July 2003












  Washington Diplomat
  PO Box 1345
  Wheaton, MD 20915
  Tel: 301.933.3552
  Fax: 301.949.0065








EVENTS

**Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Unless listed, please call for specific event times for hours of operation.

ART

Through July 2
Images From Mesoamerica: Tzotziles and Aztec Dancers
Photographs taken by Mexico City native Adelina PÈrez del Castillo capture rare glimpses of the Tzotziles, an ethnic group of Mayan decent that lives in the highlands of the state of Chiapas in southeastern Mexico.
Mexican Cultural Institute

Through July 11
Breaking the Ice
Drawings, etchings, paintings and digital artwork capture Australian artist J^rg Schmeisserís journey to Antarctica aboard the icebreaker ship Aurora Australis in 1998. Viewings are by appointment only.
Embassy of Australia

July 11 to Sept. 14
Days of Danger
Sculptor Carol Kreeger Davidsonís 1995 series ìDays of Dangerî depicts seven large, smooth metal figures that represent archetypal warrior goddesses in this thought-provoking expression of power and aggression.
National Museum of Women in the Arts

July 11 to Sept. 14
Lesley Dill: A Ten-Year Survey
Multifaceted artist Lesley Dill uses rich textures and layered meanings to explore the boundaries between mind, body and spirit and the importance of language in creating our identities.
National Museum of Women in the Arts

Through July 13
Frederic Remington: The Color of Night
Some 25 paintings reveal the spare modernism and surprising use of color and light in American artist Remingtonís series of works depicting the ìcolor of night.î
National Gallery of Art

Through July 14
Robert Frank: London/Wales
Featuring many previously unpublished photographs, ìLondon/Walesî juxtaposes two distinct bodies of work to reveal a new understanding of Robert Frankís contribution to the history of photography.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Mid-July to Jan. 4, 2004
Gyroscope
To celebrate its 13th anniversary, the Hirshhorn launches a museum-wide exhibition that showcases its collection of modern and contemporary art. Encompassing nearly 40 thematic installations, ìGyroscopeî encourages visitors to experience art from a variety of perspectives, each designed to provoke curiosity, discover and revelation.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

July 19 to March 2004
The Impressionist Tradition in America
The Corcoran uses its collection of Impressionist works by Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt and others with ties to Europe to il lustrate the evolution of American Impression, complementing a related exhibit, ìBeyond the Frame: Impressionism Revisited, the Sculptures of J. Seward Johnson Jr.,î which runs concurrently with ìImpressionist Tradition.î
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Through July 20
Visual Arts of the Americas: Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States
In the first part of this dual exhibit, prints, paintings, drawings and photographs by a multitude of Latin American, Caribbean and U.S. artists are featured in this internationally eclectic collection.
Georgetown University
Lauinger Library

Through July 20
Light Screens: The Leaded Glass of Frank Lloyd Wright
This exhibit showcases Frank Lloyd Wright, the innovative icon of American architecture, with 48 of his stained-glass windows, two architectural models and 13 original plates.
American Art Museum

Through July 20
Lions, Tigers and Bears
See fiber animals of all types as Dorothy makes her way down the yellow brick road in this playful exhibit.
Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery

July 22 to Oct. 19
Visual Arts of the Americas: Canada and the United States
The second part of this dual exhibit focuses on artists north of the U.S. border.
Georgetown University
Lauinger Library

Through July 25
Dreaming Mexico
This wonderfully colorful exhibit combines folk arts from Oaxaca, one of the poorest but most culturally diverse regions in Mexico, with paintings by internationally renowned artists schooled in the Oaxacan tradition.
Inter-American Development Bank
Cultural Center

Through July 27
After the Madness: The Secular Life, Art, and Imitation of Bada Shanren
This aptly named exhibit looks at the great Qing dynasty Chinese artist Bada Shanren, a descendant of Ming royalty who became a Buddhist monk, was considered to have gone mad in his middle age, and ultimately returned to secular life and painting in his 60s.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Through July 28
The Eyes of History 2003
Compelling images by some of the nationís most distinguished photojournalists vividly chronicle the yearís top news stories.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Through July 31
The Annual Membersí Show: A Summer of Art
A panoply of different styles and themes fills the James Monroe House in this annual show of works by Washington Arts Club members, curated by Hannah Byers of The Phillips Collection.
The Arts Club of Washington

