AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Events July 13-15: After Hours at the Museum of African Art, Cranes and Clouds, “Don Juan” Screening

This weekend, hit up the Museum of African Art after hours, create Korean art and view a screening of “Don Juan”

July 12, 2012

Contemporary artist Gavin Jantjes’s untitled work is a part of the “African Cosmos: Stellar Arts,” exhibit on display through December 9. Image courtesy of the African Art Museum

Friday July 13 After Hours at the Museum of African Art

Friday night, the National Museum of African Art launches Africa Underground “Beneath the Stars,” a spectacular after-hours event that invites visitors to experience the popular exhibit “African Cosmos: Stellar Arts,” in a new, hands-on way. The exhibit explores how the sun, moon and stars among other celestial bodies serve as inspiration in the creation of contemporary and traditional African art. The night sky provides inspiration for this night of henna tattoos, art work shops, music, dancing and celebration of African culinary traditions. As you sip cocktails, take a tour through Africa with DJ T and the AfroRoots band, Eme & Heteruwho, as they mix music from each region of the continent. Africa Underground is held four times a year in the winter, spring, summer and fall. For more information, visit: africa.si.edu . $35. Tickets available online. 7:oo to 11:oo p.m. National Museum of African Art.

Saturday July 14 Cranes and Clouds

The Korean celadon ceramics on display at the Freer and Sackler Galleries are stunning. The designs on the the pottery’s pale jade-green glaze—for which the name “celadon” originated—features cranes, clouds, fruit and flowers. This Saturday, as a part of the series ImaginAsia, bring the whole family to the Sackler Gallery classroom to make your own plaque to take home. Free. 2:00 p.m. Sackler Gallery.

Sunday July 15 Don Juan with John Barrymore

There’s nothing like immersing yourself into a classic, black-and-white movie. Especially if it’s one as well-known and, well, dramatic, as Don Juan. The film, which was released in 1926, was the first feature-length film with synchronized Vitaphone sound effects and musical soundtrack, though it has no spoken dialogue. John Barrymore plays both the legendary lover Don Juan, who was raised to “love ‘em and leave ‘em” by his cynical father. But when he meets the alluring Adriana Della Varnese (Mary Astor), his world turns upside down. Murray Horwitz, NPR film commentator, will lead a pre-screening discussion at 1:00. Screening is at 2:00 p.m., first come, first seated. Warner Brothers Theater, American History Museum.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.