TUESDAY, JAN. 17
AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA: The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives presents its recently launched Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative, or AVMPI, meant to preserve and provide access to audiovisual Smithsonian collections. Tune into this virtual panel with the media experts behind it to learn about the initiative and preview material they’re working on. (Virtual; 6 p.m.; FREE)
ARCHITECTURE HISTORY: Learn about the history of Cleveland Park’s stretch of Connecticut Avenue at the neighborhood’s library. Camilla Carpenter, former executive director of the Cleveland Park Historical Society, will lead the discussion including the variety of architectural styles enriching the neighborhood. (Cleveland Park Library; 7 p.m.; FREE)
BOOK TALK: Learn about the life of the first Black congresswoman and major-party presidential candidate, Shirley Chisholm, at this book talk with author Anastasia Curwood. Curwood weaves Chisholm’s public image, political commitments, and private experiences to create a definitive account of her life. (Busboys and Poets 14th and V; 6 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Brave Hearted: The Women of the American West (Smithsonian Associates; virtual; 6:30 p.m.; $25), Filmfest DC Series: Queen to Play (La Maison Française; 7:00 p.m.; $10), Dan Kois’ Vintage Contemporaries book talk (Solid State Books; 7 p.m.; FREE), Adult line dance class (LDW Studios; 11 a.m.; $7), January 2023 EcoHour (Teaism Penn Quarter; 6:30 p.m.; FREE), January Fiction Book Club: Trespasses by Louise Kennedy (Old Town Books; 7 p.m.; FREE), Abstract Monoprinting & Music with Arthur Kohn (Washington Printmakers Gallery; 5 p.m.; $130)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18
FILM SCREENING: Enjoy a screening of the 1970 Japanese sci-fi film Gamera vs. Jiger, sponsored by the Washington Psychotronic Film Society. The movie features the legendary monster Jiger threatening the Expo ‘70 world’s fair in Osaka, Japan, as two boys shrink down to try to save the body of the monster’s rival Gamera. (DC Comedy Loft; 7 p.m.; FREE)
HAIKU WORKSHOP: The Golden Triangle BID and Japan-America Society of D.C. host a haiku workshop for poems similar to those posted around the downtown neighborhood. Led by Golden Haiku judge Abigail Friedman, poets can polish their skills before submitting a haiku for this year’s competition. (Studio by Tishman Speyer; 5:30 p.m.; FREE)
COOKING DEMONSTRATION: Need some new dinner recipes to add to your rotation? Learn to make apple manchego salad, seared salmon, peas, gigante beans, asparagus, chimichurri sauce, edamame, and mini pastry at this live cooking demonstration with executive chef Cameron Cousin. Tickets include a complimentary drink, and proceeds will benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center. (Assembly; 5:30 p.m.; $10)
NEW EXHIBIT: The latest exhibit at Rockville’s VisArts gallery opens Tuesday, featuring work by 2022 VisArts Studio Fellow Jessica Valoris. “Passage/way/s” is a mixed media installation that meditates on enslaved Black people and their legacy of fugitivity and marronage, or escape from enslavement. (Gibbs Street Gallery, 12 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Profs & Pints DC: Understanding the Trump Investigations (Little Penn Coffeehouse; 6 p.m.; $14.31), Host Battle Comedy (DC Comedy Loft; 7:30 p.m.; $10), A Garden Odyssey: In Search of the World’s Most Creative Gardens (Smithsonian Associates; virtual; 7 p.m.; $30), How To Nourish Your Mental Health with Mary Beth Albright and Carla Hall (Smithsonian Associates; virtual; 6:45 p.m.; $20), Drink the District’s Dry January: Spirit Free Cocktails Basics (National Union Building; 7 p.m.; $29.99), Language & Linguine (In Bocca al Lupo; 6:45 p.m.; $75), Drag Bingo (Capitol Cider House; 7 p.m.; FREE), A Wider Circle Ward 8 Hub Adult Clothing Giveaway (400 Atlantic St. SE; 10 a.m.; FREE)
THURSDAY, JAN. 19
ART, WINE, AND CHEESE: Explore artworks based on the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” Scooby Doo, Smurfs, Jetsons, Flintstones, and more from the late animator Ron Campbell. Munch on cheese and drink wine while contemplating which works to buy. (Nepenthe Gallery; 6 p.m.; FREE admission)
READING ROOM: Opt for a day pass to witness the very first Folger Shakespeare Library’s Reading Room festival inspired by conversations of women, race, justice, and more in the classics. On the first day, attendees can see a radical bilingual reimagining of Hamlet set in the streets of El Barrio in present-day New York City with a Black and Latinx prince. (Lutheran Church of Reformation; 7:30 p.m.; $25)
COCKTAILS AND COLLAGE: Kick off the new year with a vision board workshop led by the Young Creative Group. Enjoy a hands-on experience by cutting and combining words and images to make your own personal collage while sipping on cocktails. Tickets include all crafting supplies, but attendees are encouraged to bring photos, mementos, and more. (Shop Made in DC Union Market; 5 p.m.; $60)
DANCE CLASS: Join the dance floor at Ecstatic Dance DC. The barefoot, non-verbal space encourages attendees to let loose, play, and connect with others in an ecstatic dance class. (Edgewood Arts Building; 8 p.m.; pay what you can, minimum $5)
MORE: Billy and George (Avant Bard Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; pay what you can, minimum $5); The Constituents: Almost Presidents Day (DC Improv; 7:30 p.m.; $20), Verdi Requiem: The Washington Chorus and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall; 8 p.m.; $25), Batting Cage Comedy (Kelly’s Irish Times; 8 p.m.; FREE), “Palace of Power” Opening Reception (Mehari Sequar Gallery; 7 p.m.; FREE), Featured Artist: Brandon Showell from NBC’s The Voice (WHINO Ballston; 10 p.m.; FREE), Everything Nice Presents: BOOM BOOM ROOM (Cafe Saint-Ex; 10 p.m.; FREE), Kokedama Workshop (PlantHouse Alexandria; 6:30 p.m.; $25), Country Dance Competition (Three Whistles; 8 p.m.; $10), CulturalDC exhibit Bundlehouse: Ancient Future Memory (The Yards; 12 p.m.; FREE)
