EVENTS **Admission is free unless otherwise noted. All information on event venues can be found on The Washington Diplomat Web site at www.washdiplomat.com. Times and locations are subject to change. Unless listed, please call venue for specific event times and hours of operation. ART Through Feb. 1 Pilgrimage: Photographs by Steve McCurry Journey to Asia with the photography of Steve McCurry as he pays tribute to those seeking a deeper spirituality through worship and daily acts. National Geographic Explorers Hall 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 absorbing exhibit. Freer Gallery of Art Through Feb. 2 Masters in Mezzotint: Color Prints by S. Arlent Edwards With his limited-edition reproductions of famous paintings, S. Arlent Edwards revived the lost art of meticulously printing color mezzotint engravings from a single copper plate, as was done by English engravers 200 years ago. Georgetown University Lauinger Library Feb. 4 to May 23 A New Heart Will I Give You Part two of this four-part exhibit illustrates Pope John Paul IIís efforts at reconciliation through his work to advance peace among nations, social classes, religions and even his own attempted assassination. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Feb. 5 to June 26 Churchill and the Great Republic This comprehensive exhibit of Churchill materialóthe first of its kind in the U.S.óexamines the career of Winston Churchill and his lifelong links with the United States. Library of Congress Through Feb. 8 Jewels and Gems The innovative jewelry designs in "Jewels and Gems" highlight the spirit and wit of American studio jewelry artists. Renwick Gallery Feb. 12 to May 9 Douglas Gordon This marks the first American survey of works by Scottish artist Douglas Gordon, best known for his video installations that take as their inspiration classic Hollywood films such as "Psycho" and "Taxi Driver." Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through Feb. 13 Currents: Contemporary Studio Art From Newfoundland and Labrador Works created in Canadaís easternmost province offer echoes of remote places, distinct cultures and landscapes, and avant-garde design. Embassy of Canada Feb. 13 to March 21 Verrocchioís ëDavidí Restored One of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art will be on view when Verrocchioís "David" arrives from the National Museum of the Bargello, Florence. National Gallery of Art Feb. 14 to April 5 American Paradigms: David Opdyke and Lane Twitchell Made of obsessively constructed miniature models and mandela-like forms, "American Paradigm" is designed to provoke questions about oneís surroundings and the seemingly innocuous objects around us. Corcoran Gallery of Art Feb. 14 to May 16 Discovering Milton Avery: Two Devoted Collectors, Louis Kaufman and Duncan Phillips "Discovering Milton Avery" spotlights two of the pioneering American painterís most important patrons and their personal approaches to collecting. The Phillips Collection Feb. 15 to May 23 Toulouse-Lautrec: Master of the Moulin Rouge More than 100 rarely seen posters and prints by Henri Toulouse-Lautrecówho became a sensation after his poster of a cancan-performing dancer hit the streets of Parisóportray raucous scenes of the Parisian cabaret and groundbreaking 19th-century advertisements. Baltimore Museum of Art Through Feb. 16 Colorful Impressions: The Printmaking Revolution in 18th-Century France More than 100 French 18th-century color prints make up this exhibit honoring one of the most innovative periods in the history of color printmaking. National Gallery of Art Feb. 20 to May 16 Edda Renouf: Revealed Structures More than a dozen large-scale paintings, oil pastels and drawings address time and the four elements, common motifs in Edda Renoufís art. National Museum of Women in the Arts Feb. 21 to Aug. 15 Whistler in Paris: Lithographs From the Belle Epoque, 1891-1896 Many of Whistlerís most subtle and beautiful prints are lithographs, in which he used grease crayons to draw on a prepared printing stone, which challenged contemporary notions of form and finish. Freer Gallery of Art Through Feb. 22 Love and Yearning: Mystical and Moral Themes in Persian Poetry and Painting For centuries, the evocative imagery of lyrical Persian poetry has offered painters a wealth of pictorial possibilities, as seen in this beautifully illustrated exhibit. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Feb. 27 to Nov. 28 Insights Forty pieces of artófrom paintings to sculpture to lithographsóby nine contemporary African artists offer a thoughtful look at the artistic process. National Museum of African Art Through Feb. 29 Abstractions Revisited Seven noted artists from the Washington area and abroad offer their perspectives on abstract art. International Visions ñ The Gallery Through Feb. 29 Baghdad, USA More than 30 photographs of Baghdad taken by Scott Wallace present a documentary and artistic glimpse into this important moment of history. Banning + Low Gallery Through Feb. 29 Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, 1783-1853 The founder of a distinct national school of painting in Denmark, Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg influenced a generation of artists who collectively created the golden age of Danish painting. National Gallery of Art Through Feb. 29 Enterprising Women: 250 Years of American Business This study in cultural and business history follows the rise of women-owned enterprises in, among other areas, the applied arts, fashion, design and culinary arts. