Events **Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Unless listed, please call for specific event times and/or hours of operation. ART Through Aug. 5 Endangered Treasure Stunning photographs capture the beauty and wilderness of Alaskaís widely debated Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, providing a silent but powerful commentary on Americaís largest ecological sanctuary. Embassy of Canada Through Aug. 11 Another Vietnam: Pictures of the War From the Other Side Startling images of the Vietnam War taken by North Vietnamese soldier-photographersómany never before seen in this countryóare now on display. National Geographic Explorers Hall Through Aug. 11 Feminism and Art ìFeminist and Artî chronicles the work of groundbreaking women artists, such as Judy Chicago, Laura Cottingham and the Guerrilla Girls, and how they pioneered gender issues since the 1960s. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through Aug. 14 A Personal Journey Donít miss the chance to catch a glimpse of the rare African masks, figures, instruments and weapons collected by Lawrence Gussman during his 30 years of extensive travels in central Africa. National Museum of African Art Through Aug. 17 Donna Brown Donna Brown, a renowned Koori (Aboriginal) artist, shares her unique vision of Australia through a myriad of paintings, textiles, mosaics and multimedia. This exhibit marks her U.S. debut and features acrylic paintings and works on paper influenced by urban landscapes and the Australian bush. International Visions Gallery Through Aug. 18 Edward Weston: Photography and Modernism Edward Westonís sensuous still lifes and spellbinding close-upsóheavily influenced by the Mexican avant-garde movementóformed the cornerstone of American modernism and are the focus of this retrospective. Admission is $7.50 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. The Phillips Collection Aug. 19 to Oct. 30 Soho Meets Quebec Showcasing the talents of 13 varied-media contemporary artists, this exhibit highlights some of the top craftwork that has emerged from the popular Canadian region of Quebec. Embassy of Canada Through Aug. 24 Rafael Varela Recent works by Salvadorian artist Rafael Varela, a top figurative painter in his native cou ntry, are the centerpiece of this thought-provoking exhibit. Viewings are by appointment only. Espacio Cultural Salvadoreno Aug. 24 to Nov. 4 Goya to Picasso Selections from the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza collection explore a wide range of works by two of Spainís most beloved artistsóFrancisco Goya and Pablo Picasso. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Aug. 25 CÈzanne and the Transformed Landscape Four of CÈzanneís works illustrate the French painterís prowess for dramatic landscapes and provide a backdrop for viewing his work as a catalyst for 20th-century expression. Tickets are $12 with discounts for students, seniors, children and groups. The Baltimore Museum of Art Through Aug. 25 Muriel KalishóArt of the Fantastic Unicorns on an island and goddesses at dressing tables are just some of the fantastic images dreamed up by artist Muriel Kalish. Organization of American States Through Aug. 26 Peripheral Vision: The Art of William Newman The Corcoran goes high-tech with its look at the mind-bending portraits of William Newman and his quest to fuse photographic, video and computer-manipulated art with more traditional visual art forms. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Sept. 2 Alfred Stieglitz: Known and Unknown Half a century of compelling photographs by Alfred Stieglitzóthe seminal artist who helped introduce European art to America and influenced legions of photographers as well as the future of American modernismóare examined in this comprehensive study. National Gallery of Art Through Sept. 2 Gifts and Blessings: The Textile Arts of Madagascar Cloth enjoys a rich cultural history in Madagascar and continues to play a vital role among todayís Malagasyówho consider it to be the ultimate gift. National Museum of African Art Through Sept. 2 Metropolis in the Machine Age Gleaming skyscrapers, determined workers and other symbols of modern city life are the inspiration behind ìMetropolis,î an exhibit that encompasses examples of avant-garde urban art from both sides of the Atlantic. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through Sept. 2 Year of the Horse: Chinese Horse Paintings To commemorate the year of the horse, the Freer is showing an assortment of exquisite Chinese horse paintings dating back to the 14th century. Freer Gallery of Art Through Sept. 7 Enrique Estrada This retrospective focuses on Mexican artist Enrique Estrada, whose work exudes strength, character and the potency of memory. Reservations are strongly recommended. Mexican Cultural Institute Through Sept. 7 The Photographic Art of Gabriel Figueroa Haunting stills from Gabriel Figueroaís films give a glimpse into his many collaborations with other top directors and the indelible mark his work has left on future filmmakers. Reservations are strongly recommended. Mexican Cultural Institute Through Sept. 8 Art and the Animal Award-winning paintings and sculptures depict a rich tapestry of wildlifeóboth familiar and exotic. National Geographic Explorers Hall Through Sept. 8 Open City: Street Photographs Since 1950 Taking its title from Roberto Rosselliniís stark neo-realist film of 1945, this exhibition tracks half a century of intense international fascination with the urban ìstreetscapeî as a theater of human activity. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through Sept. 13 Eight Piedmont Contemporary Artists This collective exhibit of renowned painters from Turin explores the diverse artwork that has emerged from this beautiful northwestern region of Italy. Italian Cultural Institute Through Sept. 15 Hamadryad: Meditation as Sculpture This series of simple, contemplative wood sculptures crafted 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 Through Sept. 19 Fields of Energy Color and light dominate artist Elfriede Forteís oversized landscape paintings, producing her luminous ìFields of Energy.î Embassy of Austria Through Sept. 22 Anne Vallayer-Coster: Painter to the Court of Marie Antoinette Approximately 40 paintings survey the work of Anne Vallayer-Coster, one of the foremost French still-life artists of the 18th century and a favorite of Marie Antoinette. National Gallery of Art Through Sept. 23 Art and Economics: Sienese Paintings From the Dawn of the Modern Financial Age Ushering in a new age in economic and artistic thinking, Italian artists created small, finely painted panelsóknown as Sienese biccherneówhich functioned as covers for official financial documents. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Sept. 29 The Adventures of Hamza More than 60 folios from a vividly illustrated action adventureócommissioned by a teenage emperor in India during the Mughal dynastyótell the story of Prophet Mohammedís uncle and the dramatic, almost comic book-like tales of his plunders and conquests. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Oct. 14 The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt This dramatic presentation of Egyptian objects associated with the afterlifeóincluding a life-size reconstruction of Pharaoh Thutmose IIIís burial chamberócomprise the largest selection of antiquities ever loaned by Egypt to a North American gallery. National Gallery of Art Through Oct. 26 A Shared Passion: Henry Clay Folger Jr. and Emily Jordan Folger as Collectors Throughout their marriage, the Folgers shared a consummate passion for all things Shakespeareanóamassing an unrivaled collection of rare books, manuscripts and other memorabilia, which the Folger celebrates with this new exhibit. Folger Shakespeare Library Through Oct. 27 DirectionsóRon Mueck Four psychologically powerful and intensely realistic mixed-media figures by Ron Mueck, a London-based Australian sculptor, are featured in his first U.S. solo show. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through November The Artistry of African Currency The IMF examines how the use of everyday objects, ranging from shells and beads to tools and weaponry, formed the basis of African currency throughout the years. International Monetary Fund Center Through Jan. 5 Book as Art XIV: Temptations This yearís annual exhibition of quirky, handmade books tackles such themes as food, sex, money and power. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through Jan. 5 Sacred Sites: Silk Road Photographs by Kenr o Izu Sacred Buddhist shrines tucked away among the peaks of the Himalayas is just one of the awe-inspiring images that make up this evocative series of photographs, which takes viewers on a journey through the rugged lands of the Silk Road. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Jan. 5 Secrets of Silk Is silk really stronger than steel? What gives silk its luster? These and other fascinating questions are answered in ìSecrets of Silk,î which explores the production of one of the worldís most luxurious fibers through various silk weaving cultures. The Textile Musuem DANCE Thu., Aug. 15, 7 p.m. Malayo-Polynesian Dances From Taiwan Performers from the aboriginal Tsou tribe in the high mountains of central Taiwan dazzle audiences with rarely seen music and dances from their tribal festivals (Part of ìArt Night on the Mallî). Freer Gallery of Art LECTURES Thu., Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, Sat., Aug. 10, 10: 30 a.m. Letís Read About Africa ìAnimals and moreÖî is the topic of this summerís childrenís reading program, featuring ìCat in Search of a Friend,î ìTwo Ways to Count to Ten,î ìWhoís in the Rabbitís House,î and ìRhinos for Lunch and Elephants for Supper.