Smithsonian Associates November 2024 program guide by Smithsonian Associates

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Unlike the Smithsonian’s museums, Smithsonian Associates receives no federal funding and relies on individual contributions to help bridge the gap between program expenses and registration revenues. That vital support ensures we’re able to continue what we do best: creating engaging learning experiences that open the Smithsonian’s world of knowledge to audiences across the country.

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Levels of Support

Your support expands your learning, and the current benefits listed here are designed to enhance your experience.

Associate ($50) Priority registration and discounts, invitations to selected no-fee programs, the print edition of Smithsonian Associates’ informative and lively monthly program guide.

Champion ($80) All the above and:

Up to four discounted registrations per program, priority consideration for waitlisted programs.

Promoter ($100) All the above and:

A subscription to the award-winning Smithsonian magazine, special rates for the purchase of limited-edition fine-art prints created for Smithsonian Associates’ Art Collectors Program.

Advocate ($175) All the above and:

An advance digital copy of the monthly program guide, two complimentary program registrations.

Contributor ($300) All the above and:

Advance registration opportunity for Smithsonian Summer Camp, recognition in the Smithsonian Associates program guide’s annual donor listing

Patron ($600) All the above and:

Four complimentary registrations to a headliner program, a copy of the Smithsonian Annual Report.

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Reserved seating at in-person programs, dedicated concierge phone line for inquiries and registration.

Partner ($2,500) All the above and:

Invitation for two to attend the prestigious annual Smithsonian Weekend, recognition in the Smithsonian Annual Report.

Benefactor ($5,000) All the above and:

Recognition as a sponsor of a selected program, priority seating at all in-person programs.

Bonus: Contributions at the Advocate level and higher include membership in Smithsonian Associates’ Circle of Support.

Dear Friends and Members,

The bison, named the national mammal of the United States in 2016, is an official symbol of our country and its history. However, it’s thanks to the conservation efforts of 19th-century Smithsonian chief taxidermist William T. Hornaday that the massive animals persist as more than mementos of a vanished past. In 1888, on a scientific research trip to Montana, he was charged with collecting a few specimens of over-hunted and nearly extinct bison. Dismayed to find only remnants of the enormous herds he had seen just a few years earlier, he spent much of the rest of his life working to protect and conserve the species (p. 31).

A few decades before Hornaday took his decisive actions, Harriet Beecher Stowe famously wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which some credit with helping to propel the nation into the Civil War. Less widely known is that Stowe continued her advocacy for interracial democracy, including writing a piece about Black activist Sojourner Truth for the Atlantic during the war (p. 7).

Invention, destruction, and construction are critical aspects of American history. Late in 1903, the ingenious Wright brothers faced stiff competition as they attempted to be the first humans to fly: Samuel Langley, Secretary of the Smithsonian, and his assistant, Charles Matthews Manly, also were making good progress toward solving this engineering puzzle. It was an epic and newsworthy race to success (p. 9). Just a few years later, on April 18, 1906, news turned to the devastation caused by the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. The quake lasted mere seconds, but the fires that followed burned for three days and almost destroyed the city (p. 8). Across the country, some 40 years later, efficient and cost-effective home building was the goal of the developers who pioneered the creation of large-scale suburbs. The first one was Levittown on Long Island, New York (p. 10).

As Thanksgiving approaches, we at Smithsonian Associates reflect on 2024 and think about what we’re grateful for: High on the list are all of you who join us for these ongoing journeys through history—and for programs about culture, science, and the arts. We appreciate your inquisitiveness, your creativity, and your passion for learning.

Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu

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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

Bobby Flay: Chapter One

Fri., Nov. 1

Chef, author, and TV personality Bobby Flay shares insights into his remarkable life and career in his latest cookbook, Bobby Flay: Chapter One. Join him as he shares insights into his life and career and offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the culinary world that shaped him. (see p. 17)

Christina Tosi’s Bake Club

Sat., Nov. 16

Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi started Bake Club at the height of the pandemic, and ever since she and her followers have been gathering on social media and getting busy in the kitchen. Join Tosi and chef and author Pati Jinich as she discusses what Bake Club means to her and shares recipes from her newest cookbook. (see p. 17)

Tea Traditions of Taiwan: A Taste of the Alishan Region

Fri., Dec. 6

Tea and the ritual of its consumption are an integral part of life in Taiwan, and the region of Alishan produces some of the world’s most sought-after teas. Tea connoisseur Hung, ChungLun performs a tea ceremony and explains how it represents the spirit of the nation’s culture. A tasting of teas from Alishan follows. Presented in partnership with the Taiwan Tourism Administration. (see p. 21)

Studio Arts

Let your creative side shine in a wide variety of hands-on classes led by professional artists. (see pp. 47–49)

At D.C.’s Moon Rabbit restaurant, chef Kevin Tien oversees a menu that features contemporary takes on classic Vietnamese dishes. A dinner designed for Smithsonian Associates’ guests celebrates the Lunar New Year, a time when food carries particular significance for Vietnamese families. (see p. 26)

The Axelrod String Quartet Sat., Dec. 14 and Sun., Dec. 15

Music by Schubert, Mozart, and Mendelssohn

(see p. 13)

Sat., Nov. 23 and Sun., Nov. 24

Austrian Music From the Time of

Sun., Dec. 15

Jazz and the Armed Services

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (see p. 15)

Tours

Discover expert-led tours that offer oneof-a-kind travel experiences. And get a preview of our 2025 lineup of overnight tours. (see pp. 57–61)

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

Masterworks of Five Centuries Sat., Nov. 2 and Sun., Nov. 3 Music of Orlando Gibbons and William Byrd

Leopold I

A Dinner at Moon Rabbit Sun., Jan. 26

2024–2025 Concert Season

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

The Bletchley Park Codebreakers

Fifty miles northwest from London, Bletchley Park was the nexus of top-secret work during World War II. Here, under a cloak of secrecy, agents worked furiously to decode the enemy’s secret messages, notably those encrypted with the German Enigma machine. Mathematicians, scientists, intellectuals, and linguists were among those who were hired as agents, with women making up about three-fourths of the workers. Alan Turing, Joan Clarke, and Dilly Knox were among those recruits.

Sir Dermot Turing, Alan Turing’s nephew and author of The Codebreakers of Bletchley Park, shares the story of this unusual group of people whose mission was to save the world from destruction.

Fri., Nov. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-842; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

A special set of computers was developed by British codebreakers in the years 1943–1945

Hürtgen Forest: America’s Longest Battle

From September to December 1944, American forces clashed with German troops in Hürtgen Forest, a densely wooded region just across the Belgian border. Initially aimed at blocking German reinforcements from moving north against the Allied advance, the battle turned into a grueling 88-day struggle. More than 33,000 American GIs—nearly one in four—became casualties as they battled poor weather, arduous terrain, and a punishing German defense.

Historian Christopher Hamner draws on veterans’ experiences to explore the nature of the combat in America’s longest battle, with special attention to its strategic place in the broader offensive against the German Siegfried Line.

Mon., Nov. 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-073; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Operation Dynamo: The Miracle at Dunkirk

The 2017 film Dunkirk was a rousing success and presented an eager audience with the famous evacuation of British forces from France in May and June 1940. But absent in the film’s telling of the story is the historical context, argues Kevin J. Weddle, a distinguished fellow at the United States Army War College. There is much more to Dunkirk, and its lead-up and aftermath are just as exciting as the evacuation itself.

The full picture of Operation Dynamo is a mix of perseverance, hope, tragedy, chance, and deliverance. Weddle examines the planning and execution of the desperate boatlift—which saved most of the British Expeditionary Force to fight again—and analyzes its overall strategic impact on the continuing war effort.

Tues., Jan. 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-543; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Patton Through the Eyes of His Adversaries

Gen. George Patton, “Old Blood and Guts,” is one of the most renowned leaders in American military history, known for both his expertise in mobile tank warfare and his brash behavior and mercurial temper. He is remembered as an officer with few equals and attained legendary status while commanding corps and armies during World War II.

But the judgments of Patton’s enemies—many of whom were also veteran masters of mobile warfare—were often markedly different than the conventional portrait. Harry Yeide, a national security adviser and the author of Fighting Patton, exposes the German perspective on how and why they lost their battles with Patton’s forces.

Thurs., Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-847; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

American infantrymen move through Hürtgen Forest

British troops line up on the beach at Dunkirk to await evacuation

Gen. George S. Patton

Churchill at Chartwell

Gatherings Before the Storm

In the 1930s, amid an impending crisis in Europe, Winston Churchill found himself out of government and with little power. Chartwell, his country home in Kent, became the headquarters of his campaign against Nazi Germany. He invited trusted advisers and informants, including Albert Einstein and T. E. Lawrence, who could strengthen his hand as he worked to sound the alarm at the prospect of war.

Katherine Carter, Chartwell’s curator, discusses these little-known meetings; the figures who made their mark on Churchill’s thinking and political strategy; and how he gathered intelligence about Germany’s preparations for war. Her new book, Churchill’s Citadel: Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm (Yale University Press), is available for purchase.

Wed., Nov. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-523; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Railroads in Wartime

Railroads have played an important role in every American conflict since 1860. During the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the Gulf War, railroads transported soldiers and everything they needed, ranging from tanks to uniforms.

Curator Patricia LaBounty of the Union Pacific Museum draws from the archives to survey the unique ways that railroaders supported American war efforts, from the transportation of soldiers across the country to the operation of railway operating battalions abroad.

Wed., Nov. 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-109; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Churchill and Eisenhower: A Unique Friendship

From World War II through the Cold War, Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower maintained a friendship unlike any other in history. The alliance and camaraderie forged between the Lion and the General defeated Nazism and kept communism at bay. Although occasionally testy, their connection remained close until Churchill’s death in 1965. Historian Mitchell Yockelson discusses the personal story of these heads of state and their lasting influence on the world.

Mon., Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-845; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Our programs... your time

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

An American troop train leaving a Midwestern military camp

Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill

The 2024 Election in Review

The 2024 presidential campaign and national election are poised to shape America’s trajectory for the next four years and beyond. In a fact-based, nonpartisan presentation, veteran White House correspondent Ken Walsh discusses the outcome of this historic election with a focus on explaining what’s ahead for our republic in an age of distrust and division. Among other areas, Walsh assesses what went right and wrong for major candidates at the presidential, congressional, and state levels and the overall direction of the country that voters were calling for. He also examines whether the United States is ready to take a breather from “toxic politics” and minimize the culture of contempt that has plagued us for so many years.

Tues., Nov. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-072; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Vikings: Separating Myth from Reality

We think we know the Vikings well. These larger-than-life pagan conquerors from Scandinavia are everywhere in our popular culture: movies, TV shows, video games, and even Super Bowl commercials. But which parts of the Vikings that we know and love (or love to hate) are real, and which are based in fantasy?

Medievalist Paul B. Sturtevant unpacks the differences between the fantasies and the medieval realities of the Viking world, investigating where the myths come from and why they persist.

Wed., Nov. 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-413; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Stuart Dynasty

Restoring the Monarchy and Creating the Union

Less famous than their Tudor cousins, the Stuart monarchs should not be overlooked in English history. They survived a plot to blow up the government and the only governmental execution of an anointed king, then restructured the monarchy and united England and Scotland. From James I to Queen Anne, four generations of Stuarts led the country from the personal monarchy of the Tudors into the constitutional monarchy and the establishment of Great Britain. Historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger explores the personalities of the Stuart monarchs and their ongoing troubles with the English Parliament and method of government, shining a light on how each contributed to the result: a lasting constitutional monarchy and the establishment of Great Britain.

Wed., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-351; Members $35; Nonmembers $45

The Irish and the American Revolution

Men of Irish heritage played crucial roles in fighting the American Revolution. Irish Americans sided with the patriots against the British Army in overwhelming numbers and shouldered muskets at Lexington and Concord, during the Battle of Bunker Hill, and at every other significant military encounter over the eight years of war. Their numbers included officers, thousands of enlisted men, and even spies—notably Hercules Mulligan, a major character in the musical Hamilton Historian Richard Bell explores the Revolution from the perspective of the Irish and their American descendants. He reconstructs the history of English and Irish antagonism; the role of Roman Catholic faith in decisions about loyalty and affiliation; and the political and economic impact of the American Revolution on Ireland itself.

Mon., Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-358; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

King James I of Scotland

The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec, December 31, 1775 by John Trumbull, 1786

Martin Van Buren

America’s First Politician

The principal architect of the party system and one of the founders of the Democratic Party, Martin Van Buren’s unparalleled skills as a political strategist won him the nickname “The Little Magician”— and a series of increasingly high-profile offices that led to the presidency. In his rise, he sought consensus and conciliation, bending to the wishes of slave interests and complicit in the dispossession of America’s Indigenous population.

Van Buren scholar James M. Bradley depicts the struggle for power in the tumultuous decades leading up to the Civil War as he charts the eighth president’s ascent from a tavern in the Hudson Valley to the White House, concluding with Van Buren’s late-career involvement in the antislavery movement.

Bradley’s book, Martin Van Buren: America’s First Politician (Oxford University Press), is available for purchase.

Tues., Dec. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-527; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Linear A and B: Keys to Mycenaean Greece

When classicist Michael Ventris deciphered the Linear B script in 1952, he shed light on all aspects of the world of Late Bronze Age Greece, sometimes referred to as “Mycenaean” Greece, and immediately enhanced our understanding of its politics, economy, society, and religion.

Linear B was itself a reuse of an earlier script, Linear A, which was primarily employed on Crete from 1800 to 1450 B.C.E. Though the secrets of this “Minoan” writing system remain undeciphered, we can learn a great deal from it. Classicist and archaeologist Dimitri Nakassis explores both scripts and highlights what they can tell us about life in the Aegean during the second millennium B.C.E.

Thurs., Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-837; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Foundations of Freedom

The Documents That Shaped America and France

The late 18th century was a period rife with revolutionary fervor and transformative ideas that altered the course of history. The American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen did more than address specific grievances or abstract ideals: They were radical manifestos that proclaimed new principles of governance and human dignity and challenged centuries-old political and social structures. Historian Alexander Mikaberidze explores these groundbreaking documents and the individuals who dared to imagine a new order that ignited flames of liberty that spread throughout the world.

Thurs., Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-360; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, by Jean-Jacques-François Le Barbier, 1789

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

James M. Bradley

Linear B tablet from the palace at Pylos, 13th century B.C.E.

How Italian Immigrants Transformed America

Since the days of Christopher Columbus and the earliest European explorers, Italians have made their way to American shores. But only since the late 19th century have Italian immigrants by the millions made a major impact on American culture. Writer and lecturer Adam Tanner tells a personal story of sleuthing in the archives of Southern Italian villages to uncover the ancestry of his grandfather, who moved to the United States at the peak of this immigration boom to become a professional violinist. His broader narrative considers how Italian Americans changed our popular culture, politics, and, of course, food.

Fri., Dec. 6, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-113; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Civil War

Though the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin in 1852 is considered by some a factor that helped propel the nation into the Civil War, its author has generally been thought of as having little engagement with the conflict itself. One historian claimed Harriet Beecher Stowe averted her gaze during the war, satisfying herself by writing domestic essays—but nothing could be farther from the truth.

Author and scholar Robert S. Levine addresses key moments in Stowe’s career from 1852 to 1870, focusing on the Civil War period with a discussion of her letters, novels, and essays, including her fascinating piece on the Black activist Sojourner Truth, which Stowe published in the Atlantic at the height of the war. He provides a new picture of Stowe as a vigorous exponent of interracial democracy long after the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Tues., Dec. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-529; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Secrets of Père Lachaise Cemetery

Nestled among bustling streets in the heart of Paris, the iconic Père Lachaise cemetery harbors stories of intrigue, artistic brilliance, and cultural significance. Established in 1804, Père Lachaise is not merely a resting place for the departed but a testament to Parisian history itself.

Unravel the cemetery’s secrets and celebrate its role as a sanctuary of memory and reflection with art historian Madeline Díaz. She highlights the graves of notables including Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust, Édith Piaf, Eugène Delacroix, and Jim Morrison; explores the cemetery’s architectural styles from Gothic tombs to elaborate Art Nouveau memorials; and delves into the symbolism and rituals associated with death in French culture as manifested in elaborate funerary art and poignant epitaphs.

Fri., Dec. 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-836; 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

Italian merchants on Mulberry Street ca. 1900

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Harriet Elizabeth Beecher Stowe by Alanson Fisher

Thomas Becket: A Martyr for All Seasons

On December 20, 1170, the most notorious murder of the Middle Ages took place in Canterbury Cathedral: Archbishop Thomas Becket was killed by four knights of King Henry II, who had (apocryphally) spurred them to act by exclaiming in exasperation, “Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?”