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through Feb. 29 Passionate Observer: Photographs by Eudora Welty Mississippi icon Eudora Welty captures her beloved American South in both black-and-white photography and compassionate writings. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through March 1 My Private Space Program Swiss artist Max Gr¸ter created this mixed-media exhibit that blends science and art in a dreamy space setting. American Association for the Advancement of Science Through March 7 Roberto Matta: An Architect of Surrealism Roberto Matta, who recently died at the age of 91, had a love-hate relationship with his native Chile, as evident in this wide, encompassing retrospective. Organization of American States Art Museum of the Americas Through March 12 Practical Utopia: The Design Work of Otl Aicher Famous for his design of pictograms for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, visionary German designer Otl Aicher transformed the field of industrial and graphic design with his spare, sure style. Goethe-Institut Through March 14 Navajo Blankets of the 19th Century Blankets spotlight the powerful aesthetics and signature characteristics of 19th-century Navajo weaving. The Textile Museum Through March 31 Design Excellence: Public Patronage of Architecture and Art In a new era of federal architecture under the auspices of the U.S. General Services Administration, some of the nationís finest designers have produced striking, even inspired, federal buildings. The Octagon Museum Through April 2 Timeless Experience: An Architectural Journey Through Itria, Italy An evocative series of brown-toned and black-and-white photographs by Rajesh Nair capture the atmospheric buildings and landscape of Itria, Italy. American Institute of Architects Headquarters Gallery Through April 4 Mr. Whistlerís Galleries: Avant-Garde in Victorian London Although primarily known for his paintings and prints, expatriate American artist James McNeill Whistler was also an influential designer of both public and private interiors, as seen in this design-focused exhibition. Freer Gallery of Art Through April 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 illustrate the evolution of American Impression, complementing a related exhibit, "Beyond the Frame: Impressionism Revisited, the Sculptures of J. Seward Johnson, Jr." Corcoran Gallery of Art Through May 22 Thomas Trevelyonís Pictorial Miscellany (1608) An impressive range of subjectsófrom proverbs and epigrams to portraits of kings and queensóThomas Trevelyonís elaborately illustrated miscellany is essentially a history of England and the world since the beginning of time. Folger Shakespeare Library Through May 23 Guardians of the Law: Chinese Luohan Paintings More than 20 works depicting "luohans"óenlightened beings exempted by Buddha from the cycle of rebirth to a ct as guardians of the lawósurvey the major trends in the evolution of luohan painting. Freer Gallery of Art Through May 31 Mark Rothko: The Mural Projects This special installation of nine works by American artist Mark Rothkoórelated to two mural commissionsócelebrates the centenary of his birth. National Gallery of Art Through May Naga Tribal Adornment: Signatures of Status and Self This display of Naga jewelry, textiles and artifacts reveals the rarely seen people and culture of Nagaland. Bead Museum Through June 1 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 Through June 6 Draped, Wrapped and Folded: Untailored Clothing Although simple in form, untailored clothing can reveal a great deal about both the weaver and the culture from which the clothing originates, as seen in this showcase of 19 garments from Africa, Asia and the Americas. The Textile Museum Through July 18 Birds and Beasts in Japanese Art An array of objects and paintings, including Japanese screens, highlight the Freerís distinct collection of bird, flower and animal artwork. Freer Gallery of Art Through July 18 The Tea Ceremony as Melting Pot The constant search for new tea utensils among imported goods contributed to the excitement and fascination with the tea ceremony in Japan from the 16th century onward. Freer Gallery of Art DANCE Sun., Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Paco PeÒa Flamenco Dance Company The Paco PeÒa Flamenco Dance Company sparkles in this impassioned production featuring a menagerie of flamenco guitars, singers and dancers. Tickets are $34. Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center Feb. 25 to 29 The Hamburg Ballet The bold interpretations, large-scale stagings and dynamic movement of the Hamburg Ballet are sure to dazzle audiences as they perform "Nijinsky," based on the celebrated artist. Tickets are $27 to $97. Kennedy Center Opera House Thu. and Fri., Feb. 26 and 27, 8 p.m. Batsheva Dance Company One of Israelís leading modern dance ensembles, Batsheva Dance Company blends beauty with anger and serenity with sarcasm to reflect life in their homeland. Tickets are $12 to $36. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Fri. and Sat., Feb. 27 and 28, 8 p.m. Ronald K. Brown/Evidence Founder and artistic director of the dance company Evidence, Ronald K. Brown presents "Come Ye," a new work inspired by the legacy of jazz vocalist Nina Simone. Tickets are $20. Dance Place DISCUSSIONS Mon., Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m. Spies on Screen: 50 Years of Spy TV Wesley Britton, author of the just-released book "Spy Television," reacquaints audiences with the exploits of vintage espionage heroes from Alexander Scott of "I Spy" to agent Mulder of "The X Files." Tickets are $15 or $12 for Spy Museum members; advance registration is required. International Spy Museum Mon., Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Folger Poetry: Ko Un and David McCann Poet and professor David McCann translates the works of Ko Un, one of the most controversial and important Korean writers alive, who has published more than 100 volumes of poetry, fiction, essays and dramas. Tickets are $10. Folger Shakespeare Library Feb. 2 to April 5 Korean Language Classes Experienced native speakers teach Korean conversation, grammar, reading and writing to beginning-, upper beginning- and intermediate-level students. Classes are held Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m.; tuition is $175 or $157.50 for first-time students. Embassy of Korea Tue., Feb. 3, 4 p.m. The U.S., Europe and the United Nations Ambassador George Moose, a former U.S. ambassador to the European office of the U.N., discusses the need to resolve the disagreements between Europe and the U.S. to revitalize the United Nations. The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs Thu., Feb. 5, 12 p.m. The American Agent: My Life in the CIA Richard L. Holm, who served under 13 CIA directors, describes his life as a clandestine CIA agent. International Spy Museum Feb. 9 to April 26 Contemporary Legal Issues for the Artist and Collector This four-part lecture series demystifies many of the legal aspects connected to the visual arts, from trademark and copyright law to estate planning. Tickets are $55 per session or $30 per session for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Tue., Feb. 10, 6 p.m. Lessons From Iraq: Creating Security Walter Slocombe discusses his experiences as former senior advisor and security affairs director for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs Tue., Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. Quilts as Codes: Secrets of the Underground Railroad Unravel the cleverly sewn secrets that helped lead slaves to freedom with Howard Universityís Raymond Dobard, a professor of art history. Tickets are $20 or $16 for Spy Museum or Anacostia Museum members. Advance registration is required. International Spy Museum MUSIC Sun., Feb. 1, 2 p.m. Russian National Orchestra The Russian National Orchestraóthe first orchestra to operate independently of the government since 1917óperforms to electrifying masterpieces by BartÛk and Shostakovich. Tickets are $35 to $75. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Tue., Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. Antares The award-winning ensemble Antares performs a world premiere by Grammy nominee Carter Pann. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Feb. 3 to 8 Fourth Annual D.C. Flamenco Festival This yearís festivalóa tribute to the vitality of Sevilla, the cradle of flamencoófeatures the Gala de Sevilla (Feb. 3), vocalist JosÈ MercÈ (Feb. 4) and CompaÒÌa Andaluza de Danza (Feb. 7 and 8). Tickets are $25 to $50. Lisner Auditorium Thu., Feb. 5, 8 p.m. Cs·rd·s! Budapestís celebrated G·zsa Band along with the Post-Classical Ensemble recreate electrifying Hungarian Gypsy dances and earthy peasant songs as heard in Vienna and rural Transylvania a century ago. Tickets are $25 or $10 for students. Georgetown University Gaston Hall Thu., Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. Kalish, Swensen, Katz Trio Pianist Gilbert Kalish, violinist Ian Swensen and cellist Paul Katz perform an evening of Schubert, Beethoven and Brahms, with a reception to follow. Tickets are $60 or $50 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Sat., Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Carter Brey and David Teie: For Bach Lovers Only Two cello mastersóNew York Philharmonic principal Carter Brey and National Symphony Orchestra favorite David Teieóshare their interpretations of Bachís intimate musical treasures. Tickets are $30. Dumbarton Church Sat., Feb. 7, 8 p.m., Sun., Feb. 8, 3 p.m. Mozart and his Mentor: Gifts of Inspiration The dynamic Left Bank Quartet performs this musical salute to Mozart on his birthday anniversary. Tickets are $20 or $5 for University of Maryland students. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Mon., Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. Friday Morning Music Club Winter Concert This gala celebration honors the 60th anniversary of the Friday Morning Music Club, which will perform Wagner, Dvorak and Mendelssohn. Please call for ticket information. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Tue., Feb. 10, 7 p.m. Midori Accomplished violinist Midori, who has toured the world and established a nonprofit foundation for children in New York public schools, performs this benefit concert in memory of Dr. A. Jess Shenson. National Museum of Women in the Arts Tue., Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Jonathan Lemalu, Bass Baritone A New Zealand-born Samoan, Jonathan Lemalu is already at the forefront of todayís young generation of singers, as he demonstrates in this local recital debut. Tickets are $35. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Wed., Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Los Hombres Calientes Winner of Billboardís Contemporary Latin Jazz Album of the Year, Los Hombres Calientes demonstrates why it has earned a reputation as one of todayís preeminent jazz ensembles. Tickets are $25 or $5 for University of Maryland students. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Fri., Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Artemis String Quartet Since the quartetís first North American tour, the acclaim for this young ensemble from Berlin has spread as quickly here as in the European chamber music world. Tickets are $30 or $5 for University of Maryland students. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Fri. and Sat., Feb. 13 and 14, 8 p.m. Sound the Trumpet Chris Gekker, one of the nationís most versatile trumpeters, performs the popular Haydn Concert. Tickets are $19 to $39. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Sun., Feb. 15, 2 p.m. Marine Chamber Band The Presidentís Own Marine Chamber Band performs their signature rousing repertoire. Admission is free. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Mon., Feb. 16, 8 p.m. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Pianist Garrick Ohlsson, the first American to win first prize in the International Chopin Competition, performs the pinnacle of the concerto repertoire, Brahmsí second piano concerto. Tickets are $30 to $85. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Wed., Feb. 18, 7 p.m. Lithuanian Koncertas In collaboration with the embassy, two highly regarded Lithuanian musicians offer an exquisite celebratory concert in honor of Lithuaniaís National Day. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Mardi Gras at the Corcoran Noted Louisiana artist Chestee Harrington invites audiences to experience this multicultural celebration of food, music, visual art and storytelling that make Southern Louisiana a national treasure. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Sun., Feb. 22, 4 p.m. Cecilia Bartoli Renowned for her charismatic and touching rendition of some of operaís favorite heroines, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoliís incomparable voice brings audiences to new heights. Tickets are $40 to $125. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Mon., Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. Eva Podles, Contralto A favorite of vocal arts society audiences, Eva Podles returns with her distinctive dramatic voice. Tickets are $35. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Tue., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. Gary Hoffman: An Evening of Bach Cellist Gary Hoffman performs with a poetic sensibility as he interprets Bachís solo cello classics. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Tue., Feb. 24, 8 p.m. Paco de LucÌa International superstar Paco de LucÌa revolutionized the role of the instrumentalist in flamenco from mere accompaniment to center stage. Tickets are $25 to $55. The Warner Theatre Sat., Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Ilan Rogoff: The French Connection Pianist Ilan Rogoff takes a musical journey through the Paris that inspired soulful young composers such as Chopin and Astor Piazzolla. Tickets are $28. Dumbarton Church RECEPTIONS Sat., Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m. Mission Possible VIP Reception and Gala The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) is holding its first gala event to benefit scientific research on brain disorders. Tickets are $250 to $500. International Spy Museum Sat., Feb. 21, 7 p.m. Carnival!: A Rio Revelry An enticing evening of Brazilian dancing, food and musicóto benefit the Washington Operaóunfolds