Dear Friends and Members, For avid travelers, there’s nothing as exciting as planning a new adventure. This month’s guide offers plenty of reasons for excitement in Smithsonian Associates’ lineup of multi-day study tours for 2024 (pp. 10, 11). This array spotlights why our tours provide unbeatable learning experiences: a tantalizing range of topics, fascinating destinations, outstanding leaders, and opportunities for insider’s access, such as private viewings at the famed Neue Galerie and the Philadelphia Flower Show. And here’s the best part: We do all the planning. Our 2024 calendar includes stellar new tours that visit the islands of Chincoteague and Assateague; investigate the artistic legacy of the Hudson River Valley; invite you to Virginia for performances of Shakespeare; and bring outdoor lovers to a birding expedition on the shores of Delaware Bay and an exploration of Arizona’s scenic beauty. You’ll also have opportunities to enjoy the return of several of our most popular tours (Frank Lloyd Wright fans, we’re calling you). There’s no need to wait to begin your 2024 study tour experiences. Register now for marvelous winter tours of New York City that showcase its status as a capital of art (p. 68) and fashion (p. 69). And then get out your planner for more adventures. So instead of signing off with “We look forward to seeing you on the National Mall,” I’ll make that “We look forward to seeing you everywhere we go next year!”
November 2023 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Studio Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Helpful Information . . . . . . . . . . . 71
On the cover: Photographer Jay Fleming‘s book Working the Water documents the Chesapeake Bay’s marine environments and the people who make a living on the water. (p. 48)
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Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu
Programs with these icons showcase Smithsonian’s world of knowledge and long-term initiatives
Smithsonian Associates (USPS 043-210) Vol. 52, No. 3, November 2023. Published monthly by Smithsonian Associates, Smithsonian Institution, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, DC. and at additional mailing offices. Vesna Gjaja, Director of Marketing and Membership; Robert A. Sacheli, Editor; Ric Garcia, Visual Specialist. Copyright 2023 by the Smithsonian Associates. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Smithsonian Associates, P.O. Box 23293, Washington, D.C. 20026-3293. Printed in the U.S.A. on recyclable paper.
NOVEMBER 2023 SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES
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Smithsonian Associates
In Person
We invite you to join us for selected in-person programs, concert series, and studio arts classes and workshops in our nation’s capital, as well as walking tours, full-day study tours, and overnight tours. Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Holiday Desserts Around the World
Contemplating Nietzsche Wed., Nov. 1
Join Georgetown professor Joseph Hartman for an insightful discussion of this controversial modern thinker. (see p. 27)
Food historian and author Francine Segan explores the intriguing stories behind America's cherished Christmas sweets and spotlights desserts from holidays celebrated worldwide. A reception follows the program, featuring an array of treats and recipes to take home.
Revolutionary Road Trip
An Analysis of Hallmark Channel Holiday Movies Educator and lecturer Stef Woods explores why these movies have been hugely successful. (see p. 30)
Thurs., Jan. 18
Join PBS television host Darley Newman and a panel of travel and history experts on a road trip through American Revolution historic sites from South Carolina to New Jersey. (see p. 9)
The Cuisine of Nigeria Cheers! A Cocktail for Every Day Wed., Dec. 6
Writer and cocktail expert Philip Greene plays host for a lively evening full of stories, recipes, and toasts. Enjoy light snacks and cocktail samples to complete the celebration. (see p. 21)
Wed., Jan. 31
Yewande Komolafe discusses the hallmarks of Nigerian cuisine, the country’s regions and peoples, and how writing a cookbook led to self-discovery. Afterward, enjoy a light reception featuring bites from a local West African restaurant. (see p. 22)
Read more about these in-person programs in this guide on our website.
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Wed., Nov. 29
Anne Hyland of the Smithsonian American Art Museum provides an overview of a wide-ranging exhibition that presents an inclusive and diverse view of the American West.
Thurs., Dec. 14
(see p. 22)
Sun., Dec. 3
Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea
(see p. 46)
2023–2024
Concert Season
Smithsonian Chamber Music Society
The 46th season features masterpieces from the late 16th century to the cusp of the 21st, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments.
The Axelrod String Quartet
Masterworks of Five Centuries
Sat., Dec. 9, April 6, April 27
Sat., Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Feb. 10, Feb. 24, March 16 Sun., Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 17
Sun., Dec. 10, April 7, April 28
The music of quartet masters Haydn, Beethoven, and Shostakovich are joined by three 20th-century works. (see p. 24)
The season presents three chamber program dyads, plus a chamber orchestra concert. (see p. 25)
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Sun., Dec. 3, Sat., Feb. 10, Fri., Apr. 5, Sat., June 1
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 33-year history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. (see p. 23)
Studio Arts Let your creative side shine in a wide variety of hands-on classes led by professional artists. (see pp. 52–54)
Tours Our expert-led tours offer one-of-a-kind travel experiences. They’re perfect ways to learn more about topics that intrigue you—and satisfy your yen for learning and discovery. (see pp. 65–69)
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Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
Constantine the Great The First Christian Roman Emperor? Few individuals have played such a dramatic role in history, or provoked as much controversy, as the Roman emperor Constantine (306–337). In October 312, after he triumphed against his rival Maxentius, Constantine became the first Roman emperor to declare his support for Christianity. Over the next 25 years, he poured imperial patronage and resources into the church. Yet in more modern times, commentators have questioned Constantine’s motives and the sincerity of his faith. David Gwynn, an associate professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, focuses on the words of Constantine himself to understand him and offers a new evaluation of his legacy. Constantine the Great, Byzantine mosaic ca. 1000
Wed., Nov. 1, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-306; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Making the Case for Reform Eastern State Penitentiary’s Impact on the Modern Penal System Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary was one of the most famous and expensive structures in the country when it was constructed. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, it was a radical departure from other prisons, pioneering a “separate system” meant to reform rather than intimidate its inmates. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held nearly 85,000 people over its long history. Using Eastern State Penitentiary as a case study, prison scholar Ashley T. Rubin highlights the challenges of 19th-century prison administration that helped create the current U.S. penal system. Wed., Nov. 1, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-024; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Al Capone's prison cell at Eastern State Penitentiary
From the Battle of Tippecanoe to the War of 1812 Tecumseh, William Henry Harrison, and the Struggle Over Indigenous Lands Two leaders of very different backgrounds and with opposing visions for the future of Indigenous lands in the American West struggled to defeat one another during the early 1800s: Tecumseh, the Shawnee warrior, and William Henry Harrison, the governor of the Indiana Territory. Historian Peter Stark exposes the fundamental conflicts at play through the little-known but consequential struggle between the two men. Stark’s book Gallop Toward the Sun: Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison’s Struggle for the Destiny of a Nation (Random House) is available for purchase. Commemorative engraving of The Battle of the Thames and the Death of Tecumseh during the War of 1812
Thurs., Nov. 2, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-025; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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Andrew Jackson’s Presidency and the Rise of the Democratic Party From 1829 to 1837 no figure dominated American political culture as did Andrew Jackson. Historians and the public alike remain fascinated by Jackson, his presidency, and his impact on the development of the Democratic Party. “Old Hickory” was a complex man whose forceful personality transformed the nation’s struggle for popular rights into the two-party system we know today. His leadership style reversed decades of congressional supremacy and shifted power from the aristocrats and elites to the common man. Historian Stephen D. Engle examines Jackson’s enormous influence on the people and the presidency and traces how his political triumph, his bold executive initiatives, and his popular appeal transformed the social and cultural landscape that gave rise to a legacy that has become controversial because of his stance on slavery. Mon., Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-289; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Three Pillars of Chinese Culture: Architecture, Film, and Ideology Chinese culture boasts a vibrant history reaching back thousands of years. This three-part series introduces enduring elements of Chinese architecture, examines how the modern era was represented in early 20th-century films, and delves into the sweeping cultural changes enacted under communism. Justin M. Jacobs, a professor of Chinese history at American University, is the author of several books, including The Compensations of Plunder: How China Lost Its Treasures. NOV 7 Chinese Architecture NOV 28 Chinese Silent Films DEC 19 Cultural Reform Under Mao 3-session series: Tues., Nov. 7, Nov. 28, Dec. 19, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-302; Members $60; Nonmembers $70 Individual sessions: Tues., Nov. 7 (CODE 1J0-302A); Tues., Nov. 28 (CODE 1J0-302B); Tues., Dec. 19 (CODE 1J0-302C), 6:45 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Temples in Shimen Cave, Yichang, Hubei Province, by Ernst Boerschmann, 1910
Visiting the Normandy Battlefields A Military History Travel Talk Journalist Kevin Dennehy, a military veteran who co-authored The D-Day Visitor’s Handbook, provides an overview of what you need to know to plan and make the most of your visit to the site of the biggest seaborne invasion in history: the Normandy battlefields. While describing the most significant land invasion of World War II, he provides information on detailed battlefield maps and tours, identifies monuments and attractions, and locates museums and historical sites to make your planning easier and less stressful. He also shares tips on where to stay, dine, and shop; the best D-Day museums; and how to find war relics still at the battlefield sites. Dennehy’s newest book, The D-Day Visitor’s Handbook, 80th Anniversary Edition: Your Guide to the Normandy Battlefields and WWII Paris (Skyhorse Publishing), is available for purchase. NEW DATE: Fri., Nov. 17, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-417; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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Live from Turkey
Exploring Anatolia: A Turkish Odyssey Anatolia’s colorful history has left a windfall of riches—ancient ruins, ornate Byzantine churches, supremely elegant mosques, and magnificent Ottoman palaces. In an illustrated series, Serif Yenen, a Turkish-born tour guide and author, highlights the heritage and splendor of ancient Turkey through an examination of some of its cultural gems. FEB 22 Neolithic and Bronze Ages FEB 29 Iron-Age, Hellenistic, and Roman Periods MAR 7 Christianity in Anatolia MAR 14 The Turkish Period’s Capitals 4 sessions: Thurs., Feb. 22–March 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-239; Members $80; Nonmembers $90 Facade of the Library of Celsus at Ephesus, completed ca. 117 Ulu Cami mosque in Bursa, completed ca. 1399
Perhaps no place name conjures as much sense of mystery as Machu Picchu, and perhaps no archaeological site has borne so much intrigue, interpretation, and misinterpretation. Bordering the great Andean mountain chain and the enormous Amazonian forest, the Peruvian site lay unknown to the modern world until the first decade of 20th century. Once it was “discovered” by explorer and academic Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu became attached to seemingly endless speculation about its origins, purpose, and meaning. Recent scholarship has cleared away most of the far-fetched theories, and modern travel and hospitality have opened the doors to this once nearly inaccessible site to determined travelers. Cultural historian George Scheper traces the travels of Hiram Bingham to see the archaeological ruins as he first beheld them, and then, guided by modern scholarship, he revisits the site as it is today. He asks the same questions as Bingham did over a hundred years ago but offers some very different conclusions as to who built the site and why.
GEORGE SCHEPER
Machu Picchu: A Virtual Adventure
Mon., Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-295; Members $30; Nonmembers $35 Machu Picchu
Live from Poland
Off the Beaten Path in Poland Visitors to Poland often focus on major cities such as Warsaw and Kraków, but Poland abounds in historical, cultural, and natural treasures elsewhere. Christopher Skutela, author and tour guide, leads you on a visual journey to places in Poland that are off the beaten path. Among the sites he reveals are smaller cities and towns with intriguing stories, such as Kazimierz Dolny and Katowice; the Tatra mountains, whose heights attract skiers and climbers; Slowinski National Park, home to sand dunes and lakes; and the extensive canals and rivers that connect more than 2,000 lakes in Masurian Lake Land. Parish church of St. John the Baptist and St. Bartholomew, Kazimierz Dolny, Poland
Tues., Jan. 16, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-326; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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A 2024 Election Preview With Journalist Ken Walsh The 2024 national election campaign is already in high gear. Presidential nominating caucuses and primaries are rapidly approaching, the rhetoric is heating up, and voters are starting to pay attention. Ken Walsh, veteran White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, takes a close look at national politics and America’s mood as the political year is about to begin. This particularly important and unusual election finds the nation fragmented, troubled, and perhaps more divided than at any time since the Civil War. Public trust is eroding in major institutions and Americans are deeply worried about what’s to come. Most believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, although there is no consensus on why and what to do about it. What future will we choose? In a fact-based, non-partisan presentation, Walsh analyzes the major issues facing the country, what voters want done about them, how we became so divided, the historical parallels, the prospects for control of Congress and state governments, and the major candidates.
EDWARDHBLAKE/CC BY 2.0
Mon., Nov. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-032; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Culture Wars How Can We Lower the Temperature? As we approach the 250th birthday of the United States, ongoing culture wars threaten to bring rancor and chaos to what should be a celebration. Public humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson asserts that we need to awaken to the rich and often troubling complexity of American history without adopting an unnecessarily critical view of the last 250 years. In a wide-ranging presentation, he discusses such timely examples as the removals of a statue of Theodore Roosevelt at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and a sculpture of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea in Charlottesville and a recent controversy in Colorado over an exhibit focused on the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. He also addresses Thomas Jefferson’s plummeting reputation because of his complications with race and slavery. Jenkinson shares his thoughts (and asks for yours) about how to bring down the temperature of our national cultural debate to steer a middle course between complacency and conviction so that we may be able to take just satisfaction in this unprecedented experiment in enlightened democracy.
The depiction of the Indigenous and Black figures on the 1939 equestrian statue of Theodore Roosevelt sparked its removal from New York's American Museum of Natural History
Tues., Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-425; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
The Gift of Art Limited-edition prints from the Smithsonian Associates Art Collectors Program make memorable gifts for all occasions.
August Breakfast/Maine by Carolyn Brady (detail)
Children with Flowers by Elizabeth Catlett (detail)
Red Geranium by Robert Kushner (detail)
Retail: $1200 Members: $800*
Retail: $1300 Members: $1075*
Retail: $1500 Members: $1200*
For details, visit ArtCollectorsProgram.org *Member pricing applies to Promoter level and above | For membership levels visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels
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JFK’s Presidency: Beyond Camelot Nearly 60 years after his death, John F. Kennedy still holds an outsize place in the American imagination. He entered office inexperienced but alluring, with a reputation more given by an enamored public than earned through achievement. Drawing on his new assessment of JFK’s time in the Oval Office, author and historian Mark K. Updegrove examines how the first months were marred by setbacks: the botched Bay of Pigs invasion, a disastrous summit with the Soviet premier, and a mismanaged approach to the civil rights movement. A humbled Kennedy conceded his mistakes and drew lessons from his failures that he used to right wrongs and move forward undaunted. He grew as president, radiating greater possibility as he coolly faced a steady stream of crises before his tragic end. Updegrove reexamines the dramatic, consequential White House years of a flawed but gifted leader too often defined by the Camelot myth that came after his untimely death. Updegrove’s book Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Presidency (Dutton) is available for purchase. Thurs., Nov. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-424; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives What keeps democracy alive? Are there patterns or clues found in democracies that have sustained themselves for hundreds of years? In a new book, historians Brook Manville and Josiah Ober argue that democracy can survive—if citizens keep vital the implicit civic bargain they make with one another, one that sets the norms and institutions so citizens can govern themselves, free of any kind of “boss.” Using the history of the four longest-surviving cases of democratic rule—ancient Athens, Republican Rome, British parliamentarianism, and American constitutionalism—they examine how all developed through earlier, incremental political bargains. Causes for our current democratic ills are variously asserted, but at its core, say Manville and Ober, citizens have forgotten how to deal with one another: to negotiate and bargain, and find compromise, even if imperfect, to make the choices needed to selfgovern. The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.
© 2023 PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRESS.
John F. Kennedy
Wed., Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-789; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
“In a Constitutional Way” Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle In a democracy, how do you disagree with government policy? What is a loyal opposition? In the hyper-partisan 1790s, the Founding Fathers grappled with these questions. By 1799, newspapers warned of “Civil War!” because the Kentucky Resolutions, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, declared that a state could pronounce federal laws unconstitutional and nullify them. Although Patrick Henry had argued against ratification of the Constitution, he came out of retirement to oppose this dangerous policy and run for office, contending that since “we the people” adopted the Constitution, anyone contesting federal policy must seek reform “in a constitutional way.” Henry won his election, but he died before he could take office. John Ragosta, historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, brings this relatively unknown story to life. Ragosta’s new book, For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle (University of Virginia Press), is available for sale. Wed., Nov. 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-315; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Engraving of Patrick Henry, 1867
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Forgotten Women of Arlington National Cemetery Explore women’s history during a virtual tour of Arlington National Cemetery with A Tour of Her Own staff. Be introduced to aviation pioneers, medical experts, activists, and artists, in addition to the living women who help make Arlington National Cemetery the special place that it is. Learn about the first person buried at the cemetery, a woman named Mary Randolph; the first woman to vote; the founder of the Daughters of the American Revolution Hospital Corps; and the iconic female author who inspired the creation of Batman. Hear the heart-wrenching story of a local teacher who lost her life on 9/11 and the legacy she left for students everywhere. Mon., Nov. 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-026; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Arlington National Cemetery
Related program: Buried Secrets: Congressional Cemetery’s Stories of Love, Tragedy, and Revenge (see p. 65)
BRUNO RIJSMAN
Magna Graecia: Early Greek Culture in Italy Why did Julius Caesar speak his last words in Greek? Why are the world’s best-preserved Greek temples in Sicily and the South of Italy? Why did Plato visit Italy? Author Ross King explores how in Plato’s time the South of Italy was known as “Greater Greece”—the beautiful land settled in the centuries after 800 BCE by colonists from the Greek mainland. King examines how these settlers brought trade and prosperity as well as their religion, their customs, their alphabet, and their language. They also nurtured on Italian soil the political, philosophical, and artistic foundations that would profoundly influence and support the world of the ancient Romans and, much later, that of the Italian Renaissance. Mon., Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-790; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Several of the world’s best-preserved ancient Greek temples are among the ruins of Paestum in Magna Graecia
London: Inventing Modernity
The Old Palace of Whitehall by Hendrick Danckerts
Between 1500 and 1800, London became the largest city in Europe, its financial, commercial, cultural, and social capital, and the headquarters of a vast global empire. To do all that from its origins as a medieval village, Londoners had to overcome plagues, fires, crime, and collapsing infrastructure. To survive the city’s many dangers, toils, and snares, its inhabitants evolved into a new type of urbanite, one that was flexible, resilient, entrepreneurial, optimistic, determined, and wryly humorous: the Londoner. Early modern Londoners needed to find community in the big city. By creating connections with each other in wide-ranging areas of life—from local governance to theater-going, coffee houses and clubs to networks of female servants—they forged many of the hallmarks of modern life. Historian Robert Bucholz charts the city’s rapid growth and examines the panorama of London life, from the splendid galleries of Whitehall to the damp and sooty alleyways of the East End. Tues., Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-791; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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Privateers, Prisoners, and Britain’s Black Holes POWs in the American Revolution During the American Revolution, the British military took almost as many men prisoner at sea as they did on the battlefield. Most of those captured by the Royal Navy were privateers— raiding crews licensed by the Continental Congress to torment British shipping and besiege Britain itself. Historian Richard Bell examines the untold history of America’s privateers and their experiences as Britain’s captives. Held indefinitely under the terms of a 1777 law that designated them as pirates and traitors, these sailors spent months or years buried from the world in “Interior of the old Jersey prison ship, in the prisons in England and in floating hulks off the coast of Manhattan. Revolutionary War,” engraving, 1855 Bell traces their lives both at sea and then behind bars, using their surviving diaries and journals to illuminate their ordeal. He examines their campaigns to improve their treatment and build alliances and reconstructs their extraordinary efforts to escape. He argues that these British prisons and hulks soon became nurseries of American nationalism and that their inmates’ experiences—publicized by patriots as tales of British cruelty to stir up feelings of common cause—changed the course of the war. Mon., Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-292; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
In Person
and Online Program
Revolutionary Road Trip
PBS television host Darley Newman and a panel of four travel and history experts take you on a journey through American Revolution historic sites, battlefields, and great places for food and drinks as they share hidden gems and rarely told stories about the American Revolution. This road trip route that travelers can recreate goes from Charleston, South Carolina, to Trenton, New Jersey. At the conclusion of the panel discussion, in-person participants have the opportunity to learn more while mingling with Newman and the panelists at a light reception. IN PERSON: Thurs., Jan. 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-327; Members; $30; Nonmembers $40 ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-327; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Darley Newman at the Wick House in Morristown National Historical Park
Note to in-person ticket holders: The program is held at the Ripley Center.
Celebrating Christmas, Tudor Style Tudor monarchs certainly knew how to make the most of a holiday. The Twelve Days of Christmas provided the royal court with opportunities for midwinter merrymaking on a grand scale fit for a king (or queen). Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann LloydStanger provides a colorful glimpse into how members of the Tudor dynasty and their courtiers marked the festive season—as well as how the rest of the country celebrated Christmas in their homes. She describes the royal court over the holiday as a place where those wishing to catch the eye of the monarch dressed in their finest, feasted on Christmas pie and wassail, and participated in masques—all overseen by the Lord of Misrule. Lloyd-Stanger examines the religious Hampton Court Palace is one of only and social traditions of the seasonal celebrations, as well as its extravagant foods. Few nontwo surviving palaces owned by King royal kitchens could match the famed Christmas pie: turkey stuffed with goose stuffed with Henry VIII chicken stuffed with partridge stuffed with pigeon, all baked into a manger-shaped pastry case. She also reveals how court intrigue continued to simmer beneath the holiday fun: Henry VIII struggled to keep a wife and mistress happy for three Christmas seasons as his divorce proceedings lingered on, and then a few years later he met new wife Anne of Cleves for the first time on New Year’s Day. Tues., Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-293; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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A New Year of Delightful Destinations Smithsonian Associates Overnight Tours for 2024
An Artful Weekend in New York
Note: All tour dates and content are subject to change.
