henri Matisse is considered one of the most innovative and influential artists of the 20th century. Matisse’s oeuvre—created over more than five decades—includes a wide range of materials and styles, from exquisite tiny etchings to enormous cast-bronze sculpture to designs for religious vestments and stained-glass windows. But he is best-known for the sensual and motion-infused canvases, such as his series on The Dance by Henri Matisse, 1909 (first version) the dance, which pulsate with the intense light and vivid color of southern France. Art historian Nancy G. Heller, professor emerita at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, examines these canvases, as well as Matisse’s more cerebral Cubist works, in depth. She also explores ways in which all of Matisse’s diverse output shares certain critical elements of his aesthetic philosophy and provides specific examples of how the artist’s work continues to fascinate today’s creative minds. Tues., March 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-307; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
BARGELLO
Lesser-Known Museums of Florence In this quarterly series, Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero spotlights the significant collections of Florence’s sometimes-overlooked museums.
Bargello Museum The Bargello Museum houses what is arguably the world’s greatest collection of Renaissance sculptures. Ruggiero delves into the history of the 13th-century building that houses the collection as well as the sculptural masterpieces that it contains. Among them are the so-called competition panels by Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi depicting the sacrifice of Isaac, Donatello’s statues of David (one version in marble and one in bronze) and St. George, Verrocchio’s David, and Michelangelo’s first commissioned sculpture, which depicted Bacchus. Mon., March 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-341; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
JORDYMEOW
David by Donatello
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Materializing the Sacred Buddhas and Kami in Japanese Visual Culture From the 8th century through the 19th century, Shinto and Buddhist traditions and institutions intermingled in Japan. Buddhism, with its pantheon of divinities, relied on the use of images for spreading its teachings and assimilating with local religions. This practice had a profound impact on the veneration of kami (broadly defined as spirits of nature) in Shinto, which originally did not use such depictions. Art historian Yui Suzuki describes and illustrates the synthesis of kami veneration and Buddhist worship, particularly how notions of the divine were embodied in the visual arts. The torii gateway to the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Mon., March 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-344; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Related program: The Japanese Empire, p. 10
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THE BARNES FOUNDATION
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
The Best of the Barnes Foundation The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia has one of the finest collections of Impressionist, PostImpressionist, and early Modernist art. Over three decades, founder Albert C. Barnes amassed an art collection of more than 3,000 pieces, displaying them alongside African masks, Native American jewelry, Greek antiquities, and decorative metalwork. In a three-session series, participants are guided by Barnes Foundation educator Penny Hansen as she presents masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne, and Matisse, as well as Picasso, Seurat, Rousseau, Modigliani, Monet, Manet, and Degas. Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquiAfrican masks and sculptures in the ties, Chinese paintings, African sculptures, Southwestern retablos, Native American art, and collection of the Barnes American decorative art are also viewed. Using high-definition Deep Zoom technology developed by the Barnes, Hansen offers closeup looks at the canvases and objects that reveal their surfaces and details in ways that bring the art and the artists to vivid life. The virtual visit also focuses on the history of the Barnes collection, including the unique approach to displaying artworks and objects in groupings created by its founder. 3-session series: Thurs., March 7, 14, and 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-BAR; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit
Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton of Pace University leads a twosession survey of Western art from prehistory to the present day. Explore the constantly evolving aesthetic preferences that swing between naturalism and abstraction; unravel the stories behind some of the world’s most iconic works of art; and discover the profound impact they have had on our understanding of art and society.
Benton’s book The History of Western Art (Thames & Hudson, London) is available for purchase. MAR 16 1:30 p.m. Prehistoric Through Ancient Roman Art 2:45 p.m. Early Christian Through Medieval Art MAR 23 1:30 p.m. Renaissance Through Neoclassical Art 2:45 p.m. Romanticism to Today’s Art 2-session series: Sat., March 16 and 23, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1D0-042; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
The Colosseum, Rome
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Lush World of Botticelli’s La Primavera In 15th-century Florence, Sandro Botticelli, considered one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance, created the masterpiece La Primavera, a mythological allegory that encapsulates the very essence of spring. Art historian and author Laura Morelli explores the cultural and artistic context that gave rise to Botticelli’s meditation on a lush and fertile world. She highlights the complex and beautiful symbolism of the painting, with its tapestry of characters, themes of renewal, and 500 identifiable species of flowers and plants. At first glance it seems a straightforward celebration of the season, but its precise meaning continues to intrigue art historians, who have found within it references to neoplatonic ideas and the literature and poetry of Dante and Ovid. However, all agree it is a poetic symphony of color, allegory, and Renaissance philosophy.
UFFIZI GALLERY
PAOLO GAETANO/ISTOCK
The History of Western Art
Wed., March 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-806; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
La Primavera by Sandro Botticelli
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Ashcan School of Painting
The Lone Tenement by George Bellows, 1909
French Impressionist artists popularized the painting of everyday urban life in the late 19th century. Composed of pleasing bits of pure color, their depictions of the modern city were for the most part carefully edited, subjective, and quite beautiful. The Ashcan School of American artists, working primarily in New York City in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, followed the Impressionists’ lead but instead realistically depicted what they saw. Their paintings didn’t glamorize or prettify but captured the city with its gritty underbelly exposed. Art historian Bonita Billman presents the fascinating works of George Bellows, William Glackens, Robert Henri, George Luks, Everett Shinn, and John Sloan and explores the unvarnished truths they revealed about modern life. Mon., March 25, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-309; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Mexico City in the Footsteps of Moctezuma Aztec Art and Architecture While the Aztec, or Mexica, people of today’s Central Mexico had no specific word that corresponds precisely to the Western term “art,” they had very specific ideas about what made objects cualli—a word for good or right in the Nahuatl language. Ellen Hoobler, William B. Ziff, Jr. curator of art of the Americas at Baltimore’s Walters Art Museum, surveys the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, site of modern Mexico City, during the reign of Moctezuma—an imperial city crisscrossed by canals and so beautiful that Spaniards who saw it wondered if it was a dream. Drawing on the Florentine Codex, an early colonial-era manuscript that provides the most detailed source on the pre-conquest world, Hoobler considers the techniques and materials of a limited selection of the Mexica’s surviving art treasures in stone, ceramics, and feather mosaics. She also outlines the Aztec ritual and belief system, richly documented by Spanish conquistadors whose missionary zeal sought to destroy, not understand, the civilization. Quetzalcoatl, guarding the entrance to the ruins of the Aztec main temple in downtown Mexico City
Wed., March 27, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-558; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
WADSWORTH ATHENEUM MUSEUM OF ART
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Artemisia Gentileschi Painting Against the Odds Artemisia Gentileschi is considered one of the most important women artists of the Baroque period as well as one of the greatest women in the world of art in general. She worked against all odds at a time when art was dominated by men, becoming the first woman to be accepted by the Academy of the Arts in Florence. Gentileschi specialized in painting women, depicting their strong characters and important roles in history—as seen in dramatic works that portray biblical heroines. She built a reputation as one of Europe’s most sought-after artists, enjoying patronage from Charles I and Michelangelo’s grandnephew, Buonarroti il Giovane, among others. Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar surveys Gentileschi’s works and discusses her training in the workshop of her father. Wed., Apr. 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-449; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
Self-Portrait as a Lute Player by Artemisia Gentileschi, ca. 1615
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Intermediate Drawing Participants refine and expand their drawing skills through studio practice in traditional media. Sessions focus on classic subject areas such as landscape, portrait, and figure; warm-up exercises, critiques, and demonstrations are included.
