Smithsonian Events - One Time

Picture This: Exploring Art at the Smithsonian 4-Session Daytime Course

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 12 – 1:30 PM

This class looks at the works of masters such as Rodin, Sargent, Whistler, Homer, Picasso and other artists, using an array of works in Smithsonian collections as focal points. Cultural, artistic, and comparative influences are emphasized.

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Book Signings: Col. Wolfgang Samuel

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 12:30 – 5 PM

Col. Wolfgang Samuel signs copies of his books Glory Days, Watson's Whizzers, American Raiders, The War of Our Childhood, German Boy, I Always Wanted to Fly, and Coming to Colorado.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

ArtLab+ Gamers Circle Club

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 4 – 6 PM

ArtLab+ is a digital media studio that gives local teens the opportunity to become integral members of a design team.

(ages 13-19) What makes some games more fun than others? What are up-and-coming trends in the industry? Join the Gamers Circle to discuss these topics and more, and air your views on our broadcast station. You can also write and publish reviews for games, create video segments out of your critiques, and even play games live online to show the world what you’re up to and challenge viewers watching from home.

Gaming tournament afterwards, 6-7 PM.

More info: artlabplus.si.edu…

2012 African Art House Film Festival: Touki Bouki

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 6:30 PM

Touki Bouki (1973; 85 min; Senegal; in Wolof, Arabic, and French with English subtitles; directed by Djibril Diop Mambety) This classic road movie from Senegal follows two young lovers living in Dakar who long for Paris and concoct schemes to pay their way. Post-screening discussion follows with Françoise Pfaff (Howard University).

Treason and Sedition in American History 2-Session Evening Course

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 6:45 – 8:45 PM

In U.S. history, there have been very few treason convictions. Not surprisingly they all remain controversial. Would you agree with the outcomes of the trials? In this course, join the experts who highlight fascinating glimpses into these crimes against the country.

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Courtyard Cinema Classics: Modern Times

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 7 – 8:30 PM

(1936, 87 min) Charlie Chaplin is a bumbling factory worker who falls in love with an orphan girl. The film’s unforgettable slapstick routines double as satiric commentary on class struggle during the Great Depression. The film will be screened in the beautiful glass covered Kogod Courtyard, with food and beverages available for purchase in the Courtyard Café.

Book Signing: George Norfleet

Friday, February 10, 2012, 12 – 5 PM

George Norfleet signs copies of his book A Pilot's Journey: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman, Curtis Christopher Robinson.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Friday Gallery Talk: Directions: Empire³

Friday, February 10, 2012, 12:30 – 1 PM

D.C.-based artist Randall Packer discusses Directions: Empire³.

More info: hirshhorn.si.edu…

Book Signing: Deborra Richardson

Friday, February 10, 2012, 3:15 – 5:15 PM

Deborra Richardson signs copies of her children's book Treasures at the Museum. Learn more about the book.

Mourning

Friday, February 10, 2012, 7 PM

Winner of the top prize at the 2011 Busan International Film Festival, Morteza Farshbaf’s debut feature is unique in a number of ways—not the least of which is that the two main characters are deaf and communicate almost entirely in sign language. As the characters bicker during a road trip, the audience learns tantalizing pieces of information about their passenger, a young relative whose parents disappeared in the middle of the night. A protégé of Abbas Kiarostami, Farshbaf “fashions a consistently surprising and blackly comic road trip that may herald the arrival of a major new Iranian talent” (Institute of Contemporary Art, London). (Dir.: Morteza Farshbaf, Iran, 2011, 84 min., Persian and sign language with English subtitles)

Civil War at Kelly's Ford and Bristoe Station All-Day Tour

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 8 AM

Visit the site of the Civil War’s Battle of Bristoe Station, a pivotal fight in central Virginia, followed by such notable sites in Civil War history as Kelly’s Ford, Pelham Monument, Graffiti House, and Carter Run. Trace the steps of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, and George Meade’s Army of the Potomac to get a first hand view of where it all happened.

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Super Science Saturday: Scientists and Inventors

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10 AM – 3 PM

Immerse yourself in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration through demonstrations and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.

Chocolate Festival: Cultural Uses of Chocolate in Mexico

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10 AM – 1 PM

Natividad Estrada (Mazatec) explains the cultural and spiritual significance of cacao to her indigenous community in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Chocolate Festival: From Bean to Beverage: Hands-On Activities

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10 AM – 12:30 PM

Grind your own cacao seeds, froth the cacao, and explore the spices used to create traditional drinking chocolate.

