**Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Unless listed, please call for specific event times and/or hours of operation. ART Through Nov. 1 The Art of Belize: Then and Now Artifacts and photography by a group of young artists seeking to create a new artistic identity for Belize highlight the countryís ancient capital city and its potent Mayan past. Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center Art Gallery Through Nov. 1 Thrift City This nifty thrifty art installation examines the work of Swedish artist Katinka Ahlbom. Embassy of Sweden Nov. 3 to Dec. 30 Picturing the Corcoranís Sculpture: Photographs by David Finn This probing look at the relationship between sculpture and photography reveals how a viewerís experience of three-dimensional objects is altered when presented two-dimensional imagesóin this case four years worth of sculptures at the Corcoran is juxtaposed with the photography of David Finn. Corcoran Gallery of Art Nov. 10 to March 9 The Sensuous and the Sacred: Chola Bronzes From South India Among the most exquisite works of Indian art are the numerous portable bronzes produced between the ninth and 13th centuries during the rule of the Chola Dynasty, 60 of which are shown here in this stellar exhibit. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Nov. 11 Here Is New York: A Democracy of Photographs Submitted by amateurs and professionals, this stirring photo memorial bears witness to the tragic events of Sept. 11 and its aftermath. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Nov. 12 Visions of One Another: Works by Jewish and Christian Sculptors This series of evocative sculptures draws from Hebrew scriptural texts that Jews and Christians hold in common. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Nov. 13 to March 1 Thys Boke is Myne Explore how bibliophiles, famous and forgotten, have signaled ownership of treasured volumes for 500 years. Folger Shakespeare Library Nov. 14 to March 2 DirectionsóCecily Brown Seven sensuous abstract paintings by London-born, New York-based artist Cecily Brown recast and conceal erotically charged scenes hidden beneath large-format, gestural abstraction. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through Nov. 15 VeroóLight Austrian artist Veronika Smejkal uses humor and irony in her erotic paintin gs to explore the distorted feminine symbols that have come to dominate everyday life. Embassy of Austria Nov. 21 to March 31 Through My Fatherís Eyes Photographs taken by Ricardo Alvarado provide a poignant and intimate backdrop to the rich cultural history of Filipino Americans, one the nationís largest and most rapidly growing Asian American ethnic groups. National Museum of American History Through Nov. 22 Contemporary Japanese Prints Donít miss the chance to see five of Japanís top contemporary artists and their award-winning works, which epitomize the dynamic energy and scope of Japanese printing. Lafayette Center III Through Nov. 27 Minh: The Prince of Lacquers Trained in Vietnam and Japan, artist Minh has held successful shows throughout the world with his harmonious blend of lacquered panels, furniture and objets díart. Minhís assistant, Phi Mai, joins her mentor in this one-of-a-kind exhibit. Viewings are by appointment and during all cultural events. La Maison FranÁaise Nov. 27 to May 25 Common/Places: Contemporary Photography From Germany and Northern Europe The familiar scenes of everyday life are transformed into stunning, large-scale works by some of the most influential contemporary photographers. This exhibit runs concurrently with ìParallel Tracks: The History of Photography in Two Brief Installments,î which chronicles the evolution of street versus studio photography. Baltimore Museum of Art Through Jan. 5 Judy Chicago Covering three decades of trailblazing work by feminist artist Judy Chicago, this powerful exhibit brings together some of her most talked-about pieces, including ìThe Dinner Partyî and ìThe Holocaust Project.î National Museum of Women in the Arts Through Jan. 5 Painted Prints: The Revelation of Color This groundbreaking exhibit dispels the notion that Renaissance prints by Albrecht D¸rer and other artists from the 16th and 17th centuriesówhich were often brilliantly hand colored by professional print coloristsówere any less valuable or beautiful than their black-and-white counterparts. Baltimore Museum of Art Through Jan. 5 Recent Acquisitions and Promised Gifts Some newcomers to the contemporary art collection at the National Museum of African Artówhich now boasts the largest such collection in the United Statesó are on display and include Congolese paintings from the í40s and í50s as well as a moving mixed-media installation from South Africa. National Museum of African Art Through Jan. 5 Sacred Sites: Silk Road Photographs by Kenro Izu Sacred Buddhist shrines tucked away among the peaks of the Himalayas and other the awe-inspiring images make up this series of photographs that transports viewers to the rugged