The Philadelphia Flower Show Sun., Mar. 3–Mon., Mar. 4 (on sale Dec. 1) The spectacular displays at the nation’s top floral event are even more beautiful without the crowds. A private viewing is just one of the features of this visit to the 2024 edition, themed “United by Flowers.” Leader: Chelsea Mahaffey
Chincoteague and Assateague: The Beauty of Nature Sun., Apr. 28–Mon., Apr. 29 (on sale Feb. 1) Chincoteague and Assateague are home to more than just wild horses—the islands are rich with history and unique flora and fauna ready for exploration. Leader: Liana Vitali
ELLIOT GOLDSTEIN © SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Sun., Jan. 14–Mon., Jan. 15 (on sale now; see p. 68) Enjoy an art-lover’s escape to Manhattan that includes visits to MoMA, the Neue Galerie, and the Guggenheim—and a night on the town for yourself. Leader: Ursula Rehn Wolfman
Our study tours are designed for people who want more than just a getaway: They combine one-of-a-kind experiences with opportunities to gain new insights into the topics that fascinate you. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, theater, nature, or architecture—or simply love exploring new places—these expert-led excursions offer a year’s worth of tempting travels. We’ve added many new adventures, and several of our most popular sold-out tours return to the schedule for 2024.
New York: The Fashion Capital Fri., Feb. 2-Sat., Feb. 3 (on sale now; see p. 69) Splendid style is on the Manhattan itinerary when you take in fashion-focused exhibitions at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; Fashion Institute of Technology; and the Met’s Costume Institute. Leader: Elizabeth Lay Little
Jewels of Queens Sun., April 7–Mon., April 8 (on sale Dec. 1) Highlights of this visit to the largest of New York’s outer boroughs include the site of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs; several distinctive museums; a sampling of international cuisines; and a night at the ’60s-inspired TWA Hotel. Leader: Richard Selden
Frank Lloyd Wright: Masterworks in the Midwest Sun., May 19–Thurs., May 23 (on sale 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 Usonian residence. Leader: Bill Keene
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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Birding in the Delaware Bay
Philadelphia’s Finest Museums
Wed., May 22–Thurs., May 23 (on sale Feb. 1) Your exploration of Delaware’s diverse avian population includes a special experience: Witness Atlantic horseshoe crabs gathering by moonlight to breed along the shores of Delaware Bay and the appearance of migrating shorebirds that rely on the crabs’ eggs to fuel their journey. Leader: Matt Felprin
Aug. 2024 (on sale Apr. 1) Stroll thorough galleries that house the treasures of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, and Barnes Foundation—and savor a taste of the city, too. Leader: Ursula Rehn Wolfman
Curtain Up in Shepherdstown July 2024 (on sale Apr. 1) One of the oldest towns in West Virginia comes alive every July with the newest plays at the Contemporary American Theater Festival. Take in the premieres and the summer countryside. Leader: Lynn O’Connell
Exploring Frank Lloyd Wright: Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, and Polymath Park
PHOTO: STEVE HALL © HALL + MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHERS, COURTESY PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART, 2021)
Oct. 2024 (on sale Jun. 1) Visit prime examples of Wright’s organic architecture in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, a location made even lovelier by its autumnal palette. Leader: Bill Keene
Theodore Roosevelt’s North Dakota
Scenic Shenandoah: Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam
Sat., Sept. 14–Wed., Sept. 18 (on sale Apr. 1) Fly west and experience the wild beauty of the Dakota Territory that shaped young Theodore Roosevelt’s course as a conservationist and naturalist. Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Oct. 2024 (on sale May 1) The beauty and culture of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley unfolds 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
The Hamptons for Art Lovers The Hudson River Valley: Through Artists’ Eyes June 2024 (on sale Feb. 1) New York’s Hudson Valley has long attracted artists to capture its sublime riverbanks, mountainsides, and vistas. This 3-day tour visits the homes and studios of 19th-century Hudson River School landscape painters and examines their artistic legacies. Leader: Paul Glenshaw MUSEUM OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY | VIEW ON THE HUDSON RIVER BY JASPER FRANCIS CROPSEY, 1890
Sat., Sept. 21–Wed., Sept. 25 (on sale Apr. 1) More than a haven for beach lovers, Long Island’s famed Hamptons have provided inspiration for artists from William Merritt Chase and Childe Hassam to Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Lee Krasner. View their works at the Parrish Art Museum, Guild Hall, and the former home and studio of Krasner and Pollock. Leader: Richard Selden
Outdoor Arizona Nov. 2024 (on sale Apr. 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
PHOTO: THE PARRISH ART MUSEUM, WATER MILL, NEW YORK, LITTLEJOHN COLLECTION | THE BIG BAYBERRY BUSH BY WILLIAM MERRITT CHASE
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The Christmas Truce of 1914 At Christmastime in 1914, months after World War I began, hundreds of soldiers in Flanders spontaneously stopped fighting one another, left their trenches, and shook hands in no man’s land. For a short time, British and German soldiers barely fired a shot, helped bury one another’s dead, and even played soccer together. One interpretation of the unofficial truce was that the men in the trenches, in defiance of commanders and politicians safely behind the lines, refused to hate their enemies and had no wish to fight them. But how accurate is this characterization? Join historian and battlefield guide Simon Jones as he tells the story of what really happened in Flanders during the Christmas season in 1914. Fri., Dec. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1CV-027; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
British and German soldiers meeting in No-Man's Land during the Christmas truce, Dec. 25, 1914
America’s First Women Astronauts When NASA sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s, the agency excluded women from the corps, arguing that only military test pilots—a group then made up exclusively of men—had the right stuff. It was an era in which women were steered away from jobs in science and deemed unqualified for space flight. Eventually NASA recognized its blunder and opened the application process to a wider array of hopefuls, regardless of race or gender. From a candidate pool of 8,000, six elite women were selected in 1978: Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon. Drawing on her new book, The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts, journalist Loren Grush discusses how these brilliant and courageous women endured claustrophobic—and sometimes deeply sexist—media attention, underwent rigorous survival training, and prepared for years to take multimillion-dollar payloads into orbit. Copies of The Six (Scribner) are available for sale. INSIDE Tues., Dec. 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-545; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 SCIENCE
The Secret History of Women at the CIA Created in the aftermath of World War II, the Central Intelligence Agency relied on women even as it attempted to keep them down and channel their talents, argues journalist and author Liza Mundy. Despite discrimination—possibly even because of it—women who started as clerks, secretaries, and unpaid spouses rose to become some of the CIA’s shrewdest operatives. Mundy reveals how women at the CIA ushered in the modern intelligence age and how silencing them made the world more dangerous in her new book, The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA (Penguin Random House), which is available for purchase. Thurs., Jan. 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-323; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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Making the Holidays Beautiful at the White House From the 1975 handmade felt decorations of Betty Ford and her daughter Susan to the lively winter South Lawn ice skating rink of Amy Carter to the winter wonderland enjoyed by Malia and Sasha Obama, our first ladies have created holiday memories for their families while curating a holiday experience for the public. Coleen Christian Burke, a former White House design partner and author of Christmas with the First Ladies, examines how modern first ladies have combined the shimmer of holiday magic with meaningful reflection, creating a celebration narrative for all Americans. 1 p.m. First Ladies’ Traditions 3 p.m. Break 3:15 p.m. Decorating the Obama White House Sat., Dec. 9, 1–4 p.m.; CODE 1J0-321; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
The White House Christmas tree on display in the Blue Room, 2022
Caesar’s Conquest of Gaul The famous formulation that all Gaul was divided into three parts came from the self-serving pen of Caesar himself, whose conquest of Gaul served as the springboard for a quest for power that ended fatally on the Ides of March in 44 B.C.E., five years after he had famously crossed the Rubicon River en route to Rome from Gaul in defiance of the Roman Senate. Historian Jennifer Paxton traces how Rome gradually acquired commercial and military interests in southern Gaul that provided the pretext for Roman intervention in the complicated politics of the region. Caesar then exploited internal divisions within Gaul to bring about the largest single acquisition of territory for Rome north of the Alps, a project that he conducted largely on his own initiative with only the grudging approval of the Senate. She also tells the surprising story of how the legacy of the Gauls has featured in the French national consciousness, from Louis Napoleon’s obsession with Vercingetorix to the comics of Astérix the Gaul. Vercingetorix Throws Down His Arms at the Feet of Julius Caesar, by Lionel Noel Royer, 1899
Mon., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-294; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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The American Civil War and the World The American Civil War was closely watched by other countries to see what its outcome might signal for personal liberty and what effect it could have on their own governments. Paul Quigley, director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech, explores international perspectives on the conflict, ranging from ideological affinities to economic calculations to strategic considerations. Among other topics, he examines how Spain took advantage of the Civil War to return to Santo Domingo and Napoleon III installed a puppet regime in Mexico; considers what the war meant for the global cotton trade and the international antislavery movement; and discusses the roles that transatlantic immigration and diplomacy played in a conflict that we usually view as a domestic affair.
CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART
Mon., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-792; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Slavery, Secession, and Redemption The Story of Ulysses S. Grant Captain Ulysses S. Grant resigned from the U.S. Army after facing charges of excessive drinking in 1854. In 1864, he became general-in-chief of the army. How did this turnaround happen? Historian John Reeves says that Grant always had the latent abilities to be a skilled commander but developed these skills while he was in the West at the beginning of the Civil War without the pressure faced by commanders in the East. Grant also grew in other ways, Reeves says. His book Soldier of Destiny: Slavery, Secession, and the Redemption of Ulysses S. Grant (Simon & Schuster) is available for purchase. Tues., Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-028; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Portrait of Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, 1866
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS'
Keep Marching On: Life in the Civil War Armies The American Civil War mobilized hundreds of thousands of young men, North and South, and hurled them into some of the most vicious ground combat the world had ever seen. These volunteers and conscripts were not professional soldiers. Most had never heard a shot fired in anger, and many were leaving home for the first time. Why did they join? What was their experience in the armies and on the march like? Most importantly, how did so many men—farmhands, schoolteachers, shopkeepers, factory workers—with no professional military training manage to endure the brutal fighting of the Civil War battlefield? Historian Christopher Hamner delves into the gripping stories of the young men who answered the call to arms and offers a poignant and unforgettable glimpse into the human side of this pivotal period in American history. Mon., Jan. 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-037; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned
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GEORGE S. STUART GALLERY OF HISTORICAL FIGURES® ARCHIVE
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The Huns Nomads, Attila, and the Fall of Rome In the history of Western civilization, few peoples are as important and yet as mysterious as the Huns. Tales of these nomadic horsemen appear in Roman sources shortly after the year 350. Over the following century, the Huns played a critical role in the collapse of the western Roman empire. The sudden death of their leader, Attila, in 453 led to civil war among the Huns, however, and Hun power collapsed as swiftly as it had emerged. David Gwynn, associate professor in ancient and late antique history at Royal Holloway, University of London, covers the full breadth of the Hun world. Wed., Dec. 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-320; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 A reconstruction potrait of Attila the Hun by artist/historian George S. Stuart
Einstein’s Space and Times Einstein’s theory of relativity was both scientifically and politically controversial in his day. Overthrowing Newton’s picture of the universe that had been in place for 300 years was radical enough, but Einstein used his fame to publicly advocate for political causes. Since his theory was the basis of his notoriety, his political enemies sought to undermine it, creating a public furor not unlike what we have seen around global warming or the COVID vaccine today. The result was a combination of death threats at home and celebrity abroad that led Einstein into exile as the world’s most recognizable figure. Steven Gimbel, a professor of philosophy and associate professor of Jewish studies at Gettysburg College, takes a unique look into a part of Einstein’s past that is rarely discussed. Wed., Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-793; Members $20; INSIDE SCIENCE Nonmembers $25 Albert Einstein by F. Schmutzer, Vienna, 1921
Drawing the Outlines of the Middle East A History Rooted in Bad Faith
Ottoman forces prepare for the attack on the Suez Canal, 1914
It is impossible to comprehend the conflicts in the Middle East without understanding the machinations of British diplomacy during World War I. To enhance their cause, British leaders made a series of conflicting promises to Arab leaders, French diplomats, and Zionist representatives regarding the future of the Middle East. They pledged to help establish an Arab empire, then offered to divide the same land with the French—while also declaring that His Majesty’s government viewed with favor the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people. Historian Ralph Nurnberger examines the fascinating cast of characters involved in the often-contradictory secret negotiations, as well as how the results contributed to more than a century of conflicts in the region and the establishment of the modern states of Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Mon., Dec. 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-033; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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The Trojan War: Did It Happen? For more than a century, archaeologists and historians have struggled to answer questions about the Iliad, Homer’s magnificent account of the Trojan War. Did Troy really exist and where was it located? Was there an actual Trojan War or is Homer’s tale simply a good yarn? Is there any historical truth in a face that launched a thousand ships or was there simply a 10-year struggle for political hegemony in the Aegean? Classicist Eric Cline of George Washington University offers a thesis based on the latest archaeological and textual discoveries that a Trojan War, or several such wars, did indeed take place during the Late Bronze Age. Although many questions remain that have ignited scholarly controversies and even most-unscholarly fistfights, Cline has no doubt that there’s a kernel of truth in Homer’s story. The Burning of Troy by Johann Georg Trautmann, (1759/62)
Tues., Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-795; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Court at War
The Last Neanderthals
FDR, His Justices, and the World They Made
Did you know that some Neanderthals ground their own flour and that others made cave art? Or that scientists have created mini Neanderthal “brains” in their labs to see how they grow and develop? These are just a few of the latest discoveries in the ever-changing field of research into our closest human cousins. Paleolithic archaeologist April Nowell leads a deep dive into the world of these ancestors. She offers an overview of the Neanderthals, beginning with their initial discovery and subsequent interpretation by scientists, and outlines our current understanding of who they were both biologically and culturally. Nowell examines the Neanderthals’ relationship with Homo sapiens and another human cousin, the Denisovans; the reasons for their extinction in the Middle East and Europe; and why thousands of years after the last Neanderthals disappeared from the Earth, they continue to engender great interest, and even emotion, among scientists and the public.
By the summer of 1941, in the ninth year of his presidency, Franklin Roosevelt had molded his Supreme Court. He had appointed seven of the nine justices and handpicked the chief justice. But the wartime Roosevelt court had two faces: one old and progressive, the other supine and abject, cowed by the charisma of the revered president. Cliff Sloan, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, explores this pivotal period and examines how one president forever altered the most powerful legal institution in the country, with consequences that endure today. He profiles the justices—from Vienna-born intellectual Felix Frankfurter to the Alabama populist Hugo Black, and from William O. Douglas, FDR’s initial pick to be his running mate in 1944, to his former attorney general and Nuremberg prosecutor, Robert Jackson. Cliff Sloan Sloan asserts that the justices’ shameless capitulation and unwillingness to cross their beloved president highlight the dangers of an unseemly closeness between Supreme Court justices and their political patrons. But, he notes, the FDR court’s finest moments also provided a robust defense of individual rights, rights the current Supreme Court has put in jeopardy. Sloan’s book The Court at War: FDR, His Justices, and the World They Made (PublicAffairs) is available for purchase. Tues., Jan. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-436; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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Tues., Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-799; INSIDE SCIENCE 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.
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Inventor of the Future The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller As the architectural designer and futurist best known for the geodesic dome, Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983) enthralled a vast popular audience, inspired devotion from both the counterculture and the establishment, and was praised as a modern Leonardo da Vinci. In his book Inventor of the Future: The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller (Dey Street Books), author Alec Nevala-Lee reconstructs the origins of Fuller’s most famous inventions and designs, including the Dymaxion car, the Wichita House, and the geodesic dome; his fraught relationships with his students and collaborators; and his tumultuous private life. The book is available for purchase. Wed., Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-029; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 PINACOTECA CIVICA DI FORLÌ
Buckminster Fuller
Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Virago The illegitimate daughter of the autocratic Duke of Milan, married at 10 years old to a dissolute papal nephew, Caterina Sforza seemed destined to victimhood, yet she turned the tables on popes and princes alike. Her upbringing in the military Sforza court prepared the young Caterina to control fortresses, train mercenaries, and fearlessly face danger. Her exploits stunned Renaissance society as they tried to fathom this anomaly of iron determination wrapped in seductive beauty. Art historian Liz Lev looks at how Caterina Sforza’s contemporaries tried to capture the paradoxes of this virago, as she was dubbed, reconciling her courtly grace with her fierce defense of family and property. From battling the College of Cardinals on the ramparts of Castel Sant’Angelo to facing Cesare Borgia and the armies of France, Caterina’s bravery provoked criticism from Machiavelli, derision from her male neighbors, and the odd poem by mercenary soldiers. Meet this forgotten heroine, depicted by Botticelli and admired by Isabella d’ Este, whose legacy included the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, her direct heirs. La dama dei gelsomini, by Lorenzo di Credi, presumed portrait of Caterina Sforza
Fri., Jan. 19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-798; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Behind an Exodus The Tycoons Who Helped Jews Leave Eastern Europe From 1890 to 1921, 2.5 million Jews, fleeing discrimination and violence in their Eastern European homelands, arrived in the United States. Many sailed on steamships from Hamburg, Germany. The mass exodus was facilitated by three businessmen whose involvement has been largely forgotten: Jacob Schiff, the managing partner of investment bank Kuhn, Loeb & Co.; Albert Ballin, managing director of the Hamburg America Line; and J. P. Morgan, mastermind of the International Mercantile Marine Co. trust. Author and historian Steven Ujifusa tells their story in his book Last Ships from Hamburg: Business, Rivalry, and the Race to Save Russia’s Jews on the Eve of World War I (Harper Collins), which is available for purchase. Tues., Jan. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-328; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Steven Ujifusa
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The World of the Crusades When the Byzantine Emperor Alexius called on Pope Urban II to send him aid against the Turks, he had no idea that he was setting in motion a movement that we now call the Crusades. What caused tens of thousands of Europeans to travel more than a thousand miles to try to reclaim Christian territory and, perhaps more importantly, save their souls? The Europeans who settled in the Holy Land brought many Western institutions and customs with them, but they also acclimated in surprising ways to the very different culture they found there. The Muslim response to the Christian challenge was hampered by political infighting, but ultimately, local leaders were able to rally enough support to drive the last crusaders from Middle Eastern soil. Historian Jennifer Paxton explores the origins of the Crusades, the complex relations between crusaders and their opponents, and their legacy for the modern world. 10 a.m. The Theory of the Just War and the Origins of the Crusades 11:30 a.m. The First Crusade 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. The Rise of the Holy Wars 2:45 p.m. Crusading Redefined
Attack of the Crusaders on Constantinople, Geoffrey de Villehardouin, Venice, ca. 1330
Sat., Jan. 27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-298; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF FRANCE
The Queen’s Spymasters William Cecil, Francis Walsingham, and the First Secret Service
Engraving by William Faithorne of Queen Elizabeth I with William Cecil and Sir Francis Walsingham, 17th century
When Elizabeth I came to the English throne, her reign was challenged by all of Catholic Europe. Its rulers, including the pope, infiltrated Elizabeth’s court with spies in search of any weakness that could be exploited to topple her government. To maintain the country’s power, Elizabeth turned to William Cecil and Francis Walsingham, devoted Protestants who assembled a team of agents committed to securing Elizabeth’s crown and willing to do whatever it took to preserve her rule and her church. Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger examines how Walsingham developed a secret network of spies that spanned Europe and enabled him to prevent the overthrow of the English queen. She also considers how the emerging science of codes and ciphers and new ways of sharing, intercepting, and reading messages changed history and sparked the birth of modern espionage. Mon., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-299; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
Your Monthly Digital Program Guide Is Always On Time! It Pays To Become a Member (Especially Today) The digital program guide is sent automatically to members via email (1–2 weeks before the print guide arrives). Members receive early email announcements of new programs, free events, and other special offerings—ahead of the general public. Visit Our Website Purchase tickets and make payments; become a member or renew your membership; sign up for program eAlerts; and access our popular Digital Digest.
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Pox Romana The Plague That Shook the Roman World In the middle of the second century, Rome was at its prosperous and powerful apex. The Roman-made peace, or Pax Romana, seemed to be permanent. Then out of nowhere, a sudden sickness struck the legions and laid waste to cities, including Rome itself. This fast-spreading disease, now known as the Antonine plague, may have been history’s first pandemic. Soon after its arrival, the Roman Empire began its downward trajectory toward decline and fall. Did a single disease—its origins and diagnosis still a mystery—bring Rome to its knees? Historian Colin Elliott asserts that Rome’s problems were more insidious: The pandemic exposed the crumbling foundations of a doomed empire, and that it was both the cause and effect of Rome’s fall. He discusses the plague’s “preexisting conditions” such as multiple economic, social, and environmental susceptibilities; recounts the history of the outbreak itself through the experiences of a physician, victim, and political operator; and explores post-pandemic crises. Elliott’s book Pox Romana: The Plague That Shook the Roman World (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase. Colin Elliott
In Search of Ancient Israel
The Japanese Empire
Two centuries of archaeological excavation and exploration in the Holy Land and its environs have revealed more than we ever knew about the people, culture, society, and religion of ancient Israel. Religious artifacts and writings from ancient Egypt, Canaan, and Mesopotamia provide information about historical events as well as religious beliefs and practices not mentioned in the Bible. The result is an ever-clearer picture and a fuller understanding of the people and the society that produced the Bible. In an illustrated full-day program, biblical scholar Gary Rendsburg presents Iron Age ruins at Megiddo an overview of new findings that illuminate the world of ancient Israel.