Family Day: African American Pioneers in Aviation

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10 AM – 3 PM

Learn about the accomplishments of African American aviation pioneers of the past and present. Meet a distinguished panel of local Tuskegee Airmen, who will discuss their struggles and the history of the African American World War II fighter group. Enjoy hands-on activities, book signings, and appearances by current scientists, pilots, and engineers in aerospace.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Regency England's Pleasures and Paradoxes

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10 AM

Explore the era that brought us Jane Austen, and other fascinating Brits. Regency England was an era for lavish palaces and country homes, obeying the intricate etiquette of the upper class, scandals, and more.

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Chocolate Festival: Food Demonstration and Discussion

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 11 AM – 12 PM

Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe Chef Richard Hetzler discusses the wonders of chocolate and features Mitsitam’s famous Mexican hot chocolate as well as many other dishes both savory and sweet using chocolate.

ArtLab+ Visual Storytelling

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 12 – 3 PM

ArtLab+ is a digital media studio that gives local teens the opportunity to become integral members of a design team.

(ages 13-19) Are you a storyteller? Are you a visual thinker? Tell your own story! Use words and images to bring artworks from the Hirshhorn’s collection to life. With a different theme each week, teens learn new techniques and technologies to create a story based on that theme. Possible outcomes include video, animation, comics, photography, or even podcasts.

More info: artlabplus.si.edu…

Book Signing: Dave "Bio" Baranek

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 12 – 4 PM

Dave "Bio" Baranek signs copies of his book TOPGUN Days: Dogfighting, Cheating Death, and Hollywood Glory as One of America's Best Fighter Jocks.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Book Signing: George Norfleet

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 12 – 5 PM

George Norfleet signs copies of his book A Pilot's Journey: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman, Curtis Christopher Robinson.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Book Signings: Col. Charles E. McGee

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 12 – 5 PM

Col. Charles E. McGee signs copies of his book Tuskegee Airman: The Biography of Charles E. McGee, Air Force Fighter, Combat Record Holder.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Chocolate Festival:Tradiciones Bolivianas and Sangre Boliviana Dance Performances

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Tradiciones Bolivianas was founded in 1997 by mothers and young people of different regions of Bolivia in order to preserve and demonstrate the culture, music, customs, and traditions of their country as a tribute of love and respect to their ancestral home. It is currently directed by founder Julia Garcia and William Tono Vargas.

For 25 years, Sangre Boliviana has been the home of hundreds of dancers and young people who have since gone on to be leaders in the community; it is because of this legacy that they have earned the name "Academy of Folklore." Their goal is to share and preserve the rich cultures, traditions and customs of Bolivia.

Art a la Cart: Family Program

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1 – 4 PM

(for ages 7-12) Travel through the galleries and handle brushes, palettes, bison hide, and bottle caps at interactive carts.

More info: www.americanart.si.edu…

ArtLab+ Noise Factory Club

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1 – 3 PM

ArtLab+ is a digital media studio that gives local teens the opportunity to become integral members of a design team.

(ages 13-19) Inspired by the new wave of indie artists? Want to be a cutting-edge producer? What about recording vocals in a real sound booth? Join us in the ArtLab and learn to produce your own music. Under the guidance of artist and educator Dan Solberg and music producer Jon Williams, teens explore free software like Audacity, and over time, work up to advanced professional software, including ProTools and Logic.

More info: artlabplus.si.edu…

Second Saturday Arts & Science: Butterfly Birthday Celebration

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1 – 3 PM

Feel the flutter! Celebrate the fourth anniversary of the exhibit Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution with special arts and crafts activities for children of all ages. Meet museum educators and learn about metamorphosis and native butterfly species of our region.

More info: www.butterflies.si.edu

Sculpting the Seasons

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1 PM

Try your hand at Japanese flower-arranging and learn about the art on view in the Freer’s Seasons exhibitions. No experience necessary. Refreshments provided by Asia Nine.

Note: The workshop is full. To be put on a waiting list, please email asiaworkshops@si.edu with “February 11 Inner-Artist Workshop Waiting List Request” in the subject line. No-show seats are filled with those on the waiting list when the workshop begins at 1 pm. You may pay on-site with cash or check at that time .

Chocolate Festival: From Bean to Beverage - Hands-On Activities

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1:30 – 4:30 PM

Grind your own cacao seeds, froth the cacao, and explore the spices used to create traditional drinking chocolate.

