6/22-6/28
This week: Learn the ancient art of indigo dyeing, discover intimate artist portraits on film, and more.
Additions to Last Week's Lineup
At This Time Opening Reception [Group Exhibition Opening] June 21, 3-6 PM | Studio Gallery DC | FREE
Three artists unite to examine today’s world through their own personal artistic lenses. Pam Frederick presents an installation inspired by Herbie Hancock's jazz composition, transforming found cardboard into abstracted piano keys that pulse with vibrant color. Harriet Lesser explores intimate moments of awakening through manipulated photographs combined with mixed media. Veronica Szalus features dimensional collage that utilize repurposed materials layered with pastels, paint, and carbon deposits. Information
This Week
Indigo & Shibori 101 [Workshop] June 22, 1 PM | Takoma | $15-25
Discover the magical world of natural dyeing through this hands-on introduction to indigo and traditional Japanese shibori techniques. Led by artist Sophie Kanter, whose practice centers on locally foraged dye plants, participants will learn to create lasting indigo color, master various tie-dye patterns, and properly care for their finished pieces. Each attendee receives a bandana to transform, with all materials provided—though you're welcome to bring additional natural fiber items from home. Wear clothes you don't mind staining and bring gloves if you have them. Register
Being and About: Artists on Film [Film Screening & Discussion] June 22, 2-3:30 PM | National Gallery of Art East Building Auditorium | FREE
Experience intimate portraits of two groundbreaking artists through newly created documentary films. Luke Fowler's "Being Blue" offers a contemplative exploration of Derek Jarman's former home at Dungeness, where the late artist-filmmaker created his final works while living with HIV. The program continues with a preview of "Adnan being and time," an expressionistic portrait capturing poet and artist Etel Adnan during her final years as she reflected on existence, catastrophe, and the passage of time. Filmmaker Marie Valentine Regan joins for a post-screening discussion. Tickets
Looking Back – Look Forward: Sources of Artistic Inspiration [Artist Talk] June 26, 5:30 PM | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library | FREE
Three Washington Sculptors Group members reveal how the library itself became their creative catalyst in this fascinating discussion. Sean Adams shares how oral histories from the People's Archive inspired his metal sculpture "A House Divided," while Luc Fiedler explores connections between the library's construction materials and his works "East Wing" and "West Wing." Lynda Smith-Bugge explains how the library as a knowledge repository influenced her looping wood sculpture "Mobius Redux." This talk launches a series celebrating the sculptors group's 40th anniversary. Register
Looking Ahead
Summer Fiesta [Cultural Celebration] July 3, 5-8:30 PM | The Phillips Collection | $20
Beat the summer heat with an evening of Latin culture featuring music by Fran Vielma, hands-on worry doll crafting, and dance instruction in merengue and bachata with Baila DC. The celebration includes gallery access to the new exhibition "Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest" and food tastings by Bread Furst, concluding with social dancing. Tickets
Inspiration Intensive Workshop with Sarah Jamison [Art Workshop] June 29, 6:30-9 PM | Washington Studio School | $130
Unlock your creative potential through this comprehensive 2.5-hour guided exploration designed for beginners and artists experiencing creative blocks. The intensive covers personalized sketchbook development, mixed media techniques, observational drawing, and methods for accessing creative instincts. Each participant receives a choice of sketchbooks, and the workshop can be repeated as often as needed for continued growth. Register