From Politics to Baseball
10 a.m. In Search of Israel’s Origins 11:30 a.m. In Search of David and Solomon 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. In Search of Israel and Judah 2:45 p.m. In Search of God Sat., Feb. 3, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-301; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
GARY A. RENDSBURG
GARY A. RENDSBURG
Tues., Jan. 30, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-435; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Though it lasted for only 50 years, the Japanese empire forever changed the geopolitical balance in Asia and left a complex legacy that endures to this day. Historian Justin M. Jacobs takes you on a thematic tour of five fascinating topics in the history of the Japanese empire: politics, tourism, baseball, zoos, and video games. He provides a nuanced overview based on recent scholarship and shares copious slides. FEB 7 Himeji Castle and the Transformation of Japan FEB 14 Tourism FEB 21 Baseball FEB 28 The Tokyo Zoo MAR 6 Super Mario and the Legacy of the Japanese Empire Himeji Castle
5-session series: Wed., Feb. 7–March 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-333; Members $100; Nonmembers $110
Individual sessions: Wed., Feb. 7 (CODE 1J0-333A); Wed., Feb. 14 (CODE 1J0-333B); Wed., Feb. 21 (CODE 1J0-333C); Wed., Feb. 28 (CODE 1J0-333D); Wed., March 6 (CODE 1J0-333E); 6:45 p.m.; All Tickets $25
All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned
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Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
The Worlds of Benjamin Franklin Rivaled only by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin was, at his death in 1790, the most famous man in America. Yet for all we know about Franklin the icon, aspects of the man still elude us and his many contradictions remain both puzzling and glaring. He treasured his identity as a proud subject of the British Empire until the moment he embraced the role of American revolutionary. He owned enslaved persons for most of his life, only to decry slavery in the harshest possible terms in old age. He nurtured a loving marriage and a large and doting family even while flirting with an array of star-struck women and severing all ties with his once-favored son and heir. How can we merge these several Franklins into one? Or should we even try? Historian Richard Bell argues that it’s Franklin’s many faces that make him so compelling. Both ordinary and extraordinary, Franklin—the man with nine fascinating lives—winks at us from across the centuries and dares us to wink back.
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin by David Martin
Thurs., Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-302; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
LORELLA BROCKLESBY
10 a.m. The Ancient City 11:30 a.m. Knights Templar to Trafalgar Square 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. Whitehall to Westminster 2:45 p.m. Thameside to Greenwich Sat., Feb. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-305; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
Queen's House, Greenwich
Trafalgar Square
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
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Insider’s London: City of Splendors and Surprises London-born historian Lorella Brocklesby leads a lively overview of the city’s historic places from medieval to modern and from famous to lesser-known, including rarities, splendors, and surprises. Follow her route that begins in the ancient City of London to explore the Tower, Guildhall, and the legal quarter with its Knights Templar connection. Then to Covent Garden, the impressive Georgian architectural treasures along the Strand, and Whitehall with its royal connections, all within London’s adjoining City of Westminster. She concludes with the breathtaking Thameside splendors of naval Greenwich.
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A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE
Fall Wine Adventures NOV 17 Amazing Wines of Argentina Despite being part of the New World, Argentina brings an Old World spirit to winemaking heritage and traditions from Spanish and Italian immigrants hundreds of years ago. Today, Argentine wine is undergoing a renaissance in every way imaginable, with pioneering winemakers pushing limits in everything from altitude to latitude to techniques in the vineyard and winery. Taste through this delicious deep dive into the new world of Argentine wine.
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.
DEC 15 California Dreaming When winter looms with cold weather, it’s only natural that thoughts turn to warmer climes and warmer wines. With generally warm weather and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, California wine regions are primed for peak performance. Discover some of the most exciting expressions of California wine through this delicious tasting designed to warm your soul with whites and reds that will wipe away the winter blues.
Individual sessions: Fri., Nov. 17 (CODE 1L0-537); Fri., Dec. 15 (CODE 1L0-538); 6 p.m.; Members $65; Nonmembers $75
Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes curated personal tasting kits with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines. Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kits, which is an essential component of the series. Each session will have separate kits available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 1–5 p.m. at a location to be announced. Patrons receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to each session. 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.
In Person
Cheers! A Cocktail for Every Day
Writer and cocktail expert Philip Greene wants you to celebrate every day with a cocktail and a toast. His new book, aptly titled Cheers! Cocktails & Toasts to Celebrate Every Day of the Year, provides the convivial blueprint. Greene, an author and co-founder of the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans, offers delicious cocktail recipes along with a backstory connecting the recipe to a particular day and a toast to raise in celebration. He draws on a range of interesting and (usually) fun events, some significant and some trivial, from the pages of history, literature, sports, entertainment, and more while he acknowledges the usual noteworthy dates from around the world (New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and more), Greene also features a new twist on standard observances, offering fresh stories, drinks, and toasts. As we head into the holiday season, join Greene for a festive evening in which he offers highlights and stories from the book, along with cocktail recipes and toasts that you can share with friends and family. Enjoy light snacks and cocktail samples to complete the celebration. Copies of Cheers! (Union Square & Co.) are available for purchase and signing. Wed., Dec. 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-544; Ripley Center; Members $55; Nonmembers $70
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Holiday Desserts Around the World
With Tasting Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of holiday treats and traditions with food historian and author Francine Segan. Join her for a delightful evening in which she explores the intriguing stories behind America’s cherished Christmas sweets as well as scrumptious desserts from holidays celebrated worldwide, including Kwanzaa; Chinese New Year; Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights; and the Muslim “Sugar Festival” that follows Ramadan. Throughout the lively program, Segan delves into the historical significance of these delectable delights, revealing the unique cultural influences and age-old traditions that have shaped them into beloved holiday staples. Afterward, enjoy a reception with an array of treats and take home recipes for baking your own holiday-inspired desserts. Thurs., Dec. 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-035; Ripley Center; Members $45; Nonmembers $55
Spices 101: Turmeric Something of a wonder ingredient, turmeric gets attention for its health-giving properties. It’s also treasured as a culinary spice, lending a base of flavor and brilliant pop of yellow to dishes around the world. Writer and spice expert Eleanor Ford, author of The Nutmeg Trail, covers the facts, myths, stories, and properties of turmeric. Learn the difference between the fresh rhizome and dried powder and how to handle both in the kitchen. Discover how to use turmeric to the best effect and how to show it off in dishes including coconut curries, pickles, grilled meats, scrambled eggs, and even in the most vibrant lemon cake. Tues., Jan. 30, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-066; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
In Person The
The Cuisine of Nigeria: Transcending Boundaries
With cookbook author Yewande Komolafe The city of Lagos, Nigeria, is a key part of a larger conversation about West African cuisine and its global influence. In her new cookbook, My Everyday Lagos, Yewande Komolafe, a chef and cooking writer for the Food section of the New York Times, looks at about 75 dishes that are served in her fast-paced, ever-changing home city of Lagos. Through essays that place ingredients in historical context, Komolafe explains how in a country where dozens of ethnic groups interact, a cuisine has developed that transcends tribal boundaries and has spread to Nigerian communities throughout the world. Join Komolafe as she discusses the hallmarks of Nigerian cuisine, the country’s regions and peoples, and her own journey of self-discovery through understanding her home country and its food. Afterward, enjoy a light reception featuring bites from a local West African restaurant. Copies of My Everyday Lagos (Ten Speed Press) are available for purchase and signing. Yewande Komolafe Wed., Jan. 31, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-547; Ripley Center; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra 2023–2024 Concert Series
JACLYN NASH
Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 33-year history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The 2023–2024 SJMO season adds new excitement and luster to that musical tradition.
Charlie Young
Sat., June 1 | Sarah Vaughan: The Divine One
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert
Sarah Vaughan’s colorful vocal tone, unparalleled range, elastic stylized phrasing, and all-around dynamic musical interpretation earned her the moniker “The Divine One.” Also known as “Sassy,” Vaughan became one of the greatest jazz vocalists in the history of the music. To close out the concert season, the SJMO features singer Sharón Clark in celebration of the centennial year of NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan. Songs like “After You’ve Gone,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” and “The Lady’s in Love with You” rekindle the Vaughan spell. (Full Orchestra) New July Date Coming Soon
Sun., Dec. 3 | Thad Jones: A Centennial Celebration
Developing his orchestration aesthetic during his Basie years, for over three decades Thad Jones contributed greatly to the tonal and textural evolution of modern big band composing and arranging. The SJMO kicks off its season by honoring the great Thaddeus Joseph Jones with a centennial tribute including “H.R.H. (Her Royal Highness),” “A Child Is Born,” and “Tip Toe.” (Full Orchestra)
Jazz and the U.S. Armed Services
Official military bands date back to 1798 with the establishment of the U.S. Marine Band. In the 1910s, First Lieutenant James Reese Europe infused elements of jazz into military music, and today all branches have an official jazz ensemble. The SJMO salutes the U.S. military jazz bands and the role they play inspiring soldiers, fostering patriotic support, and promoting national interests at home and abroad. Selections include “Memphis Blues,” “American Patrol,” and “Armed Forces Medley.” (Full Orchestra)
Sat., Feb. 10 | The Legacy of Max Roach
Inspired by Chick Web, Sonny Greer, Jo Jones, and the innovations of Kenny Clarke, during the 1940s Max Roach revolutionized the world of modern drum-set playing. He developed a swing and cymbal technique with dynamic expression that became the template for the creative imagination and technical mastery required to move modern jazz forward. With songs such as “Four-X,” “Cou-Manchi-Cou,” and “Liberté,” the SJMO honors the legacy of Max Roach, who would have turned 100 on January 20. (Smaller Ensemble) Fri., Apr. 5 | Aspects of Ellington
5-concert series: CODE BPS1; Members $85; Nonmembers $105 Individual concerts: Sun., Dec. 3 (CODE 1P0-833); Sat., Feb. 10 (CODE 1P0-835); Fri., Apr. 5 (CODE 1P0-836); Sat., June 1 (CODE 1P0-837); Date TBD (CODE 1P0-834) Members $25; Nonmembers $30 Please note: Concerts take place at 7 p.m. at Baird Auditorium in the National Museum of Natural History, except for the February 10 program, held at the Warner Bros. Theater at the National Museum of American History. Each concert’s musical program is subject to change. JACLYN NASH
Duke Ellington composed dynamic music that inspired vivid visual imagery and emotion. Combining his unconventional orchestration technique with the unique talent of his individual orchestra members, Ellington was able to transpose everyday life into musical works of art. To mark what would have been his 125th year, the SJMO launches Jazz Appreciation Month by highlighting elements of the Duke’s music and his orchestra with signature works such as “East St. Louis Toodle-oo,” “The Degas Suite,” and “Jack the Bear.” (Full Orchestra)
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Smithsonian Chamber Music Society
In Person
2023–2024 Season The 46th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society features musical masterpieces from the late 16th century to the cusp of the 21st, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments. Except for the January 28 Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra performance, concerts take place in the National Museum of American History’s intimate Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, with repertoire ranging from acclaimed masterpieces to undeservedly obscure gems by all-but-forgotten composers. Veteran musicians of the Society are joined on several of the programs by emerging artists. Kenneth Slowik, SCMS artistic director and recipient of the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar Award, again curates a series of pre-concert talks one hour prior to the Saturday concerts, shedding light on the glorious music and the lives and times of the featured composers.
The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati Smithsonian Chamber Music Society audiences are privy to the unparalleled experience of being able to hear two magnificent quartets of instruments—one made by Antonio Stradivari, the other by his teacher Nicolò Amati—in this popular three-concert series. The Axelrod String Quartet, which now includes violinist Mark Fewer, presents three programs, each of which is anchored by one of Schubert’s last quartets. Works of quartet masters Haydn, Beethoven, and Shostakovich are joined by three 20th-century works related, in their diversity, to varied interests of the National Museum of American History. Much of the music of African American composer Florence Price was rediscovered only in 2009. Her String Quartet in G Major, a work from 1929, recalls the harmonic language of Antonin Dvořák, who observed, “In the Negro melodies of Marc Destrubé, James Dunham, America I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music.” Mark Fewer and Kenneth Slowik The music of the Argentinian Osvaldo Golijov, resident in the United States since 1986, has been characterized as “forcing us to look and listen in a way that we’re not asked to do inside other music, speaking to the divisiveness and coming together of cultures.” The Austrian American Erich Wolfgang Korngold is probably most widely known for the nearly two dozen Hollywood film scores he wrote in the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s (among them The Adventures of Robin Hood, for which he won the Academy Award in 1934), but many of his operas, orchestral and chamber works, songs, and piano pieces employ the same appealingly kaleidoscopic harmonic palette.
The Axelrod String Quartet Mark Fewer, violin; Marc Destrubé, violin; James Dunham, viola; Kenneth Slowik, violoncello
Note: Saturday concerts at 7:30 p.m. include a pre-concert lecture at 6:30 pm. Sunday concerts at 6:30 p.m. do not include a lecture.
Sat., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. Florence Price: String Quartet in G Major Ludwig van Beethoven: Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 74, the Harp Franz Schubert: Quartet in A Minor, D804, Rosamunde
3-concert series: CODE BPS6 (Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.); CODE BPS7 (Sundays at 6:30 p.m.); Members $80; Nonmembers $100
Sat., Apr. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Apr. 7, 6:30 p.m. Joseph Haydn: Quartet in F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5 Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Quartet No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 26 Franz Schubert: Quartet in D Minor, D810, Death and the Maiden
Individual concerts: Sat., Dec. 9 (CODE 1P0-814); Sun., Dec. 10 (CODE 1P0-817); Sat., Apr. 6 (CODE 1P0-815); Sun., Apr. 7 (CODE 1P0-818); Sat., Apr. 27 (CODE 1P0816); Sun., Apr. 28 (CODE 1P0-819); Members $30; Nonmembers $35
Sat., Apr. 27, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Apr. 28, 6:30 p.m. Osvoldo Golijov: Tenebrae for String Quartet Dmitri Shostakovich: Quartet No. 7 Franz Schubert: Quartet in G Major, D887
All Axelrod concerts take place at the Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, National Museum of American History, 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW (Metro: Federal Triangle)
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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Masterworks of Five Centuries
The 2023–2024 season continues with a program of sonatas and trios of Bach and Rameau. Catherine Manson and Rebecca Landell Reed join Kenneth Slowik, the SCMS artistic director in two programs surveying Beethoven piano trios, and in another pairing, Slowik is partnered by violinist Edwin Huizinga, viol player Arnie Tanimoto, and harpsichordist Corey Jamason for sonatas, suites, and trios of J. S. Bach and Jean-Philippe Rameau. The January chamber orchestra concert honors the 150th anniversary of Arnold Schönberg’s birth. The spring program of the Smithsonian Consort of Viols features English consort music by Orlando Gibbons and Henry Purcell, whose 1680 fantasias provide a fitting capstone to a venerable tradition. Sat., Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m. Sonatas and Trios of Bach and Rameau Edwin Huizinga, violin; Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba; Kenneth Slowik, harpsichord
Sat., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. Suites and Sonatas of J. S. Bach The Smithsonian Chamber Players Corey Jamason, harpsichord; Kenneth Slowik, cello and viola da gamba
Sat., Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. Piano Trios of Beethoven Op. 1, No. 2 in G Major; Fourteen Variations, Op. 44; Op. 11 in B-flat Major The Smithsonian Chamber Players Catherine Manson, violin; Rebecca Landell Reed, cello; Kenneth Slowik, fortepiano
2024 Sun., Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. Béla Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances, Sz.56 Florence Price: Andante moderato Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. Gustav Mahler: Quartetto serioso, Op. 95 Arnold Schönberg: Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4 The Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra Kenneth Slowik, conductor Sat., Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m. Piano Trios of Beethoven Op. 1, No. 1 in E-flat Major; Op. 1, No. 3 in C Minor; Op. 70, No. 1 in D Major, the Ghost The Smithsonian Chamber Players Catherine Manson, violin; Rebecca Landell Reed, cello; Kenneth Slowik, fortepiano
Sat., Mar. 16, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Mar. 17, 6:30 p.m. Consorts of Orlando Gibbons and Henry Purcell The Smithsonian Consort of Viols Kenneth Slowik, Arnie Tanimoto, Wade Davis, Catherine Slowik, Chelsea Bernstein, and Lily Schrantz, viols
Please note: Saturday concerts take place at 7:30 p.m., with pre-concert talks at 6:30. Sunday concerts take place at 6:30 p.m. (except the January 28 concert at 7:30 p.m.) and do not include pre-concert talks. Individual concerts: Sat., Nov. 4 (CODE 1P0-821); Sun., Nov. 5 (CODE 1P0-828); Sat., Nov. 18 (CODE 1P0-822); Sun., Nov. 19 (CODE 1P0-829); Sun., Jan. 28 (CODE 1P0-823); Sat., Feb. 10 (CODE 1P0-824); Sun., Feb. 11 (CODE 1P0-830); Sat., Feb. 24 (CODE 1P0-825); Sun., Feb. 25 (CODE 1P0-831); Sat., Mar. 16 (CODE 1P0-826); Sun., Mar. 17 (CODE 1P0-832); Members $30; Nonmembers $35 All Masterworks concerts take place in the Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, National Museum of American History, Constitution Ave. at 14th St. NW (Metro: Federal Triangle) except for the January 28 performance at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill, 301 A St. SE (Metro: Capitol South)
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High School Classics Revisited In this series, Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, revisits and provides new perspectives on novels that typically appear on high school reading lists.
Great Expectations Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations is renowned for its brilliant narrative, memorable characters, and illuminating depictions of the complexities of English class and society during the Victorian era. Luzzi explores the literary techniques and devices that give the beloved classic, published in 1861, its enduring fame. He highlights Dickens’ remarkable psychological insight as he explores the motives and actions of characters such as the protagonist Pip, Estella, Magwitch, Miss Havisham, and Joe Gargery—a fascinating cast that makes the novel one of Dickens’ finest. Thurs., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-310; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
1984 To read George Orwell’s 1984, published in 1949, is to be astonished by his foreseeing some of the most pressing concerns of today’s world, including the role of misinformation, the proliferation of media, and the dramatic struggle between freedom of speech and authoritarian control. Luzzi explores how and why Orwell created a work of such transcendent brilliance, especially in its ability to diagnose deep-rooted political problems and their effect on human individuality. Luzzi also examines why Orwell is considered one of literature’s greatest prose stylists. Thurs., Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-311; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
Romeo and Juliet Few works of Shakespeare are as instantly recognizable as Romeo and Juliet, a play that has enthralled readers and theatergoers ever since it was written in 1597. Luzzi takes a fresh look at this moving work, which ranks as one of the greatest love stories of all time. Luzzi pays particular attention to Shakespeare’s original use of language, especially his ability to capture the inner lives of his characters with observations on human nature that have contributed to his status as arguably the greatest writer in the history of English literature. Thurs., Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-312; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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More Stories from the American Songbook Explore more wonderful songs from the golden age of the Great American Songbook and the stories behind their long and unexpected lives. This season, each session takes up the work of a famous songwriting team and some of their forever-familiar songs, where daydreams and romance, razzle-dazzle, and all our “where or whens” still live. Combining a lively lecture with a wide variety of film clips, filmmaker and cultural historian Sara Lukinson traces how these favorite songs came to be and how different artists, unexpected arrangements, and changing times transformed them into something new but still the same. NOV 1 George and Ira Gershwin NOV 15 Rodgers and Hart NOV 29 Kander and Ebb 3-session series: Wed., Nov. 1, 15, and 29, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-403; Members $45; Nonmembers $55 Individual sessions: Wed., Nov. 1 (CODE 1K0-404); Wed., Nov. 15 (CODE 1K0-405); Wed., Nov. 29 (CODE 1K0-406); 12 p.m.; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
In Person
Contemplating Nietzsche
“God is dead…and we have killed him.” These words are perhaps the most famous—and misunderstood—of many provocative aphorisms penned by the 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Within those terse words lies a massive claim concerning the entirety of the philosophical and theological tradition of the West, a 2,500-year tradition dating back to the works of Plato that Nietzsche sought to displace. After all, he claimed, “since Plato, philosophy has been in exile.” Join Georgetown professor Joseph Hartman in considering this electric, controversial, and provocative modern thinker. Recommended reading: the first essay in Nietzsche’s Genealogy of Morals. Wed., Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-307; Ripley Center; Members $25; Nonmembers $35 Friedrich Nietzsche, 1870
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Spinoza: The Father of Modern Thought Spinoza is one of the most important philosophers—and certainly the most radical—of the early modern period. Raised in the Portuguese-Jewish community of Amsterdam, and ultimately shunned by it and by his family, he is correctly assumed to be the father of modernist thought with his developed highly controversial ideas that are often misinterpreted. He is mistakenly considered to have been an atheist, although his work includes no arguments against the existence of God. The questions, then, are how and why are atheism and modernism associated with him and why is he so important to our understanding of our own world? To find the answers, author and Georgetown University professor Ori Z. Soltes explores the philosophy of Spinoza by examining what he thought and wrote—and when; events in the Jewish and Christian communities in which he lived; and his relationship with the people and the world around him. Wed., Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-794; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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Dot Wilkinson and the Real Story of Women’s Softball A League of Their Own, the beloved 1992 blockbuster starring Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, and Tom Hanks, captures the heyday of women’s professional baseball in the 1940s. Of course, it’s a movie and it’s fiction. Lynn Ames, author of Out at the Plate: The Dot Wilkinson Story, draws on her longtime friendship with the greatest catcher in women’s softball to recount the story of what playing that sport was like. Wilkinson was one of the most decorated female athletes of all time and one of the original players from the three-time-world-champion PBSW Phoenix Ramblers softball team, active from 1933 to 1965. She was at the heart of it all in those years: sold-out stadiums; brawls on the field; brawls in the stands; epic rivalries; grueling travel; clandestine relationships; and larger-than-life personalities. Ames unfolds the story of Wilkinson’s life and career, one marked by childhood poverty, an indomitable spirit, the determination to be the very best at whatever sport she undertook, the independence to live her personal life on her own terms, and her success at all of it. Out at the Plate: The Dot Wilkinson Story (Chicago Review Press) is available for purchase.
