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 Dec. 2 to Jan. 14 Signs and Metaphors Ten pieces of contemporary art by Mexican and other international art seek to represent societyís metaphoric possibilities, transcending in a process of visual communication. Mexican Cultural Institute Dec. 4 to April 24 Iraq and China: Ceramics, Trade and Innovation This exhibit details the revolutionary and enduring changes that took place in Iraqi ceramics during the ninth century as the humble character of Islamic pottery responded to a wave of luxury Chinese goods. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Dec. 5 Aerospace Design: The Art of Engineering From NASAís Aeronautical Research "Aerospace Design" examines the history of aeronautically engineered forms and their relationship to architecture and design. The Octagon Museum Through Dec. 5 Astrid Lindgren The D.C. Public Library host this exhibit in memory of Astrid Lindgren, the Swedish creator of the much-loved characters of Pippi Longstocking, Emil, the Brothers Lionheart and Karlson on the Roof. D.C. Public Library Through Dec. 5 Syringe Paintings Francisco Quintanillaís intriguing portraits, made of thin strands of multicolored paints, are on display as part of the Artomatic 2004 celebration. Artomatic Through Dec. 11 Anna Demovidova and Joe Louis Ruffin This dual exhibition presents Anna Demovidovaís depictions of women, food and external beauty, as well as Joe Louis Ruffinís paintings focusing on the movement of jazz in urban life. International Visions ñ The Gallery Through Dec. 12 Playful Performers This groundbreaking exhibit is the first to look at the immense creativity of African children as they explore the world of masquerade performance. National Museum of African Art Dec. 12 to May 30 Fauve Painting in the Permanent Collection The National Gallery brings together its collection of fauve paintings to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the naming of this movement in French art. National Gallery of Art Through Dec. 18 Chan Chao: Echo Chan Chaoís newest body of work photographs her subjects at close range, front and center, taking the artist back to a subject matter she dealt with earlier in her career, the female nude. Numark Gallery Through Dec. 19 Claude Raguet Hirst: Transforming the American Still Life Thirty innovative paintings by Claude Raguet Hirst showcase the artistís ability to create the hyper-realistic style of still-life painting known as trompe líoeilóthe only American woman artist to do so. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through Dec. 30 From Haven to Home: 350 Years of Jewish Life in America The Library of Congress opens its rich collection of materials that document the history and culture of Americaís Jewish community. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building Through Dec. 30 From the Mini to the Eclectic In these two different displays, the "71st Annual International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature" embraces more than 700 tiny pieces of artwork, while the National Collage Societyís "20th Annual Juried Exhibition" features works by artists from across the U.S., Australia, Canada, Mexico and Turkey. Mansion at Strathmore Through Dec. 31 Contemporary European Artists Works on canvas, paper and mixed media by five of todayís top European artists are on view. Marninart Gallery Through Dec. 31 Tradition in Transition: Russian Icons in the Age of the Romanovs More than 40 icons and two books beautifully illustrate the impact of Western culture on the evolution of Russian religious painting from the seventh to the 20th centuries. Hillwood Museum and Gardens Through Jan. 2 All the Mighty World: The Photographs of Roger Fenton, 1852-1860 Nearly 100 photographs by 19th-century photographer Roger Fenton survey all aspects of his short but ground-breaking career. National Gallery of Art Through Jan. 2 Ana Mendieta: Earth Body, Sculpture and Performance 1972-1985 This comprehensive survey of more than 100 works by Cuban-born artist Ana Mendieta, who created a singular hybrid form rooted in nature and the body. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through Jan. 2 Dream Worlds: Modern Japanese Prints and Paintings From the Robert O. Muller Collection This bequest of more than 4,500 woodblock prints representing some 240 artists comes from one of the premier collections of Japanese prints from the late 1860s to the 1940s. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Jan. 2 Over One, Under One, and Much More A diverse mix of textiles from Asia to the Americas illustrates the array of patterning possibilities by using the plain-weaving technique within different cultural and artistic contexts. The Textile Museum Through Jan. 7 Architecture in Austria Works involving four internationally renowned Austrian architects reflect the breadth and beauty found in their homelandís architecture. Embassy of Austria Through Jan. 9 Dan Flavin: A Retrospective This comprehensive retrospective covers Dan Flavinís career-long exploration of an "art of light," which was situated outside the traditional mediums of painting and sculpture and established him as a chief exponent of minimalism. National Gallery of Art Through Jan. 9 In Monetís Light: Theodore Robinson at Giverny Nearly 60 of Theodore Robinsonís luminous paintings of the French countryside stand alongside five stunning masterpieces by friend and mentor Claude Monet. The Baltimore Museum of Art Through Jan. 10 Joy to the World: Fourth Annual International Nativity Exhibit Three treasures from the Vatican Museum are among the more than 150 nativities from around the world that distinguish this fourth annual global crËche display. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through Jan. 10 This Church, These Times Some 70 paintings and sketches radiantly capture the essence of the events and people surrounding the Second Vatican Council, established 42 years ago to engage the Catholic Church in modern times. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through Jan. 17 Work and Commerce: Scenes of Everyday Life in Chinese Painting More than 30 illustrations of daily life among commoners in Chinese figure painting provide moral exemplars of proper societal behavior and deliver subtle lessons about the benevolence of the state. Freer Gallery of Art Through Jan. 23 Anatolian Impressions: Artists Prints From Istanbul Studio of Master Tekcan This selection of prints hails from the Istanbul workshop of S¸leyman Saim Tekcan, who developed a unique print-making process on the belief that original prints make art accessible to more people. Meridian International Center Through Jan. 23 Calder MirÛ This exhibition combining the mobile sculptures of Alexander Calder and the poem paintings of Joan MirÛ highlights the visual dialogue between two of the most colorful and unusual artistic personalities of the 20th century. The Phillips Collection Through Jan. 30 American Masters From Bingham to Eakins: The John Wilmerding Collection More than 50 paintings by 26 American artists showcase one of the most important collections of 19th-century American art. National Gallery of Art Through Jan. 30 Gerard ter Borch Some 50 works showcase the skill of Gerard ter Borch, one of the finest Dutch genre and portrait painters, in the first U.S. monographic exhibition of his paintings. National Gallery of Art Through Jan. 30 Godís Women: Nuns in America This unique exhibit celebrates the contributions nuns and religious sisters have made to American culture as educators, medical professionals, social workers and women of prayer. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through Jan. 31 Chermayeff and Geismar Inc.: Designing Over Four Decades Following in the footsteps of other graphic design pioneers, Chermayeff and Geismar, formed in the late 1950s, has taken graphic design to another dimension by working collaboratively in a wider range of disciplines. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Jan. 31 Common Ground: Discovering Community in 150 Years of Art Selections from the Julia J. Norrell collection illustrate the concept of community and its complex web of human connections. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Feb. 6 Arts of Mughal India Some 30 works of art, including intricately detailed manuscript paintings and jade and lacquered wood objects, offer a glimpse into the conceptually and technically innovative tradition of Mughal painting. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Feb. 6 Floral Perspectives in Carpet Design Floral motifs are explored from three perspectivesóspiritual, cultural and artisticóas rendered in the designs of 17th- to 19th-century Indian, Chinese, Central Asian, Persian and Turkish carpets. The Textile Museum Through Feb. 6 Life and Leisure: Everyday Life in Japanese Painting Colorful scenes of everyday life depicted on Japanese paintings and screens during the Edo period (1615-1868) complement a related exhibit on work and commerce in Chinese art. Freer Gallery of Art Through Feb. 6 Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art From the Victoria and Albert Museum More than 100 works from Londonís esteemed Victoria and Albert Museum convey the richness of Islamic art on a scale and quality hard to find in any collection outside the Middle East. National Gallery of Art Through Feb. 14 Inventions: Recent Paintings by Caio Fonseca In the first solo presentation of the artistís work in a U.S. museum, this display features large-scale paintings and works on paper by contemporary artist Caio Fonseca, created specifically for this exhibit. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Feb. 15 Our Next President Buttons, ribbons, posters, pennants, postcards and other ephemera demonstrate how Woodrow Wilson won the presidency in a time of no television or radio ads. Woodrow Wilson House Through Feb. 21 Frank Gehry, Architect: Designs for Museums This multimedia exhibition showcases architect Frank Gehryís design contributions both from his completed buildings and his yet-to-be-realized museum projects. