Smithsonian Events Week of 12/15-21
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Monday, December 15: Voila Julia!
I don’t think anyone can ever really top Dan Aykroyd’s Julia Child impersonation. This is not to say that actress Nancy Robinette won’t come pretty darn close with her portrayal of the gourmand with the golden palette and a wonderfully infectious joie de vivre. This biographical sketch is presented in conjunction with Women of Our Time: Twentieth Century Photographs. Free, but seating is limited. To make a reservation, call 202-633-8520 or email [email protected]. National Portrait Gallery, 7:00 PM. Bon appétit!
Tuesday, December 16: Sketching: Draw and Discover!
Come be inspired by the works on display at the American Art Museum and then spend some time sketching at the Luce Foundation Center's workshop. Free, but bring a sketchbooks and pencils. American Art Museum, 3-4:30.
Wednesday, December 17: Through a Mirror, Not So Darkly
Mirror, mirror up in space: do I have a stellar face? OK, so maybe the Hubble Space Telescope wasn't meant for man's narcissistic tendencies—but David DeVorkin from the Space History Division is on deck to discuss how we're able to view the universe using Hubble Space Telescope's mirror. Free. National Air and Space Museum, 12-12:15.
Thursday, December 18: Take Five!
Project Natale takes the Take Five stage with their unique blend of jazz and holiday favorites. American Art Museum, 5-8:00.
Friday, December 19: Discussion: Remembering Christmases Past
Members of the Harmony Hall Regional Center and Maryland National Park and Planning Commission remember family, special foods, gifts, and gatherings from Christmases past. Free, reservations required. Call 202-633-4844 to reserve your seat. Anacostia Museum, 11:00.
Saturday, December 20: Jim Henson’s The Christmas Toy
Come on down for a free screening of Jim Henson’s the Christmas Toy. As Christmas approaches, Rugby the Tiger fears that he will no longer be his owner’s favorite toy. His efforts to hold onto his Number 1 spot in the playroom have him encounter his potential replacement: Meteora, Queen of the Asteroids—an out of this world action figure who doesn’t realize she’s a toy. (Is this starting to sound familiar? Naw, didn’t think so.) This 1986 holiday classic is great family entertainment and will be followed by a puppet-making activity. Admission: $10 for adults; $9 for children (ages 2-16); $9 for Resident Associate Members. Call 202-633-8700 for tickets. S. Dillon Ripley Center, 12 Noon.
Sunday, December 21: Taking Shape: Ceramics in Southeast Asia
I think even Hyacinth Bucket (that’s "Bouquet" to you) would have to admit that her Royal Doulton with the hand painted periwinkles looks a little shabby next to the Freer’s Hague Collection. This collection spans 4,000 years of ceramic arts from Cambodia, Viet Nam, Laos, Thailand and Burma (present-day Myanmar). Curator Louise Cort will lead a tour of the collection and will also introduce you to the museum’s first online catalog that will offer web surfers an opportunity to get an up-close look at these amazing artworks. (This catalog will be available on December 13.) Free. Freer Gallery of Art, 1 PM.
(And by the way, Hyacinth’s china—most likely the Braganza line—was discontinued in 1996. Maybe it could find its way into a museum some day.)