Leadership Lessons from Shakespeare From the Battlefield to the Boardroom Writing in a time of civil unrest, religious chaos, and threat of foreign invasion, William Shakespeare lived in the heart of England’s power center and saw the best and worst of leaders and leadership. He captured it all in some of the most famous stories in history, from the dangers of out-of-control ambition in Macbeth to the power of an inspirational speech in Henry V, and from the pitfalls of procrastination in Hamlet to the value of building consensus in Julius Caesar. Shakespeare and Tudor scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger explores the lasting lessons that can be found in Shakespeare’s plays by comparing effective actions of Antony and Henry V to the mistakes of Macbeth, Hamlet, and King Lear. She analyzes how Shakespeare considered some of the greatest challenges leaders faced and what contributed to their success or failure. She also links the characters and stories of 16th–century England to the King Henry V by unknown 21st century through Shakespeare’s timeless understanding of human behavior and interaction. artist, late 16th or early 17th Tues., Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-290; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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Jon Bonné on France’s Changing Wine Culture In his new book, The New French Wine: Redefining the World’s Greatest Wine Culture, Jon Bonné, one of the leading American voices on wine and food, captures the world’s greatest wine culture at a moment of profound change. He posits that over the past 20 years, French wine has been simultaneously destroying and recreating itself, driven by a talented generation of pioneering winemakers. This new generation sees all the value of French terroir—its traditions, famed vineyards, and renown. But, says Bonné, it is also struggling to succeed amid a bureaucracy that undermines progress and makes life more difficult for the small independent vignerons who make up the backbone of French wine. Join Bonné, a two-time James Beard Award winner and managing editor of Resy, as he discusses the wine regions of France, the stories behind some of the most well-revered producers, and what’s next for the country he calls “the soul of the global wine industry.” Copies of The New French Wine (Ten Speed Press) are available for purchase. Tues., Nov. 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-540; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Please note: This program is not part of the Wine Adventures: A Top Sommelier’s Guide series and wine-tasting kits are not available.
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Wed., Nov. 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-539; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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Elvis in Hollywood From 1956 to 1969, Elvis Presley made 31 films, starring in all but one. That’s a remarkable achievement, and it helped make him one of the wealthiest performers in Hollywood. But Elvis’s dream of being taken seriously as an actor was never fulfilled, thanks to the crass commercial instincts of his manager, Col. Tom Parker. Media historian Brian Rose examines Presley’s Hollywood career, which started off with such promise in films such as King Creole and Jailhouse Rock but concluded with dozens of mediocre movies like Harum Scarum and Paradise, Hawaiian Style. Rose also looks at musical highlights of Presley’s movies, including “Love Me Tender,” “Return to Sender,” and “Viva Las Vegas.” Fri., Nov. 17, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-303; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Edgar Allan Poe: Love, Loss, and Invention Nearly 175 years after his death, Edgar Allan Poe remains a figure of enduring fascination and speculation for readers, scholars, and devotees of the weird and macabre. Join novelist and poet Robert Morgan for a look at the life of this gifted, complicated author. Morgan chronicles how several women influenced his life and art. Eliza Poe, his mother, died before he turned 3, but she haunted him ever after. The loss of Elmira Royster Shelton, his first and last love, devastated him and inspired much of his poetry. Morgan illustrates how Poe, known for his gothic and supernatural writing, was also a poet of the natural world who helped invent the detective story, science fiction, analytical criticism, and symbolist aesthetics. Though he died at age 40, Poe left behind works of great originality and vision. Morgan’s book Fallen Angel: The Life of Edgar Allan Poe (LSU Press) is available for purchase. Mon., Nov. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-428; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Robert Morgan
Becoming Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald possessed one of the 20th century’s most astonishing voices. Music historian Judith Tick examines how Fitzgerald fused a Black vocal aesthetic with mainstream popular repertoire to revolutionize American music. From Fitzgerald’s first audition at the Apollo Theater to swing-era success at the Savoy, Tick illustrates how this “girl singer” broke new ground: as a female bandleader, as an innovative bebop improviser, and as the arbiter of the American canon with her “Song Book” recordings of works by iconic composers Yet even as she electrified concert halls and sold millions of records, jazz critics belittled her as “naïve.” Tick reveals instead an ambitious risk-taker with a stunningly diverse repertoire, whose exceptional musical spontaneity (often radically different on stage than in the studio) made her a transformational artist. Tick’s book Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song (W. W. Norton & Company) is available for purchase. Tues., Nov. 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-423; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Judith Tick
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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Navigating The Waste Land T.S. Eliot’s best-known poem is The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, but his greatest is The Waste Land, which was first published just over 100 years ago. It’s a seminal work that intimidates all of us at first reading, even with excellent footnotes. It’s worth the effort to come to terms with The Waste Land’s stature, and public humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson is ready to serve as a guide. The work has an intriguing origin story that involves superb editorial supervision by another great poet of the era, Ezra Pound. Jenkinson covers its creation and its enormous debt to previous literature from Dante to John Donne and walks you through the poem in a way that helps reveal its creative strategies—and meaning. Jenkinson recommends reading the work in the Norton Anthology of English Literature or the Norton Critical Edition. Have the text at hand and come with questions, comments, and puzzlements. Tues., Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-426; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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’Tis the Season An Analysis of Hallmark Channel Holiday Movies Hallmark Channel holiday movies are a big business, garnering an estimated $350 million in ad revenue annually. The channel’s formula for the movies has been criticized for its predictable content and lack of racial, religious, and LGBTQ representation. So why do millions of people keep watching? Educator and lecturer Stef Woods explores the fairy-tale formula, contract actors, and marketing strategies that have made these movies hugely successful. She also analyzes the controversies and competition that the channel faces. Following the lecture, in-person attendees can make holiday cards with instructor Karen Cadogan while enjoying seasonal holiday treats. In Person and Online: Sun., Dec. 3, 1 p.m.; CODE 1J0-317; Members $30; Nonmembers $40 Note to in-person ticket holders: The program will be held at the Ripley Center.
Something To Laugh About TV Comedy, From Milton Berle to David Letterman
David Letterman with guest Teri Garr, 1982
From commercial television’s earliest days, making people laugh was a central goal of TV programmers. Successful radio formats like the situation comedy and the comedy-variety show were re-created for TV in the late 1940s, joined a few years later by the medium’s own innovation, the late-night comedy talk show. Media historian Brian Rose surveys the landscape of American TV comedy, examining how comedy evolved from the vaudeville shtick of Milton Berle and the slapstick artistry of Lucille Ball to relevant sitcoms like “M*A*S*H,” the social satire of “Saturday Night Live,” a twist on the sitcom with “The Jeffersons,” and the self-reflexive absurdities of “The Simpsons.” Mon., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-319; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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Classical Sounds of Christmas From sleigh bells and sugarplums to the mystical beauties of the Nativity, every December our senses are filled with the music of Christmas. In this 2-session celebration of the festive season, popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin explores how classical Western composers created a canon of both secular and sacred experiences that are now deeply rooted in our collective seasonal expectations. Some of this music is ancient and folk-based, some grandly Baroque, and more recent masterpieces have evoked images of feasting, bells, snowy Christmas trees, brightly colored candy, and jolly red Santas. Enjoy the stories behind works by such composers as Bach, Handel, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Berlioz, Britten, Vaughan Williams, William Henry Fry, Sibelius, and Humperdinck. DEC 12 A Christmas Box of Musical Delights DEC 19 Sacred Glories of the Season 2 sessions: Tues., Dec. 12 and 19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-429; Members $45; Nonmembers $55
IMAGE CAPTURE FROM CASABLANCA FILM TRAILER, 1942
Casablanca: We’ll Always Have Paris Was ever a movie so loved? Rick and Ilsa. Sam at the piano. The Nazis, the nightclub, the goodbye at the airport. Casablanca is about life at its most fragile and meaningful, movie stars at their most beautiful and moving, and a supporting cast of real-life escapees from Nazi-held Europe. A film about torn hearts in a torn world, made when America was on the brink of World War II, every frame is a blend of pathos, fear, impossibilities, and love. The moment Ilsa walks into that gin joint, we’re hooked. Film clips bring back the faces, stirring songs, humor, and memorable lines. Join documentary filmmaker and writer Sara Lukinson as she explores the making of the film, backstage dramas, and the times that turned what was just another film on the lot into an immortal love story of intrigue and transit papers. Discover why we’ll always have Paris. Wed., Dec. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-430; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, Casablanca, 1942
Living the Beatles Legend The Untold Story of Mal Evans Malcolm Evans, the Beatles’ long-time roadie, personal assistant, and devoted friend, was an invaluable member of the band’s inner circle. A towering figure in horn-rimmed glasses, Evans loomed large in the Beatles’ story, contributing at times as a performer and sometime lyricist, while struggling to protect his beloved “boys.” He was there for the whole of the group’s remarkable story, and in the years after the Beatles’ disbandment, Big Mal continued in their employ as each embarked on solo careers. By 1974, he was determined to make his name as a songwriter and record producer, setting off for a new life in Los Angeles, where he penned his memoirs. But in January 1976, on the verge of sharing his book with the world, Evans’ story came to a tragic end during a domestic standoff with the Los Angeles police. Beatles scholar and author Kenneth Womack reveals Mal’s unknown story at the heart of the Beatles’ legend. Along the way, he shares unseen photos and ephemera that supply the missing puzzle piece in the Fab Four’s incredible story. Womack’s book Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans (Dey Street Books) is available for purchase. Thurs., Dec. 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-431; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Kenneth Womack
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Cinderella: Beyond Bippidy Boppidy Boo We all know the Cinderella fairy tale, the story of the downtrodden but kind young girl forced to toil for her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. But there’s a lot more to Cinderella: Her shoes are not always made of glass, for example, and she isn’t always an orphan. Sometimes there isn’t a fairy godmother at all but rather a magical tree, a fish, or even a flock of turkeys. Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman discuss how versions differ, what we can learn from Cinderella, and why the story has had such a lasting impact on Western culture. In addition, this program includes the opportunity for participation by attendees. Tues., Jan. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-325; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Introduction to Music Theory With Conductor Ernest Johnson If you’ve always wanted to learn the language and elements of musical notation and composition this interactive online course led by music educator and conductor Ernest Johnson offers the perfect opportunity. Johnson guides exercises and assignments geared to developing the foundation every musician needs: the aural and visual understanding of pitch, rhythm, harmony and form. Optional assignments are given each week. Topic areas include an overview of the elements of music and music terminology; notation of pitch and rhythm; ear training: developing the ability to hear, identify and notate pitches, intervals, melodies and chords. The course includes a variety of online and print resources to support and enhance Conductor Ernest Johnson musical learning, including a subscription to the Noteflight Learn website. Students use online music software programs to notate and hear musical elements presented in each session. Basic computer skills are required. 8 sessions: Tues. Jan. 9–Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.; limited to 20 students; CODE 1P0-838; Members $235; Nonmembers $260; Price includes textbook and shipping and 6-month online subscription to Noteflight.
Buddhism for Today Some 25 centuries after the historical Buddha traveled around what is now Northern India imparting his wisdom, Buddhism is flourishing in the Western world, speaking to a contemporary audience seeking inner peace, durable happiness, and meaning in a challenging world. Finding the Buddha before the Buddhist religion emerged reveals an innovative teacher with a therapeutic, psychological orientation who emphasized introspection, discipline, and personal responsibility—concepts that are even more pressing in the digital age. Arnie Kozak, author of The Buddha Was a Psychologist, explores the Buddha, his mission, his central teaching—popularly known as the Four Noble Truths—and the reach of Buddhist forms in the world today.
Tibetan wall fresco, Jokhang Monastery
Wed., Jan. 10, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-064; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
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Jane Austen: Reinventing the Novel Jane Austen remains one of the most instantly recognizable names in all of literature, renowned for her contributions to our understanding of social life and women’s identity, among many other key issues. Through a detailed consideration of three of her most memorable works—Mansfield Park, Emma, and Northanger Abbey—explore how she helped reinvent the novel with her powerfully original writing and unique artistic vision. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, examines Austen’s remarkable career and astonishing life. 10 a.m. Jane Austen: Mapping her Life and Literary World 11:15 a.m. Mansfield Park 12:15 p.m. Break 12:45 p.m. Emma 2 p.m. Northanger Abbey and Concluding Thoughts
WARNER BROS. INC.
Sat., Jan. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1J0-324; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
Illustration by C. E. Bock for Mansfield Park, 1907–1908
Stanley Kubrick Exploring the Master Filmmaker Exacting. Demanding. Controlling. Obsessive. This was Stanley Kubrick, the reclusive mastermind behind 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Strangelove, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, and Full Metal Jacket. The Kubrick approach to filmmaking was not for the weak of spirit. Actors ranging from Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman to Jack Nicholson and Ryan O’Neal were made to endure dozens upon dozens of camera takes until their director was satisfied. Studio executives came to expect production delays and cost overruns under highly classified conditions. Cinematographers resigned themselves to the producer/director occasionally seizing control of the camera. Craftsmen and artists were driven to near madness with unpredictable Kubrickian instructions. But the results spoke for themselves: the breathtaking opulence of Barry Lyndon and its landmark uses of genuine candlelight for illumination; the superb Steadicam tracking shots of Stanley Kubrick on the set of the 1975 the terrifying Overlook Hotel in The Shining; the ritualistic cult orgy in Eyes Wide Shut; the film Barry Lyndon spaceship and space station choreography of 2001; the immaculate and deceptive sterility of the Marine Corps barracks in Full Metal Jacket; the notorious “War Room” of Dr. Strangelove. Such visual splendor was compounded by Kubrick’s uncompromising (and in many cases prophetic) views of humanity that never failed to inflame critical and academic debate. Film historian Max Alvarez leads an electrifying filmmaking odyssey through the life and career of one of the 20th century’s most provocative, maddening, and brilliant cinematic practitioners. Thurs., Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-438; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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Classical Sounds of the Cinema
Franz Josef Haydn: First of the Great Classical Masters
Magnificent Movie Music
Franz Josef Haydn (1732–1809) proved that music could be both serious and joyful—at the same time. He began as a multi-talented adolescent, singing and working as a freelance composer as he made his way into the musical life of Vienna. Eventually he was recognized as the most famous composer in Europe. However, by the end of the 19th century, Haydn was often Haydn by Thomas Hardy, 1791 considered only as a genial father figure—merely a precursor to Mozart and Beethoven. In an engaging series, classical music and opera expert Saul Lilienstein demonstrates the range of Haydn’s innovative genius in almost every field of musical endeavor. Each session is highlighted by music recordings and video performances of Haydn’s great works.
Since the beginning of the talkies, film directors have turned to classical music for their soundtracks. Whether it’s Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Richard Strauss, Mascagni, Puccini, or Bach, opuses of almost every famous composer have added emotional depth to hundreds of films. With fascinating clips, witty commentary, and piano demonstrations, concert pianist and movie fanatic Rachel Franklin delves into the magic of some of the greatest film music ever composed (even when it was unintentional). JAN 24 Mozart Goes to Hollywood JAN 31 The Myth of Beethoven
JAN 30 Introducing Haydn
FEB 7 Classical Crossovers FEB 14 Lights, Camera, Composer!
Rachel Franklin
4 sessions: Wed., Jan. 24–Feb. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-437; Members $95; Nonmembers $105
FEB 6 The Revolutionary Classicist FEB 13 The Symphony Achieves International Status FEB 20 Final Instrumental Music FEB 27 The Choral Masterworks 5 sessions: Tues., Jan. 30–Feb. 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-297; Members $85; Nonmembers $95
A Folk Opera on Broadway Porgy and Bess opened at the Alvin Theatre in New York City on October 10, 1935, running for 124 performances before the production ended in financial ruin. George Gershwin, his brother Ira, and the author and co-librettist DuBose Heyward crafted an intense musical drama that ultimately spawned a furious debate about musical style and form, authenticity, race, discrimination, prejudice, and national identity. The music and lyrics, however, have survived the almost 90 years of controversy, assuming a stature unsurpassed in the American operatic repertoire. Explore this pivotal work from its beginnings to its revivals Porgy and Bess, original Theater Guild production, 1935 in a lively evening led by Gershwin scholar and pianist Robert Wyatt. Highlights include an examination of intimate correspondence between Gershwin and Heyward, archival recordings, the composer’s film footage of a rehearsal, and Wyatt’s 1989 interviews with the artists who first portrayed the title characters, Anne Brown and Todd Duncan. Thurs., Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-300; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
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The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
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Charles Dickens: The Ultimate Storyteller Few authors are as revered and beloved as Charles Dickens, one of the most influential novelists in English literature and a writer whose work remains viscerally relevant. Through a detailed consideration of Oliver Twist, Hard Times, and A Tale of Two Cities, explore how Dickens pushed the novel form in new directions through his storytelling and commentary on key social issues. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, examines how Dickens’ complex characters and the challenges they face illuminate some of the most pressing concerns in the world today. 10 a.m. Charles Dickens: Elements of Literary Genius 11:15 a.m. Oliver Twist 12:15 p.m. Break 12:45 p.m. Hard Times 2 p.m. A Tale of Two Cities and Concluding Thoughts
Charles Dickens reading to his daughters, 1865
Sat., Feb. 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1J0-331; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
Yoga as Lifestyle Medicine A Prescription for Healthy Living Yoga can be the self-care component in your healthcare prescription: a lifestyle medicine that promotes overall well-being. In an interactive day, Linda Lang, a certified yoga therapist, shares how yoga can both prevent illness and injury and help manage your relationship with chronic conditions. Benefits can include increased self-awareness; greater vitality and mental clarity; risk reduction for illness and injury; pain management; and enhanced recoveries from myriad maladies. 10 a.m. Yoga: An Introduction 11 a.m. Asana Practice 12 p.m. Break 1 p.m. Pranayama Breath Work and Meditation 2 p.m. Yoga Therapy: Finding Your Personal Yoga Rx Thurs., Feb. 8, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1NV-067; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
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Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
A Grand Tour of the Solar System Presented Presented in in partnership partnership with with George George Mason Mason University University Observatory Observatory
NASA/JPL-CALTECH/SWRI/MSSS IMAGE PROCESSING BY BJÖRN JÓNSSON CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
This series treks to the sun and the four inner terrestrial planets before traveling outward to the asteroid belt, four Jovian planets, and beyond. At each session, a professional astronomer presents the latest research on a solar system body. Following the talk and a question-and-answer period, Peter Plavchan, a professor of physics and astronomy at George Mason University, brings that night’s sky right into participants’ living rooms via remote control of the university observatory, weather permitting.
Europa: Jupiter’s Habitable Moon? Jupiter’s satellite Europa almost certainly hides a global saltwater ocean beneath its icy surface and may be the most plausible world in our solar system to host life beyond Earth. To explore Europa’s geology, interior structure, and composition and investigate its habitability, NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is preparing to launch in October 2024. Samuel Howell, project staff scientist on the Europa Clipper mission at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, delves into the moon’s fascinating history and distinctive features. He also discusses the Europa Clipper mission and the scientific evidence supporting the existence of a subsurface ocean on Europa.
NASA, ESA, A. SIMON (GSFC), M.H. WONG (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY) AND THE OPAL TEAM
Tues., Nov. 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-314; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Europa, captured during a close flyby on Sept. 29, 2022 by the Juno spacecraft
Saturn: Many-Ringed Splendor
Tues., Dec. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-322; Members $25; Nonmembers $30 NASA/JPL/SPACE SCIENCE INSTITUTE
A Hubble Space Telescope view of Saturn, 2019
Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and the second-largest planet in our solar system. Adorned with thousands of beautiful rings, this gas giant is unique: Other planets also have rings made of chunks of ice and rock, but none are as spectacular or as complicated as Saturn’s. Jonathan Fortney, director of the Other Worlds Laboratory and department chair in astronomy and astrophysics at University of California, Santa Cruz, explores what is known about Saturn and what scientists are hoping to discover.