Through July 31
My Yesterdays: Iranian Artist Bahar Behbahani
In her U.S. solo debut exhibition, Iranian artist Bahar Behbahani paints interesting contrasts from her personal journey and the Iranian political, cultural and religious background that influenced her work.
Anne C. Fisher Gallery

Through August
American Perspectives
Artist Sonya Sklaroff transforms the mundane settings of rural country life into this intriguing series of paintings.
Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel

Through Aug. 1
Reflections of Architecture
Paintings by Joey P. M·nlapaz provide a unique insight into architectural design and effects.
The American Institute of Architects

Through Aug. 2
Elizabeth I, Then and Now
Four hundred years after her death, Englandís Elizabeth I continues to attract intense interest, as seen in this far-reaching retrospective culled from the Folgerís own extensive holdings.
Folger Shakespeare Library

Through Aug. 4
Portraits of Places
ìPortraits of Placesî showcases American Impressionist Childe Frederick Hassamís etchings, his eloquent lithographs and a selection of his well-known paintings.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Through Aug. 10
Auto * Focus: Raghubir Singhís Way Into India
ìAuto * Focus,î one of Raghubir Singhís last great projects, combines the photographerís passions for color and the Indian landscape with his fascination for the Ambassador car, an omnipresent symbol of modern India.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Through Aug. 10
Carpets of Andalusia
During the period of Muslim rule over the Iberian Peninsulaómodern-day Spainócarpet weaving was introduced into the region, and the practice continues to reflect an impressive amalgamation of cultural traditions.
The Textile Museum

Through Aug. 17
Windows Into Heaven: Russian Icons From 1650-1917
A fixture of Russian culture for more than 1,000 years, the icon was a focal point of faith that helped spread the gospel to people throughout Russia, boasting its own storied history, as illustrated in this unique exhibit.
Pope John Paul II Cultural Center

Through Aug. 29
Klaus KinskióWerner Herzog: Photographs From Beat Presser
Swiss photographer Beat Presser juxtaposes images of filmmakers Kinski and Herzog, shedding light on both menís controversial personalities.
Goethe-Institut Inter Nationes

Through Sept. 1
Sir Edmund Hillary: Everest and Beyond
In this challenging interactive exhibit, learn more about the man who made the first successful ascent of Mount Everest and his many humanitarian achievements since that historic ascent, and experience some of the hardships he endured.
National Geographic Explorers Hall

Through Sept. 3
Ancient Manuscripts From the Desert Libraries of Timbuktu
A wide range of manuscripts from Mali provide important insights into the cultural heritage of Africaís largest nation in this exhibit presented in conjunction with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Library of Congress

Through Sept. 7
Chinese Buddhist Sculpture in a New Light
This exhibit studies the long and complicated history of devotional objects created in China for Buddhist worship, which became so popular that they spawned the manufacture of forgeries bought by foreign collectors over time.
Freer Gallery of Art

Through Sept. 7
Isamu Noguchi and Modern Japanese Ceramics
Best known for his abstract stone sculpture, public plazas, and lamp and furniture designs, Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) also produced a radically original body of ceramic art during three visits to Japan, 43 of which are now on display.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Through Sept. 7
Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828): Sculptor of the Enlightenment
Houdon is universally recognized as the greatest European portrait sculptor of the last half the 18th century; however, despite his fame, this markís Houdonís first major monographic exhibit.
National Gallery of Art

Through Sept. 7
Mamluk Rugs From Egypt: Jewels of The Textile Museumís Collection
The Textile Museum displays its p rized collection of Mamluk rugs, extremely rare carpets that are considered to be the finest in the world.
The Textile Museum

Through Sept. 7
Marsden Hartley
The Phillips presents the first retrospective in 20 years of early American modernist Marsden Hartley, who belonged to a circle of artists promoted by photographer and gallery owner Alfred Stieglitz.
The Phillips Collection

Through Sept. 15
Gloria et Miseria
In cooperation with the city gallery of Bratislava in the Slovak Republic, ìGloria et Miseriaî displays the versatility and mastery of Central European printers from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Embassy of Slovakia