What was so troublesome about Thomas Becket? Historian Jennifer Paxton explores how the archbishop fell afoul of his king for both personal and political reasons and ignited a political dispute that convulsed church and state for almost a decade. She also looks at why Becket’s violent death turned him from a lightning rod for controversy into the most important saint in Europe, one whose cult led to the creation of the most famous pilgrimage in English literary history, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

Wed., Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-362; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire

On April 18, 1906, San Francisco was nearly destroyed by a massive earthquake and ensuing devastating fires. What occurred during the catastrophe known as the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire was beyond the experience—or imagination—of the city’s residents. Violent shocks punctuated the strong shaking, which lasted nearly a minute. The earthquake’s immediate impact was disastrous, but what followed was even more horrific.

Historian John A. Martini brings stories of the disaster to life using seldom-seen photographs of the earthquake damage, the fires that followed, and the massive relief efforts led by the U.S. Army that aided the victims.

Wed., Jan. 8, 7 p.m.; CODE 1ND-115; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Warsaw Ghetto’s Secret Savior Irena Sendler and the Fight for Innocent Lives

In October 1940, German officials decreed that all Jewish residents of Warsaw must move into a designated area, creating the Warsaw Ghetto. The grim and overcrowded enclave sealed off by a 10-foot wall topped with barbed wire was home to over 400,000 Jews crammed into just 1.3 square miles. The dire conditions, compounded by insufficient food allotments, led to the deaths of 83,000 individuals from starvation and disease by mid-1942.

Amidst this darkness, Irena Stanisława Sendler, a Polish social worker and nurse, emerged as a beacon of hope. Operating through a secret network, Sendler courageously rescued more than 2,000 Jewish children from the ghetto. Despite being arrested, tortured, and sentenced to death in the infamous Pawiak prison, she remained steadfast, never revealing the whereabouts of those she saved. Historian Ralph Nurnberger sheds light on the extraordinary bravery of Irena Sendler, who risked everything for the children of the Warsaw Ghetto.

Thurs., Jan. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-076; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Depiction of the murder of Thomas Becket, ca. 1390, in the De Grey Hours

Houses on Howard Street (now South Van Ness Avenue), damaged by the 1906 earthquake

Irena Stanisława Sendler

The Roads to Rome

Routes for Conquest, Trade, and Creativity

Over the 2,000 years since many European roads were built, they have been walked by crusaders, dictators, writers, refugees, and artists. Historian Catherine Fletcher reveals how these roads have functioned as channels of trade and travel and routes for conquest and creativity, transforming cultures across Europe. Fletcher tells the stories of her travels from Scotland to Cádiz to Istanbul and Rome, sharing histories of nations and empires that have risen and fallen.

Her new book, The Roads to Rome: A History of Imperial Expansion (Simon & Schuster), is available for purchase.

Tues., Jan. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1CV-054; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

A Century of Tomorrows

How Imagining the Future Shapes the Present

For millennia, predicting the future was the province of priests, prophets, astrologers, and seers. Then, in the 20th century, futurologists emerged, arguing that data and design could make such forecasting a certainty. Historian Glenn Adamson offers insight into how the world was transformed by such forecasts of the future—whether in the imagining of new cities, the projection of novel technologies, or the pervasive anticipation of economic and political risks.

His new book, A Century of Tomorrows: How Imagining the Future Shapes the Present (Bloomsbury), is available for purchase.

Wed., Jan. 15, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-055; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe

Unraveling the Mysteries of Humanity’s Earliest Monuments

Three decades ago, archaeologist Klaus Schmidt and his colleagues found a buried treasure trove of megaliths at Göbekli Tepe in southeastern Turkey, some dating back more than 11,000 years—far older than any similar structures found elsewhere. These intricately carved pillars were adorned with sophisticated animal reliefs and mysterious symbols that suggest a complexity of thought and artistry previously unimagined for the Neolithic era. Since then, surrounding sites including Karahan Tepe have begun to share their secrets. Turkish tour guide Serif Yenen delves into the captivating stories of Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, and neighboring stone hills.

Wed., Jan. 22, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-426; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Langley and Manly and Orville and Wilbur

Who Would Be the First To Fly?

In the fall and early winter of 1903, two highly gifted, motivated, innovative, and courageous engineering teams were pushing toward a once-unimaginable goal: to be the first to fly. One was a pair of brothers—Orville and Wilbur Wright. The other was composed of a mentor, Dr. Samuel Langley, secretary of the Smithsonian, and his brilliant assistant, Charles Matthews Manly. While not officially a race, each team knew that the other was closing fast on solving the greatest engineering problem of the age. We know who won—but do we know why?

Writer and filmmaker Paul Glenshaw tells the story of the epic competition.

Wed., Jan. 22, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-539; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

First successful flight of the Wright Flyer by the Wright brothers in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Göbekli Tepe archaeological site in Sanliurfa, Turkey

Levittown

A Prototype Emerges

Early in 1947, hundreds of contiguous acres of Long Island, New York, were operating as potato farms. Before the end of that year, 350 new homes occupied part of the site. Four years later, Levittown was complete, with more than 17,000 homes, paved streets, utilities, schools, and shops.

Bill Keene, lecturer in urban studies and architecture, explores how developers such as the Levitts and other visionaries pioneered the creation of large-scale suburbs as he delves into this transformation that revolutionized residential and suburban planning.

Thurs., Jan. 23, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-056; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Lincoln vs. Davis Emancipation’s Roots in a Rivalry

Confronted with the most violent and challenging war ever waged on American soil, Abraham Lincoln appeared to be ill-suited to the task of outwitting his formidable opponent, Jefferson Davis. But he ultimately summoned the courage to issue as a “military necessity” a proclamation freeing the 3.5 million enslaved Americans without whom the South could neither feed nor fund their armed insurrection. The new policy doomed Davis’s rebellion—which was in dire need of support from Europe, none of whose governments would dare to recognize rebel “independence” in a war openly fought over slavery.

Presidential chronicler Nigel Hamilton discusses an untold story of the Civil War: how two Americans faced off as the fate of the nation hung in the balance—and how Lincoln came to embrace emancipation as the last best chance to save the Union. Copies of Hamilton’s book Lincoln vs. Davis (Little, Brown and Company) are available for purchase.

Tues., Jan. 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-613; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

How Horses Shaped Human History

Horses altered the course of human history, says archaeologist William T. Taylor He traces their origins and spread from the western Eurasian steppes and discusses their domestication, the invention of horse-drawn transportation, and the significant shift to mounted riding. Drawing on archaeozoology, Indigenous perspectives, ancient DNA, and other new research, Taylor highlights the discoveries that place the horse at the inception of globalization, trade, biological exchange, and social inequality.

His new book, Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History (University of California Press), is available for purchase.

Wed., Jan. 29, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-432; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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Levittown houses in 1958

The Hanoverians

The Germanic Invasion of the British Monarchy

When Queen Anne of Britain died in 1714, the question of royal succession became a matter of political drama. Her successor was George of Hanover—a distant relative who was unknown to the British people. Historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger follows the long and complicated reigns of the four kings named George, who overcame an uprising, navigated a Parliament seeking more power, and provided family drama equal to that of the Tudors. She also explores the long-term impact of the Hanoverians as their final monarch, Victoria, ushered the nation into the modern era.

Thurs., Jan 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-365; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Benedict Arnold Betrayal and Loyalty in the American Revolution

The name Benedict Arnold endures as the definition of a traitor. Alexander Hamilton spared no sympathy toward the Continental Army general’s spying for the British, calling it “the blackest treason” he could imagine.

The question of course is why did he do this? Historian Richard Bell surveys the life and times of the most famous turncoat in American history; the reasons for his treason; and the larger problems of betrayal and desertion that dogged the Continental Army throughout the War of Independence.

Thurs., Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-367; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Ancient Egypt’s A-List

Power, Empire, and Propaganda

Egypt, one of the superpowers of the ancient world, produced a culture and system of government that endured for more than 3,000 years. Its people believed in the reciprocal nature of divine rule: The king or queen ensured economic prosperity and defended against all threats. In return, the subjects were devoted to the royal family, comforted by the belief that divine wisdom and justice inspired their ruler. However, was that assumption a valid one?

Egyptologist Jacquelyn Williamson draws from recent archaeological evidence to examine four of Egypt’s most influential rulers—Khufu, Senwosret III, Tutankhamun, and Cleopatra—and the impact and darker aspects of their reigns.

Sat., Feb. 8, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-368; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

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.

Arms of the Hanoverian kings of the United Kingdom (1816–1837)

Black granite statues of the pharaoh Senwosret III, 12th dynasty, circa 1850 B.C.E.

Benedict Arnold by Thomas Hart

Fall Wine Adventures

NOV

California’s Central Coast

Spend two 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 Central Coast starts north of Los Angeles and stretches to just south of San Francisco. This is an area with many wine regions and a plethora of diverse terroirs unified by a shared spirit. Virtually every variety imaginable grows well somewhere in the Central Coast, so there is something for everyone. This delicious session explores some of the best wines of various styles and varieties the Central Coast has to offer.

DEC 13 Burgundy Like You’ve Never Experienced

Burgundy is one of the most complex and expansive wine regions on the planet. It is here that thousands of years of careful study of terroir have yielded an amazingly detailed and hyper-complicated classification system of wines, vines, and vineyards. This deep dive explores the how, why, and what of Burgundy. Taste some exciting wines from appellations that producers see as the future of their region.

Individual sessions: Fri., Nov. 15 (CODE 1L0-601); Fri., Dec. 13 (CODE 1L0-602); 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. Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 12–5 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.

Thinking About Philosophers

John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are influential philosophers who offered distinct perspectives on the nature of human beings, the origins of political authority, and the formation of societies. Georgetown professor Joseph Hartman explores both of these thinkers in individual lectures.

NOV 6 Contemplating Locke

DEC 4 Contemplating Rousseau

Individual sessions: Wed., Nov. 6 (CODE 1J0-394B); Wed., Dec. 4 (CODE 1J0-394C); 6:45 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

John Locke Jean-Jacques Rousseau

TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

2024–2025 Season

The 48th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society features musical masterpieces from the late-16th to the early 21st centuries, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments. The repertoire ranges from acclaimed masterpieces to obscure gems by all-but-forgotten composers.

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 many of the programs, shedding light on the glorious music and the lives and times of the featured composers. Concerts take place in the National Museum of American History’s intimate Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill.

For a full season overview visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/scms

The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati

Sat., Dec. 14, 3:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, 3:30 p.m.

Schubert: Quartet in G Minor, D173

Mozart: Quintet in C Major, K515

Mendelssohn: Quintet in B-flat Major, Op. 87 with guest violist Joan DerHovsepian

Masterworks of Five Centuries

Sat., Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 3, 3:30 p.m.

Music of Orlando Gibbons and William Byrd

The Smithsonian Consort of Viols

Kenneth Slowik, Arnie Tanimoto, Ryan Cheng, Catherine Slowik, and Chelsea Bernstein

Sat., Nov. 23, 3:30 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 24, 3:30 p.m.

Austrian Music From the Time of Leopold I Works by Heinrich Biber, Johann Schmelzer, and Johannes Schenck

The Smithsonian Chamber Players

Edwin Huizinga and Manami Mizumoto, violins; Kenneth Slowik, Rebecca Landell, Catherine Slowik, Lily Schrantz, viols; Lucas Harris, theorbo; Webb Wiggins, organ and harpsichord

New this season: Select concerts take place at 3:30 p.m. For concert schedules, repertoire, individual concert registrations, and bonus offerings for subscribers visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/scms

All programs and artists subject to change. Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Kenneth Slowik, James Dunham, Marc Destrubé, and Mark Fewer

The Smithsonian Consort of Viols

Baritone Mischa Bouvier, guest soloist in March

Winter Wine Adventures

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

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.

JAN 24 A Tour of America’s West Coast Wine Regions

Many consider the West Coast to be the epicenter of fine wine. Indeed Washington, Oregon, and California produce some of the world’s most highly coveted wines. This in-depth exploration includes tastings of some of the best wines from the upper Pacific Northwest to lower California and all points in between.

FEB 21 Wines of Campania: Where Fire Meets Water on Italy’s Amalfi Coast

There are few more beautiful wine regions than Campania, a gorgeous stretch of volcanic coastline that includes Capri and the Amalfi and Positano coasts. Home to the now-extinct Mount Vesuvius stratovolcano, the mineral-rich soils of this magical region coupled with proximity to the Mediterranean are the most significant factors influencing the distinctive terroir. From fresh, bright, and mineral whites like Falanghina, Greco, and Fiano to the intense and brooding reds like Aglianico and Piedirosso, there’s something for everyone here.

MAR 21 A Global Celebration of Women in Wine

It is scientifically proven that women have better senses of taste and smell than men, so it should come as no surprise that some of the most delicious and coveted wines in the world are made by them. In celebration of Women’s History Month, explore a delicious selection of wines made or managed by some of the most important women in the industry. This global tasting is sure to surprise and delight as we raise a glass to the women who are changing the wine world for the better.

3-session series: Fri., Jan 24, Fri., Feb. 21, and Fri., March 21, 6 p.m.; CODE WINE2025; Members $180; Nonmembers $210

Individual sessions: Fri., Jan. 24 (CODE 1L0-615); Fri., Feb. 21 (CODE 1L0-616); Fri., March 21 (CODE 1L0-617); 6 p.m.; Members $70; Nonmembers $80

In Person

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

2024–2025 Concert Series

Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 34-year history as one of the crown jewels of the National Museum of American History.

Sun., Dec. 15 | Jazz and the Armed Services

In the 1910s, First Lieutenant James Reese Europe infused elements of jazz into military music, and today most branches have an official jazz ensemble. SJMO’s season-opening concert salutes military jazz bands and the role they play in inspiring American troops; fostering patriotic support; and promoting national interests at home and abroad. The program includes “Memphis Blues” by W.C. Handy and Carl Wolfe; “American Patrol” by E.H. Meacham and Glenn Miller; and the “Armed Forces Medley.”

Sat., Feb. 15 | Claude Thornhill and the Subtle Side of Jazz

Making its debut in 1940, the Claude Thornhill Orchestra introduced a new and innovative texture to Big-Band jazz. In contrast to the established orchestras of the era—including those of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, and Duke Ellington—Thornhill’s ensemble introduced “cool” to the genre with its unconventional instrumentation. The concert includes selections including “Jeru” by Gerry Mulligan; “Buster’s Last Stand” by Gil Evans; and “Snowfall” by Claude Thornhill.

Sun., April 6 | Jazz at the Cotton Club

Harlem’s Cotton Club opened its doors to jazz from 1923 to 1940. Launching the careers of Jimmie Lunceford, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and many others, this uptown cabaret was instrumental in providing a home base for orchestras cultivating the fabric of modern music. SJMO features music from these legendary big bands including “The Mooche” by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills; “Harlem Camp Meeting” by Harry White and Cab Calloway; and “Organ Grinder’s Swing” by Will Hudson, Mitchell Parish, and Irving Mills.

Sat., June 14 | Jazz Rides the Rails

Led by A. Philip Randolph, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was organized in 1925 to fight the substandard treatment and working conditions of African Americans in Pullman car service. To celebrate the centennial of this historic railroad labor union—the first of its kind—SJMO presents music highlighting railroads across America. Concert selections include “Last Train from Overbrook” by James Moody; “Blues in the Night” by Harold Arlen; and “9:20 Special” by Earle Warren, Bill Engvick and Jack Palmer.

Individual concerts: Sun., Dec. 15 (CODE 1P0-869); Sat., Feb. 15 (CODE 1P0-870); Sun., April 6 (CODE 1P0-871); Sat., June 14 (CODE 1P0-872); Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Please note: All concerts feature the full orchestra and take place at 7 p.m. at Baird Auditorium in the National Museum of Natural History. Program content is subject to change.

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert

Charlie Young

High School Classics Revisited

Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, revisits and provides new perspectives on works that typically appear on high school reading lists.

Ethan Frome

Published in 1911 by Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome tells a story of intense love and the yearning for a better life amid the harsh landscape and restrictive social mores of rural Starkfield, Massachusetts. Luzzi explores the gorgeous prose and probing social analysis of Wharton’s novel, which offers insights on issues of gender, notions of class, and representations of desire and sexuality. He also discusses how Wharton’s sophisticated narrative techniques create an aesthetic complexity that contributes to the work’s standing as a classic of American literature.

Thurs., Nov. 14, 6 p.m.; CODE 1J0-409; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Beloved

A searing account of a former slave woman, Sethe, and her relationship to a mysterious figure whom she associates with her lost daughter, Toni Morrison’s Beloved provides insight into the horrors of slavery as well as the ways in which past personal trauma can continue to haunt the present. Luzzi considers the cultural, historical, and social issues in the novel; explores the brilliance of Morrison’s prose; and explains how and why she emerged as one of the most important American novelists of the last half century.

Mon., Dec. 9, 6 p.m.; CODE 1J0-415 Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Catch-22

Ever since its publication in 1961, Joseph Heller’s satirical novel Catch-22 has been a beloved classic for generations of readers, especially during the turbulent 1960s, when its depictions of the atrocities of war captured the attention of Vietnam War protesters. Luzzi guides participants through the literary techniques and key themes that give Heller’s work its enduring appeal, especially its astonishing use of humor and piercing psychological insights.

Thurs., Nov. 21, 6 p.m.; CODE 1J0-410; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Othello

Few of Shakespeare’s tragedies are as admired today as his theatrical masterpiece Othello from around 1603. Luzzi delves into the play’s key elements, including its representations of race, inquiry into human emotions (especially jealousy), and powerful poetic language. He pays special attention to how Othello illuminates historical issues of its time, in particular, European contact with non-Christian cultures and the age’s anxieties over “otherness” in all its forms.

Tues., Dec. 17, 6 p.m.; CODE 1J0-417; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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In Person

Bobby Flay: Chapter One

Chef, author, and TV personality Bobby Flay has received the James Beard Award, made appearances on dozens of Food Network programs, and written 18 best-selling cookbooks. His latest, Bobby Flay: Chapter One (Clarkson Potter), compiles 100 of his recipes for home cooks as well as tales of his restaurant ventures, memorable TV spots, and stories behind the dishes.

Join Flay as he shares insights into his remarkable life and career, offering a behindthe-scenes glimpse into the culinary world that shaped him. Copies of his new book are available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Bold Fork Books.

Fri., Nov. 1, 6:45 p.m.; Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History; CODE 1D0-070; Members $25; Nonmembers $30; Members + book $80; Nonmembers + book $85

Christina Tosi’s Bake Club

Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi started Bake Club at the height of the pandemic, and ever since she and her followers have been gathering on social media and getting busy in the kitchen. The recipes from these sessions are featured in a new book, Bake Club.

Designed for baking newbies and seasoned pros, the cookbook covers all the categories of the baking universe and empowers home bakers to just have fun and dispel all the misconceptions about baking. Join Tosi in conversation with chef and author Pati Jinich as she discusses what Bake Club means to her and shares recipes from the book and a few baking tips along the way.

Copies of Bake Club (Knopf) are available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Bold Fork Books.

Sat., Nov. 16, 4 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1L0-607; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

In the French Kitchen: Yesterday and Today

French gastronomy has long been the benchmark for the world’s finest cuisine, one rooted in a national heritage that has always focused (sometimes obsessively) on everything that is put on the table. Susan Herrmann Loomis, author, cooking teacher, and French culinary expert, leads a lively tour through the centuries that showcases the rich history of a unique and beloved cuisine and the influences that shaped it. From the roots of foie gras (surprisingly, in Egypt) to buttery croissants (merci, Marie Antoinette), she unlocks the mysteries and delights of a selection of iconic foods and their origins and why they remain favorites—and shares how to make a few of them.

Tues., Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-359; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

War and Peace: Unfolding Tolstoy’s Epic Novel

Many consider Leo Tolstoy’s epic 19th-century War and Peace, the story of the Napoleonic Wars in Russia, to be the greatest novel ever written. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, leads participants through an in-depth consideration of the themes, historical issues, literary elements, and cultural conditions that give Tolstoy’s work its legendary aura.

He pays close attention to how questions about religion, the representation of warfare, Tolstoy’s theories on history, and his brilliant understanding of human emotion—especially love—make this novel as relevant today as when it appeared.

Sat., Nov. 2, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-405; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

In Person

Christina Tosi

Bobby Flay

The Battle of Austerlitz by FrançoisPascal-Simon Gérard, 1805

Susan Herrmann Loomis

Gobsmacked: The British Invasion of American English

Have you ever wondered why scores of British words and phrases—such as one-off, kerfuffle, and easy peasy—have been enthusiastically taken up in the United States? Drawing from his new book, Gobsmacked!: The British Invasion of American English (Princeton University Press), writer Ben Yagoda takes a deep dive into the most popular British terms in the United States today. As he explores why Americans have embraced British insults and curses, sports terms, and words about food and drinks, he tackles grammar, pronunciation, and British expressions that are often misconstrued. Yagoda’s book is available for purchase.

Mon., Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-011; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

All Shook Up

Hollywood Learns to Rock

Rock music exploded on the big screen in 1955 when Bill Haley & His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock” played behind the opening credits of Blackboard Jungle. Teenagers responded to the inclusion of the song with wild enthusiasm, and Hollywood began to recognize the power of the teen audience. Soon the studios unleashed a series of films featuring rock and R&B musicians performing their hits as the soundtrack to movies about rebellious high schoolers, daredevil hot-rodders, and antics-prone college students. Media historian Brian Rose looks at rock movies’ first decade and how Hollywood benefited from the power of this music.

Thurs., Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-408; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Philosophical Counseling: Philosophy as Psychotherapy

Elvis Presley in a promotion shot for Jailhouse Rock in 1957

The word “psychotherapy” is derived from the Greek psyche, meaning soul, and therapiea, meaning healing. Thus, psychotherapy is “soul healing,” the term used by ancient philosophers to describe important functions of philosophical reflection: to help people live a good life, seek answers to vexing personal questions, and bring their souls into consonance with the nature of existence. Philosophical counselor Samir Chopra explores the history of philosophy understood as therapy in ancient and modern traditions and explains the methods of modern philosophical counseling.

Tues., Nov. 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-052; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Beyond the “New Hollywood” Directors of the 1970s

Many film scholars argue that the 1970s were the greatest decade of film, focusing on the mavericks of “New Hollywood” such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg. But Washington City Paper film critic Noah Gittell looks beyond them to find a decade of dazzling variety.

Hear about the mainstream successes of Hal Ashby, Alan J. Pakula, and Michael Ritchie; blazing female talents like Barbara Loden and Elaine May; experimental masters John Cassavetes and David Lynch; pioneers of the German New Wave Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Werner Herzog; and blaxploitation directors Gordon Parks and Melvin van Peebles.

Wed., Nov. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-412; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Samir Chopra

SARAII HAEFELE

The Films of Peter Bogdanovich

In the early 1970s, film director Peter Bogdanovich stood out among his youthful Easy Rider–era “New Hollywood” contemporaries. While other filmmakers shook up the studio system with pessimistic counterculture films, the nostalgic Bogdanovich emulated studio productions (and legendary Hollywood directors) of a bygone era in smash hits that include The Last Picture Show, What’s Up, Doc?, and the bittersweet masterwork Paper Moon

Once Bogdanovich followed these hits with a trio of commercial failures, journalists and industry rivals went into destructive overdrive to cut the boy wonder down to size. Film historian Max Alvarez argues against Bogdanovich’s so-called decline after Paper Moon and presents bountiful evidence of the stylistic and narrative skill reflected throughout the career of this outstanding filmmaker.

Tues., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-526; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

Noël Coward, Master of All

Handel’s Messiah A Musical Expression of Hope

George Frideric Handel’s Messiah arguably the greatest piece of participatory art ever created—is a work of triumphant joy that was born in an age of anxiety. Britain in the early 18th century was a time of war, political conspiracy, enslavement, and conflicts over everything from the legitimacy of government to the meaning of truth.

Historian Charles King unearths the astonishing backstory to a beloved classic and the tortured lives and times that made a musical monument to hope. His new book, Every Valley: The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times that Made Handel’s Messiah (Doubleday), is available for purchase.

Wed., Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-841; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Enigmatic, supremely sophisticated, and dazzlingly funny, Sir Noël Coward bestrode the canyon between patriotism and satire with more brilliance than almost anyone else. Hailed as “The Master,” he achieved wild success in every creative area he touched: composing, writing, directing, acting, cabaret performance, and even painting. Throughout his six-decade career Coward cultivated an international image of himself as the embodiment of English manners and refinement, and he had a profound effect on how the British saw themselves as a nation.

Pianist and popular speaker Rachel Franklin leads a joyful excursion through some fabulous Cowardly classics, including his play Blithe Spirit, songs such as “Mad Dogs and Englishmen,” and movies such as In Which We Serve and The Italian Job

Thurs, Nov. 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-524; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

John Huston

The Director Who Would Be King

The memorable films of John Huston are difficult to categorize. There were noir-ish thrillers; rugged dramatic adventures; stylistic and stylized biographies; adaptations of challenging literary and theatrical works; and even occasional comedies. For 46 years he masterfully navigated the Hollywood system, offsetting conventional commercial assignments with uncompromising personal projects. Huston’s films are stories of triumph and suffering, of anti-heroes and sociopaths, alcoholics, adventurers, and lusty rebels.

Huston was a larger-than-life figure whose Hemingwayesque legend sometimes threatens to overshadow his cinematic achievements. Film historian Max Alvarez celebrates them in a tribute to one of cinema’s greatest directing artisans.

Tues., Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-541; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Peter Bogdanovich

George Frideric Handel

Noël Coward performing for sailors aboard the HMS Victorious, 1944

John Huston as Noah Cross in 1974’s Chinatown

Uncovering the Mysteries of Flamenco

Discover the most significant, intriguing, and mysterious aspects of what UNESCO has declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage: the passionate musical and dance form of flamenco. Flamenco can be wrenchingly emotional or laugh-out-loud funny. It can also seem intimidating to new fans.

Using film and audio clips, photos, and insights from flamenco aficionados past and present including Federico García Lorca and Penélope Cruz, flamenco scholar Nancy G. Heller introduces the basic elements and vocabulary of flamenco music and dance, demystifying and enhancing the experience for audiences. Focusing on traditional flamenco, she also traces the innovations of the contemporary avant-garde performers who challenge long-established ideas about appropriate instrumentation, costuming, narratives, and gender identity. Mon., Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-356; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Private Gardens of Philadelphia

A Return Visit

The Philadelphia region boasts a great wealth of exceptional gardens, both public and private. Nicole Juday, author of Private Gardens of Philadelphia, again 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.

She follows up her previous look at the region’s notable gardens with five new locations, ranging from small urban jewel boxes to vast estates. Juday offers stunning photos and reveals the stories of the fascinating people who created these gardens, often under challenging conditions.

Wed., Nov. 20, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-111; Members $25; Nonmember $30

W. B. Yeats and the Ireland of His Time

William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, was a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival, the cultural movement that preceded the country’s political independence from Britain. Influenced by important English poetic precursors, Yeats later became immersed in Irish material and political realities, transforming his style from ornate mysticism to acute social commentary. In his extraordinary late work these elements combine with personal preoccupations to create some of the most memorable images in modern literature.

Lucy Collins, editor of the Irish University Review and an associate professor at University College Dublin, explores the cultural politics of early 20th-century Ireland as the crucible within which Yeats’ work was formed and examines how the political and the personal combine in some of his greatest poems.

Wed., Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-843; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Celebrating Robert Frost: An American Poet

More than 50 years after his death, Robert Frost remains one of the most beloved and critically respected poets of all time. Winner of four Pulitzer Prizes, Frost was a groundbreaking artist and cultural icon, a rural sage who became America’s “national poet.” His poetry suggested how small encounters between the individual and the natural world could often be construed as metaphors for the larger themes of the human condition.

Author Daniel Stashower delves into Frost’s life and legacy as he journeys down the road less traveled with one of America’s great originals, and actor Scott Sedar brings the poet’s words to life with readings from his most celebrated works.

Thurs., Jan. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-078; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

W. B. Yeats

Classical Sounds of Christmas

From sleigh bells and sugarplums to the mystical beauties of the Nativity, December is alive with the music of Christmas. Popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin revisits this most beloved holiday repertory, picking additional selections to explore how classical Western composers created a canon of both secular and sacred experiences that are now deeply rooted in our collective expectations of the season.

Join Franklin as she unwraps the stories behind works by composers including Bach, Handel, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky, Francisco Guerrero, Rimsky-Korsakov, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Humperdinck, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, and many others.

2-session series: Thurs., Dec. 5 and 12, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website, CODE 1K0-528; Members $50; Nonmembers $60

Chilling Holiday Folklore

These days, the December holidays usually center on joyous magic and celebrations of the good in the world. Traditionally, however, the winter season also ushers in the terrors of the dark and the cold, teaching us to bar doors and whisper warnings. Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman explore an array of chilling holiday folklore from around the world, beginning with the German Krampus who visits children who don’t make the “nice” list. Hear tales of the Icelandic Jólakötturinn, a gigantic cat that devours naughty children, and learn how to best the Welsh Mari Lwyd, a skeletal horse with a taste for song and poetry.

Thurs., Dec. 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-420; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

A Modern Epic: Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude

Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude consistently makes the lists of the “best novels of the 20th century.” With Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, explore the novel’s depiction of the colonial experience, its use of magical realism, the role of the supernatural in the narrative, and the qualities that give the book’s language its beauty and inventiveness.

Solitude

Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-414; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

In Person

Tea Traditions of Taiwan

A Taste of the Alishan Region

Tea and the ritual of its consumption are an integral part of life in Taiwan, and the southwestern region of Alishan is home to the producers of some of the most sought-after teas in the world, including oolongs. Tea connoisseur Hung, Chung-Lun delves into the significance of the tea ceremony and brings Alishan to life, describing its verdant tea farms, high mountains, and ancient forests. He concludes by performing a traditional tea ceremony. Following the program, enjoy a reception with a tasting of regional Alishan teas.

Fri., Dec. 6, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1T0-013; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

Presented in partnership with the Taiwan Tourism Administration

Brittany Warman and Sara Cleto

Hung, Chung-Lun

GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ

Hundred Years of

The Food of the Indian American Diaspora

What is Indian food in America today? Food writer and journalist Khushbu Shah answers the question in her new cookbook, Amrikan: 125 Recipes from the Indian American Diaspora. Drawing on her Indian American background, her travels in the United States, and the history and food-adaptation patterns of Indian immigrants, she showcases how Indian American food has its own unique identity.

The dishes in Amrikan (UM-ree-kan—it’s “American” with a South Asian accent) are neither fully Indian nor fully American in their origin, reflected in recipes as diverse as saag paneer lasagna and Keralan fried chicken sandwiches. In conversation with Helen Rosner, food writer at The New Yorker, Shah discusses the inspiration behind the book and some of her favorite recipes.

Copies of Amrikan (W.W. Norton & Company) are available for purchase, courtesy of Bold Fork Books.

Mon., Dec. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-610; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Radio City Music Hall: Forever Spectacular

When the doors of Radio City Music Hall opened in 1932, New Yorkers entered a new world: a dazzling Art Deco fantasy of an entertainment palace far removed from the drab realities of the Great Depression. With its Hollywood films and lavish stage shows, what came to be known as “The Showplace of the Nation” has given generations of audiences a place to escape from the everyday and dream.

Actor Tim Dolan, owner of Broadway Up Close tours in New York City, explores the Music Hall’s stories, secrets, traditions, and trivia, illustrated by rare photos that bring its excitement and glamour to life. He surveys the history of this iconic theater; the origins of the beloved Christmas Spectacular, in which the Rockettes have been kicking up their heels since 1933; and the equally spectacular Rockefeller Center holiday tree lighting. Mon., Dec. 9, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-108; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Art and Science of Joy

The disappointments, challenges, and sorrows of life—layoffs, divorce, anxiety over the state of the world, illness, and the death of a loved one—can leave us hurting and isolated. Journalist Steven Petrow has lived through all these and arrived at a surprising conclusion: Joy is always present in our everyday routines, in ties to those we care about, even in our grief. We can learn to find joy in the darkest of days, he says. All we need is a road map.

In a conversation with Todd Doughty, author of Little Pieces of Hope: Happy-Making Things in a Difficult World, Petrow draws on personal experiences, research, and interviews with experts to describe the many expressions of joy and how to find, cultivate, and share it.

His new book, The Joy You Make: Find the Silver Linings—Even on Your Darkest Days (The Open Field), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Dec. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-535; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Jaggery and fennel Rice Krispie treats

Khushbu Shah

Interior of Radio City Music Hall

Steven Petrow

Rockin’ TV

From Elvis to the Monkees

The Library as Refuge and Labyrinth

In 15th-century Europe, members of the cultural elite, including Petrarch, Machiavelli, and Montaigne, assembled personal libraries as refuges from persecutions and pandemics. These were known as Renaissance studiolos (or “little studios”). Andrew Hui, associate professor of literature at Yale-NUS College, Singapore, tells the story of these spaces dedicated to self-cultivation and reveals how they became both a remedy and a poison for the soul. He also draws parallels with our age of information surplus.

Hui’s new book, The Study: The Inner Life of Renaissance Libraries (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Dec. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-422; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Beginning in the mid-1950s, rock music found a surprising home on mainstream television. Programs hosted by Milton Berle, Steve Allen, and Ed Sullivan featured a variety of rock musicians, including Bill Haley & the Comets, Fats Domino, and especially Elvis Presley, who appeared on all three shows to galvanic response. Then the appearance of the Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964 changed the face of pop culture, leading to an explosion of televised rock, from prime-time variety shows like “Shindig” to the sitcom antics of “The Monkees.”

