Events **Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Art Jan. 10 to 31 Une Saison A collection of captivating watercolors by Sam Scott commissioned by the French government are on display by appointment only. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of France 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 944-6091 Through Jan. 11 In the World of Mr. Pehrson This display showcases the surreal paintings and prints by renowned Swedish artist Karl Axel Pehrson. Please call for more information. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Embassy of Sweden 1501 M St., NW (202) 467-2642 Through Jan. 11 Trudeau Remembered Described as a ìpop-star prime minister,î Pierre Elliot Trudeau was one of the most intriguing public figures in Canadian politics. Award-winning photographer Peter Bregg gives a rare glimpse into the life of this influential politician. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of Canada 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (202) 682-1740 Jan. 11 to 27 Mandala Sand Painting Using chants and meditation, 20 Tibetan monks will work on a giant sand mandala painting every day to invoke healing and the forces of good in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. Open daily, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Jan. 11 to 30 Seam A broad range of artists is featured in this exhibit, including Hae Lim Allen, Shin-Hee Chin and Sun Jung Park. Please call for more information. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Embassy of Korea 2370 Massachusetts Ave., NW (202) 797-6343 Through Jan. 13 Aelbert Cuyp Using techniques favored by 17th-century Italian artists, Dutch artist Aelbert Cuyp created soothing landscapes and striking paintings, portraits and drawings. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. National Gallery of Art Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 737-4215 Through Jan. 13 Elegant Fantasy View the designs of Arline Fisch, one of the worldís leading contemporary jewelers, whose creations have been inspired by a variety of cultures spanning the globe. Admission is free, but suggested fee for non-members is $5. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. The Textile Museum 2320 S St., NW (202) 667-0441 Through Jan. 13 Juan MuÒoz Juan MuÒoz, a highly regarded contemporary sculptor, died unexpectedly last August of an aneurysm. Nearly 60 of his works are on display in this retrospective. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at 7th Street, NW (202) 357-3030 Through Jan. 20 Three Friends of Winter: Pine, Bamboo and Plum in Chinese Painting Traditionally associated with winter and the scholar in private life, evergreen bamboo, plum and pine are often depicted in Chinese artwork. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Through Jan. 27 Rapunzel, Rapunzel! Let Down Your Hair! A twist on the well-loved fairy tale with more than 41 books published in the last 150 years in English, French, German and Dutch. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave., NW (202) 783-5000 Through Feb. 8 Drawings and Watercolors D. Quixote: The Visible and Invisible This homage to Spanish artist Francisco Castillo features two exhibits on his drawings and watercolors as well as his artwork on the mystique of Don Quixote. Drawings and Watercolors: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of Spain 2375 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (202) 728-2334 D. Quixote: Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The George Washington University Art Gallery Media and Public Affairs Bldg 805 21st St., NW (202) 728-2334 Through Feb. 15 Harry Weber: A Retrospective Vienna-born Harry Weberís photography is on display to commemorate the artistís 80th birthday. Weber was the chief of photography at the Vienna branch of Verlag Gruner and Jahr since 1967 and freelanced for a wide range of publications. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of Austria 3524 International Court, NW (202) 895-6776 Through Feb. 25 Antonin Kratochvil Czech photographer Antonin Kratochvil has hauntingly documented communism in the Soviet Bloc. Now he focuses on American artists in this riveting compilation. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Czech Embassy 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW (202) 274-9100 Through May 5 Making the Grade Six highly symbolic works of art shed light on African initiation rites and the cultural values that shape the important transition from childhood to adulthood. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-4600 Through May 5 Visual Poetry: Paintings and Drawings from Iran Exquisite single folios of paintings, drawings and poetry from 16th- and 17th-century Iran are on view in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Through May 31 Margaret Mead: Human Nature and the Power of Culture With more than 500,000 items, this collection explores noted anthropologist Margaret Meadís fieldwork and the anthropological issues she encountered in places such as Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Bali. Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave., SE (202) 707-2905 Through July 7 The Cave as Canvas: Hidden Images of Worship along the Silk Road This exhibition highlights a group of fifth-century mural fragments from lavishly decorated Buddhist cave temples. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Through Oct. 27 The Potterís Brush: The Kenzan Style in Japanese Ceramics For the next year the Freer focuses on legendary Japanese ceramic artist Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743) and his work in the largest such collection outside of Japan. