Events, July, 2001 ART July 1 through Jan. 23 Whistler in Venice: The First Set of Etchings The Freer Gallery of Art presents the opening of an exhibit of etchings by expatriate American artist James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903). This exhibition explores Whistlerís response to Venice by bringing together the etchings he selected for inclusion in the first of his two portfolios of Venetian prints. The Freer Gallery has 46 impressions of the 12 images in the first Venice Set, no two of them alike. Twenty-eight can be seen in this exhibition. Admission is free. Call for more information. Open daily, 10 a.m.ñ5:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Dr. at 12th St., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-2700 July 3 through Aug. 30 "De la Peinture, De la Photoghraphie" Paintings and Photographs La Maison FranÁaise and the Embassy of France present an exhibit of photographs by Martine Genty. The exhibit may be visited by appointment only. Free parking is available. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of France La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Rd., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 944-6091 Through July 15 A Breeze From the Garden of Persia: New Art From Iran This is a collection of work from contemporary Iranian artists, both men and women, including a range of media. Inspired by ancient Persian culture and poetry, the exhibition will also highlight miniature painting and calligraphy expressed in new ways. A concert by Iranian pianist Ariana Barkeshli will be presented on May 7. Other ancillary programs are being planned. Wed.ñSun., 2ñ5 p.m. Meridian International Center White Meyer Galleries 1624 Crescent Place, NW Washington, D.C. (202) 939-5568 July 21 through Sept. 17 AndrÈ KertÈsz and Theodore Fried: Away From Home Hungarian expatriates KertÈsz (1894-1985) and Fried (1902-1980) met in Paris in 1925. There they became involved in the international arts community and developed friendships with other artists such as Constantin Brancusi, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, and Piet Mondrian. This exhibit will feature photographs, paintings and drawings exchanged by the two friends. Set against the backdrop of rising political conflict, some works evoke the spirit of Paris during the tenuous years of the 1920s and 1930s. Admission is $5 for adults, $8 for families and $3 for seniors. Call for more information. Wed.-Mon. 10 a.m. ñ 5p.m. (Closed Tue.) The Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 639-1700 Through July 27 Personal Permanent Records: Experimental Photography from South America The Art Museum of the Americas brings to the nationís capital a survey of the specific issues and concerns related to identity and memory in South America. This is a collective exhibition of photographs by 17 South American artists. The images give the viewer an extensive cross-section of prolific South American artists and their approaches to the photographic medium. Admission is free. Call for more information. Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Art Museum of the Americas Organization of American States 201 18th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 458-6020 Through July 28 Italian Botanical Art Today Presented by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, this exhibit presents a fascinating overview of some of the most prominent interpreters of botanical art. The works on exhibit are watercolors and tempera paintings by Renata Bonzo, Maurizio Bottoni, Lucilla Carcano, Milena Casadei, Pierino DelvÛ, Claudio Giordano and others. Please call for hours of operation. Istituto di Italiano 2025 M St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 223-9800 Through July 30 Thirteen: Works by Salvadoran Artist Oscar Soles The Espacio Cultural Salvadoren has organized an exhibition of new works of art by Salvadoran painter Oscar Soles. "Thirteen" is a retrospective of Solesí three artistic stages. Visitors will be able to detect neo-figurative and neo-surrealist styles in his themes and palettes. Please call for information. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. ñ 3 p.m. Espacio Cultural Salvadoreno 1724 20th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 256-6542 Through Aug. 1 "Imaginary Portraits" The Peruvian Embassy Art Gallery proudly presents a new exhibit of works by renown Peruvian artist Jose Tola. The exhibit displayís Tolaís latest works, which show his traditional language of vigorous and instinctive strokes exhibiting a successful command of color, with lines and planes in the composition of each work. Admission is free. Call Elvira Velasquez for more information. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Peruvian Embassy Art Gallery 1700 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 833-9860, ext. 223 Through Aug. 9 Over the Line: The Art and Life of Jacob Lawrence Jacob Lawrence has been recognized as one of the most prominent and respected artists of the 20th century. Organized on the occasion of the publication of more than 1,200 works of Lawrence, this exhibit will feature approximately 90 paintings and drawings from the whole of Lawrence career and will highlight every major theme in the artistís oeuvre. Admission on weekdays is by contribution. Weekend admission is $7.50 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, and free for visitors 18 and under. The museum is closed on Mondays. Call for more information. Tues. - Sat, 10-5 p.m. Sun., 12-7 p.m. The Phillips Collection 1600 21st St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 387-2151 Through Aug. 24 Honduras: Ancient and Modern Trails The IDB Cultural Center captures the variety and wealth prevalent in the culture and geography of Honduras. Works in stone, ceramics, paint, and wood, to mention but a few, allow appreciation of an extraordinary and original creativity shown in the pieces that make up the exhibition. The works, which include Mayan sculptures, Lenca ceramics, and paintings, were chosen from a number of public and private collections in Honduras. The exhibition is free and guided tours are available. Call for more information. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The IDB Cultural Center Art Gallery 1300 New York Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 623-3774 Through Aug. 25 "Cold and Warm" The Mexican Cultural Institute and the Latin Initiative Program of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities present renowned Mexican artist Berta Koltniukís "Cold and Warm" exhibition. The exhibition will reunite more than 26 artworks relating Kolteniukís cultural experiences in America. Her use of contrast, between color and whiteness, highlight the notion of new and old, warm and coldóillustrating the duality of world. Kolteniuk, who studied at the National University of Mexico City, has exhibited in London, Paris, and Brussels. Free admission, call for more information. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mexican Cultural Institute 2829 16th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 728-1628. Through Sept. 9 Worshiping the Ancestors: Chinese Commemorative Portraits This large exhibition contains intricately detailed, brightly colored, nearly life-size portraits, as well as textiles, furniture and other Chinese objects created between 1451 and 1943. It is the first exhibition in the West in more than a half-century to focus on Chinese ancestor portraits. Call for more information. Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Smithsonian Institution Jefferson Drive at 12th St., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-2700 Through Sept. 10 In the Presence of Spirits: African Art from the National Museum of Ethnology, Lisbon Rare African masterpieces from an important European museum collection are on view at the National Museum of African Art. The exhibition examines an impressive group of more than 140 objects from Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, among others that reflect the influences of the supernatural world in both public and private life throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Works range from small, exquisitely created dolls to awe-inspiring fiber and initiation masks, dating from around 1850 to the mid-20th century. Call for more information. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave., SW Washington D.C. (202) 357-4600 Through Sept. 16 Clyfford Still: Paintings, 1944-1960 Stillís abstract imagery of the late 1940s and ë50s, like that of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and others, helped define a distinctly American contribution to world art. This exhibition of 39 works reveals Still at the height of his powers. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum Independence Ave. at 7th Ave., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 257-2700 Through Oct. 14 The Architecture of R.M. Schindler The most comprehensive exhibition to survey the work of architect Rudolph Michael Schindler (1887-1953). Schindlerís unique architectural identity mixed European modernism with the earthbound refinements of Frank Lloyd Wright. The exhibition will present Schindlerís evolving career from the late 1910s to the early 1950s through 110 original drawings, 14 scale models, approximately 90 photographs, and 12 select pieces of furniture, thoroughly illuminating his contribution to the history of modern architecture. Admission is free. Call for more information. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.< br> Sun., 12-5 p.m. The National Building Museum 401 F St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 272-3606 FESTIVAL July 4 Solid as Steel/Celebration of Independence Day The embassy of the Slovak Republic invites everyone to the new chancery and garden for the unveiling of an exhibition of Slovak heritage in the United States and the history of U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh. Together with the embassyís friends, Slovak-Americans, and diplomats from neighboring embassies, the embassy will host a traditional, informal barbecue in their garden. The event will also include a concert by Bob Brozmon on the reophonio guitar, an instrument invented by the American Slovak Jan Dopjera. This event is open to the public. For more information call and ask for Milan Jezovica. Wed., 3 p.m. Embassy of the Slovak Republic 3523 International Court, NW Washington, D.C. (202) 237-1054 July 5, 12, 19, 26 Art Night at the Hirshhorn Every Thursday evening in July, the Hirshhorn Museum will feature a myriad of programs including special exhibits, films, lectures, poetry readings, jazz concerts and other programs lasting from 4:30 to approximately 9:30 p.m.. The events are free. Please call for more information or visit the Hirshhorn Web site at http://hirshhorn.si.edu. Thurs., 4:30-10:00 p.m. The Hirshhorn Museum Independence Ave. at 7th St., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-2700 LECTURE July 16 Villa Borghese: From Private Residence to Public Park The Istituto