Weekend Events: Madeleine Albright, Exhibit Closings and a Hong Kong Film Fest
Friday, July 23: Made in Hong Kong Film Festival: Rule Number One
In this police drama cum supernatural thriller, a young cop assigned to the Miscellaneous Affairs Department investigates incidents of paranormal activity—only to find himself targeted by a mysterious spirit. This film is presented in Mandarin and Cantonese with English subtitles. Free. Freer, 7:00 PM.
Saturday, July 24: The Art of Basketry
Basket weaving is an age-old craft that has evolved from creating vessels to meet one's day-to-day needs to the stuff of bewilderingly beautiful works of art. Case in point are the baskets woven by Mary Jackson who puts modern twists on traditional basket forms—and be sure to check out examples of her work as well as video of her discussing how she approaches her art here. Today, Kenyan artist and weaver Gathoni Kamau will show you how to design your own basket to carry your most treasured keepsakes. After the workshop, be sure to check out the companion exhibit Grass Roots: African Origins of American Art. Ideal for persons ages 12 and older. Free, but registration is required. To register, call 202-633-4633. Not able to make it out for this session? Worry not. This event repeats on September 25. African Art Museum, 10:3-AM-1:00 PM.
Sunday, July 25: Book Signing: Madeleine Albright: Read My Pins
Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has her jewelry box on display in the recently-opened show Read My Pins. Today, she will be available to sign copies of the companion book, which details how she used jewelry as a means of diplomatic expression. To preorder copies of Read My Pins, call the Museum Store at 202-633-0030 from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Books may be picked up one week before the event from the Castle Museum Store. Also, please note:
• Positions in the signing line will be determined by the number on cash register receipts.
• No memorabilia. No posed photos.
• The Smithsonian reserves the right to limit books brought from home.
Free. Smithsonian Castle, 2:00-4:00 PM.
Exhibit Closings: Yes, all good things must come to an end and we are definitely sad to see these two shows leave. Artful Animals—a wonderful, interactive art show that's perfect for younger museum-goers—at the African Art Museum closes on Sunday, July 25. Yuungnaqpiallerput (The Way We Genuinely Live) is a collection of 19th century cultural artifacts of Alaska's Yup'ik people closes at the Natural History Museum, also on Sunday, July 25.
For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com