Image of Phyllis Diller, courtesy American History Museum.>> BK Adams, a lively character for our photogs, uses bright colors, toys and found objects in his art, enticing viewers to get involved. In Exercise Your Mynd, at the Anacostia Community Museum, explore Adams’ energetic landscapes. Opening August 22.
>> In need of a laugh? Head to the American History Museum for Have You Heard the One about…? Phyllis Diller’s Gag File. In this small exhibit, see Diller’s card file, which contains more than 50,000 jokes and gags type written on index cards, which documents the evolution of her career as well as key costume pieces such as her wig, gloves, ankle boots and jeweled cigarette holder. Opening August 12.
>> Portraiture Now: Asian American Portraits of Encounter opens
at the National Portrait Gallery on August 12. Seven artists explore the stereotype of being Asian in America and show a range of emotions regarding identity.
>> Recount the best and worst of human engineering at the Natural History Museum‘s Against All Odds: Rescue at the Chilean Mine. See the actual rescue capsule, along with new video footage of the rescue. Opening August 5.
>> At the American Art Museum, see 26 paintings, sculpture and works on paper created by Chicago artists from the Koffler Collection. Created between 1960 to 1980, many in the collection exemplify the city’s taste for figurative art. Made in Chicago: The Koffler Collection opens August 12.
>> James McNeill Whistler came back to the same themes throughout his work — reading, music, reverie and studio practice are subjects that are woven throughout his career. At the Freer Gallery of Art, see a small sample of Whistler’s work as it pertains to these recurring themes in Sweet Silent Thought: Whistler’s Interiors. Opening August 20.
>> At the Hirshhorn‘s Black Box theater, see Nira Pereg’s 67 Bows, a video featuring the flamingos of the Karlsruhe Zoo. Watch the pink birds go about their day with a dramatic soundtrack which forces a reconciliation between what the viewer is seeing versus hearing. Opening August 22.