SOLD OUT
IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 1:30 p.m.; George Tkabladze, details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AC; Members $255; Nonmembers $285
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Popular theory holds that the right brain is primarily responsible for the intuitive understanding of visual and spatial relationships. This class improves the way people see and record objects on paper by working through a set of visual exercises that help build the ability to draw.
SOLD OUT
IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 6:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AA; Members $235; Nonmembers $265
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NEW CLASS
Dramatic and Luminous Canyon Lands Inspired by the natural stone cathedrals of the West, depict the dramatic majesty of the scenery in watercolor. Capture dramatic light and colorful shadows, create texture with brushwork, and layer up luminescent color to express your own impression.
IN PERSON: Tues., March 19
SmithsonianAssociates.org
Combine traditional painting techniques with collage to produce pieces with texture and depth. Students work on By Sharon Robinson mat board and canvas to develop rich contrast with the addition of papers, acrylic paint, inks, and other materials.
IN PERSON: Sat., Feb. 3–March 9, 1 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0BN; Members $165; Nonmembers $195
NEW CLASS
Mixed Media in the Style of Romare Bearden While Romare Bearden worked in many mediums from oil and watercolor to printmaking, he is best Empress of the Blues, 1974, by Romare Bearden known for his mixedmedia collages and photomontages. After looking at Bearden’s works of art, students try their hand at creating Bearden-inspired mixed-media compositions.
IN PERSON: Sun., Feb. 4–18, 10 a.m.; Sandra Warren Gobar; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0BP; Members $165; Nonmembers $185
Advantages to providing your email to customer service: By Cindy Briggs
and Wed., March 20, 10 a.m.; Cindy Briggs; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0DT; Members $175; Nonmembers $195
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Painting and Collage
• Receive a digital version of the member program guide so you can read it anywhere • Receive important notices regarding your class along with other useful information
SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM
DRAWING
By George Tkabladze
TOURS
In-person classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio. View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/artinstructors.
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Tempered Glass Mosaics
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OTHER MEDIA
FIBER ARTS
Knitting Socks in Three Weeks
Tempered glass, also known as crash glass, creates a jewel-like surface and adds pizzazz to a finished mosaic piece. Combine collage and mosaic techniques using an By Bonnie Fitzgerald overlaying technique that incorporates printed imagery, tissue paper, foils, stamps, metallic papers, glitter, and Mylar.
This course allows participants to learn how to make socks in a supportive, low-pressure setting. Explore circular knitting techniques and slip stitch knitting. Also learn about short rows, picking up stitches, how to turn a heel, Kitchener seams, finishing, and alternative sock construction.
IN PERSON: Sat., March 9, 10:30 a.m.; Bonnie Fitzgerald; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0CV; Members $85; Nonmembers $95
IN PERSON: Wed., Jan. 17–31, 1:30 p.m.; Ann Richards; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AL;
Orchids Gone Wild
Freestyle Embroidery Basics
In their native environments, most common orchids grow on trees. This class teaches you how to free your orchid from the confines of its pot and mount it on a piece of wood. You receive an orchid and supplies to complete the mounting activity at the end of class.
IN PERSON: Sat., March 16, 2 p.m.; Barb Schmidt; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0- By Barb Schmidt 0CX; Members $90; Nonmembers $100 Related study tour: The Philadelphia Flower Show, p. 61
Members $115; Nonmembers $135
Beginners are introduced to freestyle hand embroidery. In this style, the stitches are applied freely, disregarding the weave or structure of the ground cloth. Students learn how to select and prepare By Heather Kerley fabric using a simple design, ready their hoop, and begin stitching.
IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 27, 10 a.m.; Heather Kerley; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0CH; Members $55; Nonmembers $65
Knitting for Beginners
Support what we do at Smithsonian Associates Please help us continue to carry out our educational mission by making a charitable contribution today. Your help is essential because, unlike the museums, Smithsonian Associates is not federally funded and relies entirely on donations and membership support to bridge the gap between program expenses and ticket revenue.
This class offers an introduction to the fundamentals of knitting, including casting on, basic knit and purl stitches, increasing, decreasing, and binding off. Students learn by practice and may start a knitting project during class.
IN PERSON: Wed., Feb. 7–March 20, 6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Ann Richards; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0BQ; Members $155; Nonmembers $185
SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels
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IN PERSON NEW CLASSES
From Laundry to Legacy Learn how to transform cherished garments into pillows, wall-hangings, or even quilts. Talk about design and sewing techniques for knit and woven fabrics and practice in class by making a pillow. By Lauren Kingsland Bring a garment or two you would like to use to make your legacy project.
IN PERSON: Sat., March 9, 1:30 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0CR; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
Selecting Materials for Your Quilts Bring fresh eyes to quiltmaking choices as a way to live more lightly on the Earth. Review principles of color, value choices, compatibility of By Lauren Kingsland fabrics, and strategies for dealing with different materials. Students create improv tote bags, suitable for collecting fabrics for their next quilt.
IN PERSON: Sat., March 9, 10:30 a.m.; Lauren Kingsland; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0CS; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
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On-Location Photography Capture the vibrancy of Washington, D.C., and sharpen your way of thinking about shooting outdoors in a course that focuses on deploying a minimal amount of equipment and a lot of fresh perspective. Emphasis is placed on what happens before the shutter release is pressed and on truly previsualizing the photograph.
IN PERSON: Sun., Feb. 4–March 10, 1:45 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0CA; Members $195; Nonmembers $225
See videos, class photos, and meet students on
facebook.com/smithsonianstudioarts
Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.
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Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
Online classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio. View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/artinstructors.
ONLINE
ART THEORY AND PRACTICE
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Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout
By Renee Sandell
DRAWING
Beginning Drawing This course teaches the basic skills needed for a strong foundation for drawing. Working with a variety of materials and techniques, including charcoal and pencils, students explore the rendering of geometric forms, volume, and perspective, with an emphasis on personal gesture marks.
In an afternoon of artistic experimentation, explore five modes of visual thinking: working from memory, observation, imagination, narrative, and experimental approaches. Create visual journaling pieces and engage in markmaking and mapping exercises.
SOLD OUT
ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 22–March 18, 6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 19; Josh Highter; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CD; Members $255; Nonmembers $285
ONLINE: Sat., March 16, 1 p.m.; Renee Sandell; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DN; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit This workshop examines fundamental concepts of composition and their practical application in studio-art practice, offering participants tools to enrich their work as well as to analyze and appreciate visual art in general.
PD / HERMITAGE MUSEUM, SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Composition
Moroccan Café by Matisse, 1913
ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 22–Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AD; Members $155; Nonmembers $175
Exploring Alcohol Inks Take a dive into the possibilities of alcohol inks as a component of your mixed-media arsenal. With intense, saturated color, alcohol inks offer many possibilities on a variety of surfaces, from tiles to paper. ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 30–Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DJ; Members $145; Nonmembers $165
Artful Mind, Tranquil Mind
Drawing with Chalk Pastels
Artists throughout the world have developed practices that allow them to center themselves and prepare for making art. Students explore some of these techniques: mark making with lines, swirls, and puddles and using paper to experiment with folding and tearing.
