EVENT CATEGORIES

ART 

June 1 to 28

Tatiane Hofstadler: Quintessencia

Tatiane Silva Hofstadler, a native Brazilian, lived in Austria, India and Japan before moving to D.C. in 2011. Her work evokes aspects of nature in its most elemental form — earth, wind, fire and water — imbuing her canvases with a dazzling array of color and texture.

Embassy of Austria

Through June 3

In the Library: The Intersection of Commerce and Instruction in Art

The art we experience often depends as much upon the materials available to the artists who make it as it depends on the artists themselves. This exhibition looks at a variety of literature surrounding artists’ materials and instruction, and charts the ways in which the increasing commercialization of their production may have affected the practice of artists, especially following the industrial revolution.

National Gallery of Art

June 4 to Sept. 11

William Merritt Chase: A Modern Master

William Merritt Chase (1849-1916), a renowned figure in the international art circles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a brilliant observer of contemporary life, an innovative painter and an influential teacher. Presented on the centennial of his death, this retrospective — the first in over three decades — will explore the interrelationships in Chase’s work across subject and media, from portraits and figurative paintings, to urban park scenes, domestic interiors, still lifes and landscapes.

The Phillips Collection

Through June 5

Perspectives: Lara Baladi

Egyptian-Lebanese artist Lara Baladi experiments with the photographic medium, investigating its history and its role in shaping perceptions of the Middle East, particularly Egypt, where she is based.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

June 7 to Aug. 26

Inside Tracks

This photographic exhibition documents the extraordinary journey of Robyn Davidson, a 27-year-old Australian woman who set off to cross the desolate outback, accompanied only by four camels and a dog. Rick Smolan, the American photographer assigned by National Geographic to document her journey, had his own adventure tracking Robyn down in the desert. The outback of Australia, seen through Robyn’s eyes and Rick’s camera, is an ancient, awesome landscape swept by rain, heat and dust.

Embassy of Australia

June 9 to Aug. 7

(Art)Xiomas – CUBAAHORA: The Next Generation

This contemporary Cuban art exhibit, organized with SPAIN arts & culture, is also part of a larger cooperative effort to celebrate contemporary Cuban art and the centennial of the Art Museum of the Americas’s founding director, José Gómez Sicre. The featured artists favor fresh aesthetics while recognizing historical contexts, whose discourses are more autobiographical than politically contextualized. Exhibition participants shy away neither from committing themselves to projects with cultural institutions nor to working independently. Thus they penetrate and overcome barriers that for too long have characterized the timeline of Cuban cultural cooperation.

Art Museum of the Americas

June 11 to Dec. 31

Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920-1945

The style that came to be known as art deco, which flourished from the 1920s to 1940s, was a vivid reflection of the modern era and the vitality of the machine age. Between the wars, as normalcy returned to politics, jazz music blossomed and the flapper redefined the modern woman, art deco left its mark on every form of visual art. This exhibit explores how the Japanese interpreted the style and transformed it through their own rich art and craft traditions.

Hillwood Museum, Estate and Gardens

Through June 12

Konstantin Makovsky: The Tsar’s Painter

With Hillwood’s “A Boyar Wedding Feast” as the centerpiece, this exhibit offers a new perspective on Konstantin Makovsky’s work and its popularity in Gilded Age America, where it satisfied the appetite for dramatic historical stories, exotic settings and costumes, and admiration of European art and culture. In a dramatically lit setting, exquisite objects and details from the painting will be brought to life through groupings of 17th-century objects of boyar life, such as intricately embroidered garments and pearl-studded kokoshniki (women’s headdresses).

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

Through June 12

Math You Can Touch

Mathematics, sometimes an abstract science, is brought to life via more than 160 experiments at the Mathematikum in Giessen, Germany, the first interactive mathematics museum in the world.

Goethe-Institut

June 18 to Aug. 14

Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints: Popular Art of the Northeast of Brazil

During the slave trade, 10 times more Africans were brought in bondage into Brazil than into the United States, and Northeast Brazil has the largest population of those of African descent outside Africa. This exhibit explores how the ancient cultures of Africa blended with indigenous and colonial Portuguese traditions to form the vibrant and complex cultural mosaic of modern Brazil.

American University Museum

Katzen Arts Center

June 18 to Aug. 14

Contemporary North Korean Art: The Evolution of Socialist Realism

Does art exist in North Korea? For many, this has been an open question. This exhibit, the first of its kind in the United States, seeks to broaden understanding of North Korean art beyond stereotypes of propaganda and kitsch to show sophisticated and nuanced expressive achievements. It investigates previously unrevealed evidence of North Korean artistic experimentation, and the nation’s particular evolution of socialist realism within its own culturally homogeneous context. Coinciding with the exhibition of North Korean art, the show “Examining Life Through Social Realities” documents and examines life and the social realities of people living on the Korean peninsula through the realist paintings of 10 South Korean contemporary artists.

