This week, we’re in pursuit of artistic endeavors.
By Anne Kim-Dannibale
Prepare to get in the mix with activities designed to tickle your creative side, just in time to counter January’s gloomier winter days.
National Portrait Gallery, Barack Obama by Shepard Fairey © Shepard Fairey/ObeyGiant.com. Gift of the Heather and Tony Podesta Collection. (Courtesy National Portrait Gallery)
Inaugural Installation
Portraits of President Barack Obama
Wed., January 16-Tues., January 22
National Portrait Gallery
8th and F St. NW
202-633-8300
Free
Kick start your inauguration festivities with a trip to the National Portrait Gallery for another chance to view Los Angeles artist Shepard Fairey’s now-iconic portrait of President Barack Obama. The museum is bringing out the mixed media collage and stencil portrait for a limited time, along with two large-scale photographs of the president by artist and National Medal of Arts recipient Chuck Close loaned by Ian and Annette Cumming.
Roy Lichtenstein “Still Life with Reclining Nude (Study),” 1997 cut-and-pasted printed and painted paper on board overall: 101.9 x 153 cm (40 1/8 x 60 1/4 in.) The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Collection © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein. (Courtesy National Gallery of Art)
Pop Comes to a Close
“Roy Lichtenstein: A Retrospective”
Closing, Sun., January 13
National Gallery of Art
4th and Constitution Avenue NW
202-737-4215
Free
This weekend is your last chance to catch this major exhibit of Roy Lichtenstein’s greatest works including more than 100 of the artist’s paintings, drawings and sculptures. Organized in conjunction with London’s Tate Modern and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery’s ImaginAsian classroom is offering the art of Arabic calligraphy as part of the museum’s new “Road to Arabia” exhibit. (Photo by Stephen Eckerd)
The Write Stuff
“Beautiful Writing: Arabic Calligraphy”
Sat., January 12-Sun., January 13; 2 p.m.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Sublevel 2
1050 Independence Ave. SW
202-633-4880
Free
Spend a day exploring the culture of the Arabian Peninsula through the Sackler’s current exhibit “Roads of Arabia,” featuring new archaeological discoveries and a demonstration of the art of Arabic letter writing. After, join the kids and try your hand at Arabic calligraphy in the ImaginAsian classroom.
John Emms (English, 1841-1912), Foxhounds and Terrier in a Stable Interior, 1878, Gift of Felicia Warburg Rogan, NSLM (Courtesy National Sporting Library and Museum, Middleburg, Virginia)
Treasures from the Past
Washington Winter Show
Fri., January 11-Sun., January 13; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
The Katzen Arts Center American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave N.W.
202-248-7159
$20 run of show; events vary
Antiques aficionados will be content to spend their entire weekend among Chippendales, Ironstone china, Persian rugs and other treasured items at this Washington cornerstone event. Fans of the sporting life will be particularly pleased with this year’s theme, “The Thrill of the Chase,” featuring a special loan exhibit from the National Sporting Library & Museum.
Comedian Brandon Wardell yuks it up for Washingtonians at this weekend’s Capital City Showcase. (Courtesy photo)
That’s Entertainment
Capital City Showcase
Sat., January 12, 10 p.m.
DC Arts Center
2438 18th St. NW
202431-4704
$10 in advance here; $15 at the door
Celebrate local talent at this monthly showcase of music and comedy hosted by Christian Hunt. This weekend’s lineup includes acoustic guitar-driven rock musician Johari, acoustic roots-rock band YellowTieGuy and comedians Damo Hicks, Shahryar Rizvi, Emily Ruskowski and Brandon Wardell.