Titan: A Moon With Atmosphere Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is an extraordinary world. Among the solar system’s more than 150 known moons, Titan is the only one with a substantial atmosphere, and it is made mostly of nitrogen, like Earth’s. And Titan is the only place in the solar system besides Earth known to definitely have liquids, including water. Sarah Horst, associate professor in the earth and planetary sciences department at Johns Hopkins University, delves into the complex chemistry of Titan’s atmosphere and what it means for the potential habitability of the moon. Tues., Feb. 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-332; Members $25; Nonmembers $30 Titan, captured during a flyby on April 16, 2005 by the Cassini spacecraft
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National Parks of Washington State North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier
Picture Lake with the peaks of Mount Shuksan in North Cascades National Park
Journey to high volcanoes, ancient temperate rainforests, glaciers, and big rivers in three geographically and topographically interrelated national parks: North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier. Among the most distinctive public lands in the country, these parks harbor a dazzling array of habitats and recreational opportunities. Naturalist Keith Tomlinson discusses the region’s geologic evolution, biological diversity, and unique hydrology from glaciers to the sea. His tour highlights ways to access and enjoy these extraordinary natural treasures and covers conservation priorities in all three parks. Chris Williams, an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service working in Olympic and North Cascades National Park, joins the program as a guest speaker. Thurs., Jan. 4, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-061; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
The Geology of Western National Parks Geologist Kirt Kempter leads his final series in the geology of Western National Parks for 2023, with an in-depth look at one or more locations every month. Each program’s content is enhanced by geologic maps, photos, and Google Earth flyovers to reinforce geologic concepts and interpretations. NOV 6 Arches and Canyonlands, Utah DEC 4 Capitol Reef, Utah Individual programs: Mon., Nov. 6 (CODE 1NV-052); Mon., Dec. 4 (CODE 1NV-053); 7 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
How We Age All of us would like to live longer or to slow the debilitating effects of age. Geneticist Coleen Murphy, author of the new book How We Age, illustrates how recent research on longevity and aging may be bringing us closer to this goal. Murphy, a leading scholar of aging, explains that the study of model systems, particularly simple invertebrate animals, combined with breakthroughs in genomic methods, have allowed scientists to probe the molecular mechanisms of longevity and aging. Understanding the fundamental biological rules that govern aging in these systems provides clues about how we might slow human aging, which could lead in turn to new therapeutics and treatments for age-related disease. Drawing on work in her own lab and other recent research, Murphy chronicles the history and current state of the field, explaining longevity’s links to reproduction and mating, sensory and cognitive function, inheritances from our ancestors, and the gut microbiome. Copies of How We Age (Princeton University Press) are available for purchase. Wed., Nov. 15, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-541; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates
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Forest Bathing 101 Immerse yourself in the Japanese practice of forest bathing as Melanie Choukas-Bradley introduces its history and how-tos. Learn creative ways to reduce holiday stress and banish winter blues by connecting with nature close to home. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, originated in the 1980s as a restorative and meditative practice of connecting with nature and disconnecting from the distractions of daily life and has since become popular around the world. Learn about the development of and global enthusiasm for forest bathing as Choukas-Bradley, a certified forest therapy guide, leads you through techniques to incorporate this soulful practice into your life. She also shares tips on how to conduct your own forest-bathing walks using the environments around you, including your own backyard. Choukas-Bradley’s nature books, including The Joy of Forest Bathing: Reconnect with Wild Places & Rejuvenate Your Life (Rock Point), are available at a discount for workshop participants. Wed., Nov. 29, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-055; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
How Infrastructure Works Inside the Systems That Shape Our World A soaring bridge is an obvious infrastructural feat, but so are the mostly hidden pipes, reservoirs, transformers, sewers, and cables that deliver water, energy, and information to wherever we need it. When our infrastructural systems work well, they hide in plain sight, but when they fail, they become unignorably visible, upending our daily lives. Under the cumulative effects of short-sighted approaches, systemic neglect, and the growing impacts of climate change, these systems are breaking down in ways that range from the minor to the catastrophic and leaving no communities unaffected. Engineering professor and author Deb Chachra reveals how these essential utilities work: where they came from, what it takes to keep them running, how much we rely on them—and who pays the costs. She also shows how we can transform our shared infrastructure to be not just functional but also equitable, resilient, and sustainable. Chachra’s book How Infrastructure Works: Inside the Systems That Shape Our World (Riverhead Books) is available for purchase. Mon., Dec. 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-036; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
The Earliest Animals: What Fossils Tell Us When Charles Darwin wrote The Origin of Species, the oldest known fossils were trilobites preserved in rocks deposited during the Cambrian Period. That the oldest animals should have such complex morphology troubled Darwin, prompting him to argue that metazoans must have existed earlier, even though their records had evidently been destroyed or remained undiscovered. Many decades and countless discoveries later, Darwin’s intuition has proven to be correct. Fossils from six continents now extend the animal record backward into the Ediacaran Period, some 50 million years before the first trilobites. In an illustrated lecture, Andrew H. Knoll, a professor of natural history at Harvard University, traces the fossil record of Earth’s earliest known animals, asking how these remains illuminate the early evolution of our own kingdom. He also looks at geological evidence that animals diversified in a rapidly changing world, where increasing availability of food and oxygen may have facilitated biological change. Set within the framework of Earth’s entire history, the initial diversification of animals can be seen as both the culmination of more than three billion years of evolution and a radical departure from all that came before. Trilobite fossil, Cordania falcata Whittington
Wed., Dec. 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-418; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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Surviving the Climate Crisis Lessons from the Earth’s Past For most of its 4.54 billion years, Earth has proven it can manage just fine without human beings. Then came the first proto-humans, who emerged a little more than 2 million years ago—a fleeting moment in geological time. What made it possible? Ironically, it’s the same thing that now threatens us—climate change. Climate variability has at times created new niches that humans or their ancestors could potentially exploit and challenges that at times have spurred innovation. But there’s a relatively narrow envelope of climate variability within which human civilization remains viable, and our survival depends on conditions remaining within that range. Climate scientist Michael Mann examines the knowledge necessary to appreciate the gravity of the unfolding climate crisis—and how to meet it with action. His book Our Fragile Moment: How Lessons from Earth’s Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis (PublicAffairs) is available for purchase. Michael Mann Thurs., Jan. 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-434; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
How the Brain Works Decision-making, Dreams, and Emotions How do we know what we want? Is it free will that propels us to make decisions or is there something deeper that guides us? What role does our unconscious play in the process? A study of neural mechanisms may provide some answers and even help us predict future choices. Neuroscientist Moran Cerf leads an exploration of our brain to examine behavior, emotion, decision-making, and dreams. He explains how he directly records the activity of individual nerve cells using electrodes implanted in a patient’s brain for clinical purposes. These techniques bypass the conscious mind to unearth our subconscious choices. His focus on the neural mechanisms that underlie decision-making offers a new perspective on predicting future choices and investigating how much free will we have. Tues., Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-797; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Bone Wars Not long after the California Gold Rush, a different frenzy captured Americans’ attention: A rivalry dubbed the Bone Wars emerged in the fledgling field of paleontology between two young scientists, Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope. Originally amicable colleagues—they even named fossils after each other—they became rivals in a long and bitter turf war complete with theft, corruption, and sabotage. Hans Sues, a paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural History, discusses the struggle between Cope and Marsh, plus their contributions to the field of paleontology and to the Smithsonian. Othniel Charles Marsh (left) and Edward Drinker Cope (right)
Tues., Jan. 23, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-030; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates
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The Haunting World of Dolphins Inspired by a profound experience swimming with wild dolphins off the coast of Maui, author Susan Casey set out on a quest to learn everything she could about dolphins. Her journey took her from a community in Hawaii known as “Dolphinville”, where the animals are seen as the key to spiritual enlightenment, to the dark side of the human-cetacean relationship at marine parks and dolphin-hunting grounds in Japan and the Solomon Islands, to the island of Crete, where the Minoan civilization lived in harmony with dolphins, providing a millennia-old example of a more enlightened coexistence with the natural world. Drawing on her 2016 book Voices in the Ocean, Casey recounts the history of dolphin research and introduces the leading marine scientists and activists who have made it their life’s work to increase humans’ understanding and appreciation of the wonder of dolphins.
Susan Casey, swimming with the dolphins
Tues., Jan. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-440; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Many Brains But No Bones Octopuses and Their Relatives Octopuses and other cephalopods are jet-propelled rockets, instantaneous shapeshifters, and master tacticians. Their bodies seem nothing like our own (they have zero bones, nine brains, three hearts, and blue blood), but their minds, if we can agree that these exist, seem strangely similar to ours. Octopuses exhibit curiosity, creativity, even cross-species companionship. Dive deep with marine biologist Danna Staaf (who’s been obsessed with octopuses since age 10) into the evolutionary history of cephalopods—octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and the mysterious nautiluses—to discover how we came to share today’s world with this astonishing diversity of clever and colorful creatures. Thurs., Jan. 25, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-329; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Birds of Prey: Living with Modern Dinosaurs Although dinosaurs became extinct nearly 65 million years ago, their descendants still live among us today, patrolling the skies, stalking prey, and perched outside our windows at night. Modern birds descended from a group of carnivorous dinosaurs called theropods. Millions of years of evolution may have changed their form, but no other group of birds resembles the essence of their carnivorous ancestors like raptors. Robert Johnson, master falconer, author, and professor of biology at Coastal Carolina University, explores the vast diversity of birds of prey, from eagles and hawks to falcons, vultures, and owls. Johnson also reviews the shared history of humans and raptors. Wed., Jan. 31, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-330; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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Smithsonian Associates offers a certificate program in World Art History. Core courses and electives are selected from our courses, seminars, study tours, and studio art classes. Look for “World Art History Certificate” throughout the program guide. Get started today. NOTE: Registration is year round. Credits are counted from day of registration and are not given retroactively.
SmithsonianAssociates.org/ArtCertificate
Image: Frida Kahlo by Magda Pach, 1933
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
Art Deco: Vibrant, Eclectic, and Dynamic With the advent of the Jazz Age, the art world searched for modern forms and decorative motifs to reflect this exciting new era. They were found in bold geometric shapes such as chevrons, lozenges, zigzags, and sunbursts and in contemporary technology and materials. Drawing on a variety of historical sources, including ancient Egypt, the classical world, and Asian art, Art Deco soon reflected modern living, the machine age, and the skyscraper. Art historian Bonita Billman discusses this vibrant movement that used all major media including glass, ceramics, metal, wood, textiles, paper, marble, and paint. Through illustrated lectures she highlights examples of Art Deco in architecture, furniture, interiors, fashions, advertisements, and films. Lincoln Theatre, Miami Beach, Florida
10 a.m. Art Deco’s Origins 11:30 a.m. Le Jazz Hot: French Art Deco 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. Art Deco in England and the Empire 2:45 p.m. American Art Deco and Streamline Moderne
Lady with Panther by George Barbier, display card for Louis Cartier, 1914
Sat., Nov. 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-288; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
New York’s Art Museums A Virtual Exploration Manhattan is one of the most exciting art centers in the world. It is filled with talented working artists and commercial art spaces such as galleries, art fairs, and auction houses—and it’s also home to some of the greatest art museums on the planet. Art critic and adviser Judy Pomeranz looks at several of these institutions—from large and comprehensive to small, focused gems—examining their histories and exploring the objects that help define the museums’ distinctive personalities and are not to be missed when you’re visiting. NOV 6 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cloisters, and Frick Collection NOV 13 The Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, and Whitney Museum of American Art NOV 20 The Neue Galerie New York, Hispanic Society Museum & Library, Jewish Museum, Morgan Library, and Studio Museum in Harlem
Whitney Museum of American Art
3 sessions: Mon., Nov 6, 13, 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-416; Members $75; Nonmembers $85 Related program: An Artful Weekend in New York (see p. 68)
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Art-full Fridays | Live from Italy, with Elaine Ruffolo World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each Elaine Ruffolo, a Florence-based Renaissance art historian, examines the rich heritage of Italian art and architecture across the centuries.
Women of the Medici
Sacred Images
From Patrons to Queens
The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art
The story of the Medici’s consolidation of power between Cosimo the Elder’s assumption of power in 1434 and the accession of Duke Cosimo I in 1537 is well-known and documented. Less familiar is that of the wives, daughters, Portrait of Eleonora di and sisters who bolstered the family’s rise Toledo and her son and furthered its interests. Giovanni de' Medici by Bronzino Significant and fascinating Medici women include Contessina de' Bardi wife of Cosimo the Elder; Lucrezia Tornabuoni, mother of Lorenzo the Magnificent; Lucrezia’s daughter-in-law Clarice Orsini; Eleonora di Toledo, wife of Duke Cosimo I; and two Medici queens of France, Catherine and Marie. As authority gravitated toward the Medici and away from the Florentine government during the late years of Cosimo the Elder’s rule, it brought increased opportunities for female influence. Medici women exercised power, acting as patrons within extended networks and as intercessors.
The Christmas story has inspired some of the most affectionate, gentle, and intimate images in the history of Western art. They bring to life the account of Christ’s birth, first told in the New Testament gospels of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke. Equally beautiful are the paintings that depict the events Adoration of the Shepherds leading up to and following the by Domenico Ghirlandaio child’s birth. How the biblical narrative was portrayed in Renaissance art dramatically evolved over time, mirroring changes in society and shifts in religious attitude. Its depiction moved from a narrow, sacred vision of mother and child to a full-blown cast of humans and animals, imagery that continues to be used in modern times. Ruffolo offers a lavishly illustrated exploration of the Christmas story as told through painting.
Fri., Nov. 3, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-031; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Fri., Dec. 15, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-034; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Everyday Life in Renaissance Florence Capturing the Spirit of a City The streets and public spaces of Renaissance Florence served as vibrant arenas for social encounters, business transactions, political discourse, and everyday interactions. They were bursting with people swept up in the hustle and bustle of commerce, the intricacies of healthcare, the ever-evolving world of fashion, and the jubilant spirit of festivals that brought communities together. Ruffolo leads a virtual stroll through the streets, piazzas, and medieval alleyways of the city, offering insights into public life, shopping, business and labor, and the celebrations that characterized this remarkable period. Discover how ordinary Florentines lived, from A woodcut illustration of Florence from the Nuremberg Chronicle, 1493 the organization of their society to the intimate details of their homes. Uncover the challenges they faced and the defining facets of their lives, such as marriage and the family, food, piety, and patronage—and the connections between our lives today and theirs over 500 years ago. Fri., Jan. 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-038; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Close-up on the Cloisters
The Unicorn Rests in a Garden (detail), Unicorn Tapestries at the Cloisters
The Met Cloisters, the branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art of medieval Europe, presents extraordinary works from the 8th to the 16th centuries in a fully immersive setting at the crest of Fort Tryon Park at the northern tip of Manhattan. With commanding views over the Hudson River, the building seamlessly binds imposing stone arches, soaring Gothic doorways, contemplative chapels, and monastic cloisters into a unique confection. The collection encompasses shimmering stained glass, worldfamous tapestries, priceless panel paintings, sumptuous silver vessels, and intricately carved ivories. The museum’s integral, lush gardens contribute to the abiding sense of peace and tranquility. Barbara Drake Boehm, curator emerita of the Cloisters, brings the collection to life in a virtual visit. Works from Paris to Prague and Canterbury to Cordoba all attest to the skill and imagination of medieval artists and the beauty they imparted to the world. Thurs., Nov. 30, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-056; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Mini Skirts, Pantsuits, and Go-Go Boots Fashion in the 1960s The youth culture of the 1960s collided with haute couture like an atomic bomb. Design historian and curator Elizabeth Lay Little examines how influences like Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, the Rolling Stones, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and antiestablishment creeds resulted in massive shifts in fashion—as did the Pill, the Cold War, space travel, and new materials. Baby boomers were a rising force, demanding clothing that was versatile and affordable. Established fashion houses closed as their places were filled by ready-to-wear shops like Mary Quant in London. The look was androgenous, slim and lithe with large, exaggerated eyes as epitomized by Twiggy and her lean, boyish figure. Models like China Machado and Iman represented a wider range of ethnicities. Pierre Cardin was expelled from the Chambre Syndicale for creating a line of ready-to-wear, and Yves Saint Laurent took it further with his enormously popular Rive Gauche line in 1966…and the go-go boots marched on. Join Lay Little for a delightfully illustrated look at the youthquake that shook the world of fashion. Wed., Nov. 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-411; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Lesser-Known Museums of Rome
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
In this quarterly series, Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero spotlights the significant collections of Rome’s sometimes-overlooked museums.
Papal Collections of Rome: Vatican Museums Each year more than 7 million people visit the Vatican Museums to admire the superb collection of art that has been assembled by numerous popes over the centuries. The Sistine Chapel with its frescoes is the most famous of the museums, but the collection also includes an extensive array of antiquities; paintings and sculptures by celebrated Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio; and breathtaking architecture and decorative halls. Ruggiero explores the museums’ treasures. Mon., Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-308; Members $30; Nonmembers $35 Coat of arms of Urbanus VII, ceiling of the Map Room (detail), Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Rome
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Writing Workshops Experience the power of reflective writing guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface. These reflections can become creative fertile ground for memoir, poetry, and more. The workshops have a limited enrollment to maximize interaction among the instructor and students.
Write Into Art: Place and Perspective Discover how visual art can inspire creative writing and how writing can offer a powerful way to experience art. This online workshop explores an essential element of writing and style through close looking, word-sketching, and imaginative response to prompts. Inspired by 20th-century African American artist Lois Mailou Jones’ The Green Door, the impact of place on a writer's perspective is examined. Tues., Nov. 7, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-415; Members $40; Nonmembers $45 Mary Hall Surface
Autumn’s Harvest Inspired by works of art by Hudson River landscape painter Jasper Francis Cropsey and poetry by Mary Oliver, explore the lessons that the season of autumn offers us when we slow down, look closely, and reflect. Designed for writers of all levels, the workshop invites you to look outwardly at paintings and poetry and to look inwardly through writing. TWO OPTIONS: Sun., Nov. 12, 4 p.m. (CODE 1K0-420); Tues., Nov. 14, 10 a.m. (CODE 1K0-421); Members $40; Nonmembers $45 SAINT PETERSBURG, HERMITAGE MUSEUM
Autumn—On the Hudson River by Jasper Francis Cropsey, 1860
Winter’s Colors Experience new ways to contemplate the gifts of winter inspired by the vibrant Winter Landscape by Wassily Kandinsky, an artist who embraced the transcendent power of color. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop invites close observation of artwork and inner reflection through writing. Tues., Dec. 5, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-422; Members $40; Nonmembers $45
Winter Landscape by Wassily Kandinsky, 1909
Give the Gift 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, vist ArtCollectorsProgram.org *Member pricing applies to Promoter level and above For membership levels visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels
Flowers For a Country by Mindy Weisel (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $1000*
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HISTORY
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Surrealism: The Canvas of Dreams “Surrealism: The chance meeting on a dissecting table of a sewing machine and an umbrella!” —Les Chants de Maldoror, Comte de Lautréamont, 1869 One of the major art movements of the 20th century, Surrealism opened the door to the exploration of the unconscious and the creation of art based on inner reality. It was an art of disquiet, sabotaging the existing order of things. Freud’s dream research liberated artists to see the truth of who we really are, and in their work, dreams became equivalent to imagination itself. Artist and art historian Joseph Cassar explores the origins of Surrealism, its widespread influence, and many of its most prominent artists, including Max Ernst, Jean Arp, Joan Miró, André Masson, René Magritte, Alberto Giacometti, and Salvador Dali. Wed., Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-427; Members $30; Nonmembers $35 Ubu Imperator by Max Ernst, 1923
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Picasso: Beyond Innovation His name is synonymous with 20th-century art, and art historian Nancy G. Heller will remind you why. A bona fide child prodigy, Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) grew up to become a co-creator of Cubism, one of art's most explosively influential avant-garde movements. But that was just the beginning. For the next six and a half decades Picasso was a wildly successful, prolific, and controversial painter, sculptor, draftsman, printmaker, and theatrical designer. His grand passions—for women and art—led to a torturous personal life and an enormous body of work celebrated (and criticized) through countless exhibitions and awards, plus an ever-growing bibliography. Picasso still looms large in our world. This year’s 50th anniversary of his death is being marked by major exhibitions in both Europe and the U.S. Focusing on lavish images of the artist’s works, Heller discusses his continuing relevance for art lovers and emerging artists in the 21st century and the current debate about how his personal actions influence our perceptions of him as an artist and how we view his works. Thurs., Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-291; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Picasso’s War: How Modern Art Came to America In early 1939, Pablo Picasso was renowned in Europe but disdained by many in the United States. One year later, Americans across the country were clamoring to see his art. How did the controversial leader of the Paris avant-garde break through to the heart of American culture? A generation earlier, Irish American lawyer John Quinn set out to build the greatest collection of Picassos in existence. His dream of a museum to house them died with him, until it was rediscovered by Alfred H. Barr Jr., a cultural visionary who at 27 became the director of the new Museum of Modern Art. Barr and Quinn’s shared goal would be thwarted in the years to come—by popular hostility, by the Depression, by Parisian intrigues, and by Picasso himself. It would take Hitler’s campaign against Jews and modern art, and Barr’s fraught alliance with Paul Rosenberg, Picasso’s persecuted dealer, to get Picasso’s most important paintings out of Europe. Mounted in the shadow of war, the groundbreaking exhibition “Picasso: Forty Years of His Art” launched Picasso in America, defined MoMA as we know it, and shifted the focus of the art world from Paris to New York. Author Hugh Eakin reveals how a single exhibition irrevocably changed American taste and, in doing so, saved dozens of the 20th century’s most enduring artworks from the Nazis. Eakin’s book Picasso’s War: How Modern Art Came to America (Crown) is available for purchase. Wed., Dec. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-433; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Hugh Eakin
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Milan in the Footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci In 1482, Leonardo da Vinci left his native Florence to seek his fortune at the ducal court of Milan. It was a bold move that profoundly transformed his career and personal life. It was here that Leonardo completed his iconic fresco of the Last Supper for the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie; a colossal bronze horse; countless drawings and engineering designs; and a handful of portraits that would redefine Renaissance standards of beauty. Art historian Laura Morelli explores Milan through the eyes of da Vinci, highlighting the ducal court, the spires of the stunning cathedral, the refectory where monks gazed on his The Last Supper while having breakfast, and the Brera Gallery, which holds some Santa Maria delle Grazie of Leonardo’s most precious works on panel and paper. Her virtual walk through the city offers a unique perspective on the enduring legacy of a Renaissance giant. Tues., Nov. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-788; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
In Person
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea Ideas about the American West, both in popular culture and in commonly accepted historical narratives, are often based on a past that never was and fail to consider important events that occurred. A new exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, “Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea,” examines the perspectives of 48 modern and contemporary artists who offer a broader and more inclusive view of this region, which too often has been dominated by romanticized myths and Euro-American historical accounts. Four Seasons series: Winter by Wendy Working in various media, from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media, the Red Star (Apsáalooke/Crow), 2006 artists featured bring a nuanced and multifaceted history to light. “Many Wests” highlights many voices—including artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+—who stake a claim on the American West. They reveal that “the West” has always been a place of multiple stories, experiences, and cultures. Anne Hyland, the Art Bridges Initiative curatorial coordinator at the American Art Museum, provides an overview of the exhibition.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Washington’s Monumental Core The Evolution of the National Mall Over nearly 250 years, the National Mall has evolved as the center stage of the nation’s capital. The Founding Fathers imagined the District of Columbia as a shining beacon of democracy for a newly independent nation, reflected in L’Enfant's plan for the National Mall as its ceremonial core. Progress, however, was slow and laborious. Less than 40 years after the establishment of Washington, Charles Dickens described the underwhelming capital as a “city The National Mall in Washington, D.C., ca. 1863 of magnificent intentions.” Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, traces the Mall’s transition from pasture lands to military training grounds and from mud flats to grand monuments, sharing the tumultuous and lesser-known history of some of our most enduring national landmarks. Thurs., Nov. 30, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-057; Members $25; Nonmembers $30 Related program: The Smithsonian Museums: Tracing the Arc of American Architecture (see p. 48)
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Wed., Nov. 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-542; McEvoy Auditorium, Smithsonian American Art Museum; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
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World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit THE MET
The Art of Gandhara: Where India Met Greece Situated between India, Persia, and the Greco-Roman world, the region of greater Gandhara (stretching through parts of modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan) produced artwork that blended influences and ideas from many cultures. Treasure hoards with bounty that includes glasswork from Rome, Central Asian jewelry, and South Asian ivory are a testament to the region’s central role in the long-distance exchange of goods. Robert DeCaroli, a professor of art history at George Mason University, examines the origins of the region’s material culture, explores the ways imperial and religious power were displayed, and traces the role of trade in the exchange of ideas. 10 a.m. Early Empires 11:30 a.m. The Rise of the Kushan Empire 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. Buddhism in Gandhara 2:45 p.m. Beyond the Boundaries of Gandhara
Monumental Bodhisattva head, 5th century
Sat., Dec. 2, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1J0-316; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Art Treasures of Bologna While Bologna is largely celebrated today for its culinary traditions and university, which is considered the oldest in the world, it is also home to some of Italy’s most important art. Michelangelo created two statuettes for the tomb of St. Dominic in the basilica named after the medieval mendicant saint. Bologna also was home to extraordinary artists such as Annibale Carracci, Lavinia Fontana, Domenichino, and Guercino, whose masterpieces can be found in the National Gallery (Pinacoteca) of Bologna. Rocky Ruggiero, an expert in Renaissance art, explores the artistic treasures and great artists of Bologna. Altar at the Basilica di San Domenico, Bologna
Wed., Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-318; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
Sicily A Crucible of History, Art, and Gastronomy Throughout its millennial history, Sicily has been settled and colonized from all sides: by Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans and by Spain, Catalonia, France, and mainland Italy. In addition, it was fought over by Allied and Axis forces in World War II. All of these elements have influenced, in often profound ways, Sicily’s complex culture, language, art and architecture, its customs and its masterful cuisine, from the profusion of its Greek temples and the splendor of its Baroque palaces to the frightening reality of Mafia culture and the ingenious origins of that most famous of Italy’s exports, gelato. In a richly illustrated day-long seminar, art historian Nigel McGilchrist reconstructs and analyzes the intricate web that unites these disparate influences, which make Sicily, for many, the most seductive and fascinating land in Europe. 10 a.m. A Garden of Eden: Landscape and Geology 11:30 a.m. The “America” of Ancient Greece 12:45 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. Cultures and Cooperation: Muslims, Jews, and Christians 2:45 p.m. History Repeats…
Ruins of an ancient Greek theater in Taormina
Sat., Feb. 24, 10 a.m–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-303; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
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Chesapeake Bay: Working the Water Photographer Jay Fleming has spent more than a decade documenting all facets of the Chesapeake Bay’s commercial fisheries and the people and businesses that depend on the harvest. Join him for a vividly illustrated program that brings the bay’s seafood industry into focus. While shooting for his book Working the Water, Fleming traveled up and down the Chesapeake, from Havre de Grace, Maryland, to Hampton Roads, Virginia, and immersed himself in the watermen’s culture. He spent months at places like Reedville and Tangier Island to document the bay’s remaining working waterfronts. Drawing on his travels across the watershed, Fleming spotlights the diversity of the Chesapeake Bay’s marine environments and the people who make a living on the water. Fri., Dec. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-058; Members $25; Nonmembers $30 Images: Courtesy of Jay Fleming
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Smithsonian Museums Tracing the Arc of American Architecture The Smithsonian Institution has shaped the character of the National Mall since 1855. Washington’s most beloved museums trace the arc of American architecture, from James Renwick’s Gothic design of the Smithsonian Castle to the contemporary National Museum of African American History and Culture by Phil Freelon and David Adjaye. Romanesque to Victorian, Neoclassical to Brutalist, each unique building National Museum of African American History and Culture is an architectural study all its own. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, investigates the style, design, controversy, construction, and fascinating backstories behind these celebrated museums. Thurs., Dec. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-060; Members $25; Nonmembers $30 Related program: Washington’s Monumental Core: The Evolution of the National Mall (see p. 46)
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Brutalism: Masterpieces or Monstrosities? Brutalism, a style emphasizing clarity in presentation of materials, emerged during the 1950s and remained an important architectural development globally into the 1970s. The movement represents respect for materials expressed honestly and naturally, without decoration or ornamentation. Its hallmarks include raw concrete with a rough finish often unpainted, exposed brick in simple patterns, steel left uncovered, and glass employed in new and unconventional ways. Often associated with institutional or public-use buildings, particularly in the rebuilding of devastated cities following World War II, the very nature of many of the war memorials, public housing, and urban centers in Europe appeared striking and arresting to some but soulless monstrosities of concrete, steel, and glass to others. Bill Keene traces the spread of Brutalism and examines its many facets, including some surprising twists to stereotypical structures and the recent revival of interest in the style. J. Edgar Hoover Building
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Tues., Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-059; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
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Photographing Birds: The Basics Just getting into birding and trying to figure out how to capture the feathered creatures with your camera? Learn the basics of bird photography for species identification as well as artistic expression from naturalist Matt Felperin. Topics of discussion include equipment, basic settings, composition, light, and positioning. View beautiful photos of various species of birds and learn the stories and strategies behind each image.