By Sushmita Mazumdar
ONLINE: Mon., Feb. 12–March 18, 12 p.m., no class Feb. 19; Sushmita Mazumdar; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DP; Members $85; Nonmembers $115
By Sharon Robinson
By Lori VanKirk Schue
Learn the techniques and joys of working with chalk pastels, a versatile medium that plays well with colored pencil, charcoal, and watercolors. Students have the chance to produce several pieces of art while getting comfortable with pastels and appropriate tools.
ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 8 and 15, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E00DH; Members $85; Nonmembers $105
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Drawing Birds in Graphite
ART
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ONLINE
NEW CLASS
Sketching Turner
Learn how to approach drawing birds by observing the four parts that make up a bird (face, body, wings, and feet) and the nuanced differences that distinguish species. Study the anatomy that influences a bird’s posture and shape and learn the important feather groupings and how to best draw them.
Expressing Atmosphere and Skies in Watercolor
SOLD OUT
ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 26–March 18, 6:30 p.m.; Natalia Wilkins-Tyler; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DM; Members $125; Nonmembers $145
TOURS
By Natalia Wilkins-Tyler
By Nick Cruz Velleman
This course is an introduction to J.M.W. Turner’s vast achievements in watercolor, with particular attention to his manner of expressing light and atmosphere. In-class exercises revolve around making studies of his masterworks with an emphasis on creating cohesive sketches, not replicas.
ONLINE: Tues., March 7–21, 1 p.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DK; Members $135; Nonmembers $155
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
How the Masters Did It Learn the strategies Rembrandt, Daumier, and Cezanne used to harness light in their images. Participants investigate how these masters manipulated light to unify, By Nick Cruz Velleman intensify, and give volume to their images. In-class exercises revolve around using graphite to draw studies of masterworks.
ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 20–March 19, 1 p.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CB; Members $185; Nonmembers $215
Animal Portraits in Colored Pencil
By Lori VanKirk Schue
Try your hand at animal portraiture, whether done in a realistic or slightly abstract style, while learning the proper use of colored pencils. Instruction includes choosing a subject, reference photos, choice of paper and pencils, and framing.
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Drawing Light
Portrait Painting in Oil and Acrylic Students learn how to paint expressive portraits as they improve their observational skills, ability to see angles and shapes, and understanding of color and value. The class emphasizes how to define a subject’s unique features by determining shapes of light and shadow. Students may work from a bust or statue or copy a painting or photograph.
SOLD OUT
ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 24–March 6, no class Feb. 14, 7 p.m.; Eric Westbrook; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AE; Members $205; Nonmembers $235
Beginning students explore watercolor techniques and learn new approaches to painting through demonstration, discussion, and experimentation. ONLINE: Sun., Jan. 21– March 10, 10:15 a.m.; Josh Highter; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E00CG; Members $245; Nonmembers $275
details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DL; Members $95; Nonmembers $115
By Josh Highter
SmithsonianAssociates.org
By Eric Westbrook
Introduction to Watercolor
ONLINE: Thurs., March 7 and 14, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue;
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ONLINE Learn to embrace the unpredictability, versatility, and beauty of watercolor. Class discussions cover supplies, color theory, palettes, and pigment control as well as exercises to achieve different effects. The use of water-based pencils and pastels is also addressed. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 31–March 13, 10 a.m.; no class Feb. 14; Heather By Heather Kerley Kerley; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CF; Members $195; Nonmembers $225
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NEW CLASSES
The Mark of van Gogh This course is an introduction to Vincent van Gogh’s accomplishments in drawing, with particular attention to his unique and instantly By Nick Cruz Velleman recognizable touch. Participants investigate how his imaginative mark making forms his images. In-class exercises revolve around drawing studies of his masterworks.
ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 15–29, 1 p.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DQ; Members $135; Nonmembers $165
Painting Birds in Colored Pencils and Watercolors This class covers all the techniques you need to illustrate common birds. Students use colored pencils and watercolors to depict birds in a natural state. Studying reference photos, learn ways to communicate delicate feathers, glossy eyes, and unique wings and feet.
SOLD OUT
By Lori VanKirk Schue
ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 22 and 29, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DS; Members $95; Nonmembers $115
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Drawing Light How the Masters Did It in Color Using watercolor and oil pastels, learn the strategies Delacroix, Turner, Monet, and Cézanne employed to manipulate the viewer’s By Nick Cruz Velleman experience of light in their images. In-class exercises focus on making studies of masterworks to create similar luminous effects.
ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 21–March 20, 1 p.m., Nick Cruz Velleman; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DR; Members $185; Nonmembers $215
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MIXED-MEDIA Mixed Media Art Warmups
Art warmups are designed to allow students to jump right into working without trepidation or overthinking. With the help of prompts, the warmups can be the starting point for a new artwork or a chance to explore new materials and techniques with no wrong answers. By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 17–31, 6:30 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BJ; Members $165; Nonmembers $185
Collage and Mixed Media This class focuses on the variety of choices in collage. Whether constructing a piece of personal history with mementos or an abstract piece, students learn through experimentation with color, form, and design. They explore the use of text, images, texture, and natural and found objects. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 17–March 13, By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard 1:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BL; Members $245; Nonmembers $275
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ONLINE Altered Books
Build a Tiny House
Learn to upcycle book pages as surfaces for drawing, painting, and collage. Students experiment with materials and techniques to create their own story using gelatin plate prints, By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard textures, photo transfers, drawing, painting, and text redaction.
In this workshop, students construct and personalize tiny houses, using papier-mâché, acrylics, and mixed media. Explore a range of materials in fabricating your house. Finish the house’s interior and exterior in acrylic and photo transfers and use a variety of techniques to make it your own.
ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 18–March 7, 1:30 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BK; Members $245; Nonmembers $275
ONLINE: Fri., Feb. 23–March 8, 1 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CP; Members $165; Nonmembers $185
By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
NEW CLASSES
Hearts and Flowers: Cards for the Season This workshop focuses on card construction, sentiments, foreground, background, and embellishments that together produce unique personalized cards. All cardmaking supplies are provided, including a generous assortment of premium cardstock paper, stamps, stamp block, inkpads, gems, envelopes, and other embellishments to craft at least 12 cards.
ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 3, 10 a.m.; Karen Cadogan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DU; Members $75; Nonmembers $85 By Karen Cadogan
Illuminating Positivity: Transforming Inspirational Words into Art
Crepe Paper Greenery Learn to make three types of crepe paper filler greenery. Construction runs the gamut from single stems to complex branches. During class, produce at least 6 of each stem: lavender, eucalyptus, and pine.
Discover inspiration in favorite writings as you bring light into your art and explore elements of the human experience, including hope, empathy, and resilience. Use white, metallic, and colorful art tools on black paper to create a luminous effect. No art experience necessary.
ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 10–24, 10:30 a.m.; Karen Cadogan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BM; Members $135; Nonmembers $155 By Karen Cadogan
By Renee Sandell ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 7–March 6, 4 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Renee Sandell; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DG; Members $215; Nonmembers $235
Related program: Return to Wonder, p. 42
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ONLINE Image Transfers and Altered Photos
Back-to-Basics Knitting Boot Camp
Discover a variety of methods for making and using image transfers and expanding your creative horizons with photo alteration. Topics include applications for image transfers; materials and techniques; choosing and preparing images for transfers; tools and materials for altering photos; and altered photos with collage.
By Sharon Robinson
ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 28–March 13, 6:30 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CN; Members $115; Nonmembers $135
Whether you know how to knit a scarf but not much more or used to knit but now feel rusty, this workshop is for you. Learn basic techniques including casting on, knitting and purling, binding off, increasing and decreasing, and basic finishing skills. ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 10 and Sun., Feb. 11, 1 p.m.; Ann Richards; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BR; Members $75; Nonmembers $95
Introduction to Bobbin Lace Learn the basics of weaving handmade bobbin lace, from winding the bobbins to making four small lace projects.
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Basics of Quiltmaking by Hand
ONLINE: Mon., Feb. 26–March 18, 12 p.m.; Karen Thompson; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AN; Members $205; Nonmembers $225
This class presents the basic sewing skills needed for hand quilting as well as practice in design and color choices. Historical and modern examples provide context and inspiration.
By Lauren Kingsland
ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 22–Feb. 26, 1 p.m., no class Feb. 19; Lauren Kingsland; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AM; Members $135; Nonmembers $165
Abstract Embroidery Take an intuitive, free-flowing approach to embroidery, much like expressive abstract painting. Learn how to emphasize form, color, line, texture, pattern, composition, and process. Use different stitches to create interesting By Heather Kerley marks, textures, and movement and explore a variety of materials, including found fabrics, beads, floss, and yarn. ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 8–29, 10 a.m.; Heather Kerley; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CJ; Members $115; Nonmembers $135
By Karen Thompson
Meet our Instructors View portfolios of work by our instructors at
SmithsonianAssociates.org/artinstructors In-person Classes are taught by professional artists and teachers.
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NEW CLASSES
Intermediate Tapestry Weaving
Design Strategies for Today’s Pieced Quilt This class guides the confident beginner or intermediate quilter through setting together pieced sections of your quilt. Inspired by the newly discovered aperiodic monotile, a new tessellation shape, explore math and the quilt, illusions in fabric, and the technical components of quilt construction. ONLINE: Wed., March 6–20, 1 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CQ; Members $115; By Lauren Kingsland Nonmembers $135
This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your tapestry weaving skills by exploring several techniques, including interlock, transparency in tapestry, and vertical gradation using differently colored strands of yarn and mélange. Additionally, the class covers warping the loom, finishing techniques, and raised tapestry methods.
ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–March 6,
By Tea Okropiridze
6:30 p.m.; Tea Okropiridze; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BC; Members $215; Nonmembers $245
Improv Quilting: Then and Now Improv quilting allows for developing a design spontaneously. For inspiration, students look at images of historic quilts and examine what is going on today in the genre of improv quilts. This class presents the technical sewing skills needed and discusses design and color choices. ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 3–24, 1 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BS; Members $125; Nonmembers $145
Linen and Lace on a Rigid Heddle Loom Make a table runner with a delicate touch using intricate hand manipulations with linen fiber. Learn how to plan the project, warp a rigid heddle loom, and explore techniques including Leno, Spanish Lace, Brooks Bouquet, and weft float, plus finishing techniques. ONLINE: NEW DATES: Fri., March 1, By Tea Okropiridze 8, and 22; no class March 15, 11 a.m.; Tea Okropiridze; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E00CT; Members $115; Nonmembers $135
By Lauren Kingsland
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Calligraphy: Introduction to the Italic Hand One of the most popular styles in contemporary Western calligraphy is the elegant Italic script, also known as Chancery Cursive. Learn the construction of each letter to form words that have correct proportions and angles. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 24–March 20, 6 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Sharmila Karamchandani; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DF; Members $235; Nonmembers $265
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Introduction to Blackletter Calligraphy: Textura Blackletter, sometimes called Old English, served as one of the major typefaces in the history of Western typography. Students discover its history, origins, and special characteristics and learn the use of proper proportions and construction of letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 27–March 16, 1:30 p.m.; Sharmila Karamchandani; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E00DE; Members $235; Nonmembers $265
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Introduction to Beading Learn to create your own handcrafted jewelry. Cover the basics of bead stringing, wireworking, and pearl knotting, along with the names and uses for common hand tools, wire, stringing materials, and findings. Make up to two necklaces, two to three pairs of earrings, and one single-strand necklace or bracelet using the pearl knotting technique.
Wirework Intensive Wrap, weave, hammer, and bend your way to a new set of wire-working skills. Learn how to create custom findings such as ear-wires and clasps, nosolder chain, and designs for earrings and pendants using wire-wrapped DIY frames. ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 29– March 14, 6 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E00BU; Members $195; Nonmembers $215
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By Mïa Vollkommer
By Mïa Vollkommer
ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–30, 6 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AT; Members $195; Nonmembers $215
The Art of Floral Design Explore the spectrum of floral design. Among the practical areas covered are sourcing (with a focus on sustainability), making the most of seasonal flowers, creating centerpieces, wiring techniques, and photographing By Arrin Sutliff your work. The class is designed for students of all levels. ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 7–March 20, 7:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Arrin Sutliff; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BT; Members $155; Nonmembers $185
Gyotaku: The Japanese Art of Printing with Fish Using direct printing and waterbased printing inks, create realistic looking schools of fish or a single artistic print simply by inking a whole fish and pressing it to paper. Create several 12-by18-inch gyotaku. Learn how to By Sue Fierston paint realistic fish eyes to bring your print to life and cut masks to create realistic compositions. ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 10, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BV; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
NEW CLASSES
Native Orchids of Longwood Gardens Pierre du Pont started Longwood Gardens’ native orchid collection in 1923 when he brought in Galearis spectabilis, an orchid that’s native to Pennsylvania. This class includes a virtual tour By Barb Schmidt of Longwood’s native orchids and shows you how this purchase blossomed into a worldrenowned conservation, plant breeding, and collections project. ONLINE: Tues., March 5, 6:30 p.m.; Barb Schmidt; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BW; Members $35; Nonmembers $45
Takuga: Botanical Prints in Sumi Ink and Watercolor Explore the Japanese art of takuga, the intersection between printmaking and watercolor. Use sumi or blockprinting ink to By Sue Fierston handprint leaves, flowers, or vegetables. Then learn how to paint these prints with watercolor. Leave with many colorful prints, ready for framing or sending as a greeting card. ONLINE: Sat., March 9, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CW; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
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ONLINE Upcycled Jewelry with Alternative Materials Learn to convert scraps destined for the trash or recycling bin into unique pieces of wearable art. Work with metal, fabric, and paper as you add metalsmithing, hand sewing, and small sculpture techniques to your jeweler’s toolbox. Projects include two pairs of aluminum earrings, a patchwork fabric and beaded necklace, and two threeBy Mïa Vollkommer dimensional paper brooches. ONLINE: Sat., March 2–16, 12 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; CODE 1E0-0CU; details and supply list on website; Members $195; Nonmembers $215
Orchids for Beginners Join an orchid care expert to learn how orchids grow in their native environments and how to keep them blooming in your home. You also learn how to repot a Phalaenopsis orchid, one of the easiest orchids to raise indoors. ONLINE: Tues., March 12, 2 p.m.; Barbara Schmidt; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CY; Members $35; Nonmembers $45 Schlerianna Inflorescence Phalaenopsis
PHOTOGRAPHY: Beginner
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Introduction to Lightroom Classic
Understand the essential basics of shooting in a naturallight setting as you learn to gauge the direction of light; recognize degree of diffusion; minimize (or emphasize) lens flare; control conditions with lens hoods; and identify the “golden hour.” ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0AW; Members $45; Nonmembers $55
Adobe Lightroom is a useful program for organizing and editing either RAW or JPEG image files. The workshop offers users an overview of Lightroom, with a focus on working with the Library and Develop modules. Functions such as importing, exporting, deleting, and grouping By Eliot Cohen files; sorting and ranking files for quality; and attaching keywords for easy retrieval are covered.
