Architecture on the Nation’s Front Lawn and More Programs in August

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.

Thursday, August 3  

Exploring the Arts of Latin America: In this four-session afternoon course, Michele Greet, the director of the art history program at George Mason University, traces the significant creators, works, influences and trends that defined and shaped the arts of Latin America from their earliest expressions through the 19th and 20th centuries. This online series will be held on Zoom from Thursday, August 3 to Thursday, August 24, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. $80-$90

 

Thursday, August 10

An Introduction to Sake: Sake expert and professional kikizakeshi (sake sommelier) Jessica Joly-Crane of Sake Discoveries discusses the basics behind this historic, yet revolutionary drink. Learn about sake’s history, how it’s made and how sake is categorized. Joly-Crane analyzes three different types of sake based on region, aroma, tasting notes and pairing ideas. Tasting is included. This program will be held from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. ET at the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center. $50-$65 

From One Cell: Life's Origins and the Future of Medicine: Each of us began life as a single cell, eventually emerging as a dazzlingly complex, exquisitely engineered assemblage of trillions. This metamorphosis constitutes one of nature’s most spectacular yet commonplace magic tricks—and one of its most coveted secrets. Physician and researcher Ben Stanger offers a glimpse into what scientists are discovering about how life and the body take shape, and how these revelations stand to revolutionize medicine and the future of human health. This online program is presented on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET $20-$25

 

Saturday, August 12

Architecture on the Nation’s Front Lawn: Enjoy a morning walking tour and discover the Mall’s history, design and architecture, from its earliest incarnation to the latest developments. Take in a wide range of architectural styles as you view the Smithsonian’s buildings as well as the National Gallery of Art and the Department of Agriculture. The tour leader is Bill Keene, a lecturer in history, urban studies and architecture, and the tour meets at the Smithsonian Metro station, Mall exit beginning at 8:30 a.m. Additional sessions will be held Friday, August 18 and Sunday, August 27. $50-$70

Monday, August 14

Andy Warhol's World History: Join Grace Marston, arts educator at the Andy Warhol Museum, as she delves into how historical events in the United States and around the world affected Warhol’s art and life. Marston presents artworks from the museum’s permanent collection, including works that are rarely on public display. An additional session of the Andy Warhol’s World History Series is held on Monday, August 21. Participants enrolled in the Smithsonian World History Certificate program will earn 1/2 credit. This program will be presented on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. $25-$30

 

Tuesday, August 15

Kurt Weill: Romantic Satirist, Modern Populist: Pianist and popular lecturer Rachel Franklin explores the extraordinary partnership between Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, and traces Weill’s work with Broadway lyricists including Ira Gershwin, Langston Hughes and Maxwell Anderson. Featured works include Mahagonny Songspiel, The Threepenny Opera, Knickerbocker Holiday, Lady in the Dark and Street Scene. This online program is presented on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. $30-$35

Wednesday, August 16

The Golden Age of Vienna: The Art of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele: Join art critic Judy Pomeranz as she explores the lives and art of Gustav Klimt and Egon Shiele, two extraordinary artist and the age in which they lived. Pomeranz examines how they were influenced by their time and place and illustrates how powerfully they reflected them in works both beautiful and shocking. Participants enrolled in the Smithsonian World History Certificate program will earn 1/2 credit. This online program is presented on Zoom from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. $25-$30

 

Friday, August 18

Drink Like an Italian Sommelier: Spend a fascinating evening expanding your knowledge of wine with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a delicious exploration of some wonderful yet lesser-known Italian wines. On this off-the beaten-path journey you’re sure to discover some of the most exciting wines Italy produces. The immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance your experience available for pick up from Restaurant Chloe at 1331 4^th Street SE Washington, DC. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. $65-$75

 