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through March 6 A Garden of Shawls: The Buta and Its Seeds The Textile Museum chronicles the development and design vocabulary of Kashmir shawls through the buta, a shape known in English as a paisley. The Textile Museum Through March 13 Young Whistler: Early Prints and the French Set Beautiful early prints by expatriate American artist James McNeill Whistler reinforce the painterís widely acknowledged reputation as a great printmaker. Freer Gallery of Art Through March 20 Views of Chinese Art From the Indianapolis Museum of Art A series of exhibitions showcases outstanding Asian artwork from museums across the country, beginning with selections of Chinese art from the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through April 2 Letter Writing in Renaissance England Discover how letters, the social glue of Renaissance England, facilitated personal, political and commercial contact between individuals and groups separated by geography. Folger Shakespeare Libary Through April 24 Cai Guo-QiangóëTravelerí "Traveler" is a two-part installation by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, best known for his grand explosion events and his ability to layer poetic allegory and historical resonance. The Hirshhorn Museum is featuring the second half of the installation, a series of gunpowder drawings titled "Unlucky Year: Unrealized Projects From 2003-2004." Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through May 30 Six Centuries of Prints and Drawings: Recent Acquisitions One hundred of the finest works of art on paper acquired by the National Gallery of Art over the past five years are on display, including the earliest German drawing on paper to come to America. National Gallery of Art Through June 26 Luxury and Luminosity: Visual Culture and the Ming Court Imperially commissioned Ming Dynasty porcelains are placed in the broader context of other major court arts of the period, including lacquers, gold vessels and silk tapestries. Freer Gallery of Art Through Aug. 15 Treasures The centerpiece of the 25th anniversary of the National Museum of African Art, "Treasures" features masterpieces from the museum and various private collectionsómany never publicly exhibited before in this countryóon display in the newly renovated gallery. National Museum of African Art DANCE Dec. 9 to 26 The Nutcracker The Washington Balletís new "Nutcracker" by Artistic Director Septime Webre features references to Washington, D.C., and American history, while remaining loyal to the classical vocabulary and traditional storyline of the original. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by calling (202) 397-SEAT. Warner Theatre DISCUSSIONS Wed., Dec. 1, 8:30 a.m. APEC Briefing 2004 Lauren Moriarty, a senior U.S. official for APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), shares the latest outcomes of the 12th annual APEC economic leaders meeting. Tickets are $35 or $25 for Asia Society members and may be purchased by calling (202) 833-ASIA. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Wednesday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m. Debate: Does Globalization Worsen Developing World Labor Conditions? Is globalization really responsible for the slave-like sweatshops and appalling labor standards that often abound in the developing world? Or, does globalization actually improve labor standards by broadening markets and putting upward pressure on wages and benefits? The YPIC Human Rights Committee invites you to participate in a debate featuring Dan Griswold, Director for Trade Studies at the CATO Institute and Terry Collingsworth, Executive Director of the International Labor Rights Fund. Cost: Free for UNA members, $5 for guests. Please RSVP to rsvp@unanca.org with "Globalization" in the subject line. Pan American Health Organization Thu., Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. The Gullible Thief and the Sea of Stories: Arabic Storytelling Traditions and the West Lourdes Alvarez of Catholic University leads a discussion on traditional "Oriental" storytelling and its impressions on early modern European literature as well as its influence on many of todayís writers and presence in childrenís entertainment. World Bank InfoShop Auditorium Thu., Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. Preview of Spring, Summer Fashion After a cocktail and hors díoeuvres reception, fashion enthusiasts experience a comprehensive preview of the 2004 spring and summer runways from the worldís fashion capitals. Tickets are $35 or $25. Corcoran Gallery of Art Fri., Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. Jordan ñ The Holy Land Princeton scholar Graham Bardsley leads this insightful discussion on the Biblical archeological sites of Jordan, sponsored by the D.C. chapter of Health Outreach to the Middle East. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Embassy of Jordan Sat., Dec. 4, 2 p.m. Love and Power at the Court of Catherine the Great Using excerpts from Catherine the Greatís love letters to Prince Potemkin, Russian author Douglas Smith examines Catherineís rich personal life to show how she wielded power in a male-dominated world. Tickets are $15. Hillwood Museum and Gardens Sat., Dec. 4, 10 a.m. Masterpieces of Western Architecture In this series, visit the greatest monuments of architecture on a grand tour from prehistory to modern times. Tickets are $130 or $85 for Smithsonian members. For more information, please call (202) 357-3030. S. Dillon Ripley Center Mon., Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. I Knew in a Moment It Must Be St. Nick of Turkey On the feast day of St. Nicholas, art and architectural historian Robert Ousterhout recounts what we know about Nicholas, a 4th-century holy man known for his generosity and good deeds. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Smithsonian members. For location information, please call (202) 357-3030. Location TBA Tue., Dec. 7, 12 p.m. Xanana Gusmao Luncheon Xanana Gusmao, the president of East Timor, gives a luncheon address on his new nation. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (202) 833-ASIA. The St. Regis Hotel Thu., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. Ancient Marks From ancient Egypt to the islands of Polynesia to Americaís shopping malls, learn how tattooing, piercing and other forms of body modification have been prevalent throughout the world. Tickets are $16 or $14 for National Geographic members. Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium Mon., Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Appreciating and Collecting Prints Master artists such as Durer, Rembrandt, Goya, Whistler and Picasso were all printmakers. Learn how a printís quality is judged and more details about the printmaking process. Tickets are $16 or $12 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art MUSIC Fri., Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Rupert Bergmann Baritone Rupert Bergmann performs a varied selection of works by Schubert, Wagner, Ullmann and others. Admission is free but reservations are required. Embassy of Austria Sat., Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Sun., Dec. 5, 3 p.m. Annual Holiday Concerts The acclaimed 100-voice Maryland Chorus celebrates the holidays with stirring seasonal works including "Chichester Psalms" by Leonard Bernstein. Tickets are $20. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Dec. 4 to 11 Celtic Christmas The Linn Barnes and Allison Hampton Celtic Consort return for the 19th season of this celebrated Christmas concert, held amid holiday greens, poinsettias and candlelight. Tickets are $28. Dumbarton Church Sun., Dec. 5, 4 p.m., Sat., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. A Spotless Rose Choral settings celebrating the birth of Christ by composers from the British Isles will capture your imagination and warm your heart. Tickets are $18 and include post-concert reception. St. Davidís Episcopal Church (Dec. 5) St. Patrickís Episcopal Church (Dec. 11) Thu., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. Eugeniy Chevkenov Violinist Eugeniy Chevkenov demonstrates his musical versatility with a repertoire of classics by Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven and other composers. Admission is free but reservations are required. Embassy of Austria Thu., Dec. 9, 8 p.m. Rafi Malkiel Quintet / Israeli Reception The up-and-coming New York-based Israeli quintet plays in a variety of styles that include traditional jazz, Afro-Caribbean and Middle Eastern arrangements. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Fri., Dec. 10, 6 and 8 p.m. A Celtic Christmas Returning by popular demand to the National Geographic, Boys of the Lough celebrate the advent of winter with musical Christmas traditions from Scotland, Shetland, Ireland and Northumberland. Tickets are $26 or $21 for National Geographic members. Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium Fri., Dec. 10, 8 p.m. An Icelandic Christmas Treat The elegant Icelandic residence provides the backdrop for an enchanting evening of Icelandic music, artists, hors díoeuvres and drinks. Tickets are $75. For more information, please call the Embassy Series at (202) 625-2361. Icelandic Ambassadorís Residence Sat., Dec. 11, 8 p.m., Sun., Dec. 12, 3 p.m. City of Dreams David Gonzalezís poems and stories document his own personal odyssey against Bobby Sanabriaís powerful percussive backbeat, which shifts from sacred Yoruba chants to mambo-flavored house grooves. Tickets are $30. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Dec. 11 to 13 Cathedral Choral Societyís Joy of Christmas The Cathedral Choral Society has selected a diverse and wide-ranging program of music for this anticipated series of traditional holiday concerts. Tickets are $20 to $55 and can be purchased by calling (202) 537-5527. Washington National Cathedral Sun., Dec. 12, 7 p.m. ëTis the Seasons Spice up the holidays with Antonio Vivaldiís delightful "The Four Seasons." Tickets are $20. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Dec. 13 to 23 Christmas Music The 200-voice choir of the Choral Arts Society of Washington performs heart-warming renditions of familiar carols. Tickets are $17 to $50. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Thu., Dec. 16 and 23, 6:30 p.m. Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra Step back in time into a glamorous 1930s supper club and marvel at the big band entertainment of Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra as you enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and romance. Tickets are $24 to $95 and can be purchased by calling (202) 397-SEAT. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center RECEPTIONS Mon., Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. A French Christmas D inner Regional French Christmas specialties, served with a talk by the iconoclastic chef Anthony Bourdain, add up to a matchless dining experience. Tickets are $106 or $85 for Smithsonian members. For more information, please call (202) 357-3030. Les Halles Sun., Dec. 12, 6 p.m. An Evening in Vienna Dance to the music of Con Brio Strings, one of Washingtonís finest salon orchestras, as they perform the worldís favorite Strauss waltzes, the Fledermaus Quadrille and Radetskyís famous Grand March. (Champagne reception begins at 6 p.m.) Tickets are $75. To make a reservation, please call (703) 528-0487. Meridian House Tue., Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. Holiday Party at the Romanian Residence Join Romanian Ambassador and Mrs. Dumitru Ducaru for this festive holiday event featuring Romanian music and buffet at their lovely residence. Tickets are $85 or $75 for Corcoran members. Romanian Ambassadorís Residence Wed., Dec. 15, 12 p.m. Human Rights Lunch 2004 Ambassador Philip C. Wilcox Jr., who retired from the U.S. Foreign Service after 31 years of service is now president of the Foundation for the Middle East) is honored for his work to advance human rights around the world. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling (202) 518-0471. Cannon House Caucus Room 345 Fri., Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. New Yearís Eve Around the World Gala Euronet International is sponsoring this extravagant evening of performances, libations, cuisine and traditions from Dublin, Venice, Vienna and other places around the world to ring in the New Year. Tickets are $109 for general admission and $159 for VIP admission. For more information, please call (703) 863-1199 or visit www.euronetinternational.com/events. Jurys Washington Hotel THEATER Dec. 7 to 26 Thoroughly Modern Millie Travel back to the height of the Jazz Age in New York City, when flappers like Millie Dillmount were rewriting the rules of love. Tickets are $25 to $93. Kennedy Center Opera House Dec. 10 to Feb. 13 Hallelujah, Baby! A young Georgian dreams of trading in her maidís mop for the excitement of the stage, but she faces societal challenges along the way. Tickets are $47 to $66. Arena Stage Through Dec. 12 The Diary of Anne Frank This new Tony Award-nominated adaptation is the timeless story of Anne Frankís honesty, wit and determination. Please call for ticket information. Round House Theatre Through Dec. 12 Ivanov Philip Goodwin stars in Anton Chekhovís first full-length play about a man who is too intelligent and too frustrated to endure his provincial life. Tickets are $25 to $45. The Studio Theatre Through Dec. 19 Babel: How It Was Done in Odessa This original production is based on the stories of Isaac Babel. Tickets are $36. Stanislavsky Theater Studio Through Dec. 19 The Two Gentlemen of Verona Brotherly love battles romantic love in Shakespeareís exploration of the lengths people will go to over matters of the heart. Tickets are $25 to $48. Folger Shakespeare Library Through Dec. 26 Carousel Love wafts easily in the breeze as swaggering barker Billy Bigelow chases mill girl Julie Jordan, igniting a romance destined to spin out of control. Tickets are $15 to $36. Olney Theatre Center Through Dec. 26 The Importance of Being Earnest When marriage is proposed and families intervene, four lovers find themselves ensnared in a sea of romantic entanglements. Tickets are $40 to $59. Arena Stage Through Dec. 30 A Broadway Christmas Carol Join the Round House Theatre holiday tradition of retelling Charles Dickensís beloved yuletide classic through sidesplitting spoofs of famed Broadway show tunes. Please call for ticket information. Round House Theatre Through Jan. 2 A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas This new fantastical adaptation of Charles Dickensís tale turns the spotlight on the apparitions that inhabit the troubled world of Ebenezer Scrooge. Tickets are $25 to $48. Fordís Theatre Through Jan. 2 Pericles Presented for the first time in the Shakespeare Theatreís 17-year history, "Pericles" is the epic story of an everyman whose adventures by sea bring him love, trial and tribulation. Tickets are $12.75 to $68. The Shakespeare Theatre Through March 6 Buratino, A Russian Pinocchio Story Deft puppet movements act out Tolstoyís version of the classic Italian childrenís fairytale. Tickets are $12 to $15. Classika Theatre