lands along 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 intriguing questions are answered in ìSecrets of Silk,î which looks at the production of this luxurious fiber through various silk weaving cultures. The Textile Museum Through Jan. 5 Willem de Kooning: Tracing the Figure One of the great proponents of abstract expressionism, the movement that brought international acclaim to American art, Willem de Kooning is featured in this exhibitóthe first to examine the artistís pioneering vision of the female form. National Gallery of Art Through Jan. 6 The Shape of Color: Joan MirÛís Painted Sculpture Showcasing his innovative interplay of ideas, color and form, this is the first comprehensive exploration of renowned Spanish artist Joan MirÛ and his late polychrome sculpture. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Jan. 12 Portraits of the Presidents From the National Portrait Gallery Spanning dozens of famous paintings, sculptures, photographs and other renderings, this traveling exhibit pays homage to all 42 faces that have graced the White House from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Virginia Historical Society Through Jan. 19 Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints From the Anne van Biema Collection Striking Japanese woodblock prints dating from the 1720s to the late 19th century dramatically portray themes from literature, poetry, landscapes and beautiful women. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Jan. 19 Pierre Bonnard: Early and Late More than 130 works by Pierre Bonnard demonstrate the avant-garde artistís highly independent vision, which helped him experiment with alternative media and break free of mainstream artistic movements. The Phillips Collection Through Jan. 20 Zero to Infinity: Arte Povera 1962-1972 As the only East Coast venue for this exhibit, the Hirshhorn studies the phenomenon known as ìArte Povera,î experimental, process-based sculptures and installations produced by a loose-knit group of Italian artists. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through Feb. 2 Jungles From the lowlands of the Congo to the peaks of the Andes, photographer, storyteller and naturalist Frans Lanting has spent 20 years working in jungles. His photographs convey a compelling vision of Earthís most endangered ecosystems. National Geographic Explorers Hall Through Feb. 16 The Classical Tradition in Anatolian Carpets Dating from the 14th to the 17th centuries, Anatolian carpets reveal an enduring weaving tradition and the rich history of the Ottoman Court. The Textile Museum Through March 2 Deceptions and Illusions: Five Centuries of Trompe LíOeil Painting ìDeceptions and Illusionsî surveys the playful and intellectual nature of trompe líoeilóthe artistic ability to depict an object so precisely as to make it appear real. National Gallery of Art Through March 30 Palaces and Pavilions: Grand Architecture in Chinese Painting An ancient assortment of scrolls, album leaves and three-dimensional objects illustrate how imperial structures and mythical Daoist palaces have been depicted in Chinese art over the centuries. Freer Gallery of Art Through May 7 The Road to Rome: A Modern Pilgrimage Sacred sites and shrines help viewers retrace the spiritual journey that pilgrims traveling to Rome have undertaken for nearly 1,700 years in this fascinating exhibit. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through May 31 Silver Speaks Traditional jewelry and costumes from Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations are sure to entice and enrapture viewers. Bead Museum CLASSES Mon. and Wed., Sept. 9 to Nov. 25, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Korean Language Classes All Korean speakers are welcome to enhance their language prowess with classes that range from beginning to advanced instruction. Tickets are $175 and include a textbook. Embassy of Korea DANCE Sat., Nov. 23, 4 p.m. Nego Gato The dynamic scope of Afro-Brazilian culture can be seen through Nego Gato and the groupís high-energy dances that merge music, martial arts and acrobatics. Baltimore Museum of Art Sat., Nov. 30, 1 p.m., 7 p.m. The Nutcracker Enchanting adults and children alike for more than 40 years, Mary Dayís magical rendition of ìThe Nutcrackerî is sure to awaken the holiday spirit. Tickets are $22 to $42. George Mason Center for the Arts LECTURES Fri., Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m. Turkey: The Other Holy Land Combining art, travelogue and history, a new one-hour documentary explores the roots of Christianity in Turkey. Tickets are $35 and $25 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Sun., Nov. 3, 6 p.m. A Taste of Israeli Culture Kosher Israeli cuisine accompanies this thought-provoking lecture by Shifra Horn, author of ìShalom Japan, Four Mothers and the Fairest Among Women.î Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington Mon., Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. South Africaís Coasts David Doubilet, an expert underwater photographer, offers a revealing report on his latest National Geographic assignmentódocumenting the abundant marine life off the coast of South Africa. Tickets are $16 and $13 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Wed., Nov. 6, 12:30 p.m. Luis Millones Peruvian historian and anthropologist Luis Millones explores shamanism and 500 years of folk medicine in the Andes. Inter-American Development Bank Wed., Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Roundtable Discussion: Innovation and Creativity Join three Washington Post critics for their insights into innovation and creativity with regard to current trends in art, music and architecture. Tickets are $10. The Kreeger Museum Mon., Nov. 11, 12:30 p.m. Gioconda Belli Author Gioconda Belli reads and signs her memoir, ìThe Country Under My Skin,î the latest in a popular string of novels and poetry books by the Nicaraguan poet. Inter-American Development Bank Tue., Nov. 12, 7 p.m. ParisóThe Sweet Life Award-winning cookbook author Dorie Greenspan spins tales about Parisís most delectable treats, culled from her new book, ìParis Sweets: Great Desserts from the Cityís Best Pastry Shops.î Tickets are $60 and $45 for Smithsonian members and include a reception. S. Dillon Ripley Center Tue., Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. The Photographic Life Sam Abell, one of the National Geographicís most respected photographers, recounts the story of his continually evolving artistic and professional journey. Tickets are $16 and $13 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Wed., Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. The Poetry of Arab Women From Naomi Shihab Nyeís meditations on being Palestinian and American, to Lebanese-American Elmaz Abi-Naderís merging of poetry with storytelling and performance, to Nathalie Handalís images of a homeland in the Diaspora, this reading brings to life a broad spectrum of voices and identities of Arab women poets. Folger Shakespeare Library Wed., Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: Truth and Television Join the Washington Postís Tom Shales and Nigel West, author and expert on British intelligence, as they share their perspectives on the classic espionage tale, ìTinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spyîóboth as a television production and as a reflection of the real cloak-and-dagger struggle between British and Soviet intelligence forces during the Cold War. Tickets are $20. International Spy Museum Thu., Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. The Influence and the Insight Noted musicologist Saul Lilienstein discusses ìDie Walkure,î the second opera of Wagnerís monumental tetraology, and its impact on novelist Thomas Mann. George Washington University Funger Hall 108 Mon., Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. 20,000 Bytes Under the Sea Enjoy a digital and three-dimensional look at underwater photography with pioneer photographer Emory Kristof, who has worked with cutting-edge technology to capture images from the depths of the worldís oceans. Tickets are $16 and $13 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Tue., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. National Security Ö At What Price? Veteran journalist Marvin Kalb moderates a roundtable discussion on whether the United States can vigorously expand intelligence and law enforcement powers to combat terrorism without sacrificing civil liberties. Tickets are $15. International Spy Museum Wed., Nov. 20, 7 p.m. Chopinís Lost ëDevilís Trillí For the first time in 150 years, there is a new work by the great fantasist of the piano, Frederic Chopin, which reveals a great deal about the legendary composer. Tickets are $18 and $15 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Ring Auditorium Wed., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m. Exploring the Collection: Surrealism With key exhibitions in Paris and New York, Surrealism has experienced a resurgence as a major literary and artistic expression. In this series of three lectures, the Kreeger looks at its own collection in reference to this important movement. Tickets are $5. The Kreeger Museum Wed., Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. Winning the Iditarod Martin Buser, Swiss-born master musher and kennel operator known for his expert way with dogs, is accompanied onstage by one of his sled dogs as he shares the excitement of racing in the 1,150 mile Iditarod, known around the world as ìThe Last Great Race.