The Lino Tagliapietra in Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Glass exhibition at the Renwick Gallery is on display now through January 11, 2009. The Renwick is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily (except December 25). more ›

The Smithsonian Institution's woes have been front and center in the news lately, and now it has sent its first victim to the chopping block. In the wake of last week's fairly crushing – though not entirely surprising – report on the state of the museums, Secretary Lawrence M. Small has submitted his resignation, announced today by the Board of Regents Executive Committee. Some have noted that Small may only be the first of the... more ›

Washington may be deserted this week, but there is still art to see. If you are stuck at work without much to do, ducking out early to hit some less-crowded galleries would be an excellent idea. Here a few things to help you conclude 2006. >> You have a couple weeks, through January 15, to see Ruth Duckworth, Modernist Sculptor, a selection of 80 ceramic pieces at the Renwick Gallery. Many of these works are... more ›

When Ruth Duckworth titles her work—a rare occurrence—she uses large names: The Guardian (1992), The Spirit of Survival (1996), The Creation (1984). The other 79 pieces in the show, Ruth Duckworth, Modernist Sculptor, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum Renwick Gallery are untitled, suggesting that Duckworth is chasing after something unutterable. more ›

FRIDAY: >> After a superb D.C. debut last year in the back room, Pleaseeasaur is returning to theBlack Cat tonight, this time on the mainstage, opening for San Diego's Pinback. J.P. Hasson and his invisible sidekick Thomas Hurley III are apparently taking a break this month from recording a new Comedy Central-sponsored album to perform a number of valuable pubilc service announcements. Did you know, for example, that "Cobras are Totally Cool?" Or, for that... more ›

WPA\C is hosting the first of a three night experimental media series, titled After Effects, curated by local heavy Kathryn Cornelius. From 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Corcoran Gallery of Art's Armand Hammer Auditorium, check out new video work from Jason Zimmerman, Chad Stayrook (a still from his everytime a scientist dies, a unicorn gets its horn is at right) and a live performance from videohippos at 8:20 p.m. Drink it In: It's... more ›

In late October the major musical groups in Washington -- the Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra -- take a break from performing for a couple weeks until November. You might think that their absence would mean a reduction of concert volume, but this is not really the case. In fact, we have a lot to tell you people about for the next two weeks, and without opera and symphony, we may even get... more ›

>> Tonight is the next installment of the Art & Soul series at The Blue Room. "One Night Stand" features silk screens by Tang as well as drawings & paintings by Zach Storm that address the lingering feelings after a one night stand. This free event kicks off at 8 p.m. more ›