Smithsonian Events Week of 2/23-27: Bourgeois, Phone Booth
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Monday, February 23: Featherwork Workshop
You know what your spring wardrobe needs? Feathers, and lots of 'em! Learn how to make a war bonnet of your very own under the tutelage of Dennis Zotigh. Free, but reservations required. Call 202-633-6644, or email [email protected] to reserve your spot today. National Museum of the American Indian, 10:30 AM.
Tuesday, February 24: Reruns
Yesterday's Featherwork Workshop repeats today. Aside from that, we got nothing new.
Wednesday, February 25: Black Orpheus
A modern retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set to a bossa nova beat. Marcel Camus' Black Orpheus went on to nab both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1959. (On a side note, President Barack Obama cites it as his mother's favorite movie in his memoir Dreams From My Father. You can get in on the discussion of this film—and the issues it raises—at Film Blog.) Free. Anacostia Museum, 11 AM and 7 PM.
Thursday, February 26: The Mercury Capsule Phone Booth
It's hard not to question the aesthetic sensibilities of the 1960s, which is partially why that decade is so much fun to examine. Take, for instance, this novelty phone booth in the shape of the Mercury space capsule. What can one say about this marvelous piece of space-age kitsch? Personally, I'm speechless; however, Air and Space Museum expert Margaret Weitekamp will be on hand to talk about this beautifully bizarre homage to the United States' advancements in space exploration. Free. National Air and Space Museum Udvar Hazy Center, 12:30 PM.
Friday, February 27: Friday Gallery Talk: Louise Bourgeois
An afternoon at the art gallery? How bourgeois! Louise Bourgeois to be exact. She's the artist responsible for the big honkin' spider living outside the Hirshhorn's entryway and the focus of a recently-opened exhibition of her work. She is also the subject of today's gallery talk, headed by local artist Cara Ober. Free. Hirshhorn, 12:30 PM.
For a complete listing of Smithsonian exhibits and events, be sure to visit www.goSmithsonian.com and check out the easy-to-use calendar.