**Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Unless listed, please call for specific event times and/or hours of operation. NEW YEARíS EVE RECEPTION Euronet International invites young professionals and members of the diplomatic community to its New Yearís Eve Black Tie Grand Ball featuring the Imperial Palms Orchestra, a wide variety of international music, mock gambling, a cigar lounge, premium open bar, balloon drop at midnight and much more. Early Bird tickets (available until Dec. 20) are $139 and VIP tickets are $169. For information or tickets, please call (703) 642-8475 or visit http://membership.euronetinternational.com. ART Through Jan. 3 Echoes of Memory: Paintings by Sherry Zvares Sanabria Donít miss the chance to view this unique architectural exhibit, in which painter Sherry Zvares Sanabria uses light, shape and shadow to highlight a variety of structuresófrom buildings in Northern Europe to long abandoned slave quarters in Virginia. The Octagon Museum 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 ìPainted Printsî shows that Renaissance prints painted by artists such Albrecht D¸rerówhich were often brilliantly hand colored by professional print coloristsócould be just as beautiful as 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 This evocative series of photographs looks at the many awe-inspiring images that dot 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? Find out in ìSecrets of Silk,î which looks at the production of the luxurious fiber through various silk weaving cultures. The Textile Museum Through Jan. 5 Willem de Kooning: Tracing the Figure This fascinating look into abstract expressionist Willem de Kooning is the first to examine the artistís pioneering and often frenetic 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, the Corcoran put together the first comprehensive exploration of renowned Spanish artist Joan MirÛ and his late polychrome sculpture. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Jan. 11 The Holy Land and Egypt (1842-1849) Early subscription and first folio edition lithographs by David Roberts make up this interesting retrospective. St. Lukeís Gallery Opening Jan. 12 A Grand Legacy: Five Centuries of European Art The Baltimore Museumís distinguished collection of 15th- to 19th-century European art returns to the opulent Jacobs Wing after undergoing a three-year, $1.9 million renovation. Baltimore Museum 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 Jan. 18 to June 15 Whistler in Venice: The Pastels Expatriate American artist James McNeill Whistler fell in love with Venice during what was supposed to be a short stay, remaining there instead for 14 months to create an array of pastels exploring the cityís backwater canals and decaying palazzos. Freer Gallery of Art Jan. 19 to April 20 ...douard Vuillard Comprising some 200 works, this exhibit represents the full range of ...douard Vuillardís subject matter, revealing both the public and private sides of this quintessentially Parisian artist. National Gallery of Art 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, kabuki theater, 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 post-war Italian artists. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through Jan. 25 International Small Works Exhibition The International Visions Gallery continues its multicultural exploration of the arts with this look at works produced on a smaller scale. International Visions Gallery Jan. 31 to June 2 Hold It! Textiles as Containers Discover the many ways that various cultures have exploited textile containers to suit their needs in this unique exhibit. The Textile Museum Through Feb. 9 An Artistís Artist: Jacob Kainenís Collection From Rembrandt to David Smith The art collection of Washington painter and printmaker Jacob Kainen reveals a remarkable range of fine works that spans four centuries. National Gallery of Art Through Feb. 16 The Classical Tradition in Anatolian Carpets Dating from the 14th to the 17th centuries, Anatolian carpets offer a glimpse into the rich history of the Ottoman Court and its enduring weaving tradition. The Textile Museum Through Feb. 28 Katharina Neuwirth: The Experiment, Photography An intriguing surrealist style has become the trademark of Katharina Neuwirth and her experiment-based photography. Embassy of Austria Through March 1 Thys Boke Is Myne Explore how bibliophiles, famous and forgotten, have signaled ownership of treasured books for 500 years. Folger Shakespeare Library 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 2 DirectionsóCecily Brown Seven sensuous abstract paintings by London-born, New York-based artist Cecily Brown recast and conceal erotically charged scenes beneath large-format, gestural abstraction. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through 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 March 10 Fantasy Underfoot The 47th Corcoran Biennial explores the legacy of conceptual art and the ìnew mediaî of the 1960s through the critically acclaimed video installations of Bruce Nauman, the compulsive ink drawings of Jacob El Hanani and a vast range of works by 11 other contemporary artists. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through March 15 Frans Lanting: Jungles From the lowlands of the Congo to the peaks of the Andes, photographer and naturalist Frans Lanting has spent 20 years working in jungles producing photographs that convey a compelling vision of Earthís most endangered ecosystems. National Geographic Explorers Hall Through March 30 Palaces and Pavilions: Grand Architecture in Chinese Painting An ancient assortment of scrolls, album leaves and three-dimensional objects illustrates how imperial structures and mythical Daoist palaces have been depicted in Chinese art over the centuries. Freer Gallery of Art Through 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 May 7 The Road to Rome: A Modern PilgrimageCaptivating images of shrines and other sacred sites help viewers retrace the spiritual journey that pilgrims traveling to Rome have undertaken for nearly 1,700 years. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through 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 photography compared to studio photography. Baltimore Museum of Art Through May 26 The Floating World Revealed: Ukiyo-e Paintings and Prints The style of art known as ukiyo-e depicts a panoply of actors and courtesans from the entertainment, theater and pleasure quarters of Japanís great cities during the Edo period (1615-1868). Freer Gallery of Art 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 Through June 1 Laying the Foundation for Liberty Learn the story of how America prepared for Franceís monumental gift through the design and construction of the pedestal that anchors the Statue of Liberty. The Octagon Museum DANCE Jan. 21 to 26 Martha Clarke Vienna: Lusthaus Martha Clarkeís dazzling and daring dance theater work set in turn-of-the-century Vienna returns for this highly anticipated one-week run. Tickets are $12 to $32 (for mature audiences only). Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Wed., Jan. 29, 7 p.m. Zivaís Spanish Dance Ensemble Considered by many to be one of the top interpreters of Spanish dance in our area, Ziva and her exciting troupe exude a captivating energy as they fuse modern music with traditional flamenco steps. Tickets are $16 and $12 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art DISCUSSIONS Mon., Jan. 20 to March 17, 7 p.m. The Worlds of Tolstoyís War and Peace This course supports participantsí reading of the work and illuminates its basic message by following the many plot lines and charting their ultimate convergence into a single transcendent vision. Tickets for the series are $141 and $96 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Tue., Jan. 21, 7 p.m. Versailles: Palace Dirt and Book-Signing Kathryn Davis, author of ìVersailles,î shares with audiences the challenges of inventing Marie Antoinetteís fabled life in Versailles. Tickets are $16 and $12 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Tue., Jan. 21 to Feb. 25, 8 p.m. Ancient North Africa This slide-illustrated course surveys the impact of the Berbers, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and early Christians on North Africa. Tickets for the series are $123 and $78 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Tue., Jan. 21 to March 4, 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Age of Faith: Art in the Middle Ages This course examines the astonishing variety of art and architecture of the 1,000-year period between classical antiquity and the Renaissance and its relationship to a society infused with faith and spirituality. Tickets for the series are $141 and $96 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Thu., Jan. 23 to March 6, 8 p.m. The Grandeur of Hidden Russia Through the use of slides, experts provide virtual tours of some of the most interesting corners of Russian Eurasia. Tickets for the series are $129 and $84 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Sat., Jan. 25, 8 p.m. The Odyssey Odds Bodkin puts audiences in the dark, cramped, claustrophobic belly of the Trojan horse and other dangerous encounters as he vividly recounts the journey of Odysseus. Tickets are $12. Kensington Armory Tue., Jan. 28, 6 p.m. Velazquez: The Noble Art of Painting This slide-illustrated lecture explores the genius of artist Diego Velazquez, traces the development of his art, and portrays his early years in Seville, where he infused scenes of everyday life with an astonishing degree of naturalism. Tickets are $14 and $11 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden MUSIC Fri., Jan. 3, 8 p.m. Salute to Vienna More than 70 musicians, singers and dancersóincluding the Strauss Symphony of America and the Hungarian National Balletótake part in this extraordinary homage to the Austrian arts, featuring the best of Johann Strauss. Tickets are $22 to $83. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Wed., Jan. 8, 7 p.m. Israeli Concert Duo/Reception Two Israeli musical stars unite for this memorable evening. Tickets are $20 and $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Sat., Jan. 11, 8 p.m., Sun., Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. Smithsonian Chamber Music Society The Axelrod String Quartet presents this riveting concert of works by some of Russiaís most accomplished masters of the string quartet genre. Tickets are $25 and $20 for Smithsonian members. American History Building Thu., Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. Randall Scarlata A first-prize winner at the 1999 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, baritone Randall Scarlata has since launched an impressive international career comprised of opera, recital and concert performance. Tickets are $30. Vocal Arts Society Sat., Jan. 18, 4:30 p.m. Budapest Festival Orchestra Considered one of the most successful cultural initiatives of the last decade in Hungary, the Budapest Festival Orchestra has developed into a frequent guest orchestra of some of the worldís most important international festivals. Tickets are $25 to $75. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Thu., Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Dina Kuznetsova Soprano Dina Kuznetsova, a native of Moscow and a member of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists, continues her string of successful performances with this appearance in Washington. Tickets are $30. Vocal Arts Society Fri., Jan. 24, 8 p.m. Peabody Trio/Reception The Peabody Trio has established itself as one of the leading piano trios in the world since winning the prestigious Naumburg Chamber Music Award back in 1989. Tickets are $50 and $45 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Fri., Jan. 24, 8 p.m. Mozart Gala I The first of two all-Mozart programs features chamber music and songs by the great master on his birthday. Tickets are $30. Embassy of Austria Sat., Jan. 25, 8 p.m. Mozart Gala II The Fessenden Ensemble concludes the Embassy Seriesís rousing Mozart celebration. Tickets are $30. Embassy of Austria Sat., Jan. 25, 8 p.m. Red Priest Red Priest returns to Dumbarton with a fast, fiery version of a Baroque favoriteóVivaldiís ìFour Seasons.î Tickets are $26 and $22 for students and seniors. Dumbarton Church Mon., Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Yo-Yo Ma Having just completed his triumphant Silk Road Tour, world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma embarks on a new cultural journey for 2003. Tickets are $35 to $105. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Thu., Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Three Costa Rican Musical Stars/Reception Pianist Juan Pablo Andrade, opera star Arturo Chacon and cellist Irma Field perform a beautiful concert of romantic Latin American music. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art RECEPTIONS Thu., Jan. 9 and Wed., Jan. 29, 7 p.m. Insider Embassy Visits Go inside the embassies of Ethiopia (Jan. 9) and Cape Verde (Jan. 29) to learn more about Jewish culture in these nations. A wine reception caps off the evening. Tickets are $30 and $20 for JCC members (prepaid reservation required two days before event). Embassy of Ethiopia Embassy of Cape Verde THEATER Jan. 1 to Feb. 16 Runaway Home Continuing a very personal exploration of his roots, Javon Johnson brings to the stage the true story of a single African American mother who must choose between the demands of her family and a life of her own. Tickets are $25 to $44.25. The Studio Theatre Jan. 3 to Feb. 9 Twelfth Night Journey to the land of Illyria where mistaken identity, cross-dressing and cross-gartered hose come together in one of Shakespeareís most musical and inspired comedies. Tickets are $29 to $46. Folger Theatre Through Jan. 4 Les Miserables Sweeping through three turbulent decades in France, Victor Hugoís timeless masterpiece follows one manís life-long quest to evade capture. Tickets are $20 to $77. National Theatre Through 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 Through Jan. 12 The Day Room The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company presents this hilarious and inspired farce by Don DeLillo, which centers on two unsuspecting hospital patients who are visited by a silly string of nurses and doctors. Tickets are $25 to $48. Kennedy Center AFI Theater Through Jan. 12 The Snow Queen A sister embarks on a quest to rescue her brother from the Snow Queenís icy grasp when she discovers 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 Through Jan. 12 Tell Me on a Sunday This riveting one-woman tour-de-force tells the story of a young English womanís journey to ìmake itî in America as she struggles through an urban labyrinth of disillusionment, betrayal and personal triumph. Tickets are $25 to $90. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Through Jan. 19 The Seagull Anton Chekhovís sobering story about people who fail to achieve life in their art and who struggle with the art of living gets a comedic makeover. Tickets are $25 to $30. Stanislavsky Theater Studio Jan. 21 to Feb. 2 A Night With Dame Edna Bring your gladiolas and prepare to laugh out loud with the incomparable Dame Edna Everage, Australiaís wacky sequin-studded, superstar-advising import. Tickets are $35 to $67.50. National Theatre Jan. 21 to March 9 The Silent Woman An old bachelor with a severe aversion to noise marries a ìsilent womanî to deny his nephew a large inheritance, but this quiet lady turns out to be anything but. Tickets are $18.75 to $65. The Shakespeare Theatre Jan. 25 to March 9 Whoís Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Classika brings its own unique touch to the turbulent story of two couples caught up in a night of conflict, intimidation, excess and sexual tension. Tickets are $15 to $20. Classika Theatre Wed., Jan. 29, 8 p.m. Madame Butterfly The London City Opera takes on this enduring saga of passionate youth, culture clash, and the pain of love in 19th-century Japan. Tickets are $32. Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center Jan. 29 to March 15 Sixth International Festival of Hispanic Theater Experience theater companies from Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico and many more Latin American nationsóas well as Hispanic companies from as far away as Switzerland, Israel, Italy, France and Canadaóin this truly global theatrical endeavor. Please call for specific show information. Teatro de la Luna Through Feb. 2 South Pacific The Rodgers and Hammerstein post-war classic looks at love in the tropics amid racial tensions and warís inhumanity. Tickets are $40 to $58. Arena Stage Fichandler Theater