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Smithsonian Associates
Program Catalog
24-PAGE QUARTERLY CATALOG
Discover the best of the Smithsonian with engaging online programs that educate, entertain, and enrich your life.
What sparks your curiosity? Digging deeper into a topic you’re passionate about? Finding a fascinating new area to explore? No matter your preference, Smithsonian Associates, the world’s largest museum-based educational program, has you covered. You’re sure to find just what you’re looking for among the nearly 1,000 annual offerings. And our Zoom programs make it easy for you to experience the best of the Smithsonian wherever you live. This is an ideal time to discover Smithsonian Associates: 2025 marks 60 years of presenting outstanding learning experiences to local—and national—audiences. You won’t want to miss the yearlong celebration. This special guide offers a sampler of spring and summer programs covering everything from American history to the future of science ; explorations of music, film, classic literature , and architectural masterworks ; and opportunities to widen your knowledge of the world of art and to expand your own creativity in hands-on studio arts classes . Members receive a monthly program guide—among other benefits—and play an essential role in our educational work. Unlike the Smithsonian’s museums, Smithsonian Associates receives no federal funding, so individual support from members helps to bridge the gap between registration income and programming expenses. You too can become a member by taking advantage of a $20 membership discount (see the inside back cover for full details). There’s so much to discover at Smithsonian Associates, and a Smithsonian Associates Expand your world by becoming part of a vibrant learning community Welcome to
History
All programs are presented on Zoom. Registration is required.
Germany’s Surrender in WWII Wed., May 7, 6:30 p.m. ET
Major Discoveries in Rome and Pompeii Tues., May 20, 6:45 p.m. ET The last 30 years have seen an abundance of striking archaeological discoveries in Rome and Pompeii. C. Brian Rose, a professor of Mediterranean archaeology, examines how the appearance of
On May 7, 1945, German military leaders uncondi- tionally surrendered to the Allies. On the 80th anniversary of this significant event, historian Mitchell Yockelson discusses how
these cities changed during the Republic and early Empire and how their residents prepared for religious festivals, dinner parties, and gladiatorial games. He also reviews how the explorations of Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum have had a lasting impact on European and American culture. Price $25; Members $20; CODE 1L0-634
the death of President Franklin Roosevelt, the decision by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower not to enter Berlin before the Russians, the war’s final battles, and the suicide of Adolf Hitler led to Nazi Germany’s capitulation. Price $30; Members $25; CODE 1H0-859 United States military policemen
Studio Arts Sketching the Smithsonian Weekly Lunchtime Drawing Series Thurs., June 26–July 31, 12 p.m. ET Baseball signed by the New York Giants, winner of the 1954 World Series, National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Art of Black-and-White Photography Wed., July 9–30, 7:15 p.m. ET reading about the German surrender in the Stars and Stripes newspaper
Techniques in Modernist Painting Sat., July 12–Aug. 16, 10 a.m. ET
Watercolor Quick-Sketch for a Day Expressive Florals Sat., July 26, 10:15 a.m. ET
Mural on the walls of the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii
Experiment with painting styles such as Cubism, Suprematism, and Abstract Expressionism to learn practical applications of the concepts and techniques of Modernism. Move beyond the basics to discover and develop your unique visual language. Instructor: Shahin Talishkhan Price $275; Members $240; CODE 1E0-0YL
Pull out your sketchbook and pencil to take an artful break as you explore the Smithsonian while drawing objects from vast, fascinating collections. Instructor: Morgan Kuster Price $125; Members $95; CODE 1E0-0YV; individual sessions available
Learn to harness digital tools to create powerful black-and- white images with the emotive power seen in works by Edward Weston, Paul Strand, and Alfred Hitchcock. Instructor: Lewis Katz Price $155; Members $130; CODE 1E0-0XV
Hope Diamond, National Museum of Natural History
Spend the day learning to render the bright florals of summer with flowing lines and painterly colors. Discover how to simplify
George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, 1796, National Portrait Gallery
The Unique Memorials of Washington Mon., May 12, 7 p.m. ET
your subject as you compose and draw
24-cent Curtiss Jenny invert single 1918, National Postal Museum
From a tiny pocket park dedicated to a pop star turned politician to the only female equestrian statue in the city, Washington, D.C., is full of unique and obscure memorials. Beyond the National Mall, there are monuments to middling presidents, forgotten founders, failed projects, and allies turned enemies. Carolyn Muraskin of DC Design Tours takes a closer look at some of these odd and lesser-known monuments, memorials, and landmarks. Price $30; Members $25; CODE 1NV-131