Media historian Brian Rose presents a lively survey of how rock and television grew up together. Mon., Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-416; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Monkees, 1966

Rodgers and Hammerstein

80 Years of Something Wonderful

Craftsmen, dramatists, perfectionists, melodists, and unlikely partners, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II not only changed the American musical, they changed us too. Now their songs of love and heartbreak, walking through a storm, a beautiful morning, paradises lost and found, and being human are always there beside us.

Filmmaker and cultural historian Sara Lukinson offers an abundant sampling of clips—including selections from such shows as Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music—in a moving and joyful evening that celebrates the magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Tues., Dec. 17, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-533; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II

Screamin’ and Hollerin’ in The Sound and the Fury

Faulkner’s Masterpiece and the Mississippi Delta Blues

In September 1929, four weeks before William Faulkner published The Sound and the Fury, the singersongwriter Charley Patton released a record with the eerily parallel title “Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues.” In radically different media—avant-garde Modernist fiction and popular African American folk song—Faulkner and Patton mobilized similar imagery, language, themes, and experimental formal devices to depict their shared Mississippi world.

Tim A. Ryan, author of Yoknapatawpha Blues: Faulkner’s Fiction and Southern Roots Music, explores the provocative and illuminating relationships between The Sound and the Fury and Patton’s Mississippi Delta blues—as well as Faulkner’s complicated and often-conflicted lifelong engagements with Black musical traditions.

Tues., Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-846; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Your Medical Data, For Sale

Most people realize that Internet platforms such as Google and Facebook gather vast amounts of personal data to target advertising and products. Fewer know that the health care system also scoops up our most intimate medical secrets to sell commercially to companies that have nothing to do with our treatment or billing.

Adam Tanner, an associate at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science and author of Our Bodies, Our Data: How Companies Make Billions Selling Our Medical Records, examines how this lucrative international business extends to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and insurers—and even labs that test blood and conduct other deeply revealing tests. Tanner offers insights into how we can best balance the promise big data offers to advance medicine and improve lives while preserving the rights and interests of every patient.

Wed., Jan. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-116; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Glory of Russian Masterworks

Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev: Russia has provided us with some of the most exciting and original music in the repertoire today. Vibrant colors, explosive energy, and passionate emotional drive characterize the works of these composers. Yet this tradition seemed to spring from nowhere barely 150 years ago, expanding meteorically in breadth and national confidence over an amazingly short period.

As she explores the riches of Russian concert works, popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin combines lecture and piano demonstrations to also trace the turbulent historical movements that acted both as backdrop and engine for this fascinating musical evolution.

6-session series: Thurs., Jan. 9–Feb. 13, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-538; Members $150; Nonmembers $170

Charley Patton, 1929

Sergei Rachmaninoff in 1910

Mary Pickford

Hollywood’s Star System and How It Works

From Mary Pickford to Meryl Streep

For more than a century, Hollywood has relied on star power as the most reliable way to draw an audience. Media historian Brian Rose traces the history of movie stardom, from the days when film actors weren’t even identified by name to when Mary Pickford became the first real film star, and on to the Golden Age when Hollywood manufactured stars like Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Lana Turner. He explains how actors like Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and Denzel Washington ushered in a new definition of stardom during the last few decades.

Mon., Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-421; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Further Explorations in Music Theory

With conductor Ernest Johnson

This advanced course builds on Introduction to Music Theory and is intended for individuals who read music and can visually and aurally identify the basic elements of pitch, rhythm, and form. Using audio and score examples from many musical genres, content includes an analysis of melody and harmony in greater depth and detail and includes weekly assignments in ear-training, sight-reading (singing with solfege), improvisation, and composition, as well as instructor-led musical dictation. Computer software is introduced to notate compositional assignments, including a subscription to the Noteflight Learn instructional software program. Limited to 25 participants.

8-session series: Wed., Jan. 15–March 12, 6:30 p.m. (no class March 5); detailed program information on website; CODE 1P0873; Members $235; Nonmembers $260

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Chinese Oracle Bones

There are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. each one offering a glimpse into the evolution of complex civilizations, empires, and religions. In this monthly series, historian Justin M. Jacobs gives an in-depth overview of both well-known and lesser-known locations.

Paleolithic Cave Art

The prehistoric art painted on the walls and ceilings of the caves at Altamira in Spain and Lascaux and Chauvet in France offer tantalizing clues about the origins of humankind and the development of abstract thought. Jacobs analyzes recurring motifs and patterns in Paleolithic cave art, examines why and how such images were created, and revisits some of the leading theories about their meaning.

Thurs., Jan. 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-425; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The oracle bones (ox bones and tortoise shells used for divination) found in Yinxu represent the earliest surviving records of Chinese script and have yielded unique insights into customs during the reign of the Shang dynasty. Jacobs recounts the history of the accidental discovery of what was once thought to be dragon bones and provides a new picture of Chinese civilization at the dawn of history—one filled with human sacrifice, communion with the supernatural world, and powerful women involved in military campaigns. Wed., Feb. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-431; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Conductor Ernest Johnson

Bison Magdalenian polychrome rock painting, the Altamira caves

Oracle bone with inscription

Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady

The Great Anglo-American Novel

Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady from 1880–81 is considered one of the greatest works in American literature, though its American-born author, Henry James, lived for long stretches in Europe, particularly England. Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, offers a fresh look at this enduring classic by examining James’ gorgeous use of language, his profound understanding of human psychology, and his keen insights into differences in national and cultural traditions. Luzzi also discusses James’ gift for literary characterization, especially with his protagonist, Isabel Archer, one of the most compelling personalities in literature.

Sat., Jan. 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-427; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

In Person

A Dinner at Moon Rabbit

Celebrating Lunar New Year

The nationally celebrated Moon Rabbit restaurant in Washington, D.C., features modern cuisine that salutes and reinterprets regional Vietnamese dishes. Chef Kevin Tien, a 2024 James Beard Award finalist, oversees a menu that features cutting-edge takes on classic favorites, with an homage to his mother’s and grandmother’s recipes.

Tien’s menu specially designed for Smithsonian Associates’ guests also has a family inspiration. It celebrates the Lunar New Year, a time when Vietnamese families gather over food to honor their ancestors, review the past year, and pray for health and prosperity in the coming one.

The ticket price includes a four-course dinner and non-alcoholic drinks. Wine, beer, and cocktails are not included but can be ordered separately.

Sun., Jan. 26, 6 p.m.; CODE 1L0-614; Moon Rabbit, 927 F St. NW; Members $150; Nonmembers $175;

Masterworks of Chamber Music: Intimate Beauties

Chamber music, perhaps the most subtle and intimate form of musical expression, has inspired many great composers to create some of their most sublime works. Originally designed for the private enjoyment of its players in a drawing room, it is now heard in recital and concert halls throughout the world.

Classical music and opera expert Saul Lilienstein explores and analyzes some of the chamber repertoire’s greatest masterworks by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Dvorak, Bartok, and Shostakovich. Each weekly talk is highlighted by music and video recordings.

5-session series: Tues., Jan. 28–Feb. 25, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-364; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

Saul Lilienstein

Can Money Buy Happiness?

Buddhist and Western Perspectives

Modern critics of free-market capitalism have long complained that it promotes economic growth at the expense of virtue and happiness. But does the capitalist model for alleviating poverty force us to choose between the useful and the good? Is some measure of unhappiness simply the price we pay for human progress?

Though it may seem an unlikely source, the Buddhist tradition offers us a useful conceptual framework for thinking about this question, asserts Steven M. Emmanuel, chair of the philosophy department at Virginia Wesleyan University. He finds many places in the canonical literature where the Buddha speaks directly to the benefits and the dangers of wealth acquisition as it pertains to happiness. These texts describe an ennobling form of economic activity that is not only compatible with moral and spiritual growth but promotes the conditions for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy society.

Wed., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-557; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Bhagavad Gita

Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most beloved sacred texts of the world. Graham M. Schweig, a professor of religion and published translator of the Bhagavad Gita, illuminates some of the exquisite passages in this Hindu philosophical poem and examines their rich narrative context.

He provides an overview of the story behind the text and its major themes and reveals how a work created around the 2nd century addresses the universal problems of the human condition today: the intrinsically conflicted soul and the mix of happiness and suffering, goodness and evil, and beauty and horror the world holds.

Tues., Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-366; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

With a Song in My Heart A History of Singing in the Movies

From the moment movies learned to talk, they learned to sing. Audiences in 1927 were electrified when they heard Al Jolson belting out top tunes of the day in The Jazz Singer, and since then great vocalists have been star attractions in Hollywood musicals. The film industry showcased performers like Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, and Frank Sinatra with creative techniques ranging from elaborate production numbers to imaginative camerawork. Media historian Brian Rose looks at the ways Hollywood has captured its star vocalists and provided an invaluable record of indelible performances.

Wed., Feb. 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-430; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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.

Buddha Daibutsu, Kamakura, Japan

A 19th-century illustrated Sanskrit manuscript from the Bhagavad Gita, composed ca. 400 B.C.E.–200 B.C.E.

Lena Horne singing "Why Was I Born?" in the film Till the Clouds Roll By (1946)

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

Hidden in the Heavens NASA’s Kepler Mission

Are we alone in the universe? Do other Earth-like planets orbit other stars in the Milky Way? In 2009, NASA launched the Kepler space telescope to answer these questions. What was found contradicted centuries of theoretical and observational work and transformed our understanding of planets, planetary systems, and the stars they orbit.

Jason Steffen, a former member of the science team for NASA’s Kepler mission, offers a unique inside account of the team’s work, mapping its progress from the launch of the rocket that carried Kepler into space to the revelations of the data that began to flow to the supercomputer back at NASA— evidence of strange new worlds unlike anything found in our own solar system.

Steffen’s book, Hidden in the Heavens: How the Kepler Mission’s Quest for New Planets Changed How We View Our Own (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Mon., Nov. 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-068; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The World of Carnivorous Plants

Understanding Dinosaur Behavior

Our understanding of dinosaur behavior has long been hampered by the inevitable lack of evidence about animals who went extinct more than 65 million years ago. But with the discovery of new specimens and the development of cutting-edge techniques, paleontologists are making huge advances in reconstructing how dinosaurs lived and acted.

Paleontologist David Hone provides a look at dinosaur biology, diversity, and evolution and describes behavior from feeding and communication to reproduction and combat. His new book, Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior: What They Did and How We Know (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Nov. 7, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-407; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Be careful when you next go into your garden: It’s full of killers. You may be familiar with carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap, sundew, or pitcher plant, but a surprising number of plants could be classified as carnivorous—including your geraniums and potentillas. Many true carnivorous plants have surprisingly good relationships with insects. Some pitcher plants feed ants and give them a secure home, others are complete miniature ecosystems, homes for creatures ranging from mosquitoes to frogs.

Steve Nicholls, a wildlife filmmaker with a lifelong interest in botany and horticulture who has produced and directed several films on carnivorous plants, examines this amazing natural world in intimate detail.

Mon., Nov. 4, 12 p.m., CODE 1K0-521; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates

What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A

Kepler mission Delta II liftoff

Rediscovering Lucy: Our Fossil Forebearer

The discovery in 1974 of the fossil skeleton known as Lucy was a monumental event in human origins research. To mark its 50th anniversary, learn more about this 3.2-million-year-old find and the significance of Lucy’s species, Australopithecus afarensis, from paleoanthropologist Rick Potts, head of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program and the Peter Buck chair in human origins at the National Museum of Natural History.

Then hear from paleo-artist John Gurche, who reconstructed Lucy’s body for the museum’s David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins. He illustrates how he built it and why the face, hands, and feet of the species are unlike those of any human or ape living today. He also explains the ways in which comparative anatomy can be used to reconstruct an extinct form, such as bringing Lucy back to life.

Tues., Dec. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-609; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

What the Chicken Knows

More than celebrity connects Harry and Megan with Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, and Lady Gaga: They all keep chickens, and theirs are among some 10 million home flocks in the U.S. today. For more than two decades, naturalist, adventurer, and author Sy Montgomery nurtured a flock of her own. Each of her backyard birds had an individual personality (outgoing or shy, loud or quiet, reckless or cautious) and connected with her in their own way.

Drawing on personal stories and science, Montgomery offers a look at traits that make a chicken a feathered phenomenon—such as walking, running, and pecking only hours after leaving the egg; the ability to create relationships, remember the past, and anticipate the future; and communicating information through at least 24 distinct calls.

“Owl” Night Long

Montgomery’s newest book, What the Chicken Knows: A New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird (Atria Books), is available for purchase.

Wed., Dec. 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-536; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Exploring the Ultimate Nocturnal Avian Predator

Much folklore surrounds owls. To some, they symbolize wisdom. To others, they are harbingers of death. To the naturalist, they are one of the most finely honed predators the world has ever known. Why do owls fly silently? What exactly is an owl pellet? Can owls really turn their heads completely around? Find the answers to these intriguing questions as master falconer Robert Johnson delves into the evolutionary and behavioral adaptations that make owls so extraordinary in the animal kingdom.

Thurs., Jan. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-423; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Sy Montgomery

A lifelike reconstruction of Lucy by John Gurche

The Geology of Georgia O’Keeffe’s New Mexico

The dramatic landscapes of northern New Mexico captivated Georgia O’Keeffe and were often depicted in her work. The artist had homes in Abiquiu, in the Rio Grande rift, and Ghost Ranch, situated on the edge of the scenic Colorado Plateau. Though separated by just 20 miles, they are worlds apart from a geologic perspective.

New Mexico geologist Kirt Kempter examines the history of the area, which spans more than 300 million years and includes rock layers from ancient rivers, oceans, and sand dunes and also surveys the forces that shaped its modern landscape.

Mon., Jan. 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-117; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Recent Discoveries in the Deep Dark Oxygen, the Rare Biosphere, and a $17 Billion Shipwreck

Deep ocean exploration has come long way since 1882, when Jules Verne published Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. As 2025 approaches, we’ve moved far beyond science fiction when it comes to unraveling the secrets of the ocean’s depths.

Using an extraordinary suite of tools, marine scientists and explorers are returning with stunning knowledge about the universe beneath the waves: fantastical new species; astonishing insights into how Earth’s life-support systems work; and high-resolution seafloor maps that reveal hidden landscapes and buried treasures that even Verne could never have dreamed of—including a 17thcentury Spanish galleon carrying a cargo some estimate to be worth more than $17 billion. Journalist and author Susan Casey dives into the latest discoveries in the deep ocean, offering a glimpse of the tantalizing mysteries that still lie on its floor.

Tues., Jan. 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-537; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Should We Go Extinct?

Should we bring new humans into the world? Or would it be better off without us? These days it’s harder than ever to watch TV or scroll social media without contemplating these questions, says philosopher Todd May. Drawing on his newest book, May, who served as an adviser to the TV series “The Good Place,” discusses reasons for and against the continuation of our species: whether the positive and negative tallies of the human ledger are comparable and what conclusions we might draw about ourselves and our future—or lack thereof.

Copies of Should We Go Extinct? A Philosophical Dilemma for Our Unbearable Times (Crown) are available for purchase.

Tues., Jan. 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-612; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Argus, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) used for deep-ocean exploration

Orphan Mesa, New Mexico

A Natural History Road Trip

Badlands to Yellowstone

The Last Bison

By the late 19th century, American bison (or buffalo as they were erroneously referred to then) had been reduced from herds of tens of millions to a few hundred individual animals scattered over the most remote parts of the West. In 1888 William T. Hornaday, chief taxidermist at the Smithsonian Institution, set off to hunt some of the very last bison to create a display before they vanished forever. Yet far from hastening its extinction, Hornaday became integral to saving the species.

For his 2017 documentary for the Smithsonian Channel, wildlife filmmaker Steve Nicholls travelled through the American West to discover how such an abundant creature could stand on the brink of extinction and how a few influential people helped save the save it. Focusing on figures like Hornaday, Nicholls explores both the history and future of the American bison.

Wed., Jan. 15, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-540; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Join naturalist Keith Tomlinson on a virtual Great Western adventure that spans from South Dakota to the mighty heights of Yellowstone. He highlights geology, wildlife, biogeography, wildlife, conservation initiatives, native peoples, and recreational opportunities along the way.

Begin at the colorful Badlands National Park, move on to Mount Rushmore, and then to the grand volcanic monolith of Wyoming’s Devils Tower. Adventuring farther west, take in the remote Cloud Peak Wilderness, crown jewel of the often-overlooked Big Horn Mountains, and conclude at Yellowstone National Park, with its extraordinary ecology balanced delicately atop one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas.

Wed., Jan. 15, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-112; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Birding in a Winter Wonderland

We know that birds fly south for the winter, but while our neotropical summer breeders return to the tropics, many other species find their way to winter homes in temperate North America from their Arctic breeding grounds. Most are ducks, geese, and swans, but the seasonal visitors also include songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors. Winter is also a great time to observe rare vagrant birds that have flown out of range and need to refuel before continuing their journey.

Naturalist Matt Felperin shares valuable tips on how to make the most of winter birding in the mid-Atlantic region. Learn why so many species stay here for the winter instead of flying further south and discover some new locations to observe our winter snowbirds—complete with detailed photos. Get ready to put on your snow pants and parka and enjoy one of the most rewarding and magical times for birding.