Italiano di Cultura presents a slide illustrated lecture by Alberta Campitelli, director of the Office of Villas and Historical Parks of the City of Rome. Villa Borghese, built in the 17th century as a residence for Cardinal Borghese, became a public park in 1903. The transformation changed the order of the Villa, partly destroying its characteristics. Campitelli will discuss the history of the Villa and show the most important restorations. Lecture is free of charge. Please call to RSVP. Mon., 6:40 p.m. Istituto Italiano di Cultura 2025 M St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 223-9800, ext. 3 July 19 Poetís Perspective: Freda Denis-Cooper During this Artful Evenings presentation, Freda Denis-Cooper will read from her recent collection, Stones Unturned: The Soul Poetic, and new works from her forthcoming Lamentations & Praise. Denis-Cooperís work fuses rhythm, form and brilliant imagery, depicting the resilience of the African American experience. Event will require a special exhibition ticket for that evening. Thurs. 6 p.m. & 7 p.m. The Phillips Collection 1600 21st St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 387-2151 MUSIC July 6, 13, 20, 27 River Concert Series 2001 The highly acclaimed River Concert Series returns to the Townhouse Green at St. Maryís College of Maryland overlooking the beautiful St. Maryís River. Each Friday join music director and world-renowned trumpeter and conductor, Jeffrey Silberschlag, for an evening of music, food, beverage and fun. The Chesapeake Chamber Orchestra, directed by Silberschlag, will perform with acclaimed artists and celebrated personalities. Last yearís concert series averaged 2,500 people per concert. Grounds open at 5 p.m. every Friday, pre-concert performances at 6 p.m., and concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free and parking is available. For more information and directions visit www.smcm.edu/rcs or call. Fri., 5 p.m. Townhouse Green St. Maryís College of Maryland St. Mary City, Md. (301) 862-0280 July 11 The Classical Music of Persia The Chakavak Ensemble, led by Nader Majd, will play an enchanting selection of classical songs that evoke the Achamanide Empire with their rich structure, melodic tones, and colorful rhythms. Majd, director of the Center for Persian Classical Music in Vienna, Va., leads the group of 13 musicians in a demonstration of the tar, setar, santur, violin and vocals. Tickets are $12 general, $10 members. Call for more info. Wed., 7 p.m. Armand Hammer Auditorium Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 639-1770 July 14 The Sounds of Mali and Mamadou Diabite Mamadou Diabate is descended from a long line of musician-storytellers. His talent is playing the kora, a West African harp-lute. Diabite infuses traditional Malian music with such elements as American blues and Bambara music. Since 1996, he has lived in the U.S. and has collaborated with artists including jazz musician Randy Weston and blues performer Guy Davis. Tickets are $21 general; $17 members; and $15.30 for seniors. Call for tickets and more information. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Baird Auditorium Natural History Museum 10th & Constitution Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-3030 July 16 Cabaret! A Trip with Anna Bergman The daughter of an American diplomat, Anna Bergman spent her childhood traversing the globe, living in a wide array of locales including Ethiopia, Congo-Kinshasa, Paris, London and Vienna. In her cabaret show "Souvenir," she shares her experiences through a wide variety of songs and languages performed with her stunning soprano voice. African and Viennese folk songs combine with show tunes and a mesmerizing tribute to Noel Coward. Tickets are $20 general, $15 members. Call for more information. Mon., 7 p.m. Armand Hammer Auditorium Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 639-1770 July 21 The Gino Siston Band The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art presents a performance by drummer and vocalist Gino Siston. Siston was born into a family of Cameroonian musicians who introduced him to the sounds of blues, jazz and African traditional music at an early age. Free of charge. Call for more info. Sat., 2 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center Lecture Hall 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-2700 THEATER July 1 through 15 "Lulu" by Frank Wedekind Britainís widely heralded theatre company, Almeida, presents Wedekindís 1894 play about a beautiful woman and her destructive power over her admirers. Part of the Kennedy Centerís celebration of art from the United Kingdom. Recommended for mature audiences only. Tickets are $20-$68. Call for reservations and more information. Tue.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sat., 1:30 p.m., Sun., 2:30 p.m. Eisenhower Theater The Kennedy Center Washington, D.C. (202) 467-4600 Jul y 1 and 7 "Orestes" by Euripides Part II in the trilogy dramatizing the fate of the House of Atreus. The surviving children of the slain Agamemnon, Orestes and Elektra, avenge their fatherís death at the hands of his wife Clytemnestraóthey must then deal with the consequences of matricide. Orestes plays in repertory with Part III, "Iphigenia in Tauris." Tickets are $20 general, $15 matinee. Call for tickets and information. Sun. and Sat., 2 p.m. Clark Street Playhouse 601 S. Clark St. Crystal City, VA (703) 684-7990 July 1, 2, 3, 7 "Iphigenia in Tauris" by Euripides Part III of the black-comic trilogy surrounding the House of Atreus. Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon was supposedly sacrificed by her father at Aulisóthe catalyst that started the sequence of tragic events in "Elektra and Orestes." Now Iphigenia reappears, against all probability, in Thrace, where she had been spirited away by the goddess Artemis. As a temple priestess for Artemis, her duties include killing shipwrecked Greeks. Into this abattoir arrive her long-lost brother Orestes and his companion Pylades for a stunning reunion. Tickets are $20 general, $15 matinee. Call for tickets and information. Mon.-Tue., 8 p.m. Sat., 9 p.m., Sun., 6 p.m. Clark Street Playhouse 601 S. Clark St. Crystal City, Va. (703) 684-7990 July 3 through Aug. 4 "Kiss Me, Kate" Winner of 5 Tony Awards in 2000, this spectacular revival of the beloved musical is "a glorious, thrilling, and dizzying concoction" (Dennis Cunningham, WCBS-TV) with an infectious score by legendary composer Cole Porter. Tickets are$20-$79. Call for tickets and more information. Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m. Sat. and Sun., 2 and 8 p.m. Opera House The Kennedy Center Washington, D.C. (202) 467-4600 Through July 8 "Jitney" by August Wilson From the author of "Seven Guitars" and "Two Trains Running" comes the story of Beckerís jitney cab company in the Hill District of 1970s Pittsburgh. Fathers and sons try to connect, even as they feel their livelihood slipping away. Wilson takes a deep look at one communityís attempts to hold onto their way of life in the face of impending change. Tickets are $21.50-$29.50. Call for tickets and information. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. The Studio Theatre 1333 P St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 332-3300 July 18 and 19 "Al Lesson Before Dying" by Romulus Linney Voice of Americaís Radio Theatre presents a live radio drama production of Ernest J. Gaines award-winning novel about a forged bond that a falsely convicted murderer and a schoolteacher develop when finding the meaning of oneís fate. Tickets are $36 general; $28 members. Call for tickets and more information. Wed. & Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Auditorium Voice of America 330 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-3030 July 19 through Sept. 9 Gilbert and Sullivanís "The Pirates of Penzance" The Interact Theatre Company and the Folger Theater continue their summer tradition of Gilbert and Sullivan productions with the classic story of the rollicking pirates who turn up in King George IIIís British colony of America, invading Washington with aplomb and panache and shocking the other "George" ñ who just happens to be the major general residing a Mount Vernon. The Helen Hayes Award winning company ships you to the swamplands of the Potomac River with a fresh and lively topsy-turvy interpretation of a popular favorite. Tickets are $35-$45 with additional discounts for students, seniors and groups. Call for tickets and info. Wed. and Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m. Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. The Folger Theatre 201 Capitol St., SE Washington, D.C. (703) 218-6500 (Box Office) (703) 760-9863 (Group/Info) TOURS Iíve Got a Secret Every Tuesday and Thursday, learn secrets about Americaís capital city. This walk is perfect for every smarty-pants suffering from the delusion of omniscience about Washington as well as those looking for little-known facts with which to impress friends. The following tidbits are offered: a tree house on the Mall, a ghost in a castle, a brothel, a canal, and the severed leg of a Civil War general. The tour meets at Smithsonian Station (Independence Avenue exit). The guide will be wearing a Washington Walks badge. No reservations necessary. Tickets cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under, $5. Cash only. Tue., 8:30 a.m. (except Jul. 31) Thurs., 4:30 p.m. (except Aug. 2) Washington Walks (202) 484-1565 www.washingtonwalks.com Embassy Row Every Thursday, this walk down Washingtonís grandest boulevard features the most impressive turn-of-the-century residences in the city, many designed in the French beaux-arts style. In addition to viewing sumptuous architecture, youíll hear stories about the families who once resided in these stately palaces. Fabulous wealth, extravagant parties, scandals ñ even the curse of the Hope Diamond ñ are mixed with a glimpse of the life led by Washingtonís diplomatic community today. The tour meets at Dupont Circle Station (Q Street exit). The guide will be wearing a Washington Walks badge. No reservations necessary. Tickets cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under, $5. Cash only. Thurs., 5 p.m. Washington Walks (202) 484-1565 www.washingtonwalks.com Capital Hauntings No other part of the city claims a more mysterious, macabre history than Lafayette Square, the park north of the White House. The restless ghosts of presidents, a first lady, assassins and military officers roam the hallways of old homes, a theater and even the White House. As the day draws to a close, youíll creep through the park and adjoining streets past these haunted sights. The guide will relay the ghost stories associated with each person or place. Every Friday, the tour meets at McPherson Square Station (White House exit). The guide will be wearing a Washington Walks badge. No reservations necessary. Tickets cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under, $5 Cash only. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Washington Walks (202) 484-1565 www.washingtonwalks.com