more organically and confidently. Instructor: Cindy Briggs
By Shahin Talishkhan
By Lewis Katz
By Morgan Kuster
By Cindy Briggs
Price $150; Members $135; CODE 1E0-0YP
Micro-Macramé Earrings Sat., July 12 and 19, 12 p.m. ET
The Sketchbook Habit The Art of Everyday Life Sun., June 29, July 20, and Aug. 10, 10 a.m. ET
Feeling Abstract Thurs., July 17, 1 p.m. ET Learn the difference between Abstract art and Abstract Expressionism by discovering their basic elements, characteristics, and principles while creating fun, enlightening experiments using an array of media. Instructor: Lori VanKirk Schue Price $75; Members $60; CODE 1E0-0YB
Photographic Creativity, Design, and Composition Thurs., July 31–Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m. ET
Joan of Arc statue in Meridian Hill Park
Students learn several types of macramé knots and finishing techniques to create a pair of delicate yet durable earrings, plus how to translate the earrings
In this once-a-month class on the essentials of starting a sketchbook habit, practice “close looking” exercises as you fill your sketchbook with meditative Alto saxophone owned and played by Charlie Parker, 1947, National Museum of American History
Art pattern into longer pieces like bracelets or necklaces. Instructor: Mïa Vollkommer Price $155; Members $130; CODE 1E0-0YQ The known trajectory of Jewish history begins in ancient Israel, continues through 2,000 years of Diaspora, and then reaches the major events of the 20th century: the Holocaust and the establishment of the state of Israel. Within those years are intriguing, little-known stories of Jewish communities that are worth attention. Biblical scholar and historian Gary Rendsburg explores some of these surprising outposts in Hellenistic Egypt; Arabia; lands of the Roman and Holy Roman Empires; and medieval England. Price $120; Members $100; CODE 1M2-390 By Mïa Vollkommer Tracing Jewish History From Yemen to Yorkshire Sat., May 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ET
$25 discount on your next program registration makes the exploration even more enjoyable (see inside back cover). Browse through the pages of offerings, select a program (or two) that sparks your imagination and curiosity, and you’re all set to embark on your next great learning adventure.
This photography course offers an improved understanding of compositional elements and practices—such as simplicity, balance, and natural lighting— that promote taking better and more distinctive photographs. Instructor: Joe Yablonsky Price $160; Members $135; CODE 1E0-0YE
You love art. 6 0 SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES LIFELONG LEARNING
contour drawings, watercolor sketches of the natural world, and quick but evocative images from your travels. Instructor: Sue Fierston Price $195; Members $170; CODE 1E0-0WX
Now become the expert you’ve always wanted to be. World Art History Certificate Program By Sue Fierston Painting tools used by Alma Thomas, Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
All programs are presented on Zoom. Registration is required.
Cymbidium Crowning Moment “Orange Princess,” Smithsonian Gardens Lunar Module LM-2, National Air and Space Museum
What people are saying…
By Lori VanKirk Schue
History of Western Architecture Thurs., May 15 and Fri., May 16, 10 a.m. ET
Lavinia Fontana, Artemisia Gentileschi, and the Dawn of Professional Female Artists Mon., May 12, 12:30 p.m. ET Within decades of each other during the Renaissance, Lavinia Fontana and Artemisia Gentileschi became painters of international renown by taking on Biblical and mythological themes, formerly the province of men. Art historian Elizabeth Lev surveys their remarkable careers and how they offered a new, feminine—if not feminist—view of some of the most captivating heroines of Western art from Mary Magdalene to Judith. Price $25; Members $20; CODE 1H0-862 Lucia Bonasoni Garzoni by Lavinia Fontana, ca. 1590 It can take years to learn to draw the figure, but this inventive course speeds up the process by getting to the heart of what you really need to know to feel confident sketching people whether working
Reproduction from the Arch of Titus showing Roman soldiers moving newly enslaved Jews and their belongings
“ I’m a longtime member of Smithsonian Associates and will continue to be. Your programs have always been among the best and have developed in excellence!” “ We are loving learning from home! ” “ This Zoom lecture reminded me how much I value my Smithsonian Associates membership. ”
Collage Jumpstart Tues., July 22–Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m. ET
By Joe Yablonsky
Introduction to Water-Soluble Colored Pencils Thurs., July 3 and 10, 1 p.m. ET
The Simplified Figure Sat., July 12–Aug. 16, 10 a.m. ET
Tracing the history of Western architecture is like looking back at a long trail of footprints in the sand. Each step marks a particular moment of the journey, just as architectural movements and styles mark distinct moments in Western history. By examining four historical periods in Western
Male giant panda Bao Li, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Van Gogh’s Toolbox Expressive Techniques in Drawing for Self-Taught Artists Mon., Aug. 11, 10 a.m. ET
