Fine Arts

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

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

Killer robots storm the Winter Palace.

Australian Students Accidentally Taught That Robots Led the Russian Revolution

Nearly 6,000 Australian students were inadvertently taught this week that giant robots led the Russian Revolution thanks to a sloppy exam staff Google job

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

Jason Moran: Making Jazz Personal

How a MacArthur Genius Fellow is using his life experience and musical genius to engge youth in jazz

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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Happy Birthday Rodin, Sculptor And Breaker of Women’s Hearts

Rodin's contribution to society lives on in his artistic works, but he wrecked a few lives in his time

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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

Matchbook in the shape of a folded men’s shirt, with incised checkerboard-patterned weave, cuffs and bib, smiling child’s head peering out from opening at collar. Reverse inscribed “New York Clothing House, 102 & 104 Baltimore St., Baltimore.” Upper curved section swings open to reveal match compartment, c. mid-19th century.

Favorites From the Cooper-Hewitt’s New Online Collection

The museum's clothing and textiles are unwrapped for view as never before

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The Return of the Hand-Painted Sign

Hand-painted signs are making a comeback, but are they the work of artists or "mechanics"?

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

How to Tell If Your Kid Will Become a Great Artist

Spotting artistic talent in your own kid is hard - but here are some ways to do it

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

For author Camille Paglia, her first moments of beauty occurred in a church and a movie theater.

Why Camille Paglia is Alarmed About the Future of Art

Is the rise of secularism behind the general malaise in the fine arts?

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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