in three acts that feature costumed guests, cocktails, a tapas dinner, Washington Opera singers and samba dancing. Tickets are $150 and may be purchased by calling (301) 951-0474. Andrew Mellon Auditorium Sun., Feb. 29, 6:30 p.m. Washington, D.C., Oscar Night America Party Residents of Washington can join the Hollywood festivities during the 76th Academy Awards presentation in this celebration to benefit First Star. Please call First Star at (202) 775-6867 for ticket information. International Spy Museum THEATER Feb. 4 to March 13 7th International Festival of Hispanic Theater Highlighting the theme of "Theater for the People," this yearís festival features three of Latin Americaís best-known theatrical artists as well as troupes from many other Hispanic nations performing works for adults and children, pantomime, puppetry, discussions and theatrical workshops under Myrna Casas, a star of Puerto Rican stages. Tickets are $18 to $25. Please call for specific show times. Teatro de la Luna Feb. 5 to March 7 La Dama Duende (The Phantom Lady) In this cloak-and-dagger comedy from the Spanish Golden Age, a young widowís love for a brave stranger is thwarted at every turn. Tickets are $28. Gala Hispanic Theatre Fri. and Sat., Feb. 6 and 7, 8 p.m. Folk and Mythic, Montana "Folk" confronts the stereotype that life in a small town is easy, while "Mythic, Montana" recasts epic Greek myths in the contemporary American West, as choreographed by dance innovator Joe Goode. Tickets are $30 or $5 for University of Maryland students; contains nudity. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Through Feb. 8 Abduction From the Seraglio Mozartís first comic opera hit about Belmont and his search for his kidnapped sweetheart gets a fresh makeover by the In Series theater troupe. Tickets are $18 to $31. Source Theatre Through Feb. 8 The Crackpots In this Synetic Theater adaptation of the Soviet-era film "Sherekilebi," humor and double entendres propel the playís strong message of personal liberation pas Soviet censors in 1973. Tickets are $25 to $32. Rosslyn Spectrum Through Feb. 14 Mamma Mia! Catch the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBAóseen by more than 10 million people around the worldóabout a mother who must confront her past during the impending marriage of her daughter. Please call for ticket information. National Theatre Sat., Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. New Opera Reading: Ssibaji First-year Maryland opera students perform the work "Ssibaji," which explores the widespread but secretive practice of noble Korean families without male heirs using surrogate mothers. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Feb. 14 to March 28 Uncle Vanya Family ties are tested when Uncle Vanya comes to live with the relatives he has been supporting in Anton Chekhovís classic depicting the simple life of Russian provincial poor aristocrats. Tickets are $17 to $22. Classika Theatre Through Feb. 15 Crowns Through soulful music and stories, "Hat Queens" from the Southówomen whose storied lives are woven into the straw and silk that adorn their headsócelebrate family, faith, love and loss. Tickets are $42 to $60. Arena Stage Feb. 18 to March 21 Having Our Say Sadie Delany and her sister Bessie, each more than 100 years old, prepare a dinner in remembrance of their fatherís birthday, recounting their life experiences from the Great Depression to the Civil Rights Movement. Tickets are $25 to $35. Olney Theatre Center Through Feb. 22 Babel: How It Was Done in Odessa This original production based on the short stories of distinguished Jewish-Russian author Isaac Babel is filled with Babelís colorful characters and Stanislavskyís unique theatrical style. Please call for ticket information. Stanislavsky Theater Studio Through Feb. 29 Melissa Arctic Romance and joy emerge from grief through the power of art in this world premiere drama inspired by Shakespeareís "A Winterís Tale." Tickets are $25 to $33. Folger Shakespeare Theater Through Feb. 29 Wintertime A winter day in a country house seems like the perfect getaway for two young lovers, but their romance is cut short with the arrival of a variety of mismatched, coincidentally linked and improbable characters. Please call for ticket information. Round House Theatre Through March 7 Looking Over the Presidentís Shoulder Wendell Wright stars in this one-man show that tells the story of the first African American butler in the White House. Tickets are $29 to $45. Fordís Theatre Through March 7 A Manís a Man Bertolt Brecht penned this political satire about an improbable scheme in which three soldiers manipulate a naÔve dock worker into replacing a missing comrade. Tickets are $35 to $53. Arena Stage Through March 13 Henry IV, Part I In the first of a two-part production, Henry IV carries the guilt of Richardís death and faces rebellion on all sides in Shakespeareís classic examination of the father-son relationship. Tickets are $16 to $66. The Shakespeare Theatre