Wed., Jan. 22, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-118; Members $25; Nonmembers $30 These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates

A vesper sparrow

You love art.

Now become the expert you’ve always wanted to be.

World Art H i story

Certif icate Prog ram

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 World Art History Certificate Program.

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.

Registration is ongoing; for a limited time, new participants receive a World Art History Certificate tote bag.

To learn more about the Smithsonian Associates World Art History Certificate Program, visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/ArtCertificate

*from Smithsonian museum collections

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.

CULTURE

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Medieval History Through Artists’ Eyes

Explore the art and architecture of the Middle Ages through four transformational moments in history. Dazzling early Christian mosaics, sumptuous Carolingian illuminated manuscripts, sculpted Romanesque church facades, and soaring Gothic cathedrals give artistic expression to an astonishing variety of beliefs and practices, as well as reflect a unified purpose to lead the human spirit toward a vision of eternal life.

Independent art historian Judy Scott Feldman examines the art of the thousand-year period between classical antiquity and the Renaissance and its relationship to a diverse society infused with faith and spirituality.

Sat., Nov. 2, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1L0-605; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Eve as Artist

A History of Women Artists in the Western World

There have been successful professional women artists in the Western world since the time of the ancient Greeks. Yet many of their names were lost and their works misattributed for centuries until the modern women’s movement sparked scholarly and popular interest in these remarkable individuals, with painters such as Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Frida Kahlo reaching the status of international icons.

But these modern superstars didn’t evolve within a vacuum: They descended from the centuries of celebrated artists who form the basis of a wide-ranging examination by art historian Nancy G. Heller. In a richly illustrated series, she traces the history of European and American women artists from the late 16th century to 1950. She addresses the socioeconomic, political, and aesthetic significance of their work, placing the women’s lives and art within the context of their male contemporaries.

5-session series: Thurs., Nov. 7–Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. (no class Nov. 28); detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-350; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

Lesser-Known

Museums of Florence Museum of Orsanmichele

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

In this quarterly series, Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero spotlights the significant collections of Florence’s sometimes-overlooked museums.

Begun in 1337, the ground floor of Orsanmichele church in Florence, Italy, was originally a loggia-style market. When it was transformed, the inside was decorated with paintings of saints and the outside with statues by artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti, and Verrocchio. Today, the upper floor of Orsanmichele is a museum where all but one of the original sculptures are on display, while copies of the statues stand in the original niches on the outside of the church. Ruggiero highlights this museum and its treasures.

Mon., Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-406; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

The Marquise de Pezay, and the Marquise de Rougé with Her Sons Alexis and Adrien by Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun, 1787

Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, medieval illuminated manuscript (detail)

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

The Visual Banquet

Food and Festivity in Renaissance Art

From an apple held by the infant Jesus to a fowl indelicately handled by a lusty kitchen maid, food and drink appear in myriad contexts over four centuries of European painting. In both devotional and secular images, these items allowed the artist to display virtuosic skills of observation and description of color, shape, and texture. Moreover, they frequently carried symbolic meanings or referenced the painting’s themes.

In the Renaissance, feasting transcended mere sustenance, serving as a significant form of communication and expression. Ruffolo delves into images of lavish banquets from the period to explore their menus, table settings, and dining practices as well as the intricate depiction of food in art.

Fri., Nov. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-071; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Power and Splendor: The Princely Court of Mantua

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Italy splintered into a patchwork of small territories, each with its own political system. Frequent violence erupted as powerful families battled for control of cities. By the 13th century, it became common for these regions to be ruled autocratically by single princes, and by the 15th, most of Italy was organized around princely courts.

Among these the city-state of Mantua stands out for its remarkable transformation under the Gonzaga family from 1328 to 1707. Despite their often-tyrannical rule and focus on warfare, the Gonzagas significantly elevated Mantua’s status through their patronage, ushering in a golden age of the arts and architecture. Ruffolo traces the Gonzagas’ reign and the dynamics of court life in a city that remains a vibrant testament to its Renaissance legacy.

Fri., Dec. 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-075; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Written Word, Painted Image

How Books Inspired Renaissance Art

At the heart of the Renaissance was the deep connection between literature and visual art, with the written word significantly shaping painting and sculpture. Epic poems, classical texts, humanist treatises, and folk stories provided the period’s artists with themes, narratives, and philosophical foundations. This interplay between literature and art fostered a cross-pollination of ideas, driving the transformative spirit of the era and accelerating the rebirth of visual and intellectual creativity. Ruffolo delves into these literary sources and uncovers the intricate connections between text and image.

Fri., Jan. 24, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-079; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Kitchen Scene by Peter Wtewael, 1620s

The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, 1485

Writing Workshops

Mary Hall Surface

Looking Out, Looking In A Reflective Writing Workshop

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.

Step into the Expressionist paintings of the fascinating early 20th-century German artist Gabriele Münter. Slow down, look closely, and reflect as you explore the window as a metaphor for shifting perspectives in our lives. Designed for writers of all levels, the workshop invites you to look outward at paintings and to look inward through writing.

Tues., Dec. 3, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-531; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

Write Into Art

Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

Bridges of Light and Time

A Reflective Writing Workshop

Immerse yourself in the colors, light, and forms of Claude Monet’s exquisite The Japanese Footbridge to explore the bridge as a metaphor for the thresholds and journeys of our lives. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop invites you to look outwardly at art and to look inwardly through writing. These reflections can become creative fertile ground for memoir, poetry, and more.

Tues., Jan. 14, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-550; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

Japanese Footbridge by Claude Monet, 1899

Discover how visual art can inspire creative writing and how writing can offer a powerful way to experience art. In a series of five online workshops, explore essential elements of writing and styles through close looking, word-sketching, and imaginative response to prompts. The sessions spotlight a diverse range of visual art chosen to inspire writers of all experience levels to deepen their process and practice.

FEB 4 Story: Imagine Possibilities

FEB 11 Character: Discover Dimensions

FEB 18 Place: Layers Unveiled

FEB 25 Time: Flashbacks, Fast-Forwards, and Foreshadows

MAR 4 View: From Above

5-session series: Tues., Feb. 4–March 4, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-544; Members $175; Nonmembers $185

Individual sessions: Tues., Feb. 4 (CODE 1K0-545); Tues., Feb. 11 (CODE 1K0-546); Tues., Feb 18 (CODE 1K0-547); Tues., Feb 25 (CODE 1K0-548); Tues., March 4 (CODE 1K0549); 10 a.m.; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

The

The Farm by Kenjiro Nomura, 1934

People in the Sun by Edward Hopper, 1960

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The 10 Greatest Photographs of All Time

Joseph Nicéphore Niépce exposed the first photograph in 1826. Now, thanks to smartphone technology, more photographs are made each day than were taken in the history of the world before the start of the 21st century. Historian Clay Jenkinson has chosen 10 magnificent images to explore how great photographs epitomize a moment or an era, capture an extraordinary event, provide a window into the human condition, or fill us with appreciation and wonder.

Jenkinson tells the backstory of each photograph, covering who took it, when, under what circumstances, what has happened in the aftermath, and what influence the image has had on the world. He also reveals some of his runners-up and honorable mentions in assembling his top 10. Audience members are encouraged to nominate their own favorites to add to the discussion.

Tues., Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-522; Members $35; Nonmembers $45

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Artist’s Palette

Insights into Painterly Genius

Just as writers use a pen to articulate their thoughts on paper and a musician employs an instrument to convey melodies and harmonies, artists use their palette as a vehicle for expressing their creative vision. Art historian Alexandra Loske explores this symbiotic relationship, pairing artists’ palettes with their masterpieces to unveil fresh perspectives on their creative journey, individual tastes, and the historical context shaping their artistry.

Loske explores the studios of creators such as Rembrandt, John Singer Sargent, Vincent van Gogh, Helen Frankenthaler, and others, revealing the reflections of their lives imbued within their materials—and how behind every great painting there’s a palette that tells its story.

Loske’s book The Artist’s Palette (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.

Fri., Nov. 15, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-069; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

The Arts and Crafts Movement

Humanity, Simplicity, Beauty

The Arts and Crafts Movement was a dominant influence in visual and decorative arts and architecture in the decades leading up to and after the turn of the 20th century. Growing out of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and Aesthetic movements in England, it offered an artistic and philosophical reaction to the florid, overdecorated, and industrialized designs of the high-Victorian era.

William Morris’s pronouncements on beauty, utility, nature, and the joy of handcraftsmanship guided the movement’s artists. Rejecting machine work as deadening to workers and mass-produced commercial goods as aesthetically inferior, Morris revived many craft arts such as tapestry and bookmaking. Across the Atlantic, the Arts and Crafts philosophy challenged the opulence and crassness of America’s Gilded Age and influenced a new generation of creators. Art historian Bonita Billman explores the rich flowering and legacy of a movement whose influence is still felt. Sat., Nov. 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-352; Members $100; Nonmembers $120 Cabinet, 1904, designed by Stickley Brothers

Lunch Atop a Skyscraper by Charles Clyde Ebbets, 1932

Camille Pissarro, The Artist's Palette with a Landscape, ca. 1878–1880

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Creative World of David Hockney

Over his long and continuing career, British artist David Hockney’s style and subject matter have mostly remained consistent and recognizable: charming portraits, landscapes, and interior scenes rendered in pure, vibrant colors. But he has demonstrated an amazing range and willingness to experiment with media. Hockney is a painter, draftsman, printmaker, photographer, and designer of stage sets and costumes and in recent years has worked in digital media.

Art critic and adviser Judy Pomeranz offers a lavish exploration of Hockney’s remarkable career and examines how his personal life has informed the wonderfully intimate portrayals of people and places he has loved.

Mon., Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-525; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Written Word in Islamic Arts

The traditional Islamic arts have incorporated calligraphy, the art of beautifying the word, for 14 centuries. Muslim calligraphers developed an art of the highest level and that continues to be part of the work of contemporary artists. Museum consultant Sabiha Al Khemir discusses how calligraphy occupies a central place in Islamic arts through examples from across media, time, and place. She covers the various facets of calligraphy in form and content from the sacred to the secular, highlighting its aesthetic, symbolic, and metaphysical dimensions and demonstrating the ways in which it carries a profound cultural significance.

Tues., Nov. 19, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-606; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Influence of Japanese Art on Western Aesthetics

Following isolationist Japan’s resumption of wider trade and diplomatic relations with the West in the 1850s, international expositions alerted Western artists and collectors to the exquisite craftsmanship of Japanese porcelains, bronzes, silks, embroideries, and lacquerware. These artworks were deeply admired by Europeans and Americans, inspiring a cult of emulation in the West. The resulting era of the “Japan craze” lasted from the late 1870s to the early 1910s.

Former curator Nancy Green discusses the influence of Japanese aesthetics on avant-garde painting and printmaking, in fashionable ceramics and metalwork, and on graphic design, advertising, bookbinding, and illustration.

Tues., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-053; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Understanding Olana

Frederic Church and the Idea of Place

Frederic Church was America’s preeminent landscape artist of the 19th century, whose “great paintings” of the 1850s and 1860s—Niagara, Heart of the Andes, and Icebergs—achieved international acclaim. Beginning in 1860, he spent 40 years creating Olana in Hudson, New York, a 250-acre designed landscape in which his family residence and farm were sited and whose panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley and Catskills are integral elements.

Carolyn Keogh, director of education and public programs at the Olana Partnership, leads a detailed exploration of the life, career, and inspirations that motivated Church to create this masterwork. She offers new ways of understanding Olana and Church’s relationship with the Hudson Valley and considers how he and other artists were deeply inspired by the idea of place.

Tues., Nov. 19, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1NV-110; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

David Hockney at the Royal Academy, 2012

The Japanese Parisian by Alfred Stevens, 1872

Frederic Church’s painting supplies on view at Olana

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Art in Motion

Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism

Jackson Pollock revolutionized modern art with his pioneering style of Action Painting, renowned for its explosive physicality and spontaneous, sweeping gestures that earned him the nickname “Jack the Dripper.” His work created expansive, nonfigurative webs of color that left an indelible mark on the art world. Despite his triumphs, Pollock faced personal demons including emotional turmoil and alcoholism, with his life tragically ending in a car crash at age 44.

Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton delves into Pollock’s life and enduring influence, exploring how he and his contemporaries challenged artistic conventions to open new avenues for abstraction and creative expression that continue to resonate in contemporary art.

Wed., Nov. 20, 7 p.m.; CODE 1D0-074; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Religious Paintings of Jacopo Tintoretto

Dynamism and Devotion

Unlike other great painters of 16th-century Venice such as Titian and Paolo Veronese, Jacopo Tintoretto was born and bred in the lagoon city. A considerable number of his works remain there to this day in the churches, confraternity buildings, and palaces for which they were commissioned.

Known for his bold, dynamic style and swift working methods, Tintoretto created striking paintings of religious narratives that are characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro, expressive brushwork, and astute compositional choices. Art historian Sophia D’Addio explores a selection of these sacred works, located in such beautiful settings as the Church of the Madonna dell’Orto, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and San Giorgio Maggiore.

Thurs., Nov. 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-357; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Sistine Chapel

A Ceiling That Changed the Course of Art

The Sistine Chapel’s walls were originally covered with frescoes by leading artists. This changed when Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint its ceiling. Using the human body in all its configurations, his frescoes reflected the extraordinary moment after the voyage of Columbus when the world was moving from a parochial viewpoint to a more global perspective.

From the spark of life given to Adam and Eve to the Last Judgment, Michelangelo blazed a path toward a secularism despite the chapel’s religious themes. Art historian Liz Lev examines the evolution of the ceiling art of the Sistine Chapel, a work so astounding it changed the course of Western art.

Fri., Nov. 22, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-840; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Floor of Jackson Pollock’s studio, PollockKrasner House, East Hampton, New York

A section of the Sistine Chapel ceiling

The Last Supper (detail) by Jacopo Tintoretto at Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venice

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Music and the Visual Arts in the Early Modern Era

One of the longstanding traditions in the visual culture of the West is that of the competition among different kinds of arts—whether painting and sculpture, or painting and poetry. Within this context, painting was often perceived as a sister art of music, though typically occupying a somewhat lower place in the hierarchy.

Nonetheless, throughout the Early Modern era, painters used musical motifs in their works to give their paintings a “voice” and convey a sense of beauty and harmony comparable to those qualities in musical compositions. Art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine explores this relationship as it evolved between the 15th and the 17th centuries in Italy and Northern Europe, as seen in the works of artists including Piero della Francesca, Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel, Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Johannes Vermeer.

4-session series: Mon., Nov. 25–Dec. 16, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-530; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Roman Gaul

Roman Gaul, the area of southern France that today includes Provence, is an important repository of Roman culture. Gallic writers long kept the classical Roman literary tradition alive, and many of the amphitheaters, aqueducts, and other Roman works built in Gaul still stand.

Art historian Christopher Gregg explores the history and the remains of various sites, including the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls; the Barbegal watermill (the only known large-scale Roman milling facility); a remarkably preserved cargo ship from the Rhone; and a variety of beautiful sculpture and mosaics.

Mon., Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-838; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Cave Temples of India

Cave temples at sites such as Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, and Badami are notable not just for their antiquity and religious significance but also for the ingenious, sophisticated techniques used to excavate them from the sides of mountains. Robert DeCaroli, an art history professor at George Mason University, examines what is known about the history of these Jain, Buddhist, Hindu, and Ajivika temples and monasteries, how they were made, what was required to maintain them in antiquity, and how they are being protected today.

Tues., Dec. 3, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-418; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

New York and the Birth of American Modernism

During the Progressive Era (1886–1920), New York City became a shaping force of America’s national culture. It was a period that saw the advent of the Ashcan School painters in Greenwich Village; the Armory Show of 1913; Edward Steichen’s 291 Gallery; and the replacement of Beaux-Arts monumentality by skyscraper Modernism.

Cultural historian George Scheper explores the impact of the era, as well as the subsequent Jazz Age New York of F. Scott Fitzgerald. During the 1920s, intellectual and political ferment helped to bring a new spirit of artistic openness and social commitment to American culture, reflected in the paintings of John Sloan and Florine Stettheimer, the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay, and the architecture of Daniel Burnham’s Flatiron Building.

Mon., Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-361; Members $30; Nonmembers $40 Flatiron

The Musicians by Caravaggio, 1597

Building

Cave painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani in Ajanta, ca. 2nd century B.C.E.

Gallo-Roman statue of a Gaul warrior with Roman clothes and weapons

Hopi Eagle Dance by Dan Namingha (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $900*

August Breakfast/Maine by Carolyn Brady (detail)

Retail: $1200 Members: $800*

Children with Flowers by Elizabeth Catlett (detail) Retail: $1300 Members: $1075*

Red Geranium by Robert Kushner (detail)

Retail: $1500 Members: $1200*

Blue Moonlight by April Gornik (detail)

$1200 Members: $950*

Flowers For a Country by Mindy Weisel (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $1000*

Piazza San Marco by LeRoy Neiman (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $950*

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Cultural Diplomacy and Ancient American Art: 1930–1950

In the late 1930s and early 1940s the United States saw an explosion of exhibitions of art and artifacts from the pre-Columbian Americas. As World War II loomed, America promoted cultural diplomacy with its hemispheric neighbors as part of the Pan-Americanism movement, which sought to create greater international understanding and collaboration.

