SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES

10 Smithsonian Associates Programs Streaming in June

10 Smithsonian Associates Programs Streaming in June


Art historian Renee Gondek will discuss the disasters of Ancient Thebes in live, virtual Smithsonian Associates event on June 4.
Art historian Renee Gondek will discuss the disasters of Ancient Thebes in live, virtual Smithsonian Associates event on June 4.

The new online learning initiative Smithsonian Associates Streaming continues with live, expert-led lectures and studio arts classes offered free of charge through June 11. An expanded slate of virtual programming, inspired by the full range of topics Smithsonian Associates offers year-round is available for ticketed streaming beginning June 16.

Thursday, June 4

The Disasters of Ancient Thebes: In Greek mythology, a plague, a bloodthirsty monster and inept rulers all tested the fortitude of the citizens of Thebes. Art historian Renee Gondek explores this convergence of calamities though the focus of Oedipus the King. 6:45 p.m. Free

Monday, June 8

Thinking of You: Creating a Spotlight with Stamps: Bridge the social distance by using stamps, ink and paper to create two simple yet sophisticated cards that any friend would love to receive. 3 p.m. Free

Thursday, June 11

Stream, Watch, Repeat: Modern Classics and the Films That Inspired Them: Every great film on your watch list owes its success to an older one. Washington City Paper film critic Noah Gittell traces that lineage by comparing and contrasting modern classics with their cinematic antecedents. 6:45 p.m. Free

Monday, June 15

Moon of Feathers: An Introduction to Palestinian Embroidery: Discover what makes Palestinian embroidery unique as you learn traditional Palestinian cross-stitch, image transferring techniques, how to stitch the pattern in a condensed time-frame, and how to develop your own style. 2 p.m. $25

Tuesday, June 16

A Decade of Disruption: America in the New Millennium: The first decade of the 2000s saw wide-reaching sociopolitical and economic change in the United States. Join historian Garrett Peck, author of A Decade of Disruption, for a discussion on how today’s period of cultural strife is rooted in the events that transpired from 2000 to 2010. 6:45 p.m. $20-$25

Monday, June 22

Easy Landscapes in Watercolor: Appreciate the beauty just outside your window as you learn to paint quick and easy landscapes that truly capture the atmosphere of the scene. 11 a.m. $25

Tuesday, June 23

The Paratrooper Generals of D-Day: The outcome of World War II is proof that adept leadership is necessary for military success. Military historian Mitchell Yockelson leads a discussion on how the actions of Generals Matthew Ridgway and Maxwell Taylor facilitated the Allied triumph at Normandy. 6:45 p.m. $20-$25

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Book art by Sushmita Mazumdar, who will lead a live Smithsonian Associates studio arts workshop on June 29.

Monday, June 29

Today, We Feel: A Book Art Project: Explore a creative way to express your feelings in these unusual times: Make a house-shaped book using a mix of materials and techniques. 11 a.m. $25

Indoor Orchids: Learn how to cultivate a beautiful orchid garden that will brighten up any workspace as Barbara Schmidt covers the ins-and-outs of indoor orchid cultivation. 7 p.m. $25

Tuesday, June 30

Creativity in Dark Times: Artists and Writers of the New Deal: While the New Deal is lauded for revitalizing the American economy, its impacts on the arts were equally profound. Author David Taylor explains how the Federal Writers’ Project and Federal Arts Project empowered authors and artists, many of whom used their respective mediums to defy social norms and induce cultural change. 6:45 p.m. $20-$25