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Dance Jan. 7 Scottish Country Dance Society of Washington The Society invites beginners and experienced dancers to join their dance group every Monday beginning Jan. 7. Tickets are $3 per session. Mon., 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Blair High School Silver Spring, Md. (202) 966-3595 Jan. 16 Spectacular Evening of Spanish Dance Ziva and her Spanish Dance Ensemble thrill audiences with their flawless footwork, glittering costumes and breathtaking movements. Tickets are $20 for the public and $15 for Corcoran members. Wed., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1700 Jan. 24 Gala de Andalucia A stellar array of Spainís leading traditional and contemporary flamenco dancers share the stage in this electrifying performance. Tickets are $30 to $40 with discounts for GW students. Thu., 8 p.m. George Washington University Lisner Auditorium 730 21st St., NW (202) 994-6800 Jan. 26 Eva La Yerbabuena Eva La Yerbabuena infuses modern elements with traditional Spanish dance for a fiery style that has garnered her international recognition in flamenco dancing. Tickets are $25 to $35 with discounts for GW students. Sat., 8 p.m. George Washington University Lisner Auditorium 730 21st St., NW (202) 994-6800 Jan. 26 and 27 Tamburitzans Concerts A colorful music and dance tour of Eastern Europe and its neighboring cultures. Please call for ticket information. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Bishop Ireton High School 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria, Va. (703) 218-6500 Sun., 2 p.m. Parilla Performing Arts Center 51 Mannakee Street Rockville, Md. (301) 279-5301 Jan. 30 Antonio Canales Ballet Antonio Canales, one of the top male flamenco dancers in the world, will make a rare appearance with his dazzling 20-member dance troupe. Tickets are $30 to $40 with discounts for GW students. Wed., 8 p.m. George Washington University Lisner Auditorium 730 21st St., NW (202) 994-6800 Lectures Jan. 8 Chinese Carvings Jan Stuart, associate curator of Chinese art, explores small jade, ivory and rhinoceros-horn Chinese carvings of the 16th to 19th centuries. Tue., 12 p.m. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Jan. 12 Who Defines the Contemporary? Join an international panel of curators, critics, artists and authors in a fascinating day-long series of tours and discussions on the recent growth of biennial exhibitions of contemporary art around the world. Registration is recommended. Sat., 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (tours), 2 p.m.-5 p.m. (discussions) Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-4880 ext. 433 Jan. 15 Terry Jones: Secrets of Ancient Egypt Best known for his role in the comedy troupe Monty Python, Terry Jones is also an award-winning writer and director whose books and films have focused on numerous historical subjects. Tickets are $13. Tue., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 15 to March 18 From Village to Empire: The Near East and Eastern Mediterranean This first course in the Smithsonianís World Heritage Certificate Series considers the origins of the earliest ancient Near Eastern and Aegean societies. Tickets are $141. Mon., 12 p.m., Tue., 8 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 16 Exploring the Collection: Monet and His Circle This discussion will focus on the nine Monet paintings in the Kreeger collection and the inspirations behind Monetís relentless pursuit to innovate his art. Reservations are required. Wed., 6:30 p.m. The Kreeger Museum 2401 Foxhall Road, NW (202) 338-3552 Jan. 17 Dao De Jing: A Book for All Ages Chinese scholar Moss Roberts discusses his new translation of one of the worldís richest works of philosophy and literature. Tickets are $13. Thu., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 17 The Lure of Oriental Carpets: How the West Was Won In a richly illustrated lecture, learn how oriental carpets were incorporated into the cultures of Europe and North America. Ticket are $14 for the public and $10 for Corcoran members. Thu., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1700 Jan. 23 Titian: Prince of Painters Helen Deborah Walberg of the Instituto Venezia in Italy traces the life of 16th-century Venetian painter Tiziano Vecellio. Tickets are $15. Wed., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 23 to March 13 The Archeology of Ancient Italy This slide-based course surveys Italyís diverse cultures from the eighth century B.C. to the sixth century A.D. Tickets are $141. Wed., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 23 to March 6 Introduction to the Koran: The Essential Teachings Gain some insights into the Koran and its beliefs about creation, existence, life, inspiration, women, world religions, laws, morals and ethics. Tickets are $129 for the public and $84 for Smithsonian resident members. Wed., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 24 to Feb. 28 Daily Life in Medieval Britain Thurs., Jan. 24 - Feb. 28, 6 p.m. In this slide-illustrated course, participants learn about the history, economics and social aspects of 13th- and 14th-century Wales and England. Tickets are $123 for the public and $78 for Smithsonian resident members. Thu., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 24 to March 7 The Kirov Balletís The Sleeping Beauty This course examines ìThe Sleeping Beautyî from its antecedents in the grand ballets of 18th-century France to its 20th-century offspring and includes a performance at the Kennedy Center on Feb. 16 of a revival of the original production by Russiaís fabled Kirov Ballet. Tickets are $169 with the performance or $120 without the performance. Thu., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 26 Dostoyevsky: Life, Ideas, and Narratives Fyodor Dostoyevsky is widely considered to be Russiaís most influential writer, his fame being matched only by that of Leo Tolstoy. Explore the life and works of this literary giant in an intensive all-day seminar. Tickets are $120. Sat., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 26 Mozartís Requiem: Tradition and Legend This intriguing all-day seminar