JÖRG BITTNER UNNA
Tues., Jan. 9, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-063; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Michelangelo’s David The Marble Marvel of the Renaissance At the dawn of the 16th century, Michelangelo Buonarroti created a marble colossus that caused a sensation for the residents of his native Florence. Five centuries later, this work is more than a sculpture: it’s an icon of Western civilization that continues to spark artistic and cultural conversations. Art historian and author Laura Morelli unfolds the remarkable story of how an ambitious 20-something sculptor turned a discarded chunk of marble into a masterpiece, singlehandedly transforming Florence and the history of art. She examines how Michelangelo merged a biblical hero and an ancient god to create an image custom-made for the aspirations of the Italian Renaissance. Wed., Jan. 17, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-796; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Visual Language of Islamic Art Islamic art encompasses a variety of artistic traditions that have flourished in a vast geographic region from southern Spain and North Africa to the islands of Southeast Asia. While different cities and regions developed their own distinct visual language, they also share certain aesthetic characteristics. In an introduction to the traditional arts of the Islamic world, museum consultant Sabiha Al Khemir provides an overview of objects across media including calligraphy, painting, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles. Her survey examines the essence of Islamic art from the 9th to 19th centuries in the context of the cultures that produced it, connecting the various aspects that are present throughout different media and identifying artistic styles and their cultural significance. The program is illustrated with examples of works of Islamic art from public and private collections around the world. Wed., Jan. 24, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-548; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Luster-painted earthenware dish, Spain, late 15th century
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Beyond Bollywood 2000 Years of Dance in South Asian Art Dance is everywhere in the arts of the Indian cultural world, from the sacred dance of a god bringing the world into being to the sensual dance of a courtly performer before a maharaja. A recent major exhibition at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, “Beyond Bollywood: 2000 Years of Dance in Art,” highlighted the rich meanings and ideas that dance has conveyed over the last two millennia in South Asia. Dance has played—and continues to play—an especially significant part in religion, mythology, courtly life, and ceremonies. Exhibition co-curator Forrest McGill examines how artworks from countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia revealed the enduring capacity of dance to inspire a diverse range of artists and audiences alike. Thurs., Jan. 25, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-546; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Shiva as King of Dancers
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit
Visual Literacy: How To Look at Art The ability to derive meaning from what we see is an essential skill in a culture saturated with images. Much like other forms of communication, it is a way of making a statement—but visually, not verbally. Once you understand this language, reading images, particularly art, is not only simpler but infinitely more gratifying. Using outstanding works from the history of art as well as images from popular culture, art historian Nancy G. Heller focuses on how art communicates, how to analyze and interpret it, and how we can see it as a cultural product that reveals something about the society that produced it. JAN 29 The Visual Elements of Art JAN 30 The Principles of Design JAN 31 Iconography: Understanding Symbols and Meaning FEB 1 Is There a Correct Way To Appreciate Art?
Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash by Giacomo Balla
Young Girl Reading by Jean Honoré Fragonard
4 sessions: Mon.–Thurs., Jan. 29–Feb. 1, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-296; Members $80; Nonmembers $90
Statement of Ownership Statement of ownership, management, and circulation (required by 39 USC 3685) of the Smithsonian Associate for the year ending September 30, 2023. 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: 21,425; (B) Paid circulation: (1) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales: None; (2) Mail subscriptions: 20,897; (C) Total paid circulation: 20,897; (D) Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary): None; (E) Free distribution outside the mail: 528; (F) Total free distribution: 528;(G) Total distribution: 21,425; (H) Copies not distributed: (1) Office use, leftovers, spoiled: 0; (2) Returns from new agents: None; (I) Total: 21,425. The actual number of copies of the single issue published nearest to filing date is: (A) Total number of copies printed: 20,077; (B) Paid circulation: (1) Sales through dealers and carriers, vendors, and counter sales: None; (2) Paid or requested mail subscriptions: 19,757; (C) Total paid or requested subscriptions: 19,757; (D) Free distribution by mail: None; (E) Free distribution outside the mail: 320; (F) Total free distribution: 320; (G) Total distribution: 20,077; (H) Copies not distributed: (1) Office use, leftovers, spoiled: 0; (2) Returns from new agents: None; (I) Total: 20,077. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.Patricia J. DwyerAssociate Director of Finance and AdministrationThe Smithsonian Associates
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World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit
Russian Art From Icons to the Avant-Garde The evolution of Russian art is inextricably bound to the rich cultural exchanges between East and West. These resulted in a fascinating blend of diverse visual languages and styles, from the late-medieval icons and frescos indebted to Byzantium to the great avant-garde experiments of the early part of the 20th century that developed side by side with the various currents of Modernism in other parts of Europe. Art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine brings the culture of this vast country to life as she highlights some of the major art developments in Russia over the centuries. FEB 6 Icons FEB 13 Russian Art and the Western Academic Tradition FEB 20 Modernism FEB 27 Art and Revolution
The Holy Trinity by Andrej Rublëv, 1411
4 sessions: Tues., Feb. 6–27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-439; Members $95; Nonmembers $105
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Standing Guard The Terracotta Warriors and the Legacy of China’s First Emperor The life-size terracotta figures created for China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, were buried in battle formation by the thousands to accompany him in the afterlife. In 1974, the uncovering of this treasure trove in Xi’An, China, renewed interest in this 3rd-century B.C.E. empire. Qin Shi Huangdi profoundly shaped the visible expression of Chinese imperial power for centuries to come, leaving behind a legacy including glittering palaces, sweeping defensive walls, and stunning artwork, along with these figures. Robert DeCaroli, art history professor at George Mason University, explores this ruler who founded an empire. Tues., Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-334; Members $30; Nonmembers $35
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Wyeth Dynasty The World of N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth For a relatively young nation, America has produced a surprising number of artistic dynasties: the Peale family, the Calders, and spanning the 20th century, the Wyeths of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Art historian Bonita Billman highlights the extraordinary body of work the Wyeths have created and the links—and differences—among them. She traces the artistic lineage of the patriarch painter N.C. Wyeth, a founder of the Brandywine School and a famed illustrator; N.C.’s younger son, Andrew, who refused to become an illustrator like his father and was ultimately hailed by some as the greatest American Realist painter; and his son Jamie, the third generation of Wyeth painters, who continues the family tradition into the 21st century, forging his own distinctive style. Thurs., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-304; Members $30; Nonmembers $35 Illustration by N.C. Wyeth for the 1911 edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island
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In-person classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio. View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/artinstructors.
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Beginning Oil Painting 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.
By George Tkabladze
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IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 1:30 p.m.; George Tkabladze, details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AC; Members $255; Nonmembers $285
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 colormixing, scumbling, and glazing.
IN PERSON: Wed., Jan. 24–March 20, 6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AH; Members $265; Nonmembers $295
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Beginning Drawing This introductory course teaches the basic skills needed for drawing. Working with a variety of materials and techniques, including charcoal and pencils, students explore the rendering of geometric forms, volume, and perspective, with an emphasis on personal gesture marks.
IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 10:30 a.m.; George Tkabladze, details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AB; Members $255; Nonmembers $285
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Popular theory holds that the right brain is primarily responsible for the intuitive understanding of visual and spatial relationships. This class improves the way people see and record objects on paper by working through a set of visual exercises that help build the ability to draw.
IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 6:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AA; Members $235; Nonmembers $265
Exploring Encaustic The encaustic method combines the luminescence of watercolor, the rich color and thickness of oils, and the quick-drying benefits of acrylic. In this oneday workshop ideal for all levels of experience, study fusing and carving in wax as well as capturing vibrant pigments using heated beeswax.
By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
IN PERSON: Sun., Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.; Marcie WolfHubbard; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AK; Members $145; Nonmembers $155
Painting and Collage Combine traditional painting techniques with collage to produce pieces with texture and depth. Students work By Sharon Robinson on mat board and canvas to develop rich contrast with the addition of papers, acrylic paint, inks, and other materials.
IN PERSON: Sat., Feb. 3–March 9, 1 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0BN; Members $165; Nonmembers $195
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Mixed Media in the Style of Romare Bearden
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Sock Animal Workshop
While Romare Bearden worked in many mediums from oil and watercolor to printmaking, he is best known for his mixedEmpress of the Blues, 1974, by media collages and Romare Bearden photomontages. After looking at Bearden’s works of art, students try their hand at creating Bearden-inspired mixed-media compositions.
IN PERSON: Sun., Feb. 4–18, 10 a.m.; Sandra Warren Gobar; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00BP; Members $165; Nonmembers $185
Join this fun, hands-on workshop to upcycle humble socks into whimsical and endearing soft animal sculptures. Students use simple hand sewing and stuffing techniques. Some experience with embroidery may be helpful.
IN PERSON: Sat., Nov. 11, 11 a.m.; Lauren Kingsland; details and supply By Lauren Kingsland list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0AW; Members $55; Nonmembers $65
Felted Shibori Duo
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Mosaic Jewelry Learn the techniques needed to create unique fine mosaic jewelry as you create beautiful silver-plate mosaic pendants using a wide variety of materials.
By Bonnie Fitzgerald
IN PERSON: Sat., Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m.; Bonnie Fitzgerald; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0ZJ; Members $85; Nonmembers $95
IN PERSON: Sun., Nov. 12 and 19, 10 a.m.; Renate Maile-Moskowitz; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0BJ; Members $185; Nonmembers $205 By Renate Maile–Moskowitz
Embroidered Pendant Workshop
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Freestyle Embroidery Basics Beginners are introduced to freestyle hand embroidery. In this style, the stitches are applied freely, disregarding the weave or structure of the ground cloth. Students learn how to select and prepare fabric using a simple design, ready their hoop, and begin stitching.
Shibori is the Japanese term for an array of resist dyeing techniques that create designs on cloth. Similar techniques have been widely practiced in many other cultures. Create lightweight, felted wrist warmers and a cowl neck scarf as you explore two complementary shibori processes.
Create a unique stitched pendant hung from a strand of colorful beads. Learn a variety of easy and lovely stitches, how to mount the embroidered cloth in a pendant bezel, and jewelry-making techniques to finish the piece.
IN PERSON: Sat., Nov. 4, 12 p.m.; By Heather Kerley
TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Wed., Nov. 1, 6 p.m. (CODE 1V0-0ZC); Sat., Jan. 27, 10 a.m. (CODE 1E0-0CH); Heather Kerley; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; Members $55; Nonmembers $65
By Heather Kerley and Mïa Vollkommer
Heather Kerley and Mïa Vollkommer; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1K00AU; Members $60; Nonmembers $70
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IN PERSON This course allows participants to learn how to make socks in a supportive, low-pressure setting. Explore circular knitting techniques and slip stitch knitting. Also learn about short rows, picking up stitches, how to turn a heel, Kitchener seams, finishing, and alternative sock construction.
IN PERSON: Wed., Jan. 17–31, 1:30 p.m.; Ann Richards; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AL; Members $115; Nonmembers $135
Knitting for Beginners This class offers an introduction to the fundamentals of knitting, including casting on, basic knit and purl stitches, increasing, decreasing, and binding off. Students learn by practice and may start a knitting project during class.
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Introduction to Photography Whether you want to work digitally or in film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Topics include camera functions, exposure, metering, working with natural and artificial light, and composition.
March 5, 6:30 p.m.; Andargé Asfaw; details on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0CL; Members $225; Nonmembers $255
On-Location Photography 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 pre-visualizing the photograph.
6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Ann Richards; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0BQ; Members $155; Nonmembers $185
SCULPTURE
IN PERSON: Sun., Feb. 4–March 10, 1:45 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0CA; Members $195; Nonmembers $225
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Figure Sculpture
IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5,
By George Tkabladze
6 p.m.; George Tkabladze; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0AP; Members $215; Nonmembers $245
By Andargé Asfaw
IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 16–
IN PERSON: Wed., Feb. 7–March 20,
Students examine the materials and processes for sculpting a portrait, torso, or full figure using a live model. Learn clay sculpture techniques focused on tool use, armatures, anatomy, and proportion and explore individual style.
PHOTOGRAPHY
By Joe Yablonsky
Support what we do at Smithsonian Associates Please help us continue to carry out our educational mission by making a charitable contribution today. Your help is essential because, unlike the museums, Smithsonian Associates is not federally funded and relies entirely on donations and membership support to bridge the gap between program expenses and ticket revenue.
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Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
Online classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio. View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/artinstructors.
ONLINE
Color Theory and Practice
ART THEORY AND PRACTICE
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Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout
By Renee Sandell
In an afternoon of artistic experimentation, explore five modes of visual thinking: working from memory, observation, imagination, narrative, and experimental approaches. Create visual journaling pieces and engage in markmaking and mapping exercises.
TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Sat., Nov. 18, 1 p.m. (CODE 1V0-0AF); Sat., Jan. 20, 1 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0BD); Renee Sandell; details and supply list on website; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
Explore the basics of color theory, including temperature and value, as well as harmonycreating color schemes. In three hands-on projects, learn to use By Theresa Otteson a color wheel with tinting and toning, color charts, and color harmony studies. Demonstrations highlight color matching techniques. ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 22–March 14, 6:30 p.m.; Theresa Otteson; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BH; Members $155; Nonmembers $175
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
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Composition
Beginning Drawing
This workshop examines fundamental concepts of composition and their practical application in studioart practice, offering participants tools to enrich their work as well as to analyze and appreciate visual art in general.
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. ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 22–March 18, 6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 19; Josh Highter; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CD; Members $255; Nonmembers $285
Moroccan Café by Matisse, 1913
ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 22–Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AD; Members $155; Nonmembers $175
DRAWING
Complete Colored Pencils Color Theory and Chroma-psychology Gain a better understanding of how color works and why it evokes feeling. Students learn the basics of color theory and how to use this knowledge. Chroma-psychology, or how colors make a person feel, is also discussed. ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 18, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CE; Members $55; Nonmembers $65
Colored pencils enliven work with rich, vibrant color and a dizzying range of effects. The medium is also relatively inexpensive and very portable. Learn basic to intermediate methods and strategies, including how to achieve watercolors’ translucency through layering, blending, and buffing strokes. ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 25–Feb. 1, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BB; Members $135; Nonmembers $155 By Lori VanKirk Schue
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ONLINE Exploring Alcohol Inks Take a dive into the possibilities of alcohol inks as a component of your mixed-media arsenal. With intense, saturated color, alcohol inks offer many possibilities on a variety of surfaces, from tiles to paper. ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 30–Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DJ; Members $145; Nonmembers $165
Drawing with Chalk Pastels Learn the techniques and joys of working with chalk pastels, a versatile medium that plays well with colored pencil, charcoal, and watercolors. Students have the chance to produce several pieces of art while getting comfortable with pastels and appropriate tools. ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 8 and 15, 1 p.m.; By Lori VanKirk Schue Lori VanKirk Schue; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0DH; Members $85; Nonmembers $105
By Sharon Robinson
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PAINTING
Painting Water with Watercolor
Introduction to Charcoal Drawing
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 various watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and masking.
Learn about different forms of charcoal as well as a variety of styes and techniques—including pressure, twisting, blending, and smudging—by doing exercises in class. Then create a more finished project of choice: portrait, landscape, or still life. ONLINE: Thurs., Dec. 7 and 14, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BA; Members $95; Nonmembers $115 By Lori VanKirk Schue By Lubna Zahid
Drawing the Head and Face This course begins with an introduction to the basics of how to render the head and face and ends with expressive and experimental interpretations. Each session includes a lecture and a demonstration followed by By Stephanie Jung individual work time and ending with group discussion. ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 22–March 4, 6 p.m., no class Feb. 19; Stephanie Jung; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E00CC; Members $195; Nonmembers $225
ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 10:30 a.m.; Lubna Zahid; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AF; Members $265; Nonmembers $295
Elegant and Whimsical Letters in Watercolor The art of stylized lettering adds a distinctive element to journal pages, greeting cards, or anything that you’d like to carry your personal touch. This class offers an introduction to creating altered block letters, script letters, botanical borders, and illuminated initials with vines and flourishes. ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 5 p.m.; Lubna Zahid; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AG; Members $265; Nonmembers $295 By Lubna Zahid
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ONLINE Principles of Abstraction Discover the basic elements of abstraction such as color, line, and shape and learn how to organize abstract pictorial fields. Create exciting, innovative works of art using different techniques and materials— and learn how we are influenced by the interplay of the visual elements.