î National Museum of African Art Fri., Aug 2, 6:30 p.m., Sat., Aug 3, 10 a.m. Islam in Belief and Practice This weekend seminar elucidates the interpretation of Koran and Islamic law, God, the role of conflict and peace, spirituality, life after death and Muslim attitudes. Tickets are $150 and $75 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Sun., Aug. 11, 11:30 a.m. Meet Chef Jose Andres at Jaleo for Sunday Brunch Participants meet Jaleo chef Jose Andres, who shares some delicious tidbits about the cuisine found in bars and taverns throughout Spain, and the traditional way of life they embody. Tickets are $86 and $65 for Smithsonian members. Jaleo MUSIC Thu., Aug. 1, 5 p.m., Thu., Aug. 29, 5 p.m. Amartey Hedzoleh Ghanaian musician Amartey Hedzoleh plays traditional and contemporary music (Part of ìArt Night on the Mallî). National Museum of African Art Fri., Aug. 2 to 30, 5 p.m. Jazz in the Garden Unwind to an eclectic mix of Brazilian jazz, flamenco guitar, blues and much more every Friday in front of the grand fountain at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden. National Gallery of Art Fri., Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m. Summer 2002 Chamber Music Series: Cuarteto Latino Americano An authoritative voice in Latin American classical music for 20 years, Cuarteto Latino Americano is largely credited with the emergence of a new generation of string players in Mexico. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Mexican Cultural Institute Thu., Aug. 8, 5 p.m. Joseph Ngwa Joseph Ngwa, a master musician from Cameroon, performs his signature style (Part of ìArt Night on the Mallî). National Museum of African Art Mon., Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m. Boni Pueri The Czech boys choir group Boni Pueri from Eastern Bohemia, a staple among prestigious Czech music ensembles since 1982, comes stateside for a U.S. tour and this stirring performance. Tickets are $10 at the door; reservations are recommended. Embassy of the Czech Republic Mon., Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m. Summer 2002 Chamber Music Series: Flute and Organ Recital In collaboration with the Embassy of Ecuador, flutist Luis Fernando Carrera performs works by Bach, Debussy and various Ecuadorian composers. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Mexican Cultural Institute Sat., Aug. 17, 2 p.m. Justi Vali Trio The Justi Vali Trio is sure to rivet audiences with its masterful playing of the valiha, a zither-like instrument unique to Madagascar. S. Dillon Ripley Center Thu., Aug. 22, 7 p.m. Throat Singers of Tuva The vocal and instrumental quartet Huun-Huur-Tu performs its trademark ìovertone singingî from the grasslands of Siberia (Part of ìArt Night on the Mallî). Freer Gallery of Art THEATER Aug. 2 to 25 A Little Night Music Lost loves, tender memories, secret yearnings and scandalous affairs are just some of the surprising revelations that emerge during a weekend in the country (Part of the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration). Tickets are $20 to $79. The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Through Aug. 4 Les Cloisons (Partitions) Canadian author Jacques Languirand invented this unique story of a man and woman in adjacent hotel rooms using sound to play a flirtatious game between the thin wall. Tickets are $20 with discounts for students and seniors. The Church Street Theatre Through Aug. 4 Peter and the Wolf Director Inna Shapiro constructs a lively, musical rendition of the classic childrenís tale that deals with overcoming fears and the true meaning of friendship. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Classika Theatre Through Aug. 18 Aida Elton John and Tim Riceís smash hit show centers on an African princessóplucked by the Egyptians to serve as a handmaiden to the Pharaohís daughterówho finds herself entangled in a love triangle with her captor. Tickets are $20 to $79. The Kennedy Center Opera House Aug. 20 to Sept. 22 Coffee With Richelieu Passion. Betrayal. Scandal. See Alexandre Dumasís masterpiece through the eyes of Cardinal Richelieu as he weaves together and deconstructs the story of the Three Musketeers. Tickets are $25 to $35. Olney Theatre Through Aug. 23 Passion Giorgio, a handsome soldier posted in 1863 Italy, is deeply in love with the beautiful and tempestuous Clara but finds himself falling for Fosca, a homely woman whose all-consuming devotion to Giorgio walks the fine line between adoration and dangerous fixation (part of the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration). Tickets are $20 to $79. The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Through Aug. 24 Merrily We Roll Along Three successful people reminisce about their lost friendship (part of the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration). Tickets are $20 to $79. The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Aug. 27 to Oct. 20 The Winterís Tale Shakespeareís saga of rage and redemption winds its way through the winter of a husbandís jealousy toward springís renewal, drawing parallels between the natural cycles of the seasons with the rhythms of human life. Please call for ticket information. The Shakespeare Theatre