Through Sept. 15
Karl-Heinz KolleróA Retrospective
Using techniques such as blurring definition, mingling negatives, and shooting multiple exposures of circular, interweaving structures, photographer Karl-Heinz Koller created a mesmerizing array of images.
Embassy of Austria

Through Sept. 21
The Fabric of Moroccan Life
This landmark exhibit showcases 67 rare, brightly colored Moroccan textiles to paint a picture of the countryís diverse cultures and traditions over the past three centuries.
National Museum of African Art

Through Sept. 28
Small Wonders: Dutch Still Lifes by Adriaen Coorte
This exhibit marks the first U.S. presentation of works by Adriaen Coorte, a remarkable but largely unrecognized still-life painter who lived in the Netherlands during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
National Gallery of Art

Through Oct. 5
Ethiopian Icons: Faith and Science
Reflecting two voicesócurator and conservatoróìEthiopian Iconsî explores the potent imagery of icons using the museumís own collection, which recently underwent a technical analysis and conservation treatment.
National Museum of African Art

Through Oct. 5
Ethiopian Passages: Dialogues in the Diaspora
Commemorating the centennial anniversary of U.S.-Ethiopia diplomatic relations, this is the first major exhibition devoted to the contemporary visual arts of the Ethiopian Diaspora.
National Museum of African Art

Through Oct. 12
Spectacular views of Venice, London and Paris by U.S. expatriate artists.
James McNeill Whistler and Mary Cassatt recall the romance of Europe in nearly 100 prints and drawings from the BMAís collection.
Baltimore Museum of Art

Through Nov. 30
Insomnia: Landscapes of the Night
From peaceful dreams to the dark catacombs of nightmares, 30 artists probe the effects of nightfall on an artistís perception and imagination.
National Museum of Women in the Arts

Through Nov. 30
Journeys and Destinations: African Artists on the Move
ìJourneys and Destinationsî examines the migration of African artists living in Europe and America and how they have negotiated their changing artistic, cultural and personal identities.
National Museum of African Art

Through Dec. 31
Myths of St. Petersburg: Impressions of the City From the Hillwood Collection
To honor the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg, the Hillwood Museum has compiled more than 50 objects that examine the famed cityís symbolic meaning and its place in Russian history.
Hillwood Museum and Gardens

Through Jan. 4, 2004
Tales and Legends in Japanese Art
Japanese paintings and objects that use imagery to weave intricate tales and legends reveal the countryís rich narrative traditions.
Freer Gallery of Art

Through Jan. 11, 2004
The Mountain of the Lord
Five detailed models of the temples built on the ancient Temple Mount in Jerusalem give visitors the chance to explore these sacred sites firsthand.
Pope John Paul II Cultural Center

Through Feb. 1
Whistlerís Greatest Etchings: The 1889 Amsterdam Set
Thirteen exquisitely detailed etchings from James McNeill Whistlerís visit to Amsterdamówidely considered to be his greatest achievementóare the focus of this engrossing exhibit.
Freer Gallery of Art

Through June 1, 2004
The East Building: Celebrating 25 Years
This special installation highlights the history of the East Building, its construction and its ever-growing collection of modern art through architectural drawings and other archival material.
National Gallery of Art

DANCE

Mon., July 28, 7:30 p.m.
Ibdaía Dance Performance Tour
This Palestinian folk dance performance features young dancers from the Dheisheh refugee camp. Tickets are $10 to $20.
Lincoln Theatre

FESTIVALS

July 2 to 6
Mali: From Timbuktu to Washington, D.C.
Nearly 200 Malians participate in a dazzling extravaganza of performances and demonstrations on the National Mall as part of the 37th annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Admission is free. For more information, please visit www.folklife.si.edu.
National Mall

LECTURES

Wed., July 9, 7 p.m.
Robert Frank: Seminal Artist
Philip Brookman, curator of the Robert Frank exhibit at the Corcoran, discusses Frankís poetic photography, evocative of the changing cultural relationships in Britain during that time, and then treats the audience with two film showings and an exhibition viewing. Tickets are $15 or $10 for Corcoran members.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Tue., July 15, 7 p.m.
Celebration of Edith Piaf: Talk and Concert
On the 50th anniversary of the death of legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf, professor Joan Keefe reflects on the artistís lifeófrom an impoverished childhood to World War II to lost loves and marriagesówhile singer Simone Marchand sings 14 Piaf favorites. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Wed., July 16 and 23, 7 p.m.
KGB 101: Two Evenings With a Soviet Spy Master
Meet Maj. Gen. Oleg Kalugin, former head of KGB foreign counterintelligence in Moscow, as he shares tricks of the trade that kept the CIA on its toes for more than 50 years. Tickets are $30 for both evenings; advance registration is required.
International Spy Museum

Thu., July 17, 12 p.m.
ìA Death in Washingtonî Book Signing and Author Debriefing
Gary Kernís new book draws on never-before-used facts from declassified documents pertaining to the death of Soviet spy Walter Krivitsky, the first high-ranking KGB agent to defect to the West. Free; no advance registration is required.
International Spy Museum

Sat., July 26, 11 a.m.
Spy Magic Show
Secret agent magici an ìJames Wandî uses spy skills to demonstrate the ìart of misdirectionî and create illusions sure to fascinate children and adults alike. Tickets are $8; advance registration is required.
International Spy Museum

MUSIC

July 10 to 13
Washington International Piano Amateur Competition
Amateur pianists from around the world participate in this first-ever event organized by the Washington International Piano Arts Council. Ticket prices vary by event. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (703) 486-0071 or visit www.wipac.org.
Arts Club of Washington (July 10 to 11)
Lisner Auditorium (July 12 to 13)

July 16 to 25
William Kapell International Piano Competition and Festival
An impressive international array of pianists from 26 nations compete for a $20,000 grand prize, to be awarded on July 25.
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Wed., July 23, 7 p.m.
But Alive! Premiere Cabaret Show
Popular singer Joseph Perna blends bold, expressive vocals with pantomime, dance and movement-based theater for a spectacular performance rooted in the Parisian and Berlin traditions of ìcabaret artistique.î Tickets are $16 or $12 for Corcoran members.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Through Aug. 29
Jazz in the Garden
Every Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy the warm weather with a mix of local jazz bands as they perform in front of the Pavilion CafÈ, next to the grand reflecting pool and fountain.
National Gallery of Art

RECEPTIONS

Wed., July 16, 7 p.m.
Concert/Dinner at Swiss Embassy and Residence
Join Swiss Ambassador Christian Blickenstorfer for an evening of enchanting music followed by a buffet dinner at his residence. Tickets are $75 or $60 for Corcoran members. Please call for location information.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Mon., July 21, 6:30 p.m.
Welcome to Barolo
A five-course dinner featuring food and wine from the Piedmont region of Italy is the delectable centerpiece of an evening at Barolo, a fine dining restaurant owned by Roberto Donna and chef Enzo Fargione of Galileo restaurant. Tickets are $90 or $75 for Corcoran members. Please call for location information.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Thu., July 31, 7 p.m.
Brazilian Concert/Reception
Brazilian soprano Juliana Franco dazzles audiences with a concert of Latin American music, which is followed by a Brazilian reception sponsored by the embassy. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Please call for location information.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

THEATER

July 9 to Aug. 10
Monster
This new adaptation of Mary Shelleyís gothic masterpiece follows the doomed scientist through his single-minded inquisition into the alchemy of life and death. Tickets are $25 to $35.
Olney Theatre Center

Through July 20
Patience
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company presents a contemporary twist on an old tale by taking a penetrating look at how we live our lives today and whether true redemption is possible in this post-modern age. Tickets are $21 to $38.
Kennedy Center
Film Theater

Through July 27
Ghosts
Henrik Ibsenís compelling portrait of a woman trapped between societyís expectations and her love for her son provides a stark, and painful, examination of moral convention, as relevant today as it was when the play debuted in the 19th century. Tickets are $15 to $65.
The Shakespeare Theatre

Through Aug. 1
All the Great Books (Abridged)
The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Londonís longest-running comedy troupe, unleashes its new comic romp that gives ìspeed readingî an uproarious new meaning. Tickets are $36 to $41.
Kennedy Center
Terrace Theater

Join our e-list for the latest monthly diplomatic news





Would you like to become a WashDiplomat sponsor?