The Vibrant Textiles of Dorothy Liebes and More Programs in July

Smithsonian Associates offers innovative, online and in-person programming that promotes learning, enrichment and creativity for people of all ages. Hundreds of seminars, studio arts classes and study tours are offered annually. To view the Smithsonian Associates digital program guide, visit smithsonianassociates.org.

 

Friday, July 7

Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures: Join fellow adventurers at one of the world's most visited museum as the doors close, the lights dim and the crowds shuffle out for the day. See the dinosaurs and the mysterious mammals, discover the ocean's aquatic wonders and blast off to the moon. Enjoy games and challenges, hands-on crafts and even learn how to eat like a T-rex while playing The Game of Survival. Additional Nighttime Adventures: July 21, July 28 and August 11. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. $70-85

 

Monday, July 10

The Geology of Western National Parks: Yosemite, California: Join geologist Kirt Kempter on an in-depth look at Yosemite, the crown jewel of the National Park system. Half Dome, El Capitan and Sentinel Rock are superb monoliths of granite within the park. The glaciers, granitic rocks and uplift of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are part of the fascinating geologic story of Central California. This program will be held online from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. $25-$30

 

Tuesday, July 11

U Street: Shaped by History, Musical Legends, and Relative Newcomers: This two-hour walking tour with local guide Lynn O’Connell begins at the African American Civil War Memorial and visits legendary venues like the Howard Theatre and the Lincoln Theatre where Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington performed. Discover the one-of-a-kind murals throughout the area, featuring Ellington and Chuck Brown. The tour meets at the eastern entrance of U Street Metro at U Street and Vermont Avenue. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. $45-$55

A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes: As one of the most influential textile designers of the mid-20th century, Liebes shaped American tastes from interiors to transportation to industrial design, fashion and film. Join organizers from the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum Susan Brown, associate curator and acting head of textiles, and Alexa Griffith Winton, manager of content and curriculum, to explore the life and works of this iconic American designer. This program will be held online from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. ET. $20-$25

Wednesday, July 12

The Art of India: From the Indus Valley to Independence: In this first of four sessions explore the beginnings of South Asian culture in the Harappan civilization, the emergence of the Vedic tradition and the development of the first large-scale empires in the Ganges River basin. The early history of the Jain and Buddhist traditions is also discussed. Participants enrolled in the Smithsonian World History Certificate program will earn 1 credit. This program will be held online from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. $80-$90

The Art of Floral Design: Explore the spectrum of floral design including making the most of seasonal flowers, creating centerpieces, wiring techniques and photographing finished work. Designed for students of all levels, this six-session studio arts program will be held online from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET. $155-$185

Thursday, July 13

California’s Channel Islands: The Galapagos of North America: The channel islands are home to over 2,000 species of animals and plants—145 of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Jasmine Reinhardt, a National Park Service interpretation and education program manager, covers the diverse history, geography and unique flora and fauna of these islands and the people who protect them today. This online program will be held from 8 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. ET. $25-$30

 

Saturday, July 15

Leonard Bernstein: The Man Who Could Do Anything: Popular Smithsonian music lecturer Saul Lilienstein, who studied conducting with Bernstein and frequently performed with him, explores the dimensions of his musical contributions. Learn about the complexities of Bernstein’s life in this engaging seminar highlighted with musical recordings and film clips. This all-day seminar is the perfect prelude to the upcoming Maestro, a Bernstein biopic in which Bradley Cooper doubles as director and star. This program is presented on Zoom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. $80-$90

Virginia Woolf's Literary Genius: Join Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, as he explores Woolf’s remarkable literary contributions. Discover why her innovative writing style, extraordinary emotional insights and profound level of learning continue to enchant readers worldwide and attract new audiences.  This all-day seminar is presented on Zoom from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. $80-$90

 

Monday, July 17

Why Do Predators Matter?: Sharks and tigers and wolves! The world’s top predators are always intriguing and quite necessary. Robert Johnson, a wildlife specialist and conservationist; Sharon Gilman, a biology professor specializing in vertebrates and science education; and Dan Abel, a marine science professor and shark specialist, share facts about these fearsome and often misunderstood animals and tell stories about them. This program will be held online from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET. $20-$25

 

Tuesday, July 18

Schiaparelli and the Surrealists: The Art of Fashion: Spend an evening with historian and curator Elizabeth Lay as she examines Schiaparelli’s dazzling clothing designs in the context of the subversive art and photography of the period. Both Schiaparelli and the surrealists were experimenting in new materials and a new artistic expression as Europe moved closer and closer to war.  Smithsonian World History Certificate participants will earn ½ credit. This program will be presented on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET $20-$25

 

Wednesday, July 19

Food from the Forest: Shopping at Nature’s Grocery: Join naturalist and educator at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Liana Vitali and Anne Arundel County Park Ranger Victor Jones as they explore the makings of foraged feasts that can be found in the mid-Atlantic region. From fresh, cucumber-like cattail shoots to spicy garlic-mustard pesto (Yes, eat the invasive plants!), Vitali and Jones lead an evening that serves up video vignettes that include cooking demonstrations of their favorite natural edible treats as well as go-to recipes for noshing on nature—ethically and sustainably of course. This program will be held online from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET. $20-$25

 

Thursday, July 20

The Whole Hog: A Pitmaster’s Celebration of Tradition: In his first cookbook, North Carolina pitmaster Ed Mitchell explores the tradition that made him famous: whole-hog barbeque. Join barbeque historian and pitmaster Howard Conyers who talks with Mitchell and his cookbook collaborators, son Ryan Mitchell and food historian and writer Zella Palmer, in a fascinating conversation that surveys the history and tradition of African American barbecue. Learn how that legacy is being kept alive today, as well as some tasty tips from barbeque experts. This program will be held online from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. $20-$25

Friday, July 21

The ABCs of Italian Wine: Spend a fascinating evening expanding your knowledge of wine as you travel the world with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a delectable wine-tasting adventure. The immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit (available for pick up at a restaurant located in Washington, D.C.) to enhance the experience. This program will be held online from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. $65-$75

 

Sunday, July 23

The Intersection of Art and Literature: William Blake, Poet and Painter: William Blake (1757–1827), one of the most prolific artists and poets of the Romantic period, united the two sister arts—painting and poetry—most effectively in his “illuminated books.” These books represented the marriage of painting and poetry through carefully etched poems and accompanying images. Explore the alchemy that occurs at the intersection of art and literature in this fascinating Sunday afternoon series with David Gariff, senior lecturer at the National Gallery of Art.  Participants enrolled in the Smithsonian World Art History Certificate program will earn ½ credit. This program will be presented online from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. $25-$30

Saturday, July 29

Art Nouveau: New Style for a New Century: Noted for its organic, sinuous and seductive styles, the Art Nouveau movement in modern art and design—called the New Style—developed out of the arts and crafts and aesthetic movements. This richly illustrated seminar led by art historian Bonita Billman explores Art Nouveau’s origins, its identifying characteristics, and chief creators. Participants enrolled in the Smithsonian World Art History Certificate program will earn ½ credit. This online program is presented on Zoom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. $80-$90

To view the Smithsonian Associates digital program guide, visit smithsonianassociates.org.

Lauren Lyons | READ MORE

Lauren Lyons is a public affairs specialist at Smithsonian Associates.

Lisa K. Friedman | READ MORE

Lisa K. Friedman is an author and essayist living in Washington, D.C.