Facing History: Be the Artist Youth and Family Program

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

(ages 10 and up with adult) This class is designed for children with their families to explore portraiture in depth. Participants take a brief guided tour of the exhibition, focusing on the portrait of artist Kara Walker; listen to a short gallery talk; and create a piece of art using some of the materials or concepts that Walker uses.

Chocolate Festival: Cultural Uses of Chocolate in Mexico

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2 – 3:30 PM

Natividad Estrada (Mazatec) explains the cultural and spiritual significance of cacao to her indigenous community in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Chocolate Festival: Family Activity - Make Your Own Paper Mola

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2 – 4 PM

Find out how the Kuna people of Panama and Colombia create artistic textiles called molas. Then, make your own paper mola celebrating cacao!

Recommended for Ages 6+ Up

FREE timed entry tickets required, available outside Activity Center

Chocolate Festival: The Health Benefits of Chocolate

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2 – 3 PM

This special presentation by Dr. Catherine Kwik-Uribe of Mars Botanical provides a fascinating illustrated overview of some of the historical uses of cacao, as well as the latest scientific research on chocolate and cocoa.

Dr. Kwik-uribe is the Director of Research and Development for Mars Botanical, a scientific division of Mars Incorporated. Since joining Mars Inc. in 2002, Dr. Kwik-Uribe has managed a research program within Mars Inc. that examines the potential role of specific cocoa-derived compounds—the cocoa flavanols—to support human health.

A Young Artist’s Vision

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2 – 4 PM

Gabriella J. Williams, a child entrepreneur, discusses the motivation and process of becoming a jewelry designer. Join Gabriella and a representative from Beadazzled in this lively discussion about the jewelry business. Book signing follows.

In Every Language Love

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2 PM

An Open House for All Ages

In the classroom, enjoy a digital slideshow of images of love in Asian art. Use stamps that say “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages to print Valentines to take home.

Timely Images: Chinese Art Related to Seasonal Festivals

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2 PM

Seasonal festivals in China were important occasions for the creation, display, and presentation of gifts of art featuring specific, timely images. For example, paintings depicting a bouquet of pomegranate flowers, calamus leaves, and a branch of moxa were appropriate only for the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival. Representations of roosters, considered lucky, were associated with the Chinese New Year, while images of a peony and butterfly signaled the Birthday of the Flowers. This lecture by Jan Stuart, keeper of Asia at the British Museum, examines the close bond between a wide range of pictorial arts and their temporal conventions. She explores the role of art in marking the passage of the yearly cycle and how it was folded into China’s abiding rhythms of nature and human culture.

ArtLab+ Photo Club

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 3 – 5 PM

ArtLab+ is a digital media studio that gives local teens the opportunity to become integral members of a design team.

(ages 13-19) Get experience with in-the-moment documentation to setting up photo shoots, complete with light boxes and reflectors. You'll start with pocket digital cameras and move up to professional digital SLRs. Along the way, you will have opportunities to show your work in the museum and to apply to be paid documentary photographers at ArtLab+, Hirshhorn, and Smithsonian-sponsored events.

More info: artlabplus.si.edu…

Chocolate Festival: Tradiciones Bolivianas and Sangre Boliviana Dance Performances

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Tradiciones Bolivianas was founded in 1997 by mothers and young people of different regions of Bolivia in order to preserve and demonstrate the culture, music, customs, and traditions of their country as a tribute of love and respect to their ancestral home. It is currently directed by founder Julia Garcia and William Tono Vargas.

For 25 years, Sangre Boliviana has been the home of hundreds of dancers and young people who have since gone on to be leaders in the community; it is because of this legacy that they have earned the name "Academy of Folklore." Their goal is to share and preserve the rich cultures, traditions and customs of Bolivia.

Woo at the Zoo

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 4 – 10 PM

Looking for the wildest way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank? Attend the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s fourth annual Woo at the Zoo on Saturday, Feb. 11 for an opportunity to learn about animal mating, dating and reproductive habits in an honest and humorous forum.

Attendees and their “deer” ones will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and the opportunity to decorate sweets for your Sweetheart. A cash bar will also be available featuring specialty drinks served in the exclusive Woo at the Zoo commemorative glass. All the fun takes place in the Zoo’s Visitor Center auditorium.

You must be at least 21 years old to attend this event. A valid ID is required for admission. Please note that smoking is not permitted at the Zoo.

All guests must purchase a ticket for one talk, at 4:30, 6:30, or 8:30, and are required to come at their registered time. However, guests are invited to come early before or stay late after their talk to enjoy our cash bar and Valentine treats! The visitor center will be open to guests from 4 to 10 p.m.