î Tickets are $16 and $13 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Thu., Nov. 21, 6 p.m. Degasís Dancers Take a look at why Edgar Degas achieved such enormous popularity as the foremost artist of the ballet, renowned for his richly colored pastels, incisive studies of individual dancers, and spectacular sculptures of ballerinas in action. Tickets are $14 and $11 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center MUSIC Sat., Nov. 2, 6:3 0 p.m. Sergei Azizian Enjoy the impressive sound of Sergei Azizbian, concertmaster of the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra, as he pays tribute to the centennial of acclaimed Armenian composer Aram Khachajurian. Tickets are $15. World Bank Auditorium H Sat., Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Sunny Sumpter: Hip, Hop and Happening From the Dominican Republic to Russia, Sunny Sumpter has trekked across the globe performing her electric jazz sound. Now, the Washington native and Blues Alley favorite is bringing her vast repertoire back to her hometown for this exciting performance. Tickets are $26 and $22 for students and seniors. Dumbarton Church Sun., Nov. 3, 5 p.m. An Evening of Mozart The Amadeus Orchestra directed by Timothy Rowe leads this dazzling concert homage to Mozart. Church of the Annunciation Mon., Nov. 4, 8 p.m. Bun-Dang Symphony Orchestra Professor Pil Ju Kim conducts this special commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War. Tickets are $30 to $95. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Thu., Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Vilno Ghetto II A continuation of last yearís Embassy Series program, this concert commemorates the 64th anniversary of Kristallnacht and features baritone Jerome Barry, pianist Jeffrey Chappell and European-Jewish specialty foods. Tickets are $35. Embassy of Lithuania Thu., Nov. 14, 7 p.m. Sergio Caram in Concert/Reception Acclaimed Uruguayan pianist Sergio Caram tackles Schumann, Weber, Chopin as well as several Latin American composers in this dazzling performance. Tickets are $20 and $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Tue., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. Network for New Music Concert A quartet from Philadelphiaís Network for New Music taps a broad range of contemporary composers from such places as Ecuador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina for this eclectic and diverse performance. Inter-American Development Bank Thu., Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Gypsy Strings Gypsy Stringsís innovative blend of instruments and musical styles gives the group a unique affinity for French musette melodies, Russian folk songs, great tangos and the music of Viennese cafÈs. Tickets are $15 and $12 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Liv Ullmann and Arve Tellefsen Marking the opening of this yearís Norwegian Winter Festival, highly touted stage and screen actress Liv Ullmann returns to the Smithsonian for a special performance with violinist Arve Tellefsen, celebrating the life of Ole Bull, the virtuoso violinist, composer and founder of New Norway in Pennsylvania. Tickets are $22 and $19 for Smithsonian members. National Museum of Natural History Baird Auditorium Mon., Nov. 25, 8 p.m. The Django Reinhardt NY Festival The first in a series of five concerts remembers famed French jazz musician Django Reinhardt, a gypsy guitar virtuoso whose influence lives on through his recordings and the legions of musicians who emulate his distinctive swing sound. Tickets are $20 and $15 for students. La Maison FranÁaise Fri., Nov. 29, 8 p.m. Beethoven Trios I The critically acclaimed Mendelssohn Piano Trio performs the first of three programs dedicated to the complete piano trios of Beethoven. Tickets are $35. Embassy of Germany RECEPTIONS Fri., Nov. 1 A Night of Hope The Canadian ambassador chairs this special black-tie gala to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation featuring an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctionsóCanadian-style. Tickets start at $250. Four Seasons Hotel Fri., Nov. 1, 7 p.m. YB Fall Fiesta Join Young Benefactors for this spicy Latin jazz fiesta to celebrate the premiere of the innovative exhibit ìLatin Jazz: La CombinaciÛn Perfecta.î Live entertainment, an open bar and hors díoeuvres cap off the festivities. Tickets are $35. Arts and Industries Building Sat., Nov. 2, 11 a.m. Celebrate Italy Family Festival Experience the culture that created the Arte Povera movement with a childrenís opera, storytelling, arts, crafts and Italian food. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Sat., Nov. 2, 7 p.m. An Evening of Fine Champagne Seduce your senses and discover all the nuances of fine champagne and the region of France that is home to some of the greatest champagnes in the world. Tickets are $100. La Maison FranÁaise Mon., Nov. 4, 6:45 p.m. Le Grand Fromage! Join a leading cheese expert and fellow cheese and wine lovers in this lively Epicurean evening combining camaraderie, ambience and instruction with the historic trinity of wine, cheese and bread. Tickets are $80 and $60 for Smithsonian members. La Colline Restaurant Thu., Nov. 7, 6 p.m. Art After Hours: Italian Evening This drop-in, art-filled evening for adults features live music, wine (cash bar), light refreshments and a gallery talk on the exhibit ìZero to Infinity: Arte Povera 1962-1972,î followed by an 8 p.m. showing of the 1964 film ìThe Red Desert (Il Deserto Rosso)î in the Ring Auditorium. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Sat., Nov. 9, 9 p.m. Tertulia: An Evening of Spanish Sounds, Tastes and Culture The 1869 Society of the Corcoran Gallery of Art hosts a cocktail party to honor Spanish artist Joan MirÛ, featuring live music, a cash bar, hors díoeuvres and dessert. Tickets are $60. Corcoran Gallery of Art Mon., Nov. 25, 7 p.m. The New Wave of Norwegian Design/Reception Following the U.S. debut of Norwayís contemporary furniture exhibition at Union Station on Nov. 25, join the five revolutionary designers committed to placing Norwayís design reputation on the world map in this engrossing seminar and reception. Tickets are $20 and $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art THEATER Nov. 1, 4, 7 and 10 Vanessa Dame Kiri Te Kanawa makes her heralded Washington Opera debut in the title role of Samuel Barberís haunting opera about three generations of women who have withdrawn from the outside world. Tickets are $41 to $285. Kennedy Center Opera House Nov. 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20 and 23 Idomeneo Pl·cido Domingo brings his remarkable range and interpretation to The Washington Operaís production of ìIdomeneo,î where he stars in the title role as the king who makes a fatal deal with Neptune to sacrif ice the first person he meets after landing on shoreóonly that person turns out to be his son. Tickets are $41 to $285. Kennedy Center Opera House Sat., Nov. 2, 8 p.m.,Sun., Nov. 3, 2 p.m. LíAmour a la Francaise Comedy, drama and loversí triangles are just some of the twists and turns in store for audiences in this double bill performance, featuring two one-act operas by the Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia. Tickets are $30 to $35. Rosslyn Spectrum Through Nov. 3 Privates on Parade Enjoy an extended run of this extravagant production about an innocent private surrounded by a colorful panoply of wartime characters, written by Peter Nichols, one of the most acclaimed and daring of the post-war British dramatists. Tickets are $25 to $44.25. The Studio Theatre Nov. 5 to Jan. 5 Much Ado About Nothing Witness the romantic travails of two disparate couples in Shakespeareís wild and witty look at love, with Tony-nominated director Mark Lamos at the helm. Tickets are $16 to $66. The Shakespeare Theatre Nov. 6 to Dec. 15 The Shape of Things Garnering rave reviews with its premiere runs in London and New York, ìThe Shape of Thingsî is a sizzling account of a pair of complex and surprising modern-day relationships with an ending that will make you question your ideas of identity, integrity and art. Tickets are $30.25 to $44.25. The Studio Theatre Nov. 7 to 9 Medea Irelandís Abbey Theatre brings its rendition of Euripidesís ìMedea,î starring Fiona Shaw, who transforms the grief-stricken, havoc-wreaking Medea into a witty and intelligent woman pushed to the edge by circumstances beyond her control. Tickets are $40. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Nov. 7 to Nov. 23 Hurtful Truths/Happy Ending (El Gran Deschave/Final Feliz) A couple has fallen into the rut of routine, taking each other for granted, when suddenly a broken television breaks the boredom. Tickets are $25 and $20 for students and seniors. Teatro de la Luna Nov. 8 to 10 and 15 to 17 Slanguage Universes, a troupe of five multi-disciplinary performers from the South Bronx, made their Washington debut with this smash hit fusing poetry, jazz riffs and hip-hop with politics, down-home blues and Spanish boleros. Tickets are $28. Dance Place Nov. 14 to Dec. 1 Blood Knot Two brothers are both ethnically black but one could pass for white in ìBlood Knot,î a riveting metaphor for South Africaís separation of the races, as performed by the African Continuum Theater Company. Tickets are $20 to $23. Kennedy Center AFI Theater Nov. 16 to Dec. 1 Loveís Laborís Lost The Shenandoah Shakespeare Express tackles the Bardís hilarious romp about a young king and his compatriots entranced by a group of beautiful women that leaves no question about who has the more serious artillery in the war between the sexes. Tickets are $25 to $36. Folger Shakespeare Theatre Nov. 16 to Jan. 12 The Snow Queen A sister embarks on a quest to rescue her brother from the Snow Queenís icy grasp when she discovers that her greatest strength is the warmth of her familyís love in this charming production for the whole family. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Classika Theatre Nov. 22 to Dec. 31 A Christmas Carol Usher in the holiday season with Charles Dickensís classic tale of good and evil. Tickets are $29 to $45. Fordís Theatre Through Dec. 1 Host and Guest This new play based on the work of one of the Republic of Georgiaís most beloved poets, Vazha Pshavela tells the story of a man and woman caught between the conflicting values of their community, their faith and their stirring hearts. Tickets are $20 to $30. Stanislavsky Theater Studio