Events: West African Dance, an Online Poetry Workshop, Learn About Juliette Gordon Low and More
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Monday, March 7: March Film Screening: My Name Is Kahentiiosta
Kahentiiosta, a young Kahnawake Mohawk woman, took part in a 78-day armed standoff in 1990 as a part of a land dispute between the Mohawks and the Canadian federal government. Arrested and imprisoned, she was detained longer than her peers because the prosecutor refused to let her stand trial using her native name. Learn about Kahentiiosta's story and why she was prepared to die to protect the land and trees sacred to the Mohawk people of Kanehsatake. Free. American Indian Museum, 3:30-4:00 PM. This event repeats daily, except Wednesdays, through the month of March.
Tuesday, March 8: Washington Resigning His Commission: A History of Damage and Repair
Ferdinand Pettrich’s 1841 larger-than-life plaster statue of George Washington remains an impressive work of art—but it still manages to wow audiences thanks to diligent efforts to keep the piece looking its best. Get an inside look at what it takes to keep this sculpture in its prime through a talk with conservator Hugh Shockey, who will explain ongoing problems with the sculpture and discuss how it has been treated over the years. Free. American Art Museum, 12:30 PM
Wednesday, March 9: DISCOVERY THEATER, Balafon
The balafon, perhaps more familiarly knowns as the marimba, is an instrument that originated in the region of Africa now called Ghana, the Republic of Guinea, and Burkina Faso. They are used at festivals, funerals and celebrations to lift the emotions of people. It is also the name of a dance troupe guided by artistic director “Mama” Kadiatou Conte, a native of Guinea. In this performance suitable for people of all ages, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble brings to the stage an explosion of classical West African song, music and dance. Youngsters will feel the eternal rhythm of the drum, learn about the culture of Ghana, and might even be able to join in the dance. Tickets are required. Rates are $6 general admission; $5 children; $4 for members; $4 for children of members; $3 for children under age 2. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Resident Associate Program box office which is located in the Ripley Center on the National Mall. For groups of 10 children or more (ages 2-16) please call us at 202-633-8700 for a group discount. Discovery Theater, 9:00-10:15 AM.
Thursday, March 10: Face-to-Face Portrait Talk: Juliette Gordon Low
If you're one of those people who know the Girl Scouts primarily by way of cookies, come on out for this week's portrait talk where education specialist Geri Provost will introduce you to Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low through a painting by Edward Hughes. Free. National Portrait Gallery, 6:00-6:30 PM.
Friday, March 11: Sin Fronteras Online Poetry Workshop & Reading
In this online workshop sponsored by the Smithsonian Latino Center, write and share your poetry in an online forum moderated by Maria Miranda Maloney, publisher and author of The City I Love. Participants will need a Second Life avatar. Click here to get one! For more information go to http://latinovirtual.blogspot.com/ or e-mail Melissa Carrillo at [email protected]. Free. Latino Virtual Museum Sin Fronteras Cafe, 9:00 PM.
For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com