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Fine Arts

From the Seattle-based artist, Louie Gong, these “mockups” are ready for your custom design.

Events December 7-9: 3-D Caves, Custom Kicks and Talk-Rock

Catch the hot new virtual reality art project, create your own “mockups” with artist Louie Gong and take in a talk and show with Fire and the Wheel

Our curators and researchers recommend a little something for everyone.

Holiday Gift Guide: Must-Reads from the Smithsonian’s Curators

We asked the institution team for their picks from the past year, from art to poetry to science

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Nine Gift Ideas For the Science-Loving Art Enthusiast on Your List

Be it a book, movie, calendar or game, these picks are perfect for the hardest-to-shop-for people on your list

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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

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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