After the whirlwind of April arts events, May looks to be a little quieter, perhaps even serene at times. Though if you’re looking for a party, we’ve got the info for this week’s Artomatic events, which is only just past its halfway point.

>> Ever dream of being one of those madly rich people with original Van Goghs or Kandinskys in your climate controlled, wood paneled library (in the east wing)? Bring your envious eyes to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which recently opened Variations on America: Masterworks from American Art Forum Collections. Classic artworks by the likes of Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keefe have been brought out from the private galleries and hung up for the plebes to enjoy. The rarely seen works are only up until July 29, so go see them while you can.

>> Instead of taking all your work stress out by hacking up those trees that need pruning in your front yard, stop by the 2007 Potomac Bonsai Festival this weekend and gently hack up some little tiny trees. Held at the National Arboretum, they’ll be displays by the Potomac Bonsai Association club members, demonstrations and plenty of vendors where you can buy your own bonsai and supplies. The festival starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Check the web site for event details and times.

>> Last week the Katzen at American University opened their Spring Exhibitions. Outside you’ll find their contribution to ColorField.remix with Jules Olitski’s colorful steel sculptures. Five full exhibits fill up the inside of the museum, including a showcase of printmaking talent with Made in America, The Washington Print Club 19th Biennial, a small retrospective of black artists’ contribution to American art with Black Masters, and the new talent of AU’s newly minted graduates with their MFA Thesis Exhibition. Be sure to catch one of the many events associated with the Spring shows; find more information here.

>> The Arlington Arts Center has opened registration for their summer fine art classes for both adults and children. Do some Polaroid printmaking, spin a potter’s wheel, or draw a nude guy, while your kids learn about Pollock or sketch their favorite superhero. Registration for the eight-week classes (there are shorter classes, too) ends June 15.

>> Artomatic finishes the end of its third week with about a billion events. Tonight join painter Sondra N. Arkin at 7:30 p.m. or photographer Alexandra Silverthorne at 8:30 p.m. for a gallery tour of their faves from the show. Tomorrow is kind of the opening reception, part two, with Meet the Artists Night from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., which includes a book signing by Post Secret’s Frank Warren, live music throughout the night on their two stages, and fire dancing in the courtyard at 9 p.m. Piñatas and Latin themed everything will take over the place for Cinco de Mayo, while on Sunday you can join the Washington Glass School artists for a tour and discussion of their work at 1 p.m. All of the events are free.

Photo of Steropes by Jules Olitski

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