Discover a variety of approaches to creating mixed-media collages and learn techniques for creating interesting, personalized papers for art applications. Find
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
Art is all around us. It excites us, enriches our lives, and enlivens our imaginations. But to truly appreciate any work of art, we need to understand the context and culture in which it was produced. That’s why Smithsonian Associates offers an exciting World Art History Certificate Program. The wide-ranging offerings are designed to provide a global perspective on art and architecture and draw on the Smithsonian’s world-class collections and the rich resources of other Washington institutions. Loved by artists for their versatility, water-soluble colored pencils emulsify when water is added, making them a viable alternative to watercolor paints. Students learn
View the complete spring and summer program schedule at SmithsonianAssociates.org | MAY 1
Although Vincent van Gogh was self-taught, his instantly recognizable touch reveals a deep understanding of principles like line weight, spacing, and value. Analyze van Gogh’s mark-making and explore how paying attention to these elements can bring greater depth, volume, and light to your drawings. Instructor: Nick Cruz Velleman Price $75; Members $60; CODE 1E0-0WZ
about the many types of water- soluble colored pencils on the market and how to use them. Instructor: Lori VanKirk Schue Price $135; Members $110; CODE 1E0-0YA
architecture, architectural historian Rocky Ruggiero out how to capitalize on everyday materials; learn to use household tools and utensils to make stencils and create patterns and textures on papers. Instructor: Sharon Robinson Price $165; Members $140; CODE 1E0-0XL African American Artists and the Federal Art Project Tues., May 20, 12 p.m. ET By Sharon Robinson
Athenian Treasury at ancient Delphi
describes the development of styles, traditions, trends, and forms beginning in the ancient world and continuing to the present day. 2-session series: Price $120; Members $100; CODE 1J0-457
By Amy Dapice
from life, a photograph, or your imagination. Instructor: Amy Dapice Price $220; Members $195; CODE 1E0-0YM
The core courses and electives in this program are selected from among Smithsonian Associates’ ongoing courses, seminars, study tours, and Studio Arts classes. In 2025, you’ll find an expanded roster of instructors and a new range of course topics. Complete the program requirements at your own pace and track your credits online. Credits are counted from the day of program registration and are not given retroactively. To learn more about the Smithsonian Associates World Art History Certificate Program, visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/ArtCertificate
By Lori VanKirk Schue
Andy Warhol and Pop Art Mon., May 12, 7 p.m. ET
By Nick Cruz Velleman
During the heyday of Pop Art, Andy Warhol was its king. His talent as an artist, filmmaker, photographer, and publisher made him a household name far longer than the “15 minutes of fame” he quipped that everyone would experience. Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton traces Warhol’s life and profound impact on modern
The New Deal art projects were created to provide financial relief to artists in the form of employment. The Federal Art Project (FAP) was intended to be race-blind, so many Black artists hoped its programs would redress their chronic
View the complete spring and summer program schedule at SmithsonianAssociates.org 22
View the complete spring and summer program schedule at SmithsonianAssociates.org | MAY 23
disadvantages. Art historian Mary Ann Calo argues that although FAP administrators sought to address the needs of the Black artistic community, the impact was undermined by their unwillingness to address the consequences of institutional discrimination and systemic racism. Price $40; Members $30; CODE 1J0-459 Students at a free art class provided by the Federal Art Project
Marilyn by Andy Warhol, 1967
culture, examining how his revolutionary art broke with all previous movements and expanded the definition of art itself. Price $25; Members $20; CODE 1D0-094
Adventures in the Louvre Tues., May 13, 6:45 p.m. ET
Left column : from the top: Taj Mahal, completed 1643, Agra, India; Fresco of the Libyan Sibyl , ca. 1511, Sistine Chapel, by Michelangelo; The Young Ladies of Avignon , 1907, by Pablo Picasso; Equestrian ceramic figure, ca. 13th–15th centuries, Mali*. Second column : The Calf-Bearer , ca. 570 B.C., Athens, Greece; Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, 2010, by Frank Gehry, Las Vegas; Frida Kahlo by Magda Pach, 1933*; Before the Ballet , ca. 1892, Edgar Degas.
The Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world, attracts millions of visitors every year to view masterpieces like the Mona Lisa , the “Venus de Milo,” and other magnificent works. Elaine Sciolino , author of Adventures in the Louvre , goes beyond the building’s imposing walls to reveal a magical space full of secrets and stories and shares how anyone can forge an intimate connection with the museum. Price $25; Members $20; CODE 1L0-635
*from Smithsonian museum collections
Did you enjoy the program? Take another look with Associates Encores (see p. 5) | MAY 15
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