More info: nationalzoo.si.edu…

Smithsonian’s Stars Lecture Series: Highlights from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 4:30 – 8:30 PM

4:30 PM: Discovery Station (in front of Welcome Center)

5:45 PM: Planetarium Presentation: Chandra Observatory has provided an unprecedented view of the universe at x-ray wavelengths since its launch in July 1999. Chandra's spectacular images and detailed spectra of astrophysical systems -- ranging from solar system objects to distant galaxies and clusters -- shed (x-ray) light on such diverse topics as stellar formation and demise, black hole-galaxy-cluster interactions, and properties of dark matter and dark energy. Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Chandra X-ray Center director Harvey Tananbaum provides a brief overview and status report on Chandra and offers scientific highlights with emphasis on recent results.

6:45 PM: Telescope Observing (Public Observatory, outside on south terrace, weather permitting)

21st Century Consort presents Multiplicity

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 5 – 8 PM

The acclaimed 21st Century Consort continues their 2011–12 season with performances that celebrate exhibitions on view in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The concept of repetition that is so integral to printmaking is also evident in contemporary classical music. In this concert, the music of Conlon Nancarrow, Robert Beaser, David Froom, Mark Kuss, and Dan Visconti is illustrated with images from the Multiplicity exhibition.

Stargazing at the Public Observatory

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 6:45 – 8:45 PM

(weather permitting) The museum’s Public Observatory is open for special nighttime stargazing. Don't miss this chance to see an array of celestial objects through a powerful professional telescope.

Chocolate Festival: Cultural Uses of Chocolate in Mexico

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 10 AM – 1 PM

Natividad Estrada (Mazatec) explains the cultural and spiritual significance of cacao to her indigenous community in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Chocolate Festival: From Bean to Beverage: Hands-On Activities

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 10 AM – 12:30 PM

Grind your own cacao seeds, froth the cacao, and explore the spices used to create traditional drinking chocolate.

Power of Chocolate Festival

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 10 AM – 4:30 PM

This two-day celebration of one of the world’s favorite flavors includes traditional dance performances by Tradiciones Bolivianas and Sangre Boliviana; live food demonstrations and free chocolate samples (while supplies last!); a talk focused on the health and nutrition benefits of cacao and chocolate with Catherine Kwik-Uribe of Mars Botanical; and presentations from one of the world’s greatest chocolate makers, The Historic Division of Mars; as well as “Make Your Own Paper Mola” hands-on activities for kids and families!

Digital Camera Basics

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 10 AM

This hands-on workshop covers topics such as obtaining a good exposure using various shooting modes; making exposure adjustments on an image that is too light or dark; controlling color and tone as files are captured; understanding resolution, picture quality, and file formats such as JPEG and RAW; transferring files to the computer; and organizing files with a browser.

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Chocolate Festival: Food Demonstration and Discussion

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 11 AM – 12 PM

Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe Chef Richard Hetzler discusses the wonders of chocolate and features Mitsitam’s famous Mexican hot chocolate as well as many other dishes both savory and sweet using chocolate.

Book Signing: George Norfleet

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 12 – 5 PM

George Norfleet signs copies of his book A Pilot's Journey: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman, Curtis Christopher Robinson.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Book Signings: Col. Wolfgang Samuel

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 12 – 5 PM

Col. Wolfgang Samuel signs copies of his books Glory Days, Watson's Whizzers, American Raiders, The War of Our Childhood, German Boy, I Always Wanted to Fly, and Coming to Colorado.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Chocolate Festival:Tradiciones Bolivianas and Sangre Boliviana Dance Performances

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Tradiciones Bolivianas was founded in 1997 by mothers and young people of different regions of Bolivia in order to preserve and demonstrate the culture, music, customs, and traditions of their country as a tribute of love and respect to their ancestral home. It is currently directed by founder Julia Garcia and William Tono Vargas.

For 25 years, Sangre Boliviana has been the home of hundreds of dancers and young people who have since gone on to be leaders in the community; it is because of this legacy that they have earned the name "Academy of Folklore." Their goal is to share and preserve the rich cultures, traditions and customs of Bolivia.

Art a la Cart: Family Program

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 1 – 4 PM

(for ages 7-12) Travel through the galleries and handle brushes, palettes, bison hide, and bottle caps at interactive carts.

More info: www.americanart.si.edu…

Book Signing: Thomas D. Jones

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 1 – 3 PM

Thomas D. Jones signs copies of his books Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System, Hell Hawks: The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler's Wehrmacht, and Skywalking: An Astronaut's Memoir.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…