AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Weekend Events Nov. 18-20: Moving Beyond Earth, Chile Festival, and Exploring Colors

This weekend, learn about commercial space travel, celebrate Chile’s Native heritage, and examine the meaning of color with an expert

Joseph Stromberg
Learn about the entrepreneurs who operated the Mir Space Station in "Orphans of Apollo."
Learn about the entrepreneurs who operated the Mir Space Station in "Orphans of Apollo." Photo courtesy NASA

Friday, November 18 Moving Beyond Earth

Get updated on the potential for commercial space exploration. First, film director Michael Potter will present his groundbreaking 2008 documentary Orphans of Apollo, which tells the remarkable story of MirCorp, the entrepreneurs who briefly operated the Russian space station Mir as a business venture, launching the commercial space industry. A panel discussion will follow, featuring space venture capitalists, manufacturers of space equipment and Jeffrey Manber, former CEO of MirCorp. Free, but tickets required. 8 p.m. Air and Space Museum, Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater.

Saturday, November 19 Chile Festival

Celebrate Chile’s unique Mapuche culture at the American Indian Museum’s Chile Festival. The family-friendly weekend-long event features weaving demonstrations, roundtable discussions, traditional dancing and more. The festival will use ancient crafts and teachings to help visitors understand Mapuche culture and the concept of rakizuam, the traditional knowledge passed from generation to generation. Free. The festival takes place 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm. Thursday, November 17 through Sunday, November 20. American Indian Museum, Potomac Atrium.

Sunday, November 20 Exploring Colors

Gain a deeper understanding of the colors we see everyday at this fascinating workshop. Artist and scientist Peter Krsko of Albus Cavus, an innovative design group, will lead an examination of the meaning of color. The topic will be approached from biological, physical and artistic perspectives. Free, reservations requested at 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum.

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

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Joseph Stromberg

Joseph Stromberg was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian.