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Artists

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Playlist: Eight Tracks to Get Your Holiday Music Groove On

A roundup of holiday classics and some new alternatives for a festive season

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The General is in the House; Colin Powell’s Portrait Goes on View

The gallery commissioned a portrait of the first African American Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Mequitta Ahuja’s “Mocoonama” mixes media to create a process of construction that speaks to the subject as well. Enamel, acrylic, and glitter on stamped and collaged vellum, 2011.

Drawing on the Edge: Six Contemporary Portraitists Challenge Convention

Six young artists leave their mark on portraiture with the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit

The films of Ang Lee continue at the Freer with his 1993 comedy, The Wedding Banquet.

Events Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Africa’s Space Programs, the Middle East’s Diva and Ang Lee’s Wedding Banquet

Explore a continent’s long history with the stars, hear the vocal stylings of Karima Skalli and watch another classic in a series of film screenings

Kinstler’s character sketch of Plummer is being given to the National Portrait Gallery.

Amy Henderson: A Portrait is a Story Unfolding

Artist Everett Raymond Kinstler’s portrait of the legendary performer Christopher Plummer joins the collection as Kinstler is honored in New York City

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Photos: The National Hockey League Turns 95

Though the league is currently in another lockout, the Smithsonian collections have plenty of memorabilia from the sport’s history in the United States

Prepare to own the holidays with the best handmade gifts you’ve ever made, starting at the Renwick’s handi-hour.

Events November 27-29: Johnny Mercer, Contemporary Middle Eastern Art and Handi-hour

This week, review the musical genius of Capitol Records co-founder, examine identity in Middle Eastern art and start your stitching

Arturo Rodríguez made this Van Gogh-inspired card for Helen L. Kohen, ca. 1980-1999.

Events November 23-25: ZooLights, Artsy Holiday Cards and Metaphysical Baseball

This weekend, a seasonal favorite returns to the Zoo and authors sign books on 20th century holiday cards and a man haunted by visions of baseball’s past

The Sant Ocean Hall at the Natural History Museum is just one of the many attractions to be enjoyed this holiday weekend.

Insider Visitor Tips for the Holiday Weekend

Must-see exhibits, little known facts and veteran visitor wisdom for your Thanksgiving weekend at the Smithsonian

Antonio Rovaldi’s smash hit will please both arts- and sports-inclined gallery goers. “The Opening Day.” 2009.

Another Smash Hit on the Thanksgiving Tour: Rovaldi’s “Opening Day”

The next must-see item in our roundup of family-friendly Smithsonian stops is an homage to both baseball and video art

The Potomac is the setting of filmmaker Alexandra Cousteau’s documentary about managing urban waterways.

Events November 20-22: A Nation’s River, Observations and Festive Foods

This week, Alexandra Cousteau discusses the Potomac, kids can gaze at the skies and the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled Thanksgiving

Confederate soldiers stand defiant before a Union general, even after the war is over. Winslow Homer, Prisoners from the Front, 1866.

At American Art: A New Look on How Artists Recorded the Civil War

A groundbreaking exhibit presents the Civil War through the eyes of artists uncertain of the conflict’s outcome, shedding fresh light on the events

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Trash as Treasure: Crocheting Plastic Coral Reefs

With yarn made from discarded plastic bags, Australian artist Helle Jorgensen stitches delicate sculptures of corals

A still from Ang Lee’s film shows the young woman at the center of the plot to assassinate a man.

Events November 16-18: Ang Lee, Muscogee and Thelonious Monk, Jr.

This weekend, watch an Ang Lee classic, celebrate American Indian Heritage Month and listen to the famous musician’s son perform

Get a virtual (and sign up for a real) tour of the State Department’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms.

Events November 13-15: Art Labs, Diplomats and Nixon Policy Players

Get artsy, tour the state department’s reception rooms and hear from officials central to Nixon’s self-determination policies for American Indians

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Recent Acquisitions on Display at the National Portrait Gallery

The museum shows more than 30 selections, including portraits of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Amerigo Vespucci

Star gaze with the Smithsonian at the Saturday Star Party.

Events Nov. 9-11: Civil War Technologies, Star Parties and Steinways

This weekend, attend a Civil War symposium, star gaze and take in word class music with bassoon player Phillip Kolker

Approaching Storm, by Ernest Lawson, 1919-20

Art as Therapy: How to Age Creatively

A new exhibition at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., showcases the work of elderly artists with memory loss and other chronic conditions

Beetles Invasion: One Artist’s Take on the Insect

A swarm of giant beetles, lovingly sculpted by Washington D.C.-based artist Joan Danziger, descends on the American University Museum

Local hip-hop artist Substantial will perform at the American Art Museum.

Events November 2-4: Political Machines, Moon Rocks and Substantial Music

This weekend, survey the technologies of campaigns past, learn about the quirky history of moon rocks and catch a show by hip-hop artist Substantial

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