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Artists

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

William H. Johnson donated his work to the American Art Museum, allowing for a look at the growing legacy of the late artist.

Events Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Empires, Spooky Stories and American Artists

This week, a look at changing relationships with Latin America, Halloween stories and the rise of the late William H. Johnson

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Scenes from After Hours at the Hirshhorn

Overcast skies proved no match for music, drinks, and live video performances

From the 2011 film, Voluptuous Sleep, a look at how light and sound intersect with human feeling.

Events October 23-25: Cuban Missile Crisis Book Signing, Trivia Night and Sensational Film

This week, visit with a Navy photographer, test your knowledge of the Wild West and catch a New York Times Best of 2011 film

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Turn Your Favorite Words of Wisdom into Beautiful Art

A new company called Epic Frequency turns historic audio files into artwork

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VIDEOS: Peter Glantz Brings the Party to the Hirshhorn

Another after hours party at the Hirshhorn this Friday brings film and theater director Peter Glantz to the stage to premier new work

e.e. cummings

Poet Portraits: “Poetic Likeness” Opens at the National Portrait Gallery

More than 75 portraits trace the history of Modern American poetry, from Walt Whitman to Allen Ginsberg

Could your next prescription be filled here?

Events October 16-18: American Poets, Deep Sea Drugs and Take 5!

This week, get face-to-face with America’s poets, learn about biomedical research in the deep sea and enjoy live music and drawing

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Amy Henderson: Red Hot Kathleen Turner

The beloved actress takes to the stage as a witty Molly Ivins just in time for election season

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