takes a look at the story behind Mozartís ìRequiemî and how it came to be such an important genre in Western music. Tickets are $120 for the public and $75 for Smithsonian resident members. Sat., 9:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Jan. 28 The Gold of Ancient Colombia Internationally recognized archaeologist Warrick Bray analyzes the symbolism of gold artifacts from pre-Hispanic cultures that inhabited the Colombian territory thousands of years ago. Tickets are $16 for the public and $12 for Smithsonian members. Mon., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 Music Jan. 4 Salute to Vienna The Strauss Symphony Orchestra of America celebrates the new year in this exhilarating performance with Vienna Opera Ballet dancers dressed in glorious period costume. Tickets are $19 to $75. Fri., 8:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Jan. 7 A Program of Scandinavian Songs Swedish mezzo-soprano Charlotte Hellekant joins her husband, tenor Paul Groves, for an evening of spectacular Scandinavian sounds. Tickets are $30. Mon., 8 p.m. Embassy of France 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 265-8177 Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 Slavic Splendor The Washington National Cathedral resounds with exotic Slavic melodies, including rustic dance music and powerful sacred chants from Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Tickets are $20 to $38 with di scounts for students, seniors and groups. Fri., 8 p.m., Sat., 8 p.m. Washington National Cathedral Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 544-7077 Jan. 13 OrfÈe et Euridice This concert production of the Paris 1774 version of the opera features world-renown French tenor Jean-Paul FouchÈcourt and re-created dances in period costume. Tickets are $20 to $35. Sun., 3 p.m. University of Maryland Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS Jan. 15 Czech Music Series The Czech Music Series presents an enchanting evening of chamber music featuring Bedrich Smetanaís Piano Trio and Vitezslav Novakís Cello Sonata. Tickets are $10 at the door; reservations are recommended. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Czech Embassy 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW (202) 274-9100, ext. 3413 Jan. 19 Adagio by Candlelight In the tradition of early music composers who wrote music for the Roman Catholic Church, Cantate Chamber Singers perform Adagio in G Minor and parody masses from the Renaissance. Tickets are $26 and $22 for students and seniors. Sat., 8 p.m. 3133 Dumbarton St., NW (202) 965-2000 Jan. 19 FranÁois-FrÈdÈric Guy, Piano A graduate of the Paris Conservatoire, FranÁois-FrÈdÈric Guy inspires audiences with his compelling piano melodies.Tickets are $25. Sat., 2 p.m. The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 833-9800 Jan. 19 Pl·cido Domingoís Operalia In his only solo appearance in Washington this year, the legendary Pl·cido Domingo sings arias and duets with top winners of his international vocal competition.Tickets are $35 to $150. Sat., 3:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (301) 467-4600 Jan. 22 Shanghai Quartet Hailed by the press and public as one of the leading quartets of its generation, Shanghai Quartet joins pianist Bright Sheng for this stirring performance. Tickets are $25. Tue., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 833-9800 Jan. 25 An Evening of Schubert and Mozart The Mendelssohn Trio belt out a program that is sure to please any chamber music aficionado. Tickets are $20 to $30. Fri., 8 p.m. Embassy of Austria 3524 International Ct., NW (202) 625-2361 Jan. 26 Ann Schein, Piano Soloist Ann Schein, who has performed in more than 60 countries worldwide, brings her brilliant rendition of Chopin and Schubert to Washington. Tickets are $20 to $30. Sat., 8 p.m. Embassy of Austria 3524 International Ct., NW (202) 625-2361 Jan. 30 The Barcelona Orchestra American conductor Lawrence Foster heads the prestigious Barcelona Orchestra in a cross-cultural exploration of music by influential Spanish composers. Tickets are $20 to $45. Wed., 8:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 833-9800 Theater Jan. 2 to Jan. 13 Cinderella Rodgers and Hammersteinís rendition of the classic tale stars Eartha Kitt as the enchanting Fairy Godmother. Tickets are $20 to $79. Please call or visit http://kennedy-center.org for show times. The Kennedy Center Opera House 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Through Jan. 6 Hamlet Wallace Acton returns as the doomed prince commanded to avenge his fatherís murder in the psychologically complex Shakespearean classic. Tickets are $19 to $64. Please call or visit www.shakespearetheatre.org for show times. The Shakespeare Theatre 450 7th St., NW (202) 547-1122 Jan. 11 to Feb. 23 The Marriage ìThe Marriage,î a hilarious farce by famed Russian playwright Nikolay Gogol, centers on a bachelorís decision to get married and the four other suitors interested in the same prospective bride. Tickets are $15 to $20. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 4 p.m. Classika Theater Shirlington Village Arlington, Va. (703) 824-0660 Jan. 16 and Jan. 17 Comedy of Errors In this raucous adaptation of Shakespeareís ìComedy of Errors,î Educational Theater Company adds a touch of salsa to the Bardís original madcap tale of mistaken identity. In English and Spanish. Tickets are $5 with discounts for members, children and groups. Wed. and Thu., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Discovery Theater 900 Jefferson Dr., SW (202) 357-1500. Jan. 29 The Insect Play Celebrate the birthday of world-renown Czech novelist and playwright Karel Capek with a stage reading of his illustrious work, ìThe Insect Play.î Tickets are $10 at the door; reservations are recommended. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Czech Embassy 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW (202) 274-9100 ext. 3413