NEW CLASSES
Amaryllis in Watercolor
By Shahin Talishkhan
ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 18–March 7, 6:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AJ; Members $265; Nonmembers $295
Fine-tune a drawing of an amaryllis from a provided tracing, then focus on creating captivating, colorful shapes. As you add details, By Cindy Briggs the rhythmic lines and soft folds of the petals become even more vibrant and lifelike.
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ONLINE: Tues., Dec. 5 and Wed., Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0AL; Members $105; Nonmembers $125
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. 24–March 6, no class Feb. 14, 7 p.m.; Eric Westbrook; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AE; Members $205; Nonmembers $235
By Eric Westbrook
Introduction to Watercolor Beginning students explore watercolor techniques and learn new approaches to painting through demonstration, discussion, and experimentation. ONLINE: Sun., Jan. 21– March 10, 10:15 a.m.; Josh Highter; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E00CG; Members $245; Nonmembers $275
Simply Start Painting Watercolors The limitless creative possibilities of watercolor can be a bit intimidating for beginning students. In this series, focus on the By Cindy Briggs basics with methods that narrow parameters. Learn what supplies make all the difference and how to manipulate your brush to create flowing lines, as well as how to mix, mingle, and control watercolor. ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–30, 6 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BE; Members $155; Nonmembers $175
Seasonal QuickSketch for a Day Discover how to quickly capture the beauty of any season with loose lines and painterly colors using a quick-sketch watercolors method. Learn how to see like an artist, compose a By Cindy Briggs scene, and draw more organically as you build your confidence. ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 20, 10 a.m.; Cindy Briggs; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BF; Members $105; Nonmembers $115
By Josh Highter
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ONLINE Abstract Watercolor for Beginners Learn to embrace the unpredictability, versatility, and beauty of watercolor. Class discussions cover supplies, color theory, palettes, and pigment control as well as exercises to achieve different effects. The use of water-based pencils and pastels is also addressed. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 31–March 13, 10 a.m.; no class Feb. 14; Heather Kerley; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CF; Members $195; Nonmembers $225 By Heather Kerley
Discover techniques to capture the sky, whether filled with wispy cirrus clouds or dramatic cumulus clouds. Learn to mingle colors, use wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, and infuse clouds By Cindy Briggs with subtle colors. ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 1 and 8, 6 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BG; Members $105; Nonmembers $125
MIXED-MEDIA
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Introduction to White-Line Woodblock Printing
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Holiday Card Workshop: Fancy Folds Create four different fancyfold cards sure to knock the stockings off the people on your holiday card list. Fancy folds can be intimidating, but this workshop guides you through the steps. Detailed instructions provide you with everything you need to create fancy folds on your own after the class.
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By Karen Cadogan
ONLINE: Sun., Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m.; Karen Cadogan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0YX; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
White-Line Woodblock Printing II
By Sue Fierston
ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 18, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0AP; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
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This year, send friends and family bespoke holiday cards. Learn tips and techniques for creating simply elegant, By Karen Cadogan unique cards. Topics include card construction, sentiments, foreground, background, and statement embellishments. Beginners and experienced card makers are welcome. ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m.; Karen Cadogan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0YW; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
Poetic Watercolor Skies
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.
Holiday Card Workshop: Season’s Greetings
Learn a variety of advanced techniques, such as the Japanese bokashi style and printing with mica, as you create several prints from your favorite white-line woodcut block. ONLINE: Sat., Dec. 2, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0AQ; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
By Sue Fierston
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ONLINE NEW CLASSES
Altered Books
Learn the main concepts of papercutting and how to translate your personal vision into a small custom project. Leave with your original papercut and the knowhow to continue working at home.
By Annie Howe
ONLINE: Tues., Nov. 14 and Thurs., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.; Annie Howe; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0AN; Members $75; Nonmembers $95
Crepe Paper Flower: Paperwhites
By Karen Cadogan
Create delicate and cheerful paperwhites from crepe paper. The flowers are made from one color of the crepe paper in a variety of weights, and some blooms are joined together using wire.
ONLINE: Sat., Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m.; Karen Cadogan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0AR; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
Crepe Paper Greenery Learn to make three types of crepe paper filler greenery. Construction runs the gamut from single stems to complex branches. During class, produce at least 6 of each stem: lavender, eucalyptus, and pine.
ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 10–24, 10:30 a.m.; Karen Cadogan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E00BM; Members $135; Nonmembers $155
Mixed-Media Art Warmups Art warmups are designed to allow students to jump right into working without trepidation or overthinking. With the help of prompts, the warmups can be the starting point for a new artwork or a chance to By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard explore new materials and techniques with no wrong answers. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 17–31, 6:30 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BJ; Members $165; Nonmembers $185
Learn to upcycle book pages as surfaces for drawing, painting, and collage. Students experiment with materials and techniques to create their own story using gelatin plate prints, By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard textures, photo transfers, drawing, painting, and text redaction. ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 18–March 7, 1:30 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BK; Members $245; Nonmembers $275
Collage and Mixed-Media This class focuses on the variety of choices in collage. Whether constructing a piece of personal history with mementos or an abstract piece, students learn through experimentation with color, form, and design. They explore the use of text, images, texture, and natural and found objects. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 17–March 13, By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard 1:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BL; Members $245; Nonmembers $275
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Introduction to Papercutting
FIBER ARTS
Log Cabin Quilt Building Blocks The log cabin quilt, with blocks of simple strips built around a center, is a traditional style, yet remains a modern favorite. Learn this technique, then finish 10 blocks into a table runner. ONLINE: Wed., Nov. 1–15, 12 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; By Lauren Kingsland details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0ZB; Members $95; Nonmembers $115
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ONLINE Weaving Plaid on the Rigid Heddle Loom
NEW CLASSES
Learn to warp the ridged heddle loom for a plaid design and create a woven structure with a repeating sequence. Students experiment with a variety of techniques while working on a scarf or table runner.
Intermediate Tapestry Weaving
By Tea Okropiridze
ONLINE: Thurs., Nov. 2–16, 12 p.m.; Tea Okropiridze; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0AT; Members $105; Nonmembers $125
Natural Milkweed Floss Ornament Learn to transform a milkweed pod and its floss into a whimsical nesting swan that will add a touch of nature to your holiday décor. Both wet- and needle-felting techniques are used.
By Renate Maile-Moskowitz
This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your tapestry weaving skills by exploring several techniques, including interlock, transparency in tapestry, and vertical gradation using differently colored strands of yarn and mélange. Additionally, the class covers warping the loom, finishing techniques, and raised tapestry methods.
ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–March 6, 6:30 p.m.; Tea Okropiridze; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BC; Members $215; Nonmembers $245 By Tea Okropiridze
ONLINE: Thurs., Nov. 16, 5 p.m.; Renate Maile-Moskowitz; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0BK; Members $55; Nonmembers $65
Basics of Quiltmaking by Hand This class presents the basic sewing skills needed for hand quilting as well as practice in design and color choices. Historical and modern examples provide context and inspiration. ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 22– Feb. 26, 1 p.m., no class Feb. 19; Lauren Kingsland; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AM; Members $135; Nonmembers $165
Improv Quilting: Then and Now
By Lauren Kingsland
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Improv quilting allows for developing a design spontaneously. For inspiration, students look at images of historic quilts and examine what is going on today in the genre of improv quilts. This class presents the technical sewing skills needed and discusses design and color choices. ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 3–24, 1 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BS; Members $125; Nonmembers $145
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ONLINE Take an intuitive, free-flowing approach to embroidery, much like expressive abstract painting. Learn how to emphasize form, color, line, texture, pattern, composition, and process. Use different stitches to create interesting By Heather Kerley marks, textures, and movement and explore a variety of materials, including found fabrics, beads, floss, and yarn. ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 8–29, 10 a.m.; Heather Kerley; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0CJ; Members $115; Nonmembers $135
Back-to-Basics Knitting Boot Camp Whether you know how to knit a scarf but not much more or used to knit but now feel rusty, this workshop is for you. Learn basic techniques including casting on, knitting and purling, binding off, increasing and decreasing, and basic finishing skills. ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 10 and Sun., Feb. 11, 1 p.m.; Ann Richards; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BR; Members $75; Nonmembers $95
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Abstract Embroidery
OTHER MEDIA
Orchids for the Holidays Take a break from the stress of the season to enjoy an entertaining, informative afternoon with an orchid expert and create an elegant orchid centerpiece.
ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 4, 2 p.m.;
Neostylis Lou Sneary
Barbara Schmidt; details and “Bluebird” orchid supply list on website; CODE 1V00AY; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
Modern Evergreen Wreath Just in time for the holidays, create a modern wreath with fresh evergreens on a metal hoop. Many styles of wreaths, and even garlands, are possible with the wiring techniques covered in class.
TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Wed., Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. (CODE 1E00AQ); Tues., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0AR); Arrin Sutliff; details and supply list on website; Members $35; Nonmembers $45
By Arrin Sutliff
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Alternative Pens for Mark Making and Calligraphy Harness your imagination to create writing instruments with common household items and found objects in nature. Inclass exercises are geared toward experimental calligraphy, mark making, and spontaneity. By Sharmila Karamchandani ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 11–Dec. 9, 10 a.m., no class Nov. 25; Sharmila Karamchandani; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0AX; Members $115; Nonmembers $135
Introduction to Beading Learn to create your own handcrafted jewelry. Cover the basics of bead stringing, wireworking, and pearl knotting, along with the names and uses for common hand tools, wire, stringing materials, and findings. Make up to two necklaces, two to three pairs of earrings, and one single-strand necklace or bracelet using the pearl knotting technique.
By Mïa Vollkommer
ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–30, 6 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AT; Members $195; Nonmembers $215
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ONLINE Contemporary Mosaics: Ancient Motifs, Modern Materials In this course, students create a modern interpretation of a classical mosaic design inspired by the Roman and Byzantine periods. These modern artworks use unglazed By Bonnie Fitzgerald ceramic porcelain and are informed by a review of the history of mosaics, including classical mosaic design and fabrication.
Wirework Intensive Wrap, weave, hammer, and bend your way to a new set of wire-working skills. Learn how to create custom findings such as ear-wires and clasps, no-solder chain, and designs for earrings and pendants using wirewrapped DIY frames. ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 29–March 14, 6 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BU; Members $195; Nonmembers $215
By Mïa Vollkommer
ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 23–Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.; Bonnie Fitzgerald; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AS; Members $155; Nonmembers $175
NEW CLASSES
Beaded Bauble 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 By Arrin Sutliff photographing your work. The class is designed for students of all levels. ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 7–March 20, 7:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Arrin Sutliff; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BT; Members $155; Nonmembers $185
Gyotaku: The Japanese Art of Printing with Fish Using direct printing and waterbased printing inks, create realistic looking schools of fish or a single artistic print simply by inking a whole fish and pressing it to paper. Create several 12-by-18-inch By Sue Fierston gyotaku. Learn how to paint realistic fish eyes to bring your print to life and cut masks to create realistic compositions. ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 10, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BV; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
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Create a holiday ornament that is destined to become an heirloom or just brighten up a window space during the gray days of winter with this easierthan-it-looks beaded glass ball. Learn a simple netting technique to cover the ornament.
SOLD OUT
ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 18, 11 a.m.; Mïa
By Mïa Vollkommer
Vollkommer; details and supply list on website; CODE 1K00AZ; Members $75; Nonmembers $85
Native Orchids of Longwood Gardens Pierre du Pont started Longwood Gardens’ native orchid collection in 1923 when he brought in Galearis spectabilis, an orchid that’s native to Pennsylvania. This class includes a virtual tour By Barbara Schmidt of Longwood’s native orchids and shows you how this purchase blossomed into a world-renowned conservation, plant breeding, and collections project. ONLINE: Tues., March 5, 6:30 p.m.; Barbara Schmidt; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0BW; Members $35; Nonmembers $45
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Beginner Natural Lighting Conditions
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Understanding Your Digital Mirrorless or SLR Camera Get the most out of your digital mirrorless or SLR camera by taking part in this workshop, which gives a solid introduction to these cameras’ features. Learn to use their full range By Eliot Cohen of ISO, shutter, and aperture controls, which provide results that are clearer, sharper, and enriched with more delicate tones.
Understand the essential basics of shooting in a naturallight setting as you learn to gauge the direction of light; recognize degree of diffusion; minimize (or emphasize) lens flare; control conditions with lens hoods; and identify the “golden hour.” ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0AW; Members $45; Nonmembers $55
TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Sat., Nov 4 and 11, 9:30 a.m. (CODE 1V00BE); Sat., Jan. 20 and 27, 9:30 a.m. (CODE 1E0-0AY); Eliot Cohen; details and supply list on website; Members $265; Nonmembers $285
Introduction to Photography Introduction to Lightroom Classic Adobe Lightroom is a useful program for organizing and editing either RAW or JPEG image files. The workshop offers users an overview of Lightroom, with a focus on working with the Library and Develop modules. Functions such as importing, exporting, deleting, and grouping files; sorting and ranking files for quality; and attaching keywords for easy retrieval are covered. ONLINE: Sat., Dec. 2 and Sun., Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m.; Eliot Cohen; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AU; Members $275; Nonmembers $295
Whether you want to work digitally or in film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Topics include camera functions, exposure, metering, working with natural and artificial light, and composition. ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 16–March 5, 10:30 a.m.; Andargé Asfaw; details on website; CODE 1E0-0CK; Members $225; Nonmembers $255 By Andargé Asfaw
By Eliot Cohen
Introduction to Photography II
Introduction to iPhone Videography
Whether you work digitally or in film, this course is ideal for students who are familiar with their cameras and are interested in expanding their By Andargé Asfaw understanding of photography fundamentals. Sessions focus on lighting, composition, shooting techniques, and gear; photo-editing software is also discussed. ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 17–March 13, 6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Andargé Asfaw; details on website; CODE 1E0-0CM; Members $225; Nonmembers $255
Learn the basics of filmmaking using your iPhone. This workshop examines the iPhone’s camera and recording functions, provides production and editing techniques and tips for creating your visual story, and discusses thirdparty apps and accessories.
ONLINE: Sat., Dec. 9 and Sun., Dec. 10, 10 a.m.; Peggy Feerick; details and supply list on website; CODE 1E0-0AV; Members $75; Nonmembers $95
By Peggy Feerick
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ONLINE Taking Better Photos Learn to develop your photographic vision and take better photos more consistently. Foster a deliberate approach to composition, balance, and lighting conditions and discover how to keep it simple. ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 7–28, 6:30 p.m., no class Feb. 14; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0BZ; Members $125; Nonmembers $145 By Joe Yablonsky
Slow Shutter Speed Photography Slow things down as you learn to capture movement and low-light scenes with longer shutter speeds. Topics covered include panning, zoom effect, intentional camera movement, tripods, drive modes, neutral density filters, and the camera settings required to take slow shutter-speed photos in bright light, low light, and twilight and at night.
ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 18 and 25, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0AX; Members $90; Nonmembers $110
PHOTOGRAPHY: Experienced
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iPhone Photo Editing The iPhone camera is a simple picture-taking device, but editing is a must for photos to look their best. Discover a select group of specialty apps designed for the iPhone and iPad.
SOLD OUT
ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 11 and Sun., Nov. 12, 10 a.m.; Peggy Feerick; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V00BF; Members $85; Nonmembers $105
Photographing Pets and People Learn to create photo portraits of family, friends—and passersby—and their pets. Draw on tips from photojournalism and street photography for shooting in various situations.
ONLINE: Thurs., Nov. 16 and 30, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0BG; Members $90; Nonmembers $110
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Focus and Depth of Field Sharpen your knowledge of focus and depth of field through in-class discussion and homework assignments. Gain a better understanding of focus modes, area modes, and hyperfocal distance/focusing. Learn the variables that contribute to depth of field, including “fast” lenses, depth of field tables, and the preview button. ONLINE: Wed., Jan 24 and 31, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0BX; Members $90; Nonmembers $110
Mastering Exposure In this workshop designed for intermediate photographers, participants develop a greater understanding of the complex relationship between aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and how a camera’s exposure meter views a scene. Topics include exposure modes, exposure compensation, filter exposure factors, bracketing, metering modes, histograms, the zone system, dynamic range, tripods, and flash concepts. ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 1–29, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; CODE 1E0-0BY; Members $185; Nonmembers $215 By Joe Yablonsky
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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.
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Walking Tour
Buried Secrets
Congressional Cemetery’s Stories of Love, Tragedy, and Revenge Congressional Cemetery is home to the remains of more than 65,000 people, including famous Americans such as John Phillip Sousa and J. Edgar Hoover. But many lesser-known figures who are buried there—from formerly enslaved people to one of the first gay veterans to challenge military policy—left behind powerful stories. Author and journalist Chuck Raasch explores some of those intriguing legacies and lessons during a walk through the cemetery. For instance, Raasch tells the stories of the funeral procession for 21 women interred at Congressional Cemetery in which Abraham Lincoln was a mere participant and the toppled headstone of a Washington socialite who disowned her daughter for marrying a Native American man on the Dakota frontier. Fri., Nov. 3, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; CODE 1CS-A14; detailed tour information on website; Members $45; Nonmembers $55 Graves of Elizabeth Hall and daughter Mary Ann Hall, Congressional Cemetery
Bus Tour
Related program: Forgotten Women of Arlington National Cemetery (see p. 8)
Behind the Curtain
A Day with DC-area Theater Makers Ever wondered who’s behind the productions you’ve enjoyed in Washington-area theaters? Join local guide Lynn O’Connell for a unique exploration of the vibrant local theater scene as you spend a day with leaders at five notable companies. Meet Studio Theatre’s Danilo Gambini; Ryan Rilette of Round House Theatre; Alex Levy of 1st Stage Tysons; Washington Stage Guild’s Bill Largess; and Allison Arkell Stockman and Anderson Wells of Constellation Theatre Company. Along the way, learn about each company’s creative profile and upcoming season, step onto a set, sit in on a rehearsal, and discover how directors shape the productions mounted on local stages.
Studio Theatre in Washington
Sat., Nov. 4, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; CODE 1CD-027; by bus; detailed tour information on website; Members $155; Nonmembers $205
Walking Tour
A Stroll Through Georgetown
Established 50 years before Washington, D.C., Georgetown got its start as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River. Despite its modest beginnings, Georgetown eventually came to have some of the most expensive and desirable property in the District. Explore the highlights and secrets of one of D.C.’s most exclusive neighborhoods, home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world-class university. Join Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, for a walk through the neighborhood. Sat., Nov. 11, 1–3:30 p.m.; CODE 1CS-B15; detailed tour information on website; Members $50; Nonmembers $60
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Fall Birding at Bombay Hook
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Delaware Bay is noted for attracting an incredible array of migratory birds, especially shorebirds. Because of its location, several shorebird species rely on horseshoe crab eggs to fuel their migration to their breeding grounds in the North. In the fall, some of these species are still present, in addition to others such as the Dunlin, Marbled Godwit, American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, and even rare birds such as the Hudsonian Godwit and European vagrants. There are also large numbers of ducks, including the Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and American Black Duck. Raptors such as the Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, and even the Peregrine Falcon can be observed this time of year. Marbled Godwit Grab your binoculars and spotting scope if you have one, and spend a day with naturalist Matt Felperin at Bombay Hook, perfectly timed for great viewing, to seek out this fascinating array of avian wildlife. Enjoy a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant and some unscheduled time in the afternoon to explore any recent bird sightings at the time of the tour. Sat., Nov. 4, 6 a.m.–6 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1ND-007; Members $195; Nonmembers $245
Bus Tour
A Struggle for Equality
Free African Americans in Post-Revolutionary Philadelphia In the late 18th century, Philadelphia was home to nearly 2,000 free African Americans. After Pennsylvania passed America’s first gradual abolition act in 1780, the City of Brotherly Love became a city of hope for free Black people, attracting many Black migrants. Join historian Richard Bell to trace the struggles for equality African Americans faced in post-revolutionary Philadelphia. Starting at the President’s House on Independence Mall, the former site of the 3-story brick mansion where Presidents Washington and Adams lived and worked, learn the story of Washington’s enslaved Africans and their struggle for equal rights. Travel across the Mall to Christ Church Burial Ground for a guided tour and hear of the frontline aid work performed by African Christ Church Burial Ground Americans during the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. After lunch at a local restaurant, step into the archives of the Library Company of Philadelphia. The librarians showcase materials on how Black leaders used newspapers and pamphlets to fight racism and demand the full rights of citizenship. Conclude the day with a visit to the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas to explore the archives there and learn about the role houses of worship played in the fight for Black equality in Philadelphia. Sat., Nov. 11, 7:15 a.m.–8 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-026; Members $210; Nonmembers $260
Walking Tour
Department Stores: A Feminine Oasis
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
“All women love shopping”—a cliché if there ever was one. Shopping in the mid 20th century was a way for women of all social classes to find a modicum of freedom in a male-dominated world as they casually socialized in chance meetings and exercised the power of economics often unavailable in their regimented day-to-day lives. In Washington, D.C., many of the largest department stores were situated between the White House and the Capitol. Step into the past with your guide from A Tour of Her Own as you stroll between Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, and Metro Center, stopping along the way to hear stories of the iconic buildings of yesteryear like those housing Hecht’s and Garfinkel’s department stores and the stores’ role in advancing consumerism and civil rights. Explore the way a simple trip to the store was, in fact, so much more. Southeast corner of the Hecht Company's building at the intersection of Seventh and F Streets, NW
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THREE OPTIONS: Sat., Dec. 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (CODE 1CW-A16); Sat., Dec. 9, 2–4 p.m. (CODE 1CW-B16); Sun., Dec. 10, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (CODE 1CW-C16); Members $45; Nonmembers $55
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Magical Cape May
For over 200 years, Cape May, New Jersey, has welcomed travelers to its beachfront, including the elite of New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. But Cape May isn’t just a summer destination: During the winter season, this shore town transforms into a storybook holiday town. A two-day tour offers the opportunity to experience historic Cape May during a magical time of year. Upon arriving in Cape May, board the trolley for a guided tour of the historic district, featuring a variety of Victorian architecT importance OUthe tural styles. Local OLDdiscuss Sguides of preservation and Cape May’s status as a National Historic Landmark site. Stop off at the Emlen Physick Estate, festooned in authentic Victorian holiday decorations. Built in 1879, the 18-room mansion is one of the best examples of Victorian Stick style in the country. Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May, New Jersey After lunch at the Washington Inn, constructed in 1846, spend time on the Washington Street Mall before checking into Congress Hall, where four 19th-century presidents stayed. Dinner is followed by a talk on Christmas traditions of the Victorian era and an evening trolley ride through Cape May Lighthouse the town to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations. The next morning, after breakfast at the hotel, visit Cape May Point at the tip of the peninsula to see the World War II lookout tower and 1859 Cape May lighthouse, which boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Your guide discusses the history and restoration of both sites. Stop off for a traditional shore meal at the Lobster House before your last site, Historic Cold Spring Village, a living 19th-century historic district, then return to Washington, D.C. Wed., Dec. 13, 7 a.m.–Thurs., Dec. 14, 8 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-CMH; Members $665; Nonmembers $815
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 OUT LD1933. the show has been a tradition since SO 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.
