Weekend Events: George Ault, Coral Reef Awareness and Celebrating Persian New Year
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Friday, March 11: To Make a World Exhibition Talk
Come explore the vision of America realized by painter George Ault through the canvases on display in this brand new show. Alexander Nemerov, exhibition curator and Yale University’s Vincent Scully Professor of the History of Art, discusses what makes Ault’s paintings special, both as revelations of their own moment and insights into our time. Book signing follows. Free. American Art Museum, 7:00-8:00 PM.
Saturday, March 12: Stories from the Reef: Raising Awareness Through Community Projects
The Smithsonian Community Reef brings together mathematics, marine science, crafts, and community activism in an effort to raise awareness about the threats to coral reefs worldwide. Join us for a discussion about the impact of community projects on conservation with Margaret Wertheim, co-founder, Institute for Figuring; Rick MacPherson, director, Conservation Programs, Coral Reef Alliance; and members of the Luther Place and N Street Village Community. Free. Natural History Museum, 4:30-6:30 PM.
Sunday, March 13: Nowruz! A Persian New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Persian New Year with a full day of free activities. Back by popular demand are London-based storyteller Xanthe Gresham, performing new tales from the poetic opus the Shahnama (11 am, 1 pm, and 3:30 pm), and chef Najmieh Batmanglij who will sign copies of her cookbook Food of Life (1–3 pm). Family activities range from decorating eggs and making sabzeh boxes to creating Nowruz greeting cards and Shahnama masks, crowns, and puppets. While you're at the museum, be sure to check out the companion exhibit Shanama: 1000 Years of the Persian Book of Kings. Free. Freer, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM.
For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com