ONLINE: Sat., March 16 and Sun., March 17, 9:30 a.m.; Eliot Cohen; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0- 0DC; Members $275; Nonmembers $295
Understanding Your Digital Mirrorless or SLR Camera Get the most out of your digital mirrorless or SLR camera by taking part in this workshop, which gives a solid introduction to these cameras’ features. Learn to use their full range of ISO, shutter, and aperture controls, which provide results that are clearer, sharper, and enriched with more delicate tones.
ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 20 and 27, 9:30 a.m.; Eliot Cohen; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AY; Members $265; Nonmembers $285 By Eliot Cohen
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ONLINE Introduction to Photography Whether you want to work digitally or in film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Topics include camera functions, exposure, metering, working with natural and artificial light, and composition. ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 10:30 a.m.; Andargé Asfaw; details on website; CODE 1E0-0CK; Members $225; Nonmembers $255 By Andargé Asfaw
Taking Better Photos Learn to develop your photographic vision and take better photos more consistently. Foster a deliberate approach to composition, balance, and lighting conditions and discover how to keep it simple. By Joe Yablonsky ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 7–28, 6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0BZ; Members $125; Nonmembers $145
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
Hands-On History of Photography: Surrealism Learn about the world of the photo surrealists—Man Ray, László Moholy-Nagy, Hannah Höch, and others—and explore how they pushed the boundaries of photographic imagery. Then, create your own surrealist collage as part of the experience.
ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 24 and March 2, 12 p.m.; Pat Howard; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AZ; Members $75; Nonmembers $95
Rayograph (untitled), 1922, by Man Ray
Black-and-White Film Developing At Home Processing your own 35mm or 120mm black-and-white film is cost-effective and typically yields better results than sending it out to a commercial lab. This session covers stages of the chemical developing process, negative storage, film scanners, printing options, chemical exhaustion, and disposal. ONLINE: Wed., March 6, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0CZ; Members $45; Nonmembers $55
Introduction to Photography II Whether you work digitally or in film, this course is ideal for students who are familiar with their cameras and are interested in expanding their understanding of photography fundamentals. Sessions focus on lighting, composition, shooting techniques, and gear; photoediting software is also discussed. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 17– March 13, 6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Andargé Asfaw; details on website; CODE 1E00CM; Members $225; Nonmembers $255
Architecture and Public Art Photography Learn how to take great photographs of architecture and public art. Class discussions include techniques and camera settings for cityscapes, individual buildings, architectural details, contemporary public art, monuments and memorials, and cemetery statuary. Explore favorite locations to fulfill homework assignments.
ONLINE: Thurs., March 7–21, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; CODE 1E0-0DA; details on website; Members $125; Nonmembers $145
By Andargé Asfaw
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ONLINE Photographing Industrial Items Learn the camera controls, composition, and lighting considerations to achieve artful images of items such as brickwork, apartment or office buzzers, call boxes, and vintage signage. Working knowledge of your camera is required, along with willingness to see the mundane as magnificent.
ONLINE: Wed., March 13 and 20, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0DB; Members $90; Nonmembers $110
PHOTOGRAPHY: Experienced
Focus and Depth of Field Sharpen your knowledge of focus and depth of field through in-class discussion and homework assignments. Gain a better understanding of focus modes, area modes, and hyperfocal distance/focusing. Learn the variables that contribute to depth of field, including “fast” lenses, depth of field tables, and the preview button. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 24 and 31, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0BX; Members $90; Nonmembers $110
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Mastering Exposure
Slow Shutter Speed Photography Slow things down as you learn to capture movement and lowlight scenes with longer shutter speeds. Topics covered include panning, zoom effect, intentional camera movement, tripods, drive modes, neutral density filters, and the camera settings required to take slow shutter speed photos in bright light, low light, and twilight and at night.
ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 18 and 25, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0AX; Members $90; Nonmembers $110
In this workshop designed for intermediate photographers, participants develop a greater understanding of the complex relationship between aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and how a camera’s exposure meter views a scene. Topics include exposure modes, exposure compensation, filter exposure factors, bracketing, metering modes, histograms, the zone system, dynamic range, tripods, and flash concepts. By Joe Yablonsky ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 1–29, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0BY; Members $185; Nonmembers $215
Advantages to providing your email to customer service: • Receive a digital version of the member program guide so you can read it anywhere • Receive important notices regarding your ticket purchases along with other useful information
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WALTERS ART MUSEUM
Smithsonian Associates expert-led Study Tours offer one-of-a-kind in-person experiences. They’re the perfect way to learn more about the places and topics that fascinate you, and you’re sure to discover plenty of new favorites along the way.