American University Museum

Katzen Arts Center

June 18 to Aug. 14

The Looking Glass: Artist Immigrants of Washington

The Alper Initiative for Washington Art presents this exhibit featuring the work of 10 artists who left Latin America for many different reasons over the last 60 years — primarily for safety, freedom and opportunity — and made their homes, and their artistic careers and contributions, in the Washington region.

American University Museum

Katzen Arts Center

Through June 24

And Spring Again: Photographs by Lucia Fainzilber

Presented in a consecutive order intended to display an index of seasons, Lucia Fainzilber’s photographs can also be read as allegorical documents of time. An organic line pierces through her images, indicating changing seasons and a cycle of perpetual renewal in which flowers blossom, age and perish, but are ultimately replaced by fresher substitutes.

Embassy of Argentina

June 26 to Oct. 2

Hubert Robert, 1733-1808

One of the most prominent artists of his era, Hubert Robert loved and depicted ruined structures of all types, whether real or imagined, and not just those of ancient Rome (he lived in Italy for eleven years). He also drew inspiration from scenes he encountered in his native France, including urban renewal projects, Gallo-Roman antiquities and natural disasters. At the core of his success was his brilliance as a master of the architectural capriccio, in which random monuments from different locales were artfully brought together to create new, completely imaginary landscapes.

National Gallery of Art

Through June 26

Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism

This show highlights outstanding works of contemporary illustrators in Spain that are creating new trends. Curated by journalist Mario Suárez, the exhibition showcases a generation of talented creators who frequently contribute to national and international publications, galleries, museums and popular brands.

Former Residence of the Ambassador of Spain

Through July 24

America’s Shakespeare

“America’s Shakespeare” reveals how Americans have made Shakespeare our own using a fascinating selection of rare letters, costumes, books and more.

Folger Shakespeare Library

Through July 24

Three Centuries of American Prints from the National Gallery of Art

Since opening in 1941, the gallery has amassed an outstanding collection of American prints representing the history of American art from the early 18th century to the present. Timed to coincide with the gallery’s 75th anniversary, this first comprehensive exhibition of American prints to encompass three centuries will highlight some 160 works from the gallery’s collection

National Gallery of Art

Through July 29

Caribbean in Motion: Improving Lives through Artistry and Animation

This video-based exhibit by Caribbean artists pays tribute to the Bahamas, host of the 2016 annual meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank Board of Governors. “Caribbean in Motion” explores the multifaceted social and economic benefits generated by the animation industry, underscoring the importance of nurturing a vibrant creative economy. Animation, the art of illustrating video sequences, has huge potential as both a business and an art form that supports sustainable social and economic development in the Caribbean.

Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center

Through July 31

Heart of an Empire: Herzfeld’s Discover of Pasargadae

Located in southwestern Iran, Pasargadae was the first capital of the ancient Achaemenid Persian Empire (circa 540 B.C.) and the last resting place of Cyrus the Great. Impressed with its ruins, German archaeologist Ernst Herzfeld (1879–1948) briefly surveyed the site for the first time in 1905, returning to conduct more extensive excavations. Featuring selections from the Freer|Sackler Archives’ rich holdings of Herzfeld’s drawings, notes and photographs, this exhibition illuminates one of the most important sites of the ancient world.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Through July 31

She Who Tells a Story: Women Photographers from Iran and the Arab World

This landmark exhibition of more than 80 photographs and a video installation challenges stereotypes surrounding the people, landscapes and cultures of Iran and the Arab world.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Through Aug. 28

Mats Ek – A Dance Rebel on the Move for 40 Years

Theatrical and wild, with a robust, physical humor and a highly personal movement style — those are some landmarks of Swedish choreographer and director Mats Ek. Since his debut in 1976, his works have stirred and captivated audiences and his reworking’s of ballet classics such as “Giselle” and “Swan Lake” have become classics themselves. This exhibition showcases the insight and sensitivity with which photographer Lesley Leslie-Spinks has captured Mats’s highly personal and precisely delineated world.

House of Sweden

Through Sept. 4

Stories of Migration: Contemporary Artists Interpret Diaspora

In this juried and invitational exhibition, 44 artists share personal and universal stories of migration — from historic events that scattered communities across continents to today’s accounts of migrants and refugees adapting to a new homeland. The artists explore: historic events that scattered people and cultures across continents; today’s accounts of migrants from Syria, Latin America and Africa adapting to new homes; and personal experiences of family members. The exhibition will feature works by artists such as fashion designer Hussein Chalayan, Mexican-American fiber artist Consuelo Jiménez Underwood, French-Togolese artist William Adjété Wilson and American artists Faith Ringgold and Penny Mateer.

