The Smithsonian Libraries is pleased to host a full roster of events in the Washington DC area in the month of August. Topics include South African artists’ books, early natural history collections and more! All are tied to our current exhibitions: Artists’ Books and Africa, Color in a New Light and Fantastic Worlds: Science and Fiction, 1780-1910. Click on the links in the event titles for additional details and RSVP information.
Indoor Recess
A lunchtime getaway!
Thursday August 4th, 2016
12pm-1pm
National Museum of Natural History
10th Street and Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, DC
Featuring your favorite classes as a kid, Library and Art! All you need to do is:
*RSVP
*Bring your lunch
*Listen to a fun story by a museum professional
*Make a themed craft.
This month’s theme: Botanical Illustrations! Listen to a fun talk by Alice Tangerini, scientific illustrator, and draw your own botanical illustrations inspired by prints from our rare books! RSVP via Eventbrite here.
Of Missions, Migrants, and Mourning: Some South African Artists Books Considered
Lecture by Dr. Shannen Hill and display of South African artists’ books
Sunday, August 7,2016
2:00 p.m.
National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20560
In the flourishing world of artists’ books, South Africa stands out. You are invited to discover these exquisite and engaging works of South African art with Dr. Shannen Hill on August 7th, 2 p.m. at the National Museum of African Art. Her illustrated talk will focus on artists’ books by Malcolm Payne, Keith Dietrich, Peter Clarke, Pippa Skotnes, Coex’ae Qgam, and Thaemae Setshogo.
The Natural Philosopher and his Cabinet of Curiosities
A living history presentation by Dean Howarth and Melinda McCalley
A family program suitable for all ages, best for ages 8-16.
Monday, August 8, 2016
11:00am
Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West
National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
Dean Howarth, in his role as the Natural Philosopher, incorporates a large collection of fossils, skeletons, and varied specimens of flora and fauna from the Americas and the farther reaches of the globe. His collection, inspired by that of the 18th century museum of Charles W. Peale, even features the American Incognitum…the famed Mammoth which so fascinated Thomas Jefferson. Dean also appears with colleague and biologist, Melinda McCalley, who portrays the young Mary Anning, the United Kingdom’s’ first female paleontologist. Their narratives include pre-evolutionary theory, exploration, and the commerce behind botany and biology.
Camouflage: Abbott Handerson Thayer’s “Beautiful Law of Nature”
A lecture by William Adair, frame conservator, frame historian, and master gilder, Gold Leaf Studios
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
6:00pm
Baird Auditorium
National Museum of Natural History
10th Street and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
The noted 19th-century American artist, Abbott Handerson Thayer, is probably best known for his paintings of child angels or portraits of the likes of Mark Twain and Henry James. William Adair, will lead us into the fascinating world of Abbott Thayer, including the importance of his relationship with architect Stanford White, Thayer’s evolving style of design, his observations about disruptive patterning and countershading, and the techniques he developed to train his eye to disclose what is virtually imperceptible to the untrained viewer.
The Natural Philosopher and the Science of Early Ballooning
A living history presentation by Dean Howarth and Niab Montgomery-Saunders
A family program suitable for all ages, best for ages 8-16.
Friday, August 26, 2016
2:00pm to 3:00pm
Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West
National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
Dr. John Jeffries, Boston born man of science and pioneer in Early Ballooning, will conduct lectures in the science of Pneumatics and recount enthralling tales of the first manned voyages into the skies in the late 18th century. With a collection of replica instruments such as vacuum pumps and barometers, Dr. Jefferies portrayed by Dean Howarth explains the principles behind the airships built by the Brothers Montgolfier and the stories of other famed aeronauts such as Sophie Blanchard (portrayed by Niab Montgomery-Saunders). Advances in chemistry, physics, and meteorology that resulted from the daring flights are conveyed along with the surprising and frightening history of flight.
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