One of the largest such exhibitions was 1940’s “Twenty Centuries of Mexican Art / Veinte Siglos de Arte Mexicano,” which took over the newly completed Museum of Modern Art. Though mounted during a moment of tension between the two nations, the show was the talk of New York, with portions of the exhibit traveling to other cities over the next few years. Ellen Hoobler, William B. Ziff Jr. curator of art of the Americas at Baltimore’s Walters Art Museum, explores the idea of cultural diplomacy and the important role art can play between nations.

Tues., Dec. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-611; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Radiant World of Pierre Bonnard

The enthusiastic critical and popular response to recent Pierre Bonnard exhibitions organized by museums in Texas and Washington, D.C., speaks to the luminous beauty of the artist’s work and to the hunger for such beauty in the complicated world in which we live.

Bonnard’s life straddled the 19th and 20th centuries, and his work inhabits a space—and creates a link—between Impressionism and Modernism. One of the greatest colorists, Bonnard created portraits, landscapes, and interiors built of luscious brushwork and informed by an artistic freedom that allowed him to envision the world in a dreamlike, personal way unbound by constraints of visual realism or academic artistic conventions. Art critic and adviser Judy Pomeranz explores Bonnard’s vision, life, and influences and the world in which he lived.

Wed., Dec. 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-532; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Civil War and American Art

The Civil War had as profound and lasting an impact on American art as it did on American culture. Both genre painting and landscape painting were fundamentally altered by the war and its aftermath.

Eleanor Jones Harvey, author of The Civil War and American Art and senior curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, explores the “metaphorical war.” Landscape painters, notably Frederic Church and Sanford Gifford, conveyed the mood of the nation as storms rise and volcanos erupt in their paintings, while genre painters Winslow Homer and Eastman Johnson addressed the issue of slavery and asked hard questions about what kind of nation would emerge from the conflict.

Mon., Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-534; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Woman with a Dog by Pierre Bonnard, 1891

The Girl I Left Behind Me by Eastman Johnson, ca. 1872

Statue of Coatlicue, National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City

The Potentials of Design

How Architecture Can Address Global Issues

By the year 2100, there are predicted to be 10 billion people on the planet, 2 billion more than now. This population explosion is an opportunity to build a more ecologically healthy and equitable world centered on well-designed communities with new forms of affordable, sustainable housing, says architect Vishaan Chakrabarti. Drawing from his latest book, Chakrabarti argues that caring for the character and culture of communities can be the key to solving urgent global and political challenges.

Chakrabarti’s new book, The Architecture of Urbanity: Designing for Nature, Culture, and Joy (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Wed., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-012; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Postmodern Architecture

Building the Unexpected

Postmodern architecture emerged during the second half of the 20th century in a reaction to and rejection of the International Style and the dogmas of Modernist design. Architects broke free from the restraints of individual traditional styles and found new inspiration in a mix of them, creating combinations of bright colors and asymmetrical shapes interpreted in a variety of materials.

Modern architecture specialist Bill Keene surveys the threads linking the elements of this approach to design, seen in such works as I.M. Pei’s pyramid at the Louvre; Philip Johnson’s AT&T building in New York City; Frank Gehry’s “Binoculars Building” in Los Angeles; Michael Graves’ Portland Building; and the work of the Philadelphia firm Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. Each design is distinct, but all reject the formal for the unusual, the colorful, and the unexpected.

Wed., Dec. 18, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-114; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Glass in America: From Tiffany to Chihuly

From the late 19th century to the present, American glass has undergone remarkable transformations. Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores that dynamic history, from the Arts and Crafts movement’s artisanal glass to the streamlined designs of the Art Deco era, the mid-century modern movement’s minimalist and functional aesthetics to the innovative techniques and styles of contemporary glass art.

She considers the influential contributions and enduring legacies of key figures such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Harvey Littleton, Dominick Labino, and Dale Chihuly. Hirsh also explores various glassmaking techniques; traces the development of the American Studio Glass movement; and highlights top destinations for experiencing American glass art today.

Fri., Jan. 10, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-077; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The British Secret Intelligence Service building at Vauxhall Cross, London

Peacock Vase by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, 1901

Inverted glass sculpture at Chihuly Garden and Glass PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRESS

Vishaan Chakrabarti

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Great Cathedrals and Basilicas of Italy II

Off the Beaten Path

Art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University follows up her 2023 exploration of Italian cathedrals and basilicas in several major cities by going off the beaten path. In a full-day seminar, she focuses on four sites of great importance located in the regions of Umbria, EmiliaRomagna, and Le Marche: the churches of Assisi, Orvieto, Parma, and Loreto, which represent some of Italy’s greatest repositories of sacred art.

Built during the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods, these majestic places of worship—several of which became major pilgrimage destinations—were adorned with complex fresco cycles and sculptural programs executed by some of the most renowned artists of their respective periods.

Sat., Jan. 11, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-363; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Giotto and the Visual Vernacular

Giotto di Bondone revolutionized the field of Italian painting in the 14th century by breaking with the predominant Byzantine style, filling his paintings with expressive character types, landscapes, vibrant colors, and complex visual arrangements. In fact, Giotto’s naturalistic treatment of religious subjects might be defined as a sort of visual vernacular. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero explores works such as the Ognissanti Madonna, the frescoes in Florence’s Church of Santa Croce that depict St. Francis’ life, and the extraordinary frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel.

Wed., Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-424; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

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.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit Renaissance Florence

and Venice

An Artistic Tale of Two Cities

Florence and Venice were both rich, confident, and magnificently beautiful cities—powerhouses of Renaissance creativity. Yet they were vastly different in their character and artistic, intellectual and political aspirations. Art historian Nigel McGilchrist explores the tale of these two cities and the artists they nurtured, particularly the contrasting geniuses of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian.

He examines why so much suddenly happened in the hitherto insignificant town of Florence; why, after three generations of achievements by Leonardo and Michelangelo, the city abruptly fell from artistic preeminence; and why the spirit of the Renaissance came to Venice much later and in such a different form.

Sat., Jan. 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-371; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Madonna Enthroned (Ognissanti Madonna) by Giotto

Venice, the Grand Canal, and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

Mary Magdalene; detail from Madonna and Child with Two Saints by Giovanni Bellini, 1490

Chapel of San Brizio, Duomo, Orvieto

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Stealing the Mystic Lamb

The Story of the World’s Most Coveted Masterpiece

Jan van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece is arguably the most influential painting ever. Often referred to by the subject of its central panel, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, it linked the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. A forerunner of Realism, it was the first major oil painting and the most famous artwork in Europe when it was completed in 1432.

Across the tumultuous centuries, this 12-panel work has been attacked by iconoclasts, used as a diplomatic tool, ransomed, hunted by the Nazis and Napoleon, rescued by Austrian double agents, and stolen a dozen times. Noah Charney, an author and art historian, highlights the extraordinary story of this altarpiece.

Wed., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-844; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Saintly Guardians of Venice

The Virgin, the Evangelist, and the Gift-Giver Venice, with its shimmering canals, majestic palaces, and intricate mosaics, has long captivated the imagination of travelers and historians alike. But behind its architectural splendor and rich cultural tapestry lies a deeply spiritual heritage, embodied by the saints whom the Venetians have venerated for centuries. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, saints were regarded with profound reverence. Their physical remains and associated relics were believed to possess spiritual significance and to carry political, economic, and diplomatic influence. These items conveyed powerful messages, guiding the course of history in ways both seen and unseen. Historian Dennis Romano explores the crucial roles of the Virgin Mary, Saint Mark, and Saint Nicholas in shaping Venice’s identity, highlighting the magnificent churches, paintings, and sculptures commissioned in their honor.

Fri., Jan. 31, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-080; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

The Art of India: From the Indus Valley to Independence

Ever since its origins in an ancient civilization along the Indus River, the complex culture of South Asia has given rise to some of the world’s most remarkable artistic creations. Robert DeCaroli, professor in the department of history and art history at George Mason University, highlights the artistic traditions and historical changes in the Indian subcontinent from the earliest archaeological evidence to the onset of colonialism.

Sat., Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-429; Members $90; Nonmembers $110

Madonna dell'Orto by Giovanni de Santi, Chapel St. Mauro

Ghent Altarpiece, 12 interior panels

Taj Mahal, completed in 1643, Agra, India

Kumara/Kartikeya with a Kushan devotee, 2nd century

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Spanish Art and Architecture: A Treasury of Delights

The art and architecture of Spain as seen in the works of El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Picasso, and Gaudi offer a window into the influences that define the country’s history and national identity. Art historian Joseph Cassar highlights artworks and structures that exemplify Spain’s distinctive cultural heritage. His survey encompasses El Greco’s expressionistic and mystical altarpieces for churches in Toledo; the realistic portraiture of Velázquez and bold and powerful creations by Goya and Picasso; the magnificent Galician cathedral of Santiago de Compostela; the opulent Nasrid residences of the Alhambra at Granada; Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral, an inventive recasting of Gothic traditions; and other works.

4-session series: Wed., Feb. 5–26, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-542; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Understanding Contemporary Art

From Pop to Pluralism and

Beyond

Avant-garde American art of the 1960s was dominated by two contradictory impulses. One group of young artists returned to representational art with a cool and decidedly modern twist known as Pop. Concurrently, the so-called Minimalists created a new kind of abstraction, paring down their works to a few carefully considered colors and forms. Beginning in the 1970s, artists explored an enormous range of new materials, techniques, and styles. That pluralistic experimentation encompassed forms from conceptual and Super-Realistic art to environmental and performance art, all of which still resonate today. Art historian Nancy G. Heller looks at the roots and later influences of radical American art from the last five decades.

5-session series: Tues., Feb. 11–March 11, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-369; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Introduction to American Art

From the glorious vistas of American landscape painting to the bold splashes and strokes of Abstract Expressionism, American artists have captured the nation’s enormous energy and tumultuous growth. Art historian Bonita Billman introduces major artists and movements in American painting from the late 18th century to the present, revealing the connection between historical changes and artistic choices.

5-session series: Thurs., Feb. 20–March 20, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-370; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

Casa Batlló roof detail by Antoni Gaudí

Niagara by Frederic Edwin Church, 1857

Miss Lillian, 1977, by Andy Warhol

Jeff Koons’ sculpture Puppy in front of the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

January

brings a new year, and a new palette of Smithsonian Studio Arts classes has been prepared for you.

Whether you’re interested in drawing, collage, embroidery, painting, photography, sculpture, making jewelry, or creating cards, read through the list below to find a class where you’ll enjoy learning.

Many of these classes are already on sale, and you can find out more about them in the following Studio Arts section. The rest of the classes will go on sale in upcoming issues. Unless noted, classes are presented online.

STUDIO ARTS

Winter Classes 2025

•on sale in upcoming issues

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

JAN. 13 Color Theory and Practice

JAN. 16 Hues in Harmony: Color Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette

FEB. 1 Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

FEB. 3 Developing Your Creative Practice

FEB. 20

•Color Theory and Chroma-psychology

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

MAR. 9

MAR. 23

•Coffee and Critiques: Artworks in 2-D Media

•Coffee and Critiques: Artworks in Oil Paints IN PERSON

•Coffee and Critiques: Artworks in Watercolor IN PERSON

DRAWING

JAN. 13 Beginning Drawing

JAN. 14 Beginning Drawing IN PERSON

Intermediate Drawing Drawing Light and How the Masters Did It

The Mark of van Gogh

JAN. 15 Digital Drawing Fundamentals

JAN. 16 All About Graphite

JAN. 18 Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain IN PERSON

JAN. 22 Digital Drawing: Advanced Techniques

FEB. 6 Drawing with Silverpoint

•Drawing Techniques: Line, Shape, and Shading

FEB. 20

MAR. 6

•Drawing Techniques: Composition and Abstraction

•Drawing Techniques: Perspective

PAINTING

JAN. 14 Elegant and Whimsical Letters in Watercolor

Painting Water in Landscapes and Seascapes

JAN. 15 Simply Start Painting Watercolors

Abstract Watercolor for Beginners

Drawing Light and How the Masters Did It In Color

Sketching Turner: Expressing Atmosphere in Watercolor

JAN. 16 Iconic American Landmarks and Landscapes: Historic McPolin Farm Paint 60 Insects: Nature's Little Creatures in Watercolor

JAN. 18 Techniques in Modernist Painting IN PERSON

JAN. 19 Introduction to Watercolor

Beginning Oil Painting IN PERSON

Intermediate Oil Painting IN PERSON

JAN. 29 Portrait Painting in Oil and Acrylic

FEB. 8 Quick-Sketch for a Day: Iconic American Landmarks and Landscapes

FEB. 11

FEB. 24

MAR. 6

•Beginning Watercolor Magic: Snow Days and Snowmen IN PERSON

•Beginning Watercolor Magic: Winter Wonderlands IN PERSON

•Painting Vintage Flora

•Gouache: The Opaque Watercolor

MIXED MEDIA

JAN. 15 Collage and Mixed Media

Collage and Mixed Media: Nature Themes

JAN. 18 Painting and Collage IN PERSON

JAN. 19 Romare Bearden: Works on Paper from the 1960s and Beyond IN PERSON

FEB. 1 Handmade Cards for All Occasions

FEB. 4 Poetry-Inspired Collage

FEB. 18 •Image Transfers and Altered Photos

FIBER ARTS

JAN. 14 Basic Weaving on the Rigid Heddle Loom

JAN. 18 Craft a Quilted Coat

JAN. 25 Painted Embroidery Workshop

JAN. 27 Hand Quiltmaking for the Non-perfectionist

FEB. 4 Knitting for Beginners IN PERSON

FEB. 6 Slow Stitch Fabric Journal

FEB. 22 •Embroidered Owl Workshop

FEB. 26 •Exploring Traditions and Techniques of Embroidery

MAR. 5 •Embroidered Quilts: From 1865 Crazy to 2025 Modern

SCULPTURE

JAN. 14 Figure Sculpture IN PERSON

OTHER MEDIA

JAN. 14 Gel Plate Journey Part I

JAN. 18 Gyotaku: The Japanese Art of Printing with Fish

JAN. 19 Introduction to White-Line Woodblock Printing

JAN. 28 Jeweled-Glass-and-Bead Mosaic Mirror

JAN. 30 Wirework Intensive: Rings

FEB. 5 The Art of Floral Design

FEB. 8 •Jewelry Workshop: Open Studio

FEB. 22 •Mosaic Jewelry IN PERSON

FEB. 22 •Bead Weaving: On and Off the Loom

MAR. 1 •Everything Orchids

PHOTOGRAPHY

JAN. 14 Introduction to Photography IN PERSON

Indoor Macro Photography IN PERSON

The Joy of Photography

JAN. 25 Photography Next Steps: The Personal Project

JAN. 28 The Exposure Triangle IN PERSON

FEB. 2 On-Location Photography IN PERSON

FEB. 6 Lenses, Filters, and Optics

MAR. 6 •Reflections and Refraction

IN PERSON

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/art instructors.

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.

TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 10:30 a.m. (CODE 1E0-0QG); Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 6 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0QH); George Tkabladze; Ripley Center; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

Take this drawing fundamentals class as your first step in learning to draw. You learn to translate that stunning image in your mind or what you see in front of you onto paper, building a strong foundation for your drawing or painting practice.

IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 18–March 8, 10:15 a.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00SD; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Techniques in Modernist Painting

Experiment with a variety of Modernist painting styles such as Cubism, Suprematism, and Abstract Expressionism. Through a series of exercises, including still-life setups and model sessions, learn practical applications of the concepts and techniques of Modernism.

IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 18–March 8, 2:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SE; Members $280; Nonmembers $315

Beginning Oil Painting

By Shahin Talishkhan

In this course, gain the technical background and experience you need to get started as a painter. Lectures, demonstrations, and experimentation introduce the medium of oils. Working from museum masterpieces, still-life arrangements, or your favorite photos, explore basic techniques, including color-mixing, scumbling, and glazing.

IN PERSON: Sun., Jan. 19–March 9, 10:15 a.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0ST; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

NEW CLASS

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit En Plein Air Landscape Drawing and Painting in the United States Botanic Garden

Using watercolors and graphite, capture the nuances of the light and flora at the beautiful United States Botanic Garden. This intensive landscape painting experience focuses on helping you see the gardens through Cézanne’s eyes and develop your own Post-Impressionist interpretation.