Bus Tour
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Ethiopian Art and Culture Arts journalist Richard Selden leads a visit to Baltimore to experience “Ethiopia at the Crossroads” at the Walters Art Museum. The special exhibition celebrates the artistic traditions of Ethiopia from their origins to the present and is the first major art exhibition in America to examine Ethiopian art in a global context. The Walters, which holds one of the most extensive collections of Ethiopian art outside of Ethiopia, features more than 225 objects from its collection in this exhibition, plus items from American, European, and Ethiopian lenders. After an authentic Ethiopian lunch at Dukem in Baltimore, visit an Ethiopian Orthodox church to explore this ancient culture more deeply and discuss the current state of the Ethiopian American community. Sat., Feb. 17, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-029; Members $155; Nonmembers $205
SMITHSONIAN GARDENS
Triptych with Mary and Her Son, Archangels, Scenes from Life of Christ and Saints, early 16th century, Ethiopia
Walking Tour
The Smithsonian Greenhouses and How They Grow Discover what it takes to keep the Smithsonian’s many gardens and interior plant displays looking their best year round. Smithsonian horticulturist Vickie Dibella takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Smithsonian Gardens’ Greenhouse Nursery Operations facility in Suitland, Maryland, whose greenhouses provide plants for the institution’s gardens and horticultural exhibits. Learn how staff care for the acres of annual bedding plants destined for the Smithsonian’s gardens, as well as the huge tropical specimens that hibernate for the winter at the greenhouses. The 10-acre facility Smithsonian greenhouses in Suitland, Maryland includes growing areas, exterior storage, and greenhouses devoted to tropical plants, interior display plants, and nectar plants used for the Butterfly Pavilion at the National Museum of Natural History. Get a close-up look at the thousands of plants that make up the Smithsonian Orchid Collection, which delight your senses with their fragrances, colors, sizes, and shapes. Find out about the environmental control systems needed to nurture the many plants in the Smithsonian Gardens system and get a preview of the blooms and plants that will add their color to the Smithsonian’s spring displays. Tues., Feb. 27, 1–3 p.m. (CODE 1CS-A17); Thurs., March 7, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (CODE 1CS-B17); detailed tour information on website; Members $45; Nonmembers $60
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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New York: The Fashion Capital 2-Day Tour
DANIELPENFIELD
ELLIOT GOLDSTEIN © SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Splendid style is on the Manhattan itinerary when you take in fashionfocused exhibitions at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology; and the Met’s Costume Institute, led by design historian Elizabeth Lay Little. Curators of the Cooper Hewitt exhibition “A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes” guide the group on the exhibition’s final weekend on display. Liebes was one of the most influential textile designers of the mid-20th century, and the exhibition features more than 175 works that reveal the scope of her achievements. Her luxurious handwoven fabrics combined vivid color, lush textures, unexpected materials, and a glint of metallic—a style that grew so prevalent it became known as the Liebes Look. Collaborators included Frank Lloyd Wright, Henry Dreyfuss, Donald Deskey, Raymond Loewy, and Samuel Marx. Fashion designers Pauline Trigère, Adrian, and Bonnie Cashin used her fabrics. On Saturday morning, begin your day with a visit to the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). With a permanent collection encompassing some 50,000 garments and accessories from the 18th century to the present, the Cooper Hewitt exhibition “A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes" Museum at FIT is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the history of fashion and its directions in the future. Statement sleeves are the focus of their namesake exhibition, with more than 60 styles on display. Conclude the day at the Met with a special guided tour looking at fashion through the ages and what garments reveal to us about the cultures that created them. Explore clothing represented in paint, stone, wood, and other media found across the museum’s collections. Afterward, visit the Met’s Costume Institute to view the exhibition “Women Dressing Women” and explore the creativity and artistic legacy of female fashion designers from the turn of the 20th century to the present day. Get an intimate look at the work of over 70 womenswear designers, including French haute couture from houses such as Jeanne Lanvin, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Madeleine Vionnet; pieces from American makers like Ann Lowe, Claire McCardell, and Isabel Toledo; and contemporary designs by Iris van Herpen, Rei Kawakubo, Anifa Mvuemba, Fashion and Textile History Gallery, Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Simone Rocha. Even the tour’s hotel has style: Participants stay at the historic Refinery Hotel, located in the former Colony Arcade building in Midtown Manhattan’s Garment District, which housed hatmakers and furriers on the upper floors during the early 20th century. Fri., Feb. 2, 8 a.m.–Sat., Feb. 3, 10:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-FNY; Members $600; Nonmembers $800
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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The Philadelphia Flower Show
A Preview of Spring There’s no better way to sweep away winter than with an overnight escape to the horticultural paradise that’s the Philadelphia Flower Show. And with a theme of “United by Flowers,” the 2024 edition is sure to provide plenty of color and extravagance. Horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads the tour. After a relaxed mid-morning Sunday departure, arrive in Philadelphia for an afternoon visit and guided tour at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, an immersive mixed-media art environment that is completely covered with mosaics. It consists of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. Before dinner, enjoy a special presentation at the hotel with your study leader. Dinner is at the Victor Cafe, featuring classic Italian cuisine and performances of operatic favorites by the servers. There’s no need to fight the crowds (or feel pushed for time) UTbegin your Monday SOLD asOyou visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show: Spend 2 hours taking in the blooms before the show opens to the public, then enjoy a full day to explore the world’s largest annual floral exhibition. Included with your ticket is an opportunity to experience the beautiful, exotic creatures in the Butterflies Live! immersive habitat while learning how to attract them to your garden, plus lectures throughout the show led by Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) educators. Step into the Designer’s Studio and Gardener’s Studio, which feature top flower designers in competitions and how-to gardening demos; explore the variety of plants, flowers, and gifts at the Marketplace; and celebrate the beauty of container-grown plants in the PHS Horticourt. Before heading home, pick up dinner at the Reading Terminal Market, a Philadelphia staple since 1893, housed in a National Historic Landmark building. The tour’s overnight accommodations also reflect the city’s past: The elegant Kimpton Hotel Monaco in the Old City historic district began its life in 1907 as an office building on Philadelphia’s Bank Row. Sun., March 3, 10 a.m.–Mon., March 4, 8 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-PFS; Members $630; Nonmembers $840 Related Studio Arts classes: Orchids Gone Wild, p. 47, and Orchids for Beginners, p. 56
2-Day Tour
Unisphere, Flushing Meadows
Jewels of Queens
Arts journalist Richard Selden offers a delightful exploration of the largest of New York City’s outer boroughs. Among the jewels of Queens on the itinerary are Flushing Meadows Corona Park, site of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs; the Museum of the Moving Image, a movie and television museum located in the historic (and reborn) Astoria Studio complex; the Noguchi Museum, where the full range of the Modernist sculptor Isamu Noguchi’s work is displayed; and the Louis Armstrong House Museum. The overnight accommodations spotlight one of the borough’s newest jewels: the TWA Hotel. Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center at Idlewild (now JFK) Airport has been restored and reimagined as a first-class hotel that celebrates the Jet-Age glamour of the 1960s.