The George Washington University Museum

Textile Museum

Through Sept. 18

In Celebration of Paul Mellon

Paul Mellon was one of America’s greatest art collectors and remains one of the gallery’s leading benefactors. Timed to coincide with the gallery’s 75th anniversary, a special exhibition features 80 of the finest pastels, watercolors, drawings, prints, and illustrated books selected from his donations.

National Gallery of Art

Through Sept. 18

Symbolic Cities: The World of Ahmed Mater

Born in 1979 in southern Saudi Arabia and trained as a medical doctor, Ahmed Mater has been a practicing artist since the early 1990s, creating works that offer an unparalleled perspective on contemporary Saudi Arabia. Now based in Jeddah, Mater has focused primarily on photography and video since 2010. From abandoned desert cities to the extraordinary transformation of Mecca, “Symbolic Cities” presents his visual and aural journeys observing economic and urban change in Saudi Arabia.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Through Jan. 2

Intersections: Photographs and Videos from the National Gallery of Art and Corcoran Gallery of Art

Nearly 700 photographs from Eadweard Muybridge’s groundbreaking publication “Animal Locomotion,” acquired by the Corcoran Gallery of Art in 1887, became the foundation for the institution’s early interest in photography. The Key Set of more than 1,600 works by Alfred Stieglitz, donated by Georgia O’Keeffe and the Alfred Stieglitz Estate, launched the photography collection at the National Gallery of Art in 1949. Inspired by these two seminal artists, Muybridge and Stieglitz, the exhibition brings together highlights of the recently merged collections of the Corcoran and the National Gallery of Art by a range of artists from the 1840s to today.

National Gallery of Art

Through Jan. 2

Senses of Time: Video and Film-Based Works of Africa

This exhibition features six internationally recognized African artists and examines how time is experienced and produced by the body. Bodies stand, climb, dance and dissolve in seven works of video and film art by Sammy Baloji, Theo Eshetu, Moataz Nasr, Berni Searle, Yinka Shonibare and Sue Williamson, all of whom repeat, resist and reverse the expectation that time must move relentlessly forward.

National Museum of African Art

Through Jan. 29

Turquoise Mountain: Artists Transforming Afghanistan

Decades of civil unrest nearly destroyed Afghanistan’s vital artistic heritage. Over the past decade, Turquoise Mountain, an organization founded in 2006 at the request of the prince of Wales and the president of Afghanistan, has transformed the Murad Khani district of Old Kabul from slum conditions into a vibrant cultural and economic center.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

DISCUSSIONS

Tue., June 7, 6 p.m.

The Story of the Legendary Czech Runner Emil Zátopek in Comics

The Embassy of the Czech Republic invites you a presentation and concert by writer Jan Novák and animator-musician Jaromír Švejdík. The protagonist of the eponymous comic book is Emil Zátopek, a runner who completely changed the training methods in track. His biographical story turns on an incident from the days when the political terror in Communist Czechoslovakia culminated and Zatopek stood up to the Stalinist bureaucracy. Admission is free; RSVP is required and can be made at www.zatopek.eventbrite.com.

Embassy of the Czech Republic

GALAS

Fri., June 3, 6:30 p.m.

NOWfest 2016: Tango Night!

In its final program of the season, the New Orchestra of Washington returns to the works of renowned Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla for its spring gala. The seductive sounds and irresistible rhythms of Argentina are captured by the masterful works of Piazzolla, one of the most recognizable names in the 20th-century music scene. Co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the OAS and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the OAS and sponsored by the Ryuji Ueno Foundation, NOWfest 2016 includes include music, drinks, food and more. Tickets are $100; for information, visit neworchestraofwashington.org.

Organization of American States

Mon., June 13

Will on the Hill

The annual Will on the Hill welcomes members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and Washington influencers onto the Shakespeare Theatre Company stage to perform a political satire infused with Shakespearean language and references. Now in its 14th year, this year’s event features a performance of “Heavy Lies the Head,” in which a vital member of the government has suddenly resigned and someone has to fill the office, immediately, but the job’s notoriously hard and no one wants it. It falls on a couple of aides—one Democrat, one Republican—to find a candidate who can do the job and, even harder, who will accept the job. For ticket information, visit www.shakespearetheatre.org/support/special-events/will-on-the-hill/.

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Thu., June 23, 7 p.m.

Embassy of Bulgaria Dinner Feast

The International Club of DC, in cooperation with the Embassy of Bulgaria, presents an enchanting evening of Bulgarian culture, wine and cuisine at the Embassy of Bulgaria. Discover Bulgaria and the culture of a civilization spanning 1,000 years with like-minded international professionals. Tickets are $75; for information, visit www.internationalclubdc.com.

