Events **Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Through April 4 Mayan Procession: A Visual Celebration Fourteen life-size renderings of villagers from Guatemala communicate the complex and diverse culture of the indigenous Mayan groups that inhabit the region. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The Organization of American States 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 458-3000 April 4 to 26 A Room of Their Own Seventeen prominent Korean women artists from Paris, New York and Washington, D.C., show their artistic wares in this compelling exhibit. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Embassy of Korea 2370 Massachusetts Ave., NW (202) 797-6343 April 4 to 29 Lumieres et Couleurs de Provence: Paintings by Barbara Jauffret A fusion of bold colors and lines give artist Barbara Jauffretís paintings an immediate potency reminiscent of CÈzanne and the German Expressionists. Viewings are by appointment only and during all cultural events. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 944-6091 Through April 5 The Dolls of Japan Intricate Japanese dolls, which possess the distinct personalities of the regions from where they were crafted, are on display in this unique exhibit. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lafayette Centre III 1155 21st St., NW (202) 238-6949 April 6 and 7 Washington International Print Fair More than 15,000 fine and rare prints, drawings, watercolors and posters from around the world will be available in this print extravaganza. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Rosslyn Westpark Hotel 1900 North Fort Myer Drive Arlington, Va. (202) 638-6008 Through April 7 A Century of Drawing: Works on Paper From Degas to Lewitt A spectacular selection of paintings and drawings spanning the 20th century that chart the evolution of modern art. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. National Gallery of Art 3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 737-4215 April 11 to June 14 Poetry in Weaving These beautiful textiles by Ulla Grytt convey a poetry all their own. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Embassy of Sweden 1501 M St., NW (202) 467-2600 Through April 12 Habitat ìHabitatî spotlights the work of Canadian artist Shayne Dark, whose eye-popping wood creations address the larger forces of creation, growth, destruction and decay. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of Canada 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (202) 682-1740 Through April 14 Mexican Contemporary Architecture More than 100 photographs explore the vital role that architecture has played in the panorama of Mexicoís visual arts. Reservations are strongly recommended. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mexican Cultural Institute 2829 16th St., NW (202) 728-1675 April 14 to May 4 Chinese Buddhist Sculpture in a New Light Authentic Buddhist sculpture and other devotional objects highlight the importance of Buddhist worship in China. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 April 14 to Sept. 15 Hamadryad: Meditation as Sculpture This series of simple, contemplative wood sculptures fashioned by Japanese artist Jiro Okura evoke the power of the hamadryad, a spirit that the Greeks believed inhabited each living tree. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 1050 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Through April 28 Terreros: Reshaping Chaos This retrospective of the renowned Spanish artist examines his universal approach to emotion and intuition. Reservations are strongly recommended. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mexican Cultural Institute 2829 16th St., NW (202) 728-1675 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 12 Corot to Picasso Nearly 60 European masterpieces from the late 18th to the early 20th century, including major French Impressionist and early modernist works, are on display in this exciting exhibit. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu., 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.-7 p.m. The Phillips Collection 1600 21st St., NW (202) 387-2151 Through May 19 Lois Mailou Jones: Imagining Africa A life-altering trip to Africa was the inspiration behind this group of paintings that incorporates images of African sculpture, textiles and people. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m. National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave., NW (202) 783-5000 Through May 26 Reflections of Sea and Light From stormy seas to shorelines washed in sunsets, this exhibit features more than 100 breathtaking paintings and watercolors by J.M.W. Turner, considered to be one of the premier British romantic landscape artists. Tickets are $12 with discounts for students, seniors, children and groups. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The Baltimore Museum of Art 10 Art Museum Drive Baltimore, Md. (410) 396-7100 Through May 27 The Flowering of Florence: Botanical Art for the Medici Passion for art and science merged in Florence between the 15th and 18th centuries, spawning a flurry of paintings focusing on botanical art, which are beautifully illustrated in this new exhibit. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. National Gallery of Art 3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 737-4215 May 30 Portrait of a State Thirteen artists from Jerusalemís Bezalel Academy of Art and Design offer a critical perspective on the complexity of living in Israel today. Sun.-Thu., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. DCJCC Ann Loeb Bronfman Gallery 1529 16th St., NW (202) 518-9400 Through June 8 The Penís Excellence: Treasures From The Manuscript Collection In an unprecedented move, the Folger Library is opening up its vaults and allowing the public to view more than 55,000 coveted manuscripts in honor of the libraryís 70th anniversary. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Library 201 East Capitol St., SE (202) 544-7077 Through June 23 Christo and Jeanne-Claude in the Vogel Collection From covering a portion of the Australian coastline in mesh fabric to wrapping the oldest bridge in France, Bulgarian artist Christo Javacheff and his wife have undertaken some massive projects. Drawings, collages, scale models and photographs survey the artistsí monumental works. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. National Gallery of Art 3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 737-4215 Through June 23 DirectionsóErnesto Neto A new installation by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto invites viewers to explore the artistís sensuous creations of organic form, exotic fragrances and cushiony surfaces. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Through June 30 What Is Home? Where Is Home? Images of violence, war and the harsh realities of refugee life, drawn by more than 3,000 Afghan children, stand as a sobering testament to their plight and offer a revealing look at the history of their war-torn country. Admission is $7. Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Capital Childrenís Museum 800 Third St., NW (202) 675-4120 Through July 18 Jan Honza Exhibition This exhibit of wooden crafts by artist Jan Honza reflects the ancient Czech tradition of woodturning. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Czech Embassy 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW (202) 274-9100 Through Sept. 2 Metropolis in the Machine Age Gleaming skyscrapers, determined workers and other symbols of modern city life were the inspiration behind ìMetropolis,î an exhibit that encompasses examples of avant-garde urban art from both sides of the Atlantic. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Through Sept. 2 Year of the Horse: Chinese Horse Paintings To celebrate the year of the horse, an animal that symbolizes virtue and power in Chinese mythology, the Freer is sho wing an assortment of exquisite Chinese horse paintings on silk and paper dating back to the 14th century. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Dance April 5 and 6 Los MuÒequitos De Matanzas Founded in 1952 and spanning three generations of fathers, sons, brothers, sisters, uncles and cousins, Los MuÒequitos de Matanzas are amongst the highest regarded practitioners of rumba and unequivocal masters of Afro-Cuban ritual music. Tickets are $20 to $30 with discounts for GW students. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m. George Washington University Lisner Auditorium 730 21st St., NW (202) 994-6800 April 13 The Dance Troupe of Cambodian American Heritage World-acclaimed Madame Sam-Oeun Tes, a dancer with the Cambodian Royal Palace Ballet, leads this stunning show. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Washington-Lee High School 1300 North Quincy St. Arlington, Va. (703) 228-1848 Lectures April 8 The Scottish MiracleóCreating the Contemporary World In a slide-illustrated lecture, author and historian Arthur Herman probes Scotlandís turbulent history, and the Scottish ideas, achievements and discoveries that have made this small North Atlantic country a driving force in world history. Tickets are $14 for the public and $11 for Smithsonian members. Mon., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 April 9 Shakespeareís Birthday Lecture Noted Shakespeare expert Katherine Duncan-Jones examines love and death in Shakespeareís poetry to coincide with the legendary Bardís birthday. Tue., 8 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Library 201 East Capitol St., SE (202) 675-0333 April 10 Swimming in the Ground Michael Castro and Gabor G. Gyukics discuss their groundbreaking anthology of contemporary Hungarian poetry. Reservations are requested. Wed., 7 p.m. Embassy of Hungary 2950 Spring of Freedom St., NW (202) 362-6730 ext. 0201 April 12 British Stereotypes on Hungary Professor L·szlÛ PÈter paints a portrait of British author Seton-Watson, whose accounts damaged the reputation of Hungary in the 1930s. Reservations are requested. Fri., 7 p.m. Embassy of Hungary 2950 Spring of Freedom St., NW (202) 362-6730 ext. 0201 