Monday, August 21

Reading Faulkner: Chronicler of the Deep South in Literature: In a three-session online series, Michael Gorra, professor of English language and literature at Smith College and author of The Saddest Words: William Faulkner’s Civil War, focuses on three of Faulkner’s greatest novels, starting with The Sound and the Fury (1929) which tells the story of the decline of one of Yoknapatawpha’s white ruling families in four different ways and from different points of view (August 21). Light in August (1932) offers one of Faulkner’s most unforgettable characters, a man named Joe Christmas caught at the intersection of the South’s racial and religious turmoil (September 18). Absalom, Absalom! (1936) stands as Faulkner’s greatest meditation on the burdens of Southern history and on the persistence of the past in the present (October 23). Sessions are held on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. $60-$70

 

Tuesday, August 22

"Celebrities in Chief": American Presidents and the Culture of Stardom: Americans today expect their president to be not only commander in chief, but also chief executive, crisis manager, and consoler. They also expect our national leader to be our "celebrity in chief." In an era in which media stardom is a key part of public life, leaders need to understand and participate in popular culture to be effective. Join journalist, historian, and author Ken Walsh as he surveys the presidents across the centuries who made the most effective use of their celebrity, those who didn’t—and why. This online program is presented on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. $20-$25

Wednesday, August 23

Bonsai: Small Wonders: Join Michael James, the U.S. National Arboretum’s bonsai curator, and Ann McClellan, author of Bonsai and Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty, for an illustrated talk about the arboretum’s National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and its unique collections. They share stories about how the diminutive trees were created and came to Washington plus a few tips on how to care for these living works of art. This online program is presented on Zoom from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET $25-$30

 

Thursday, August 24

When Washington Burned: Join historian Robert P. Watson of Lynn University as he examines the British campaign and American missteps that led to the fall of Washington during the War of 1812. He analyzes the actions of key figures on both sides, such as President James Madison and General William Winder and Britain’s Rear Admiral George Cockburn and Major General Robert Ross. Watson’s book When Washington Burned: The British Invasion of the Capital and a Nation's Rise from the Ashes (Georgetown University Press) is available for purchase and signing. The program will be held at the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. $20-$25

 

Friday, August 25

The Hudson River School: Art, History, Science, and National Identity: Art historian Heidi Applegate examines the themes that circle around the group of diverse artists now assigned the Hudson River School name. A title that once identified their favorite locales, it became a disparaging term when American artistic tastes turned from landscape and genre subjects to more cosmopolitan themes influenced by European-trained painters after the Civil War. She explores why these Hudson River School artists were so popular, how they fell out of favor, and why their art has generated renewed interest. Participants enrolled in the Smithsonian World History Certificate program will earn 1/2 credit. This program is presented on Zoom from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET. $20-$25

 

Saturday, August 26

Thinking Like a Historian: A Practical Guide: How do professional historians do their work? In a unique interactive all-day workshop, Christopher Hamner, an associate professor of American history at George Mason University, demystifies this process by guiding you in how to think about and interpret the past. Hamner introduces participants to the skills and thought processes of the historical profession, employing primary sources from 300 years of American history. This program will be held at the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. $80-$90

 

Tuesday, August 29

Age-Proof Your Brain: There’s more to keeping your brain in tip-top shape and lowering your risk for dementia than crossword puzzles, brain games, and Sudoku, according to scientist and author Marc Milstein. Drawing on his book The Age-Proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia, he examines why serious mental decline may not be an inevitable part of aging—and how individuals can boost short- and long-term brain health. This program is presented on Zoom from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. $25-$30

 

Thursday, August 31

The Jesuits in the United States: A Modern Perspective on 500 Years: David J. Collins, SJ, an associate professor at Georgetown University, offers a panoramic overview of the Jesuit order in the United States from the colonial era to the present and places it against the backdrop of American religious, cultural, and social history. Collins’ book The Jesuits in the United States: A Concise History (Georgetown University Press) is available for purchase. This program is presented on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET $20-$25

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

Lisa K. Friedman | READ MORE

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