Embassy of Bulgaria

MUSIC

Fri., June 3, 7:30 p.m.

Ronaldo Rolim, Piano

Described by the El Norte newspaper as an artist “especially capable of moving an audience through his interpretations,” Brazilian pianist Ronaldo Rolim is a prominent figure among the newest generation of outstanding musicians, having won more than 30 prizes in competitions around the globe. He performs a program of Guarnieri, Chopin, Granados and Villa-Lobos. Tickets are $125 and include reception and valet parking; for information, visit www.embassyseries.org.

Brazilian Residence

Thu., June 9, 7:30 p.m.

Veronika Böhmová, Piano

Veronika Böhmová was born into a family of Czech musicians in South Bohemia in 1985. Today, Böhmová, the most successful solo piano player in the Czech Republic, has performed throughout Europe. She performs a program of Shostakovich, Albéniz, Ravel and Prokofiev. Tickets are $95 and include buffet reception; for information, visit www.embassyseries.org.

Embassy of the Czech Republic

Tue., June 14, 7:30 p.m.

Lana Is

The multifaceted vocalist-composer and actress Lana Is has won widespread acclaim in Europe for her own visionary releases, her acting work and for her work as a versatile collaborator who has lent her talents to a diverse array of projects with a wide assortment of rock, pop, contemporary classical and jazz musicians. To RSVP, visit http://acfdc.org.

Embassy of Austria

Thu., June 23, 7:30 p.m.

Júlio Resende, Jazz Pianist with Multimedia

One of the most significant forces in the new generation of fado and jazz musicians in Portugal, Júlio Resende started playing at age 4. Resende had a classical background, but soon found he was not satisfied to play compositions he could not improvise over. Tickets are $150 and include buffet reception; for information, visit www.embassyseries.org.

Portuguese Residence

Wed., June 29, 8 p.m.

Asha Bhosle: The Farewell Tour

“The world’s most celebrated ‘playback’ singer” (BBC) and most-recorded artist in music history with over 13,000 songs ranging from Bollywood to classical ragas, Asha Bhosle is lauded by CNN as one of the 20 most iconic artists of all time. Tickets are $40 to $115.

Wolf Trap

THEATER

June 2 to 26

El Paso Blue

In this wild and comic saga of lust, revenge, identity and the blues, Al leaves his wife Sylvie in the care of his father before serving a prison sentence. Upon release, he discovers that his beloved and the old man have run away together. An epic chase ensures across El Paso that pits together a funny cast of characters on a sprawling manhunt. Tickets are $38 to $42.

GALA Hispanic Theatre

June 10 to 18

The Rape of Lucretia

Lucretia, the beautiful and virtuous wife of a Roman general, is defenseless against the tyrannical prince Tarquinius. The horrific events unfold reinforced by Britten’s evocative score, moving arias, and two-person male and female chorus into a tense and potent tapestry of music and drama. Tickets are $32 to $88.

Barns at Wolf Trap

Through June 19

The Man in the Iron Mask

In Synetic Theater’s follow-up to “The Three Musketeers,” our hero D’Artagnan finds himself alone in the service of King Louis XIV after his comrades have retired. Unbeknownst to D’Artagnan, his old friends plan to remove the corrupt king and replace him with his good twin, held captive in the Bastille. Tickets start at $35.

Synetic Theater

June 20 to 26

Gravedigger’s Tale

Based on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” this one-man interactive play is a family friendly production featuring the comedic actor Louis Butelli. The Gravedigger, who appears to have much more knowledge about court life in Elsinore than originally thought, arrives with a trunk and a book and responds to questions from the audience using the text from “Hamlet.” Admission is free.

Folger Shakespeare Library

Through June 26

The Taming of the Shrew

Stage and screen actors Maulik Pancholy and Peter Gadiot will be seen playing Katherina and Petruchio respectively in Ed Sylvanus Iskandar’s bold new interpretation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Spilling from the stage into the lobbies and the street, this production will use an all-male cast to examine the fluidity of identity, the authenticity of self-performance and the economics of love in one of Shakespeare’s most notorious texts. Call for ticket information.

Shakespeare Theatre Harman Hall

Through July 3

District Merchants

Love and litigation, deep passions and predatory lending are taken to a new level in this uneasy comedy, which wades fearlessly into the endless complexities and contradictions of life in America. Set among the black and Jewish populations of an imagined time and place — simultaneously Shakespearean, post-Civil War D.C., and today— “District Merchants” is a remarkable tale of money, merchandise, and mercy brought to the stage by four-time Helen Hayes Award-winner Aaron Posner. Tickets are $35 to $75.

Folger Shakespeare Theatre