April 16 Cultivating Compassion: A Buddhist Perspective Jeffrey Hopkins, one of the worldís most highly respected Buddhist scholars, offers an eloquent yet practical understanding of the ways in which compassion is considered an integral part of society in Buddhist philosophy. Tickets are $13. Tue., 6 p.m. Ring Auditorium 7th Street and Independence Avenue, SW (202) 357-3030 April 16 A Virtual Tour of Ancient Rome, Pompeii, and Egypt Witness two of the ancient Mediterraneanís greatest civilizations as they looked at the height of their glory. Tickets are $25. Tue., 6:30 p.m. National Museum of Natural History Baird Auditorium 10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 357-3030 April 17 Celebration, the Queenís Jubilee The celebrated photographer and fine raconteur Patrick Lichfield, 5th Earl of Lichfield and a cousin of Queen Elizabeth, talks about his experience photographing the Queen and the British Royal Family. Tickets are $23. Wed., 6 p.m. National Museum of Natural History Baird Auditorium 10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 357-3030 April 23 Another Vietnam Editor Doug Niven offers a different perspective on the Vietnam War with riveting photographs taken by North Vietnamese photographers. Tickets are $15 for the public and $12 for National Geographic members. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium 1600 M St., NW (202) 857-7700 April 23 Goyaís World Historian Stephen May traces the life of Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes, one of Spainís most celebrated and prolific painters, whose representations of women influenced legions of future American artists. Tickets are $15 for the public and $10 for Corcoran members. Tue., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1770 Music April 5 Masters of Indian Music Playing the violin, tabla and ghatam, musicians Shankar and Zakir Hussain produce the alluring and ethereal sounds of India. Tickets are $35. Fri., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS April 9 Imogen Cooper, Piano London native Imogen Cooper mesmerizes audiences with his rendition of Brahmsís ìVariations on a Theme by Schumannî and selections from ìBunte Bl?tter.î Free tickets are required and may be purchased through Ticketmaster. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 (Gallery) or(202) 432-7328 (Ticketmaster) April 11 An Evening With Edith Piaf/Talk and Concert This look at the life of legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf, whose songs spanned the emotional spectrum, is accompanied by a performance of Piafís most well-known tunes including ìLa Vie en Roseî and ìJe ne Regrette Rien.î Tickets are $16 for the public and $12 for Corcoran members. Thu., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1770 April 12 Harry Sparnaay, Bass Clarinet Bass clarinet virtuoso Harry Sparnaay sparkles in a concert featuring ìHarried,î a work written especially for the Dutch maestro. Fri., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS April 13 Chava Alberstein Chava Albersteinís soulful blend of Israeli folk and pop is laden with a bittersweet tension that has earned her the nickname, ìfirst lady of Israeli song.î Tickets are $25 to $35 with discounts for GW students. Sat., 8 p.m. George Washington University Lisner Auditorium 730 21st St., NW (202) 994-1500 April 13 Trio Fontenay R ediscover Strauss, Dvor·k and Mendelssohn with Trio Fontenay, Germanyís most eminent piano trio. Tickets are $25. Sat., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS April 19 Carlos CÈsar Rodriguez, Karen Johnson, Gregory Sioles and Kerry McCarthy This fabulous all-French program features performances from some of the regionís most talented musicians drawn from the prestigious Levine School of Music. Tickets are $30. Fri., 8 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 625-2361 April 20 Istanbul Oriental Ensemble Presented in conjunction with Yo-Yo Maís Silk Road Project, this exotic evening includes ìSultanís Secret Doorîómusic from the Ottoman Courts and Seraglios as well as peasant music from Asia Minor. Tickets are $25. Sat., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS April 21 Tres MariasóThe Three Cultures of Medieval Spain Enjoy the rich musical traditions of three culturesóJewish, Moorish and Christianóin an exciting afternoon of stirring ballads and lively dance music spanning the centuries. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Sun., 3 p.m. Rosslyn Spectrum 1611 North Kent St. and Wilson Boulevard Rosslyn, Va. (703) 525-7550 April 24 The Winners Grand Prix Concert Four winners from various international piano competitions tickle the ivories and show off their skills in the inaugural event for the Washington International Piano Arts Council. Tickets are $35. Wed., 7:30 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (703) 486-0071 April 26 to 28 Highland Ayre Revel in the sounds of Scotland with spirited ballads, fiddle tunes and harp music dating back to the early 17th century. Tickets are $25. Fri., 8 p.m., Sat., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Library 201 East Capitol St., SE (202) 544-7077 April 27 Ahn Plugged The three sisters from South Korea that make up the Ahn trio grab the intellect, hearts and souls of their audiences with their stellar sound. Tickets are $29 for adults and $24 for students and seniors. Sat., 8 p.m. 3133 Dumbarton St., NW (202) 965-2000 Receptions April 12 Marcel Wanders/Conversations With Dutch Designers The Royal Netherlands Embassy hosts Jurgen Bey and Job Smeets for their insights into one of the hottest trends sweeping the world todayóDutch design. Tickets are $35 for the public and $25 for Corcoran members. Fri., 6 p.m. Royal Netherlands Embassy 4200 Linnean Ave., NW (202) 639-1770 April 21 Annual Shakespeareís Birthday Open House Shakespeare buffs can celebrate Williamís 438th birthday with jugglers, jesters, music, workshops and of course, birthday cake cut by Queen Elizabeth. Sun., 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Library 201 East Capitol St., SE (202) 544-7077 Theater April 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20 Un Ballo in Maschera Verdiís tense thriller of conspiracy and corruption stars tenors Marcello Giordani and Franco Farina, who share the role of the passionate Riccardo, the governor of Boston who is fatally attracted to his best friendís wife. Tickets are $40 to $280. Please call or visit www.dc-opera.org for show times The Kennedy Center Opera House 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 April 3 to 7 SITI Company: Room ìRoomî is a one-woman play that tackles a lifetime of writings by famed British artist Virginia Woolf. Tickets are $25. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 3 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS April 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 25 Salome Richard Straussís provocative depiction of sexual obsession follows an erotically charged princess fleeing her lustful stepfather, who encounters a cold-blooded and fanatical prophet. Based on Oscar Wildeís infamous play, this gripping story remains one of the most shocking operas ever written. In German with English surtitles. Tickets are $40 to $280. Please call or visit www.dc-opera.org for show times The Kennedy Center Opera House 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 April 5 and 6 Cuentos de Hadas A tender fairy tale about three women from different generations, all on a quest for love, dignity and solidarity. Tickets are $20. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS April 5, 6, 12, 13, 18 She Loves Me Based on the Hungarian play, ìThe Shop Around the Corner,î this charming romantic comedy centers on two store clerks who bicker by day and exchange anonymous love letters by night. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students and seniors. Please call for show times Gunston Arts Center Theater One 2700 South Lang St. Arlington, Va. (703) 683-0502 Through April 14 The Man Who Laughs Set in 1682, this original adaptation of Victor Hugoís poignant tale revolves around a disfigured boy who is plucked from his grim existence and subsequently embarks on a journey of temptation, revelation and sorrow. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $12 for students. Thu. to Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. Theater on the Run 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive Arlington, Va. (703) 243-6366 Through April 28 Prometheus This innovative version of Aeschylusís rarely seen masterpiece explores the timeless appeal of Prometheusís rage against the gods and imagines what happened in the lost plays of the Prometheus trilogy. Tickets are $19.50 to $43.50. Please call or visit www.studiotheatre.org for show times The Studio Theatre 1333 P St., NW (202) 332-3300 April 29 Carmelita Tropicana As the colorful and irreverent Carmelita Tropicana, Cuban-born artist Alina Troyano gives an uproarious performance on what it means to be Latina and lesbian. Tickets are $20. Mon., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS Through May 5 Letter to Orestes and The Supper Scena Theatre presents a contemporary take on two Greek tragedies that have Clytemnestra, one-time queen of Argos, reevaluating her familyís cycle of violence, revenge and adulterous liaisons. Tickets are $10 to $25. Please call for show times Warehouse Theatre 1021 7th St., NW (703) 684-7990 Through May 19 Romeo and Juliet Shakespeareís enduring epic about love and loss comes to the Shakespeare Theatre with acclaimed British director Rachel Kavanaugh at the helm. Tickets are $15.50 to $64. Please call or visit www.shakespearetheatre.org for show times The Shakespeare Theatre 450 7th St., NW (202) 547-1122 Tours April 17 Embassy Row Walking Tour Enjoy the hospitality of the Ambassador of Colombia as you tour his residence, along with the lovely Embassy of Luxembourg and Anderson House, one of Washingtonís most prestigious clubs. Tickets are $65 for the public and $50 for Corcoran members. Wed., 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Meeting Place TBA (202) 639-1770