IN PERSON: Sun., Nov. 10 and 17, 11 a.m.; Sandra Gobar; Ripley Center and U.S. Botanic Garden; CODE 1E0-0MQ; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

By Shahin Talishkhan

By Sandra Gobar

Intermediate Oil Painting

Expand on your technical background and grow your practice as an oil painter. This class provides students with the opportunity to work on personal projects, set up a still-life arrangement, and explore figure painting from a live model. Unfurl your style with support and feedback from the instructor.

IN PERSON: Sun., Jan. 19–March 9, 2:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00SU; Members $280; Nonmembers $315

Support lifelong learning at Smithsonian Associates

Please help us in presenting vibrant educational programs by making a charitable contribution today. Your gift 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.

SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels

Holiday Keepsake Ornaments

Create small hanging artworks that can be individualized in many ways to fit any giftgiving occasion. These ornaments begin with miniature canvases as the base and are decorated with papers, paint, ribbon, cord, found objects, beads, and other materials.

IN PERSON: Sun., Nov. 24, 12 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0MS; Members $75; Nonmembers $90

By Sharon Robinson

Painting and Collage

Combine traditional painting techniques with collage to produce pieces with texture and depth. Experiment with both collaging into painted surfaces and painting on collaged surfaces. This is an excellent opportunity to further develop unfinished watercolor or acrylic paintings.

IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 18–March 1, 1 p.m., no class Feb. 8; Sharon Robinson; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SC; Members $185; Nonmembers $210

Romare Bearden

Works on Paper from the 1960s and Beyond

While Romare Bearden worked in many mediums from oil and watercolor to printmaking, he is best known for his mixed-media 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., Jan. 19–Feb. 9, 11 a.m.; Sandra Warren Gobar; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SS; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

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FIBER ARTS n

Knitting Mittens and Gloves

Learn the skills you need to craft a pair of mittens or gloves to keep the winter’s cold at bay. The instructor covers knitting in the round; increases; using markers, such as holders and counters; and how to knit thumbs and fingers. In class, make a small sample mitten for a child or as a decoration.

IN PERSON: Sun., Nov. 3–17, 10:15 a.m.; Ann Richards; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0MP; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

NEW CLASS

Felted Scarf Duo

Burnout Velvet

Keep yourself or a loved one warm with a soft velvet and felted scarf. Create stunning texture and translucence with burnout, or devoré (from the French word meaning to devour).

By Renate Maile–Moskowitz

IN PERSON: Sat., Nov. 23 and Sun., Nov. 24, 10:15 a.m.; Renate Maile-Moskowitz; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0PW; Members $185; Nonmembers $210

Knitting for Beginners

Learn 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: Tues., Feb. 4–March 11, 2:30 p.m.; Ann Richards; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0QP; Members $155; Nonmembers $190

SCULPTURE

Figure Sculpture

Learn clay techniques and gain an understanding of the human body, gestures, and expressions as you sculpt a portrait, torso, or full-figure piece by working from life. Focus on tool use, armatures, anatomy, and proportion and explore individual style.

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 2 p.m.; George Tkabladze; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00QJ; Members $315; Nonmembers $350

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.

Empress of the Blues, 1974, by Romare Bearden

By George Tkabladze

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Introduction to Photography

Whether you want to work in digital or 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.

TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 3 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0QL); Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0QK); Andargé Asfaw; Ripley Center; Members $245; Nonmembers $280

NEW CLASS

Indoor Macro Photography

Macro photography isn’t just for the summer. Discuss and practice the tips, tricks, and techniques to take incredible macro photos of cut flowers, house plants, jewelry, abstracts, and kitchen utensils in the warmth of your home using light from your windows.

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 14 and 21, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0QM; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

On-Location Photography

Learn to capture this vibrant capital city 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. 2–March 9, 1:45 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SX; Members $195; Nonmembers $230

The Exposure Triangle

Learn to capture the depth of field, motion effects, and exposure you want by quickly making camera adjustments in the field. Topics covered include ISO, apertures, shutter speeds, exposure modes, metering modes, exposure compensation, and histograms. Also discussed is how to photograph highcontrast scenes.

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 28–Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0QN; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

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/art instructors

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Creative Mind Mapping

Take your ideas from banal to beautiful by learning how to create mind maps worthy of framing. Choose from three styles to illustrate your thoughts and goals.

ONLINE: Thurs., Nov. 7 and 14, 6 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; CODE 1E0-0NG; Members $80; Nonmembers $105

Color Theory and Practice

Explore the basics of color theory including temperature, value, and harmony-creating color schemes. In three hands-on projects, learn to use a color wheel with tinting and toning, color charts, and color harmony studies.

ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 13–Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m., no class Jan. 20; Theresa Otteson; CODE 1E0-0QB; Member $165; Nonmember $190

By Joe Yablonsky

By Mïa Vollkommer

By Andargé Asfaw

By Joe Yablonsky

By Theresa Otteson

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

By Renee Sandell

In an afternoon of artistic experimentation designed to strengthen creative muscles and deepen skills in visual expression, explore five modes of visual thinking: working from memory, observation, imagination, narrative, and experimental approaches.

TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Sat., Nov. 16, 1 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0MF); Sat., Feb. 1, 1 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0SL); Renee Sandell; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Hues in Harmony

Color

Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette

Refamiliarize yourself with the fundamentals of color theory while learning a new approach to mixing color. Gain a deeper understanding of complementary color relationships so that you can more intuitively mix colors and harness color harmonies to better express depth as well as the contrast between light and shadow.

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 16–Feb. 13, 10 a.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0RQ; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Developing Your Creative Practice

By Kate Lewis

Drop the burden of creating a finished product and focus instead on developing your ideas. Begin to deal with procrastination, creative blocks, flow, problem solving, and finishing within the support of a stress-free environment and build confidence alongside other students on the same journey.

ONLINE: Mon., Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 24, and March 10, 10:30 a.m.; Kate Lewis; CODE 1E0-0QE; Members $215; Nonmembers $240

DRAWING n n n n

By Lori VanKirk Schue

Artwork on Toned Paper

Bring your drawings to life by controlling subtle nuances of tone with a careful selection of the surface on which you are working. Learn how to observe negative and positive space and then describe a form on toned paper using contour line and highlights.

ONLINE: Thurs., Nov. 14 and 21, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; CODE 1E00NH; Members $95; Nonmembers $120

Digital Drawing Fundamentals

Learn to use the iPad, Apple Pencil, and Procreate for illustration and animation. With this minimal toolset, artists can create a wide range of visuals. Students get an introductory lecture on the basics of digital art production, demonstrations, and experience drawing in Procreate on an iPad.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.; Mike O’Brien; CODE 1E0-0RA; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Beginning Drawing

By Mike O’Brien

Drawing with Chalk Pastels

Learn how to work with chalk pastels to create dynamic artworks in any genre. Demonstrations of techniques are the main focus, along with the history and versatility of the medium. Students work in their favorite genre: portrait, still life, abstract, or landscape.

ONLINE: Thurs., Dec. 5 and 12, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; CODE 1E0-0NK; Members $95; Nonmembers $120

Meet our Instructors

View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/art instructors

In-person classes are taught by professional artists and teachers.

ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 13–March 17, 6 p.m., no class Jan. 20 and Feb. 17; Josh Highter; CODE 1E0-0SY; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Nick Cruz Velleman

NEW CLASSES

Digital Drawing: Advanced Techniques

Procreate for iPad contains powerful features that can be intimidating. This 3-hour workshop guides students on how to use advanced techniques in the software to create an animated photo illustration.

By Mike O’Brien

TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Wed., Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0PS); Wed., Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0RH); Mike O’Brien; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Drawing Light and How the Masters Did It

Learn the strategies Rembrandt, Daumier, Cézanne, and Vermeer used to harness light in their images. Participants investigate how these masters manipulated light to unify, intensify, and give dimension to their images. In-class exercises focus on using graphite to draw studies of masterworks.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 10 a.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0QR; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

By Nick Cruz Velleman

World Art History Certificate

elective: Earn ½ credit

The Mark of van Gogh

This introduction to Vincent van Gogh’s accomplishments in drawing pays particular attention to his unique and instantly recognizable touch. Participants investigate how his imaginative mark making forms his images. In-class exercises revolve around drawing studies of his masterworks to develop students’ own mark making and vocabulary of stroke.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 11, 2:30 p.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0QQ; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

All About Graphite

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.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 10 a.m.; Josh Highter; CODE 1E0-0QS; Members $205; Nonmembers $240

A simple graphite pencil offers a world of possibilities. Techniques are demonstrated and discussed through simple exercises using graphite materials ranging from soft to hard. Learn ways that graphite is used from being encased in a pencil to flexible putty.

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 16 and 23, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; CODE 1E0-0RN; Members $105; Nonmembers $130

By Lori VanKirk Schue

Drawing with Silverpoint

Silverpoint drawing uses a silver stylus on specially prepared paper to produce delicate lines. Initially silvergray, the drawing tarnishes when exposed to air, resulting in the characteristic warm brown tone. Learn the history of silverpoint, the materials required, and the process for this technique used by artists like Leonardo da Vinci.

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 6 and 13, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; CODE 1E0-0RU; Members $105; Nonmembers $130

MORGAN KUSTER

PAINTING n n n n

Elegant and Whimsical Letters in Watercolor

The art of stylized lettering adds a distinctive element to journal pages, greeting cards, envelopes, and invitations. This class, suitable for all skill levels, offers an introduction to creating altered block letters, script letters, botanical borders, and illuminated initials with vines and flourishes.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 5 p.m.; Lubna Zahid; CODE 1E0-0QW; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Simply Start Painting Watercolors

Painting Water in Landscapes and Seascapes

Learn simple techniques to create landscape and seascape paintings. Depict bodies of still and moving water, such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and oceans. Special emphasis is given to watercolor techniques such as weton-wet, wet-on-dry, and masking.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 10:30 a.m.; Lubna Zahid; CODE 1E0-0QV; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

The limitless creative possibilities of watercolor can be a bit intimidating for beginning students. In this series, focus on the basics with methods that narrow parameters. Learn what supplies make all the difference and how to manipulate your brush to create flowing lines.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–29, 6 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; CODE 1E0-0RB; Members $190; Nonmembers $215

Abstract Watercolor for Beginners

Learn to embrace and celebrate the unpredictability, versatility, and beauty of watercolor. Class discussions cover supplies; color theory, palettes, and pigment control; and exercises and experiments to achieve different effects.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–Feb. 19, 12 p.m.; Heather Kerley; CODE 1E0-0RE; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Drawing Light

How the Masters Did It in Color

Using watercolor, learn the strategies Delacroix, Turner, Monet, and Cézanne employed to manipulate the viewer’s experience of light in their images. In-class exercises focus on making studies of masterworks to create similar luminous effects.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–Feb. 19, 10 a.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0RD; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Sketching Turner

Expressing Atmosphere and Skies in Watercolor

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: Wed., Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2:30 p.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0RC; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Introduction to Watercolor

Beginning students explore watercolor techniques and learn new approaches to painting through demonstration, discussion, and experimentation.

ONLINE: Sun., Jan. 19–March 9, 10:15 a.m.; Josh Highter; CODE 1E0-0QC; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

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.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 29–March 5, 7 p.m.; Eric Westbrook; CODE 1E0-0RJ; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

By Lubna Zahid

By Cindy Briggs

By Heather Kerley

By Nick Cruz Velleman

By Josh Highter

By Eric Westbrook

NEW CLASSES

Watercolor Celebrations

Paint a Holiday Centerpiece

Craft your own stunning holiday centerpiece in watercolor. Using traditional elements such as pine cones, ornaments, berries, and poinsettias, bring your vision to life on paper in expressive, flowing colors.

By Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Wed., Dec. 4 and Thurs., Dec. 5, 6 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; CODE 1E0-0PU; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Paint 60 Insects: Nature’s Little

Creatures in Watercolor

Learn how to see beauty in the natural world and render it in watercolor paintings, using various watercolor techniques to represent the metallic shell of a beetle, the soft, fuzzy wing of a moth, and the delightful colors of a butterfly.

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 16–March 6, 4 p.m.; Lubna Zahid; CODE 1E0-0RR; Members $270; Nonmembers $305

Iconic American Landmarks and Landscapes

Historic McPolin Farm

Paint the McPolin Farm in Park City, Utah, alongside the instructor using a provided tracing. The barn on the historic property dates to 1922.

Demonstrations show how to save the whites, create colorful shadows, paint fabrics, and mix a variety of greens.

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 16 and 23, 6 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; CODE 1E0-0RP; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

Quick-Sketch for a Day

Iconic American Landmarks and Landscapes

Study the beauty of iconic American landscapes and landmarks as you practice your watercolor skills for travel, study sketches, and compositions. Learn to simplify a scene and to compose and draw more organically and confidently. Inject captivating, mingling watercolors into your sketch in just minutes.

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 8, 10 a.m.; Cindy Briggs; CODE 1E0-0SN; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

Collage and Mixed Media

Students are introduced to the materials, tools, and technologies used in collage and assemblage. They explore the use of text, images, texture, and natural and found objects as they create collage, mixed-media, or assemblage projects.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–March 5, 1:30 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; CODE 1E0-0RF; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

Collage and Mixed Media: Nature Themes

Learn to sketch animals and objects found in nature, then combine your drawings with painting and additional elements and textures to create whimsical or serious mixed-media art. Create your own story by experimenting with a range of materials and techniques.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–March 5, 6:30 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; CODE 1E00RG; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

Smithsonian Associates’ Digital Digest is a lively monthly e-newsletter filled with information about programs and experiences that are entertaining, informative, eclectic, and insightful. Be sure to see the current issue at: smithsonianassociates.org/digital-digest

By Lubna Zahid

By Cindy Briggs

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

NEW CLASSES

Handmade Cards for All Occasions

From Happy Birthday to Thinking of You Delight all of the special people in your life with a handmade card from this whimsical class. Using a fun stamp set with varied sentiments, create your most-needed cards: happy birthday, thank you, and words of love.

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m.; Karen Cadogan; CODE 1E0-0SM; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

By Lauren Kingsland

Make a Labyrinth Quilt

Embark on a maker’s journey as you create a labyrinth quilt modeled after an ancient convoluted circular path. Explore a selection of materials, create a reusable pattern, practice handwork techniques for couching and quilting, and learn finishing and installation techniques.

ONLINE: Wed., Nov. 6–20, 12 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; CODE 1E0-0PQ; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

Basic Weaving on the Rigid Heddle Loom

The versatile, portable rigid heddle loom is a great entryway into weaving. Learn how to prepare (dress) the loom for weaving along with basic hand-control techniques including: flat tapestry; raised tapestry; open-lace work; pickup; plane weave; and several finishing techniques.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.; Tea Okropiridze; CODE 1E0-0QU; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Craft a Quilted Coat

Choose to upcycle a vintage quilt or make your own quilted pieces, then follow a basic pattern to create your custom quilted coat. This intermediate class is best suited for students who have prior experience sewing or quilting.

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 18–Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; CODE 1E0-0SG; Members $155; Nonmembers $180

Poetry-Inspired Collage

As T.S. Eliot said, “genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.” Transform words into a visual illustration combining imagery, color, and mark making as you manipulate the materials to draw out the emotion you feel.

ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 4–18, 10:30 a.m.; Kate Lewis; CODE 1E0-0QY; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

Hand Quiltmaking for the Non-perfectionist

This class is for those who feel utterly untalented at sewing yet want to make a quilt. Journey from not knowing to bold experiments, finding your sense of quiltmaking confidence as you learn strategies for piecing, appliqué, quilting, and finishing.

ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 27–Feb. 10, 1 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; CODE 1E0-0QD; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

Painted Embroidery Workshop

Create a simple but charming embroidered painting. First, paint fabric in the hoop with acrylic paint, then use a variety of stitches and beads to embellish your image.

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 25, 11 a.m.; Heather Kerley; CODE 1E0-0SJ; Members $60; Nonmembers $75 By Heather

Slow Stitch Fabric Journal

Let your creativity flow as you slow stitch a fabric journal composed of your favorite embroidery stitches, embellishments, and fabric scraps. Build a repertoire of embroidery stitches combined with other textile-based elements to produce a finished, bound fabric book.

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 6–27, 12 p.m.; Heather Kerley; CODE 1E0-0RT; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Karen Cadogan

By Kate Lewis

By Lauren Kingsland

By Heather Kerley

NEW CLASS

Kerley

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OTHER MEDIA

Wirework Intensive: Creative Chains

By Mïa Vollkommer

Learn to create three different chain designs using wire-working, forming, and texturing. Wire fusing is also demonstrated. You leave with a necklace-length piece incorporating all three designs or a bracelet-length chain in a single design.

ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 9–23, 12 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; CODE 1E0-0MD; Members $195; Nonmembers $215

Introduction to White-Line Woodblock Printing

White-line woodcuts are multicolor images printed from a single block of wood. Learn to create your own by cutting a nature print or simple line drawing into a wood block, creating the “white lines” when printed.

TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Sun., Nov. 17, 10 a.m. (CODE 1E00MG); Sun., Jan. 19, 10 a.m. (CODE 1E0-0SZ); Sue Fierston; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

By Sue Fierston

Design Principles for Jewelry Makers

By Mïa

Learn important design principles for jewelry makers such as use of color, creating visual texture and balance, and managing proportion. A “design challenge” is offered for students to complete between the first and second class meetings.

ONLINE: Thurs., Nov. 21 and Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., no class Nov. 28; Mïa Vollkommer; CODE 1E0-0NJ; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Jeweled-Glass-and-Bead Mosaic Mirror

This class guides you through the process of creating a jeweled-glassand-bead mosaic mirror. Lectures cover historical perspectives, material review, and snapshots of contemporary decorative mosaic art. All skill levels are welcome.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 28–Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.; Bonnie Fitzgerald; CODE 1E00QX; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Modern Evergreen Wreath

Just in time for the holidays, create a modern wreath design with fresh evergreens on a metal hoop. Using a method similar to floral arrangement, combine local textures, shapes, and colors in your design. Many styles of wreaths, and even garlands, are possible with the wiring techniques covered in class.

ONLINE: Wed., Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Arrin Sutliff; CODE 1E0-0PT; Members $45; Nonmembers $60

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 class along with other useful information

By Sharon Robinson

Gel Plate Journey Part I

Printmaking using a gel plate offers many options for combining materials, tools, and techniques to achieve an array of effects on both paper and fabric. Explore the possibilities for layering with stamps, stencils, inks, and acrylic paint markers.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; CODE 1E0-0QA; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Gyotaku: The Japanese Art of Printing with Fish

Using direct printing and water-based printing inks, create realistic-looking schools of fish or a single artistic print simply by inking a whole fish and pressing it to paper. Learn how to paint realistic fish eyes to bring your print to life and cut masks to create realistic compositions.

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 18, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; CODE 1E0-0SH; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

By Sue Fierston

Vollkommer

By Arrin Sutliff

Image courtesy of Zetamari.com

Wirework Intensive: Rings

Learn to create three ring designs using wire-working, forming, and riveting. Designs can be embellished with beads and easy texturing techniques to create a unique look that suits the wearer’s style. Students leave the class with several finished pieces.

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 30–Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; CODE 1E0-0RS; Members $195; Nonmembers $220

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Joy of Photography

Designed for beginners who want to learn how to use their digital or mirrorless camera as a creative tool, this class gives students the opportunity to learn about technical aspects of photography so they can concentrate on composing beautiful images.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.; Marty Kaplan; CODE 1E0-0QT; Members $185; Nonmembers $220

NEW CLASSES

Night Photography in Washington, D.C.

Online, learn the techniques required to capture great nighttime photos, including how to use exposure modes, exposure compensation, white balance, and ISO. For the second session, meet in the field to photograph the World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial.

ONLINE: Thurs., Nov. 7 and 14, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; CODE 1E0-0NF; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

By Joe Yablonsky

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 your work. The class is designed for students of all levels.

ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 5–March 12, 7:30 p.m.; Arrin Sutliff; CODE 1E0-0RK; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

Photography Next Steps: The Personal Project

Look at the work of historical and contemporary photographers and fellow students with the goal of creating an effective photographic series. Through discussion and writing, the concepts of editing and sequencing are explored in terms of a personal project.

Lenses, Filters, and Optics

It’s easy to be overwhelmed with all the choices that are available for lenses and filters. Learn about the various options—plus everything from focal length to lens mounts to teleconverters—so you can make a better-informed decision for your next purchase.

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 25–Feb. 15, 12 p.m.; Patricia Howard; CODE 1E0-0SK; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; CODE 1E00RY; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Camera Obscura: Hands-On History of Photography

Learn exactly what a camera obscura is and how this simple technique once used by da Vinci and Vermeer works. Find out about the beginnings of the camera obscura and its creation of images and then make your own “dark chamber.”

ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 9, 12 p.m.; Patricia Howard; CODE 1E0-0ME; Members $70; Nonmembers $85

Camera obscura illustration from Reiner Gemma Frisius’ De Radio Astronomica et Geometrica, 1545

By Patricia Howard

By Arrin Sutliff

By Mïa Vollkommer

By Joe Yablonsky

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.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Ancient Wonders at the Penn Museum

Home to over a million objects from around the globe, the Penn Museum bridges the study of archaeology and anthropology. Spend the day immersed in ancient art and culture with art historian Renee Gondek, who offers a lecture on Greek art and ceramics en route to Philadelphia.

A guided tour of the museum gives you a taste of its vast collection and the chance to see Sumerian cuneiform tablets—with some of the world’s oldest writing—Buddhist sculptures, Native American regalia, and monumental Egyptian statues. Don’t miss the Sphinx of Ramses II, which weighs 26,000 pounds and is more than 3,000 years old.

After a catered lunch at the museum, the second tour of the day focuses on the Greek gallery, which represents the history and culture of Greece from 3000 to 31 B.C.E. This collection brings to life objects that Gondek discussed on the way to the museum.

Sat., Nov. 16, 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD049; Members $223; Nonmembers $273

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Bus Tour

War and Memory on the National Mall

The words “history” and “memory” mean very different things to scholars: “History” refers to the record of events from the past and “memory” to the process by which groups, institutions, and nations try to make sense of those events.

Monuments are a good example of where these two concepts intersect. They reflect a process of deciding what to commemorate, what the monument should look like, and where it should go. Historians talk about “reading” a monument as a way to learn more about the relationship between the people who erect it and the historical event it pays tribute to. War memorials can be especially fascinating places to practice these thinking skills, and there is no better place in the United States to think about the memory of conflict than on the National Mall. Historian Christopher Hamner leads a day dedicated to four memorials on the Mall.

World War ll Memorial and Washington Monument

Begin with a Ripley Center lecture on the distinctions between history and memory and an overview of the skills used to read a monument. After a boxed lunch, head out to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Ulysses S. Grant Memorial for hands-on exploration and discussion of the insights these memorials hold.

Fri., Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-050; Members $106; Nonmembers $156

Bus Tour

Columns from the Palace of Merenptah, 19th Dynasty, in the Lower Egyptian Gallery of the Penn Museum

Bus Tour

Radio City Music Hall

Front and Center for the Christmas Spectacular

There’s no more iconic holiday performance in New York than Radio City Music Hall’s famed Christmas Spectacular. And there’s no better way to see the precision dancing of the Rockettes than from prime orchestra seats in the fabulous Art Deco theater where the show has been a tradition since 1933.

SOLD OUT

Before the theatrical magic begins at a matinee performance, get a special behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the music hall, covering the stunning 1930s interiors and art, the Great Stage, Mighty Wurlitzer organ, and an opportunity to meet a Rockette along the way. A gourmet box lunch is served en route; dinner is on your own during 2 hours of free time after the performance.

Thurs., Dec. 12, 6:45 a.m.–11 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1ND-012; Members $395; Nonmembers $445

Related program: Radio City Music Hall: Forever Spectacular (see p. 22)

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Art

+ History Museum Tours

With Paul Glenshaw

Paul Glenshaw leads engaging tours of the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum focused on several of the great works featured in his popular Art + History series for Smithsonian Associates.

Participants view the masterpieces and learn the stories behind the creation of works including The Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial by Augustus Saint-Gaudens; Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley; Napoleon in His Study by JacquesLouis David; The Railway by Édouard Manet; Among the Sierra Nevada by Albert Bierstadt; and several others.

TWO OPTIONS: Fri., Jan. 10 (CODE 1ND-A14); Fri., Jan. 17 (CODE 1ND-B14); 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; Members $130; Nonmembers $180 (includes lunch)

Statement of Ownership

Statement of ownership, management, and circulation (required by 39 USC 3685) of the Smithsonian Associate for the year ending September 30, 2024. The Smithsonian Associate is owned and published by The Smithsonian Associates, Smithsonian Institution, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560-0701, under publication number 043210. The annual subscription price is $14. Robert A. Sacheli is the Editor. All offices of the Publisher, including those of the editors and the business office, are located at 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560-0701. The Smithsonian Associates is a nonprofit organization, and the purpose, function, and nonprofit status of the organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months. There are no known bondholders, mortgages, or other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities. The average numbers of copies of each issue during the preceding 12 months are: (A) Total number of copies printed: 21,650; (B) Paid circulation: (1) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales: None; (2) Mail subscriptions: 21,313; (C) Total paid circulation: 21,313; (D) Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary): None; (E) Free distribution outside the mail: 337; (F) Total free distribution: 337;(G) Total distribution: 21,650; (H) Copies not distributed: (1) Office use, leftovers, spoiled: 0; (2) Returns from new agents: None; (I) Total: 21,650. The actual number of copies of the single issue published nearest to filing date is: (A) Total number of copies printed: 20,578; (B) Paid circulation: (1) Sales through dealers and carriers, vendors, and counter sales: None; (2) Paid or requested mail subscriptions: 20,258; (C) Total paid or requested subscriptions: 20,258; (D) Free distribution by mail: None; (E) Free distribution outside the mail: 320; (F) Total free distribution: 320; (G) Total distribution: 20,578; (H) Copies not distributed: (1) Office use, leftovers, spoiled: 0; (2) Returns from new agents: None; (I) Total: 20,578.

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Patricia J. Dwyer, Associate Director of Finance and Administration, The Smithsonian Associates

Holiday decorations in the Grand Foyer

Walking Tour

Interior of the West Building, National Gallery of Art

2-Day Tour

A Cultural Symphony

The New York Philharmonic, the Met, and the Guggenheim Immerse yourself in Manhattan’s cultural splendors during a winter weekend getaway filled with a blend of the city’s finest music and art—and a Saturday night on the town to enjoy as you’d like. Art historian Ursula Rehn Wolfman leads the visit, discussing the interplay of the two artistic mediums.

The weekend begins with an afternoon performance at Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic’s “A Tribute to Boulez,” marking the centennial year of former music director Pierre Boulez, who died in 2016. The concert delves into connections among works by composers ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach and Franz Schubert to Boulez. Afterward, a private presentation from a New York Philharmonic educator provides insight into the orchestra.

Shifting focus from music to art, Sunday begins at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a guided look at the collection of musical instruments from around the world and related artworks featuring instruments. The exhibition reveals links between the musical traditions of different peoples, places, and time periods.

In the afternoon, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum offers a guided tour of the special exhibition “Harmony and Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910–1930,” which features over 90 artworks in the museum’s iconic rotunda. The exhibition examines the vibrant abstract art of Orphism, the international movement’s development in Paris, and the impact that dance, music, and poetry had on it.

Participants stay at the Even Hotel New York–Midtown East in the heart of the Theater District. The location is perfect for visiting the TKTS booth for discount tickets to a show on Saturday evening, which is open.

An early three-course supper is included before you head back to Washington on Sunday.

Sat., Jan. 25, 8 a.m.–Sun., Jan. 26, 10:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-ART; Members $605; Nonmembers $805

For more great 2025 overnight study tours, see p. 60

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Give the Gif t of Color

Limited-edition prints from the Smithsonian Associates Art Collectors Program capture brilliant and memorable worlds of color—and make great gifts for all occasions. For details, visit ArtCollectorsProgram.org

*Member pricing applies to Promoter level and above For membership levels visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Red Eiffel Tower (La Tour Rouge), by Robert Delaunay, 1911–12, New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection

CARLOS DELGADO;

Guggenheim Museum

Blue Moonlight by April Gornik (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $950*

Overnight Tours 2025

More Great Destinations

from Smithsonian Associates

The Philadelphia Flower Show

Sun., Mar. 2–Mon., Mar. 3 (on sale Dec. 1)

The spectacular displays at the nation’s top floral event are even more beautiful without the crowds. A private viewing before opening hours is just one of the special features of this visit to the 2025 edition of the show, themed “Gardens of Tomorrow.”

Leader: Chelsea Mahaffey

Outdoor Arizona

Sat., Apr. 26–Thurs., May 1 (on sale Dec. 1)

From the desert gardens to the red rocks of Sedona, the northern mountains to the depths of the Grand Canyon, this 5-day adventure offers outdoor enthusiasts a program filled with activity and scenic beauty.

Leader: Wayne Raney

Our study tours offer more than just a getaway: They combine oneof-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 will enrich your year with tempting travels. We’ve added many new adventures, and several of our most popular sold-out tours return to the schedule for 2025.

Note: All tour dates and content are subject to change.

Chincoteague and Assateague: The Beauty of Nature

Sun., Apr. 27–Mon., Apr. 28 (on sale Jan. 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

Delaware Bay: Shorebirds and

Horseshoe Crabs

Mon., May 12–Tues., May 13 (on sale Jan. 1)

Under a full spring moon, witness the dual phenomenon of Atlantic horseshoe crabs gathering to breed along the shores of Delaware Bay and the appearance of migrating shorebirds that rely on the crabs’ eggs to fuel their journey to the breeding grounds in the Arctic.

Leader: Matt Felprin

Norfolk Gardens

May 2025 (on sale Jan. 1)

While Norfolk is celebrated as a city on the water, vibrant spring gardens and lush greenery are in full bloom at the Norfolk Botanical Garden and Hermitage Museum & Gardens.

Leader: Chelsea Mahaffey

Frank

Lloyd Wright: Masterworks in the Midwest

Sun., May 18–Thurs., May 22 (on sale Dec. 1)

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 of the innovative Usonian residences.

Leader: Bill Keene

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

NEW

The Bronx in Bloom Sun., June 1–Mon., June 2 (on sale Feb. 1)

Spring is the perfect time to discover the beauty and the history of New York City’s northernmost borough, from the stunning gardens of Wave Hill along the Hudson to Edgar Allan Poe’s cottage.

Leader: Richard Selden

Presidential

Virginia Sun., June 22–Mon., June 23 (on sale March 1)

Virginia’s presidential connections outnumber those of any other state. From Jefferson’s Monticello and Madison’s Montpelier to Theodore Roosevelt’s Pine Knot and beyond, this tour covers both public and private locations that trace this fascinating aspect of the state’s legacy.

Leader: Gregg Clemmer

Wonders by Wright: Buffalo and Beyond

Thurs., Aug. 21–Sun., Aug. 24 (on sale April 1)

In the early 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries turned Buffalo into a showcase for some of the most dazzling and innovative public and private architecture. A 4-day tour surveys this rich heritage.

Leader: Bill Keene

Theodore Roosevelt’s North Dakota

Sat., Sept. 13–Wed., Sept. 17 (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

NEW

Explore Lancaster, Pennsylvania FALL 2025 (on sale May 1)

Discover a rich tapestry of American history and culture on a 2-day trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country. Explore the vibrant Amish community and gain insights into their unique way of life through guided tours and authentic culinary experiences.

The Hamptons for Art Lovers

Sat., Oct. 4–Wed., Oct. 8 (on sale May 1)

New York’s fabled Hamptons are more than an elite summer resort. The stark natural beauty of Long Island’s South Fork has long inspired painters. Traveling from Washington, D.C., spend time in Brooklyn, the Hamptons, New Haven, and the Long Island Sound area exploring art, artists, and the landscape that inspired them.

Leader: Richard Selden

Scenic Shenandoah: Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam

Oct. 2025 (on sale June 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

Jewels of Queens Sun., Nov. 9–Mon., Nov. 10 (on sale July 1)

Your visit to the largest of New York City’s outer boroughs includes the site of two World’s Fairs; the Museum of the Moving Image; the Noguchi Museum; the Louis Armstrong House Museum; a sampling of international cuisine; and a stay at the TWA Hotel, which celebrates the Jet Age glamour of the ’60s.

Leader: Richard Selden

NEW

Egypt at the Met and the Brooklyn Museum

Sun., Nov. 16–Mon., Nov. 17 (on sale July 1)

Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt at the Met and the Brooklyn Museum, where you'll encounter a stunning array of artifacts, from mummies to monumental statues, that bring the mysteries of the pharaohs to life.

Leader: Gary Rendsburg

Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•)

Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session

Sat., Nov. 2 and Sun., Nov. 3; Sat., Nov. 23 and Sun., Nov. 24

Masterworks of Five Centuries • 13

Wed., Nov. 6 and Dec. 4 Thinking About Philosophers

Thurs., Nov. 7–Dec. 12

Mon., Nov. 25–Dec. 16 Music and the Visual Arts in the

Thurs., Dec. 5 and 12 Classical Sounds of Christmas ..............................................................21

Sat., Dec. 14 and Sun., Dec. 15

Axelrod String Quartet • 13

Sun., Dec. 15, Sat., Feb. 15, Sun., April 6, Sat., June 14 Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra• 15

Wed., Jan. 15–March

Tues., Jan. 28–Feb.

Feb. 5–26 Spanish Art and Architecture: A Treasury of Delights

Tues., Feb. 11–March 11

Thurs., Feb. 20–March 20

Jan. 10

and Multi-Session

Fri., Jan. 17 Art + History Museum Tour with Paul Glenshaw 58

Jan. 25 A Cultural Symphony: The New York Philharmonic, the Met, and the Guggenheim 59

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

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