The Radio City Rockettes
Wed., Dec. 13, 6:45 a.m.–11 p.m.; by bus; CODE 1ND-006; detailed tour information on website; Members $325; Nonmembers $375 Radio City Music Hall during the holiday season
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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
2-Day Tour
An Artful Weekend in New York
MoMA, the Neue Galerie, and the Guggenheim
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART © 2019 / PHOTO: BRETT BEYER
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It’s the perfect post-holiday treat for yourself: an art-filled weekend escape to Manhattan that gives you plenty of time to take in several of the most intriguing exhibitions at three cultural powerhouses—and a night on the town to enjoy as you like. Art historian Ursula Rehn Wolfman leads the visit, which highlights early 20thcentury Modernist artists and their works. Included is a private tour before opening hours of the Neue Galerie New York’s special exhibition “Max Beckmann: The Formative Years, 1915–1925.” This exhibition features approximately 100 works by the The Museum of Modern Art artist and focuses on the profound shift that occurred in Beckmann’s work during a crucial decade. The spotlight is on Pablo Picasso at the Museum of Modern Art. “Picasso in Fontainebleau” showcases works the artist produced while summering in Fontainebleau, France. Among his most astonishing creations were Three Women at the Spring and Three Musicians, two very different 6-foot-high canvases that he painted side by side within weeks. The exhibition puts these two monumental paintings side by side again and highlights other works from the artist’s pivotal three-month stay, complemented by rarely seen photographs plus archival documents. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum offers a guided look at the The Guggenheim Museum The Neue Galerie Thannhauser Collection, built by collector and art dealer Justin K. Thannhauser (1892–1976). Thannhauser’s gifts brought the Guggenheim works by artists such as Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Vincent van Gogh, and Picasso. The collection provides an important survey of late 19th- and early 20th-century Modernism. Participants stay at the Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square in the heart of the Theater District. The location is perfect for visiting the TKTS booth for discount tickets to a show on Sunday evening, which is free time for participants. An early three-course supper is included before you set off on Monday. Sun., Jan. 14, 8 a.m.–Mon., Jan. 15, 10:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-ART; Members $605; Nonmembers $805 Related program: New York’s Art Museums: A Virtual Exploration (see p. 41)
Walking Tour
Art + History Museum Tours
With Paul Glenshaw Smithsonian Associates lecturer Paul Glenshaw leads brisk, 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. Participants view the masterpieces and learn the stories they tell and how the artists came to create them. Works include The Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial by Augustus Saint-Gaudens; Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley; Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries by Jacques-Louis David; The Railway by Édouard Manet; Among the Sierra Nevada, California by Albert Bierstadt; and several others. Glenshaw has drawn detailed studies of these pieces and shares the insights he’s gained through deep looking and detailed research. The tour begins at the National Gallery of Art, followed by lunch at Zaytinya and visits to the Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. TWO OPTIONS: Sat., Jan. 27, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (CODE 1ND-A08); Fri., Feb 2, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (CODE 1ND-B08); detailed tour information on website; Members $125; Nonmembers $175 (includes lunch) Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley
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New York: The Fashion Capital 2-Day Tour
ELLIOT GOLDSTEIN © SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Splendid style is on the Manhattan itinerary when you take in fashionfocused exhibitions at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology; and the Met’s Costume Institute, led by design historian Elizabeth Lay Little. Curators of the Cooper Hewitt exhibition “A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes” guide the group on the exhibition’s final weekend on display. Liebes was one of the most influential textile designers of the mid-20th century, and the exhibition features more than 175 works that reveal the scope of her achievements. Her luxurious handwoven fabrics combined vivid color, lush textures, unexpected materials, and a glint of metallic—a style that grew so prevalent it became known as the Liebes Look. Collaborators included Frank Lloyd Wright, Henry Dreyfuss, Donald Deskey, Raymond Loewy, and Samuel Marx. Fashion designers Pauline Trigère, Adrian, and Bonnie Cashin used her fabrics. On Saturday morning, begin your day with a visit to the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). With a permanent collection encompassing some 50,000 garments and accessories from the 18th century to the present, the Cooper Hewitt exhibition “A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes" Museum at FIT is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the history of fashion and its directions in the future. Statement sleeves are the focus of their namesake exhibition, with more than 60 styles on display. Conclude the day at the Met with a special guided tour looking at fashion through the ages and what garments reveal to us about the cultures that created them. Explore clothing represented in paint, stone, wood, and other media found across the museum’s collections. Afterward, visit the Met’s Costume Institute to view the exhibition “Women Dressing Women” and explore the creativity and artistic legacy of female fashion designers from the turn of the 20th century to the present day. Get an intimate look at the work of over 70 womenswear designers, including French haute couture from houses such as Jeanne Lanvin, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Madeleine Vionnet; pieces from American makers like Ann Lowe, Claire McCardell, and Isabel Toledo; and contemporary designs by Iris van Herpen, Rei Kawakubo, Anifa Mvuemba, Fashion and Textile History Gallery, Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Simone Rocha. Even the tour’s hotel has style: Participants stay at the historic Refinery Hotel, located in the former Colony Arcade building in Midtown Manhattan’s Garment District, which housed hatmakers and furriers on the upper floors during the early 20th century. Fri., Feb. 2, 8 a.m.–Sat., Feb. 3, 10:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-FNY; Members $600; Nonmembers $800
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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Expand Your World: Join Smithsonian Associates Your Membership Support Will Shape Our Future Membership Levels Becoming a member of Smithsonian Associates makes you part of the largest museum-based educational program in the world. You’ll be among the first to know about the outstanding programs we bring you every month, and as an insider you’ll have unparalleled access to the Smithsonian’s world of knowledge—and enjoy exclusive benefits. You might not be aware that unlike the Smithsonian’s museums, Smithsonian Associates is not federally funded. We rely on individual member contributions to help bridge the gap between program expenses and ticket revenues. And that support ensures that Smithsonian Associates can continue to grow and reach even more people—all across the country—with outstanding educational programs.
Please, consider expanding your world by becoming part of ours at:
SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels
Associate ($50) Members-only ticket priority and ticket discounts, free members-only programs, Smithsonian Associates’ monthly program guide, and more.
Champion ($80) All the above and additional benefits: Up to four discounted tickets, priority consideration for waitlisted programs, and more. Promoter ($100) All the above and additional benefits: The award-winning Smithsonian magazine delivered to you, member discount on limited-edition fine-art prints created for Smithsonian Associates’ Art Collectors Program, and more. Advocate ($175) All the above and additional benefits: An advance digital copy of the monthly program guide, two complimentary program tickets, and more. Contributor ($300) All the above and additional benefits: Opportunity for advance registration for Smithsonian Summer Camp, recognition in the program guide’s annual donor list, and more. Patron ($600) All the above and additional benefits: Four complimentary tickets to a headliner program, copy of the Smithsonian Annual Report, and more. Sponsor ($1,000) All the above and additional benefits: Reserved seating at in-person programs, dedicated concierge phone line for inquiries and tickets, and more. Partner ($2,500) All the above and additional benefits: Invitation for two to attend the prestigious annual Smithsonian Weekend, recognition in the annual report, and more. Benefactor ($5,000) All the above and additional benefits: Recognition as a sponsor of a selected program, priority seating at all in-person programs, and more.
Bonus: Contributions at the Advocate level and higher include membership in Smithsonian Associates’ Circle of Support. 70
Published ticket prices are subejct to change, depending on availaility.
HELPFUL INFORMATION Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•) Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session Wed., Nov. 1, 15, and 29 More Stories from the American Songbook ......................................27 Sat., Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Feb. 10, Feb. 24, March 16 Masterworks of Five Centuries (Saturday series)• .............................25 Sun., Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 17 Masterworks of Five Centuries (Sunday series)• ................................25 Mon., Nov. 6, 13, and 20 New York's Art Museums.........................................................................41 Mon., Nov. 6 and Dec. 4 The Geology of Western National Parks.............................................34 Tues., Nov. 7, Nov. 28, and Dec. 19 Three Pillars of Chinese Culture .............................................................4 Sun., Dec. 3, Sat., Feb. 10, Fri., Apr. 5, Sat., June 1, July 2024 Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra• ......................................23 Sat., Dec. 9, April 6, and April 27 Axelrod String Quartet (Saturday series)• .............................................24
Sun., Dec. 10, April 7, and April 28 Axelrod String Quartet (Sunday series)• ................................................24 Tues., Dec. 12 and 19 Classical Sounds of Christmas ...............................................................31 Tues. Jan. 9–Feb. 27 Introduction to Music Theory .................................................................32 Wed., Jan. 24–Feb. 14 Classical Sounds of the Cinema............................................................34 Mon.–Thurs., Jan. 29–Feb. 1 Visual Literacy: How To Look at Art.....................................................50 Tues., Jan. 30–Feb. 27 Franz Josef Haydn: First of the Great Classical Masters ..............34 Tues., Feb. 6–27 Russian Art: From Icons to the Avant-Garde .....................................51 Wed., Feb. 7–March 6 The Japanese Empire: From Politics to Baseball..............................19 Thurs., Feb. 22–March 14 Exploring Anatolia: A Turkish Odyssey...................................................5
Lectures and Seminars—Single Session Wed., Nov. 1
Thurs., Nov. 2 Fri., Nov. 3 Sat., Nov. 4 Mon., Nov. 6 Tues., Nov. 7 Wed., Nov. 8 Thurs., Nov. 9 Sun., Nov. 12 Mon., Nov. 13
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Constantine the Great .................................................3 Making the Case for Reform ......................................3 Contemplating Nietzsche • ......................................27 From the Battle of Tippecanoe to the War of 1812 .....................................................3 Women of the Medici .................................................42 Art Deco .........................................................................41 Andrew Jackson's Presidency....................................4 Write Into Art ...............................................................44 Dot Wilkinson ...............................................................28 Fashion in the 1960s..................................................43 JFK’s Presidency: Beyond Camelot ..........................7 Autumn’s Harvest: Writing Workshop ....................44 A 2024 Election Preview..............................................6 Women of Arlington National Cemetery .................8 Papal Collections of Rome: Vatican Museums...................................................43 The Culture Wars...........................................................6 Leadership Lessons from Shakespeare ................28 Jon Bonné on France’s Changing Wine Culture ........................................28 Autumn’s Harvest: Writing Workshop ....................44 Milan in the Footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci ......46 The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives ........7 How We Age..................................................................37 Surrealism: The Canvas of Dreams........................45
Thurs., Nov. 16 Fri., Nov. 17
Mon., Nov. 20 Mon., Nov. 27 Tues., Nov. 28
Wed., Nov. 29
Thurs., Nov. 30
Sat., Dec. 2 Sun., Dec. 3 Mon., Dec. 4 Tues., Dec. 5
Great Expectations ...................................................26 Visiting the Normandy Battlefields ..........................4 Fall Wine Adventures: Wines of Argentina ...........21 Elvis in Hollywood .......................................................29 Edgar Allan Poe: Love, Loss, and Invention .........29 Magna Graecia: Early Greek Culture in Italy..........8 London: Inventing Modernity .....................................8 Becoming Ella Fitzgerald ..........................................29 Solar System: Europa ................................................36 “In a Constitutional Way”: Patrick Henry ................7 Forest Bathing 101 ......................................................38 Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea• .......................................................46 1984 ...............................................................................26 Close-up on the Cloisters.........................................43 Picasso: Beyond Innovation .....................................45 Washington’s Monumental Core .............................46 The Art of Gandhara...................................................47 Analysis of Hallmark Holiday Movies• ...................30 POWs in the American Revolution............................9 How Infrastructure Works.........................................38 Celebrating Christmas, Tudor Style.........................9 America’s First Women Astronauts ........................12 Navigating The Waste Land.....................................30 Winter's Colors: Writing Workshop.........................44
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HELPFUL INFORMATION Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•) Wed., Dec. 6
Fri., Dec. 8 Sat., Dec. 9 Mon., Dec. 11
Tues., Dec. 12
Wed., Dec. 13
Thurs., Dec. 14
Fri., Dec. 15 Mon., Dec. 18 Tues., Dec. 19 Thurs., Jan. 4 Mon., Jan. 8 Tues., Jan. 9
Wed., Jan. 10 Thurs., Jan. 11
Cheers! A Cocktail for Every Day • .........................21 The Earliest Animals ..................................................38 The Art Treasures of Bologna ..................................47 The Christmas Truce of 1914....................................12 Chesapeake Bay: Working the Water.....................48 Making Holidays Beautiful at the White House...13 Caesar’s Conquest of Gaul........................................13 The American Civil War and the World..................14 Something To Laugh About......................................30 The Story of Ulysses S. Grant ...............................14 Solar System: Saturn .................................................36 Brutalism: Masterpieces or Monstrosities? .........48 The Huns........................................................................15 Einstein's Space and Times......................................15 Casablanca: We’ll Always Have Paris ....................31 Picasso’s War ...............................................................45 Holiday Desserts Around the World • ....................22 Romeo and Juliet ........................................................26 Living the Beatles Legend.........................................31 The Smithsonian Museums......................................46 Fall Wine Adventures: California Dreaming ..........21 Sacred Images .............................................................42 Machu Picchu: A Virtual Adventure .........................5 Drawing the Outlines of the Middle East ..............15 The Trojan War: Did It Happen? ..............................16 National Parks of Washington State......................37 Keep Marching On .......................................................14 Cinderella ......................................................................32 How the Brain Works .................................................39 Photographing Birds ..................................................49 The Court at War .........................................................16 Buddhism for Today ...................................................32 The Secret History of Women at the CIA..............12 Surviving the Climate Crisis ....................................38
Fri., Jan. 12 Sat., Jan. 13 Tues., Jan. 16 Wed., Jan. 17 Thurs., Jan. 18 Fri., Jan. 19 Tues., Jan. 23
Wed., Jan. 24 Thurs., Jan. 25 Sat., Jan. 27 Mon., Jan. 29 Tues., Jan. 30 Wed., Jan. 31 Thurs., Feb. 1 Sat., Feb. 3 Tues., Feb. 6 Thurs., Feb. 8 Sat., Feb. 10 Tues., Feb. 13 Thurs., Feb. 22 Sat., Feb. 24
Everyday Life in Renaissance Florence ................42 Jane Austen: Reinventing the Novel......................33 Off the Beaten Path in Poland...................................5 The Last Neanderthals...............................................16 Inventor of the Future: Buckminster Fuller ..........17 Michelangelo’s David .................................................49 Revolutionary Road Trip • ...........................................9 Stanley Kubrick............................................................33 Caterina Sforza.............................................................17 Exodus: Tycoons Who Helped Jews in WWII •......17 The Bone Wars.............................................................39 The Haunting World of Dolphins.............................40 Spinoza: The Father of Modern Thought ..............27 The Visual Language of Islamic Art.......................49 Many Brains But No Bones ......................................40 Beyond Bollywood.......................................................50 The World of the Crusades .......................................18 The Queen’s Spymasters ...........................................18 Pox Romana ..................................................................19 Spices 101: Turmeric ..................................................22 The Cuisine of Nigeria • ............................................22 Birds of Prey.................................................................40 The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess .............................34 In Search of Ancient Israel .......................................19 Charles Dickens: The Ultimate Storyteller...........35 Solar System: Titan ....................................................36 The Worlds of Benjamin Franklin............................20 Yoga as Lifestyle Medicine.......................................35 Insider’s London ..........................................................20 Standing Guard: The Terracotta Warriors.............51 The Wyeth Dynasty .....................................................51 Sicily ...............................................................................47
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Tours—Single and Multi-Session• Fri., Nov. 3 Sat., Nov. 4
Sun., Nov. 5 Sat., Nov. 11
Buried Secrets .............................................................65 Behind the Curtain .....................................................65 A Stroll Through Georgetown .................................65 Fall Birding at Bombay Hook ..................................66 Buried Secrets .............................................................65 A Stroll Through Georgetown .................................65 A Struggle for Equality ..............................................66
Fri., Nov. 17 Sat., Dec. 2 Sat., Dec. 9 Sun., Dec. 10 Sun., Jan. 14 Sat., Jan. 27 Fri., Feb. 2
A Stroll Through Georgetown ..................................65 Department Stores: A Feminine Oasis..................66 Department Stores: A Feminine Oasis..................66 Department Stores: A Feminine Oasis..................66 An Artful Weekend in New York ..............................68 Art + History Museum Tour ......................................68 Art + History Museum Tour ......................................68 New York: The Fashion Capital ...............................69
Studio Arts In Person: Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Fiber Arts, Sculpture, Calligraphy, Other Media, Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52–54 Online: Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Fiber Arts, Sculpture, Calligraphy, Other Media, Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55–64
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smithsonianassociates.org
NOTICE TO OUR PATRONS: Smithsonian Associates offers our popular online programs, as well as a number of in-person programs. Because our patrons’ well-being remains Smithsonian Associates’ highest priority, all in-person programs will follow current CDC guidelines. For additional information, please contact us at 202-633-3030 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday To address your concerns, we are providing the most current information on ticket purchasing and policies, membership and audience services, and communicating with our staff.
SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MEMBERSHIP Depending on your level of support, you will receive special benefits, including significant savings on most Smithsonian Associates program tickets and a monthly Smithsonian Associates program guide, and much more! Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/join for more information. Join today!
TICKETS Online.......................SmithsonianAssociates.org
CONTACT US Email ........................CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org Mail .............................Smithsonian Associates, P.O. Box 23293, Washington, D.C. 20026-3293
REFUNDS are only issued when a program is canceled or if it sells out before we receive your order.
CREDIT TO YOUR SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES ACCOUNT Credit for cancellations or exchanges are only available for ticket orders that cost more than $40. If in compliance with the specific guidelines below, credit is issued to your Smithsonian Associates account, not your credit card. Credits are non-transferable. Important note: Cancelling your program in the Zoom personal link that you received will not entitle you to a Smithsonian Associates credit or refund, unless the cancellation took place at least two weeks prior to the program and you notified Customer Service via email about the cancellation. All Smithsonian Associates online programs, study tours, and Studio Arts classes: If you wish to cancel or exchange tickets for any ticket order costing more than $40, please contact Customer Service via email at least two weeks before the program date to request a credit. Please note that there is a $10 cancellation fee, as well as a cost adjustment when there is a price difference if you are applying your credit to another program.
Courses: To receive credit to your Smithsonian Associates account for a course, (excluding Studio Arts classes), please contact Customer Service via email at least two weeks before the first session. Credit will also be issued within two weekdays after the first session, provided that Customer Service is contacted within that period. Credit will be prorated to reflect the cost of the first session. No credit will be given after the second session.
CHANGES IN PUBLISHED SCHEDULES Smithsonian Associates reserves the right to cancel, substitute speakers and session topics within a course, and reschedule any program, if needed. Occasionally, a time or date of a program must change after it has been announced or tickets have been reserved. Participants are
notified by email. Check our website SmithsonianAssociates.org for latest updates. MOVING? If you are receiving our print publications, please email or write us with your new information and allow 6 weeks for the change of address to take effect.
PERIODICALS POSTAGE Paid at WASHINGTON, D.C. and additional mailing offices
Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560-0701
MEMBER NUMBER
Viewing Smithsonian Associates Online programs on Zoom If you have not yet downloaded Zoom go to www.zoom.us/download and download the latest version of the Zoom desktop application. Because Internet speeds vary, try to use a hardwired internet connection (ethernet cord) to your computer. Limit the number of devices and close other applications in use while viewing, and avoid any high bandwidth activities. You will receive two emails after registering for a program: The first is an immediate automatic confirmation of your purchase from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org and a second one from no-reply@zoom.us at least 24 hours prior to the program date with a link to your online program on Zoom. Click the Zoom link sent to you via email (“Click Here to Join”). It will automatically open a web page asking you to launch the Zoom application. Click “Open Zoom Meetings.” Once the meeting is open in Zoom, maximize the window by clicking “Enter Full Screen” in the top right corner. Also, make sure your speakers are on.
SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES ONLINE
All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned.