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Fine Arts

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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

How To Scrape at a Picasso Without Getting Arrested

The New York Times has an interactive feature showing Picasso’s “Woman Ironing” that you can scratch away at to uncover the original pairing - one of a man

A New Tate Online Exhibit Showcases Lost, Stolen and Destroyed Art

The exhibit includes newspaper clippings, photographs and the last known images of each of the featured works

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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

Start celebrating Día de los Muertos early with activities at the Smithsonian.

Events October 19-21: Star Music, Hollywood’s Gettysburg and Día de los Muertos

Hear from an astrophysicist who danced her PhD thesis, watch a classic Civil War film and start celebrating Day of the Dead a little early

From Pardeon Records, A Grain of Sand was considered the first Asian American album in the music industry.

Joann Stevens: Arts Righting History

Japanese singer-dancer Nobuko Miyamoto will speak about her role in making a place for Asian Americans in music October 19th

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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

Every Place in North Dakota Captured in 9,308 Photographs

In a series of 9,308 photographs Andrew Filer documented every place in North Dakota. Literally

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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