RHODODENDRITES
Sun., Apr. 7, 7 a.m.–Mon., Apr. 8, 9:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-QU2; Members $675; Nonmembers $835
TWA Hotel
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The National Zoo’s Bird House
Close-up on Avian Conservation Soar into the fascinating world of North American shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds at the Bird House at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Reopened in 2023 after a six-year renovation, the Bird House reflects a new era in which zoos function as key players in wildlife conservation. In three indoor walk-through aviaries, visitors are surrounded by migratory birds as they explore realistic recreations of key habitats that support them across their annual cycle. Also on site is the Bird Observatory, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s regional hub for ornithology, community science, and outreach. Brian Evans, an ornithologist at the center, and members of the Bird House’s animal-care team lead an immersive exploration of the exhibitions and the science that informs bird conservation. Take off with a wild-bird banding demonstration and gain insights into how ornithologists study the survival of birds in different environments and how they can leverage this knowledge to help conserve bird populations. Learn how to use binoculars like a pro, then put your new skill into practice by observing the residents of aviaries representing the Delaware Bay, a prairie pothole in the Midwest, and a rustic bird-friendly coffee farm. Wind down in the Bird House gardens, where you can find out how decisions made in your own backyard can help support birds, and conclude the tour with a tasting of Smithsoniancertified Bird Friendly coffee and a conversation with Evans and the staff members. THREE OPTIONS: Fri., March 15 (CODE 1NS-A01); Fri., March 22 (CODE 1NS-B01); Fri., Apr. 5 (CODE 1NS-C01); INSIDE SCIENCE 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; Members $50; Nonmembers $60
THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE )
Related program: Brewing Up a Bird-Friendly Cup, p. 33
THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE (NZCBI)
In the first of three walk-through aviaries, visitors learn about shorebird migration in the Delaware Bay
Ruddy ducks paddle in the Prairie Pothole aviary
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Outdoor habitats feature favorites such as whooping cranes
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Bus Tour
The Philadelphia Museum of Art: Frank Gehry’s Revision Join Bill Keene, a lecturer in history, urban studies, and architecture, for a day that spotlights architect Frank Gehry’s designs for the recent renovation of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Begin with a brief visit to the Gehry-designed Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, the National Mall’s newest addition. En route to Philadelphia, Keene offers an overview of Gehry’s career and the backstory of the museum’s controversial Views of the north entrance and interiors designed and renovated by Gehry Partners (Steve Hall © Hall + Merrick Photographers, courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2021) remodeling. At the museum, a staff-led architectural tour brings you into some of the most dramatic of the reimagined spaces that blend past and present. From his earliest work, Gehry demonstrated his reaction against cold, formulistic Modernism by using the common materials of metal, wood, and stone in new and sometimes startling combinations. He brought a very different vision to the interior of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Inspired by the character of the historic 1928 building, Gehry’s renovations opened the interior with soaring public spaces and dramatic vistas, incorporating additional room for art and providing easier navigation while honoring the architecture and original materials. Nearly 90,000 square feet of space was repurposed in the main building, with a focus on the lower two levels. The project included rebuilding the West Terrace with integrated ramps to facilitate access for all visitors; renovating Lenfest Hall, the principal entrance; creating a new public space, the Williams Forum, which connects the ground floor to the upper levels and serves as the setting for a wide range of activities; and reopening the Vaulted Walkway, a 640-foot-long corridor that spans the width of the building and had not been open to the public for nearly 50 years. The afternoon offers plenty of time to explore the museum’s galleries before returning to Washington. Sat., March 23, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-028; Members $215; Nonmembers $265 (includes lunch)
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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ELISA.ROLLE
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
Frank Lloyd Wright: Masterworks in the Midwest 5-Day Tour
Sun., May 19, 6 p.m.–Thurs., May 23, 4 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-MID; Members $2,295; Nonmembers $2,695
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Oak Park THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Frank Lloyd Wright left an indelible signature on the American Midwest: a legacy of buildings that trace the arc of his career as one of the world’s most significant and innovative architects. This 5-day tour led by historian Bill Keene offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a close-up look at a wide range of Wright’s designs in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as visits to seminal works by other architects of the early and mid-20th century. Highlights of the tour are visits to four of the eight Wright masterworks on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Unity Temple, his first religious structure; the Frederick C. Robie House, a gem in Wright’s signature Prairie style; Taliesin, Wright’s home, studio, school, and estate in Wisconsin; and the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House, his first work of Usonian domestic architecture. In addition to site visits, an architectural boat tour of Chicago places Wright’s designs in the context of the history-making works by the myriad architects who defined its urban identity. And even the tour’s hotel in Wisconsin has a Wright connection—literally. The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is linked by skywalk to the waterfront civic center designed by Wright in 1938, a project that took 59 years to become a reality.
Taliesin and Hillside School, Spring Green
IMPORTANT NOTE: Flights are not included; participants make independent flight arrangements to Chicago and meet on site.
Highlights of this unique visit
Related program: Architects Respond to Nature, p. 38
Illinois
designed for architecture lovers
LAUREN MANNING
• Unity Temple (Oak Park) • The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (Oak Park) • Frederick C. Robie House (Chicago) • The Edith Farnsworth House (Plano; designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe) • The Auditorium Theater, backstage visit (Chicago; designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler) Wisconsin • SC Johnson Administration Building and Research Tower (Racine) • Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House (Madison) • Taliesin and Hillside School (Spring Green)
Unity Temple interior, Oak Park
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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Expand Your World: Join Smithsonian Associates Your Membership Support Will Shape Our Future Membership Levels Becoming a member of Smithsonian Associates makes you part of the largest museum-based educational program in the world. You’ll be among the first to know about the outstanding programs we bring you every month, and as an insider you’ll have unparalleled access to the Smithsonian’s world of knowledge—and enjoy exclusive benefits. You might not be aware that unlike the Smithsonian’s museums, Smithsonian Associates is not federally funded. We rely on individual member contributions to help bridge the gap between program expenses and ticket revenues. And that support ensures that Smithsonian Associates can continue to grow and reach even more people—all across the country—with outstanding educational programs.
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Associate ($50) Members-only ticket priority and ticket discounts, free members-only programs, Smithsonian Associates’ monthly program guide, and more.
Champion ($80) All the above and additional benefits: Up to four discounted tickets, priority consideration for waitlisted programs, and more. Promoter ($100) All the above and additional benefits: The award-winning Smithsonian magazine delivered to you, member discount on limited-edition fine-art prints created for Smithsonian Associates’ Art Collectors Program, and more. Advocate ($175) All the above and additional benefits: An advance digital copy of the monthly program guide, two complimentary program tickets, and more. Contributor ($300) All the above and additional benefits: Opportunity for advance registration for Smithsonian Summer Camp, recognition in the program guide’s annual donor list, and more. Patron ($600) All the above and additional benefits: Four complimentary tickets to a headliner program, copy of the Smithsonian Annual Report, and more. Sponsor ($1,000) All the above and additional benefits: Reserved seating at in-person programs, dedicated concierge phone line for inquiries and tickets, and more. Partner ($2,500) All the above and additional benefits: Invitation for two to attend the prestigious annual Smithsonian Weekend, recognition in the annual report, and more. Benefactor ($5,000) All the above and additional benefits: Recognition as a sponsor of a selected program, priority seating at all in-person programs, and more.
Bonus: Contributions at the Advocate level and higher include membership in Smithsonian Associates’ Circle of Support. JANUARY 2024 SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES
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HELPFUL INFORMATION Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•) Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session Tues., Jan. 9–Feb. 6 Write Into Art: Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art .............37 Sun., Jan. 21, Feb. 25, and March 24
Architects Respond to Nature .........................................................38 Wed., Jan. 24–Feb. 14 Classical Sounds of the Cinema ...........................................................24 Sun., Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, and March 17 Masterworks of Five Centuries (Sunday series)• .................................21 Mon.–Thurs., Jan. 29–Feb. 1 Visual Literacy: How To Look at Art.....................................................40 Tues., Jan. 30–Feb. 27 Franz Josef Haydn: First of the Great Classical Masters..............25 Sun., Feb. 4, 11, and 18
Botanical Gardens: A World Tour.....................................................32 Tues., Feb. 6–27 Russian Art: From Icons to the Avant-Garde ...................................40 Wed., Feb. 7–March 6 The Japanese Empire: From Politics to Baseball .............................10
Sat., Feb. 10, Fri., Apr. 5, Sat., June 1, July 2024 Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra• ........................................22 Thurs., Feb. 22–March 14 Exploring Anatolia: A Turkish Odyssey ...................................................4 Wed., Feb. 28–March 13
From Neoclassicism to Romanticism .............................................42 Tues., March 5, 12, and 19 Write Into Art: Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art ...................37 Thurs., March 7, 14, and 21
The Best of the Barnes Foundation ................................................44 Fri., March 8–29 Writing a Novel: A Character-Driven Approach.................................27 Sat., March 16 and 23 The History of Western Art .....................................................................44 Sat., April 6 and April 27 Axelrod String Quartet (Saturday series)• ..............................................20 Sun., April 7 and April 28 Axelrod String Quartet (Sunday series)•................................................20
Sat., Feb. 10, Feb. 24, and March 16 Masterworks of Five Centuries (Saturday series)• .............................21
Lectures and Seminars—Single Session Thurs., Jan. 4
National Parks of Washington State......................29
Mon., Jan. 8
Keep Marching On.........................................................3
Tues., Jan. 9
Cinderella ......................................................................23
Wed., Jan. 17
Michelangelo’s David .................................................38 Thurs., Jan. 18
How the Brain Works..................................................29
Wed., Jan. 10
Thurs., Jan. 11
Revolutionary Road Trip • ...........................................5 Stanley Kubrick ............................................................24
Photographing Birds ..................................................38
Fri., Jan. 19
Caterina Sforza ..............................................................6
The Court at War ...........................................................3
Mon., Jan. 22
Visions of Panama......................................................39
Buddhism for Today ...................................................23
Tues., Jan. 23
Exodus: Tycoons Who Helped Jews in WWI ...........6
The Secret History of Women at the CIA ...............3
The Bone Wars ............................................................30
Surviving the Climate Crisis ....................................30
The Haunting World of Dolphins.............................30
Fri., Jan. 12
Everyday Life in Renaissance Florence ................36
Sat., Jan. 13
Jane Austen: Reinventing the Novel......................23
Tues., Jan. 16
Off the Beaten Path in Poland...................................4 The Last Neanderthals.................................................4
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Inventor of the Future: Buckminster Fuller............6
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Wed., Jan. 24
Spinoza: The Father of Modern Thought..............24 The Visual Language of Islamic Art.......................39
Thurs., Jan. 25
Many Brains But No Bones .......................................31 Beyond Bollywood.......................................................39
HELPFUL INFORMATION Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•) Fri., Jan. 26
Winter Wine Adventures: Bordeaux ........................17
Fri., Feb. 23
Winter Wine Adventures: Rhône..............................17
Sat., Jan. 27
The World of the Crusades .........................................7
Sat., Feb. 24
Sicily................................................................................41
Mon., Jan. 29
The Queen’s Spymasters .............................................7
Mon., Feb. 26
Behind the Handshake: Oslo Peace Process .......13
Tues., Jan. 30
Pox Romana ....................................................................7 Spices 101: Turmeric ...................................................18
Wed., Jan. 31
Return to Wonder........................................................42 Tues., Feb. 27
The Cuisine of Nigeria • .............................................18
The Cherokee Trail of Tears......................................13 The Broadway Musical Goes to Hollywood ..........26
Birds of Prey .................................................................31
Wed., Feb. 28
The Artists of Bloomsbury .......................................42
Thurs., Feb. 1
The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess..............................25
Thurs., Feb. 29
Fighting the Cold War with Words..........................13
Sat., Feb. 3
In Search of Ancient Israel .......................................12
Harriet Tubman, Union Spy ......................................14
Charles Dickens: The Ultimate Storyteller...........25
Invisible Man ................................................................19
Sun., Feb. 4
Miss America, 1921 • ...................................................12
Sat., March 2
Making of a Monarch..................................................14
Wed., Feb. 7
There Goes the Sun: Eclipse....................................32
Tues., March 5
The Saratoga Campaign..............................................5
Tues., Feb. 6
Solar System: Titan ....................................................29
Thurs., Feb. 8
The Worlds of Benjamin Franklin ............................10
Wed., March 6
The Stories Behind the Chinese Menu..................18
Thurs., March 7 Bedřich Smetana ........................................................26
Yoga as Lifestyle Medicine.......................................26
The Studio House • .....................................................15
Sat., Feb. 10
Insider’s London...........................................................10
Leonardo da Vinci’s Infinite Curiosity ...................34
Mon., Feb. 12
Chocolate’s Delicious History •................................19
Fri., March 8
A Night at the Oscars ................................................27
A Geologic Year in North America .........................33
Sun., March 10
Great Horned Owls......................................................31
Colors of Love ..............................................................37
Mon., March 11
Bargello Museum ........................................................43
Standing Guard: The Terracotta Warriors ............40
Tues., March 12 “Make ‘Em Laugh" .......................................................27
Wed., Feb. 14
Hidden History of Jews in the Southwest.............11
Gut Health with WebMD’s John Whyte .................34
Thurs., Feb. 15
Sutro's Glass Palace....................................................11
Wed., March 13 Evangelicalism in America........................................15
Deceiving Hitler ............................................................11
Thurs., March 14 Wuthering Heights ......................................................19
To Kill a Mockingbird ..................................................19
Mon., March 18 Materializing the Sacred...........................................43
Fri., Feb. 16
Love and Lust in Renaissance Art .........................36
Wed., March 20 The Lush World of Botticelli’s La Primavera .......44
Tues., Feb. 20
J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Atomic Age.......12
Thurs., March 21 Bach’s Sacred Cantatas ............................................28
Wed., Feb. 21
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: La Vie Bohème.........41
Fri., March 22
Thurs., Feb. 22
Brewing up a Bird-friendly Cup ..............................33
Mon., March 25 Federalists vs. Antifederalists .................................15
The Wyeth Dynasty .....................................................41
The Ashcan School of Painting...............................45
Tues., Feb. 13
Henri Matisse: An Enduring Fascination ..............43 Birds of Puerto Rico ...................................................33
Winter Wine Adventures: Languedoc .....................17
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
JANUARY 2024 SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES
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HELPFUL INFORMATION Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•) Tues., March 26 The WWI Navy: Second to None..............................16
Fri., March 29
Images of Christ .........................................................36
Washington’s First World Series..............................16
Wed., April 3
Artemisia Gentileschi ................................................45
Wed., March 27 Wales and England......................................................16
Tues., April 9
“It’s a Wonderful Town” .............................................28
Mexico City: Aztec Art and Architecture..............45
Wed., April 17
The Private Gardens of Philadelphia.....................32
Thurs., March 28 The American Revolution and India .........................5
Tours—Single and Multi-Session• Fri., Feb. 2
New York: The Fashion Capital ...............................60
Fri., March 22
The National Zoo’s Bird House ................................62
Sat., Feb. 17
Ethiopian Art and Culture in Baltimore.................59
Sat., March 23
The Philadelphia Museum of Art............................63
Tues., Feb. 27
The Smithsonian Greenhouses ...............................59
Fri., April 5
The National Zoo’s Bird House ................................62
Thurs., March 7 The Smithsonian Greenhouses ..............................59
Sun., April 7
Jewels of Queens.........................................................61
Fri., March 15
Sun., May 19
Frank Lloyd Wright: In the Midwest .....................64
The National Zoo’s Bird House ................................62
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Studio Arts In Person: Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Fiber Arts, Sculpture, Calligraphy, Other Media, Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46–48 Online: Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Fiber Arts, Sculpture, Calligraphy, Other Media, Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49–58
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