PAST: ART: Here's a list of exhibits leaving the first Week of January, On view until SAT, Jan 4th or SUN, Jan 5th, Free

Last Chance to check out these exhibits! On view until:

Saturday, January 4th

Voices from the Diaspora: The Afro-Latino Experience in Prince George's County
Gallery 110

Westen Muntain: Lovesong
Artisphere

Annual Winter Members' Exhibition
Arts Club of Washington

Sunday, January 5th 

Emancipation: Meditations on Freedom
DCAC (DC Arts Center)

IMPART Ceramics Exhibit
The Art League Gallery

at the National Gallery of Art

Northern Mannerist Prints from the Kainen Collection

Yes, No, Maybe: Artists Working at Crown Point Press

Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris


at Artisphere

Dave Beck: Logjam
The Imaginary App

PAST: FILM: "Flying Monsters 3D" at the National Geographic Museum SAT, Nov 16th - TUES, Dec 31st, Select dates and times, $7, or $5 more if you buy with museum admission

"Flying Monsters 3D" at National Geographic

Saturday, November 16th - Tuesday, December 31st

Select dates and times, see schedule

Running time: 40 minutes

$7 for just the movie, or $5 more if you buy with museum admission, buy tickets

For thousands of years, humans believed that flying monsters existed. They became mythologized, with stories about them shared around the world. Could they have really existed? Soar back millions of years in this 3D recreation to learn how and why the mysterious flying reptile, the Pterosaurs, first took flight.

National Geographic

1145 17th Street, NW
Metro: Farragut North or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to M St

PAST: NEW YEAR'S: Set the New Year off right with a Free New Year's Eve Meditation at Pekoe Acupuncture and Wellness on 9th St near the new Giant on TUES, Dec 31st from 6:30pm - 7:15pm

Free New Years Eve Meditation at Pekoe Acupuncture and Wellness, PLLC

Tuesday, December 31st

6:30pm until 7:15pm
Free, donations welcome

Join Dalila Natanya Adams for free guided meditation on New Year’s Eve and set the stage for a great 2014! All donations will support So Others Might Eat, a DC food bank. Pekoe is located right by the new Giant at 9th & O St NW and one of my dear friends, Rachel, works there. Recommend checking them out!

Pekoe Acupuncture and Wellness
1410 9th St NW #1 - between P & O St NW

Metro: Mt Vernon Sq - Convention Center

PAST: NEW YEAR'S: "Back Into the Future" A New Year's Eve Celebration at Union Arts TUES, Dec 31st from 9:00pm - 4:00am, $5 - $10, 21+

"Back Into the Future" A New Year's Eve Celebration at Union Arts 
Tuesday, December 31st
9:00pm - 4:00am
$5 - $10, buy tickets here, 21+

The Union Arts Association and the curators from Deep Space Arts invite you to share the last moments of 2013 going "back into the future" for an evening highlighting artists that have supplied DC with driving inspiration in 2013. Union Arts is an art studio space in the former Warehouse space that has been converted to studios which they now rent to artists and musicians. The evening will be a celebration of their work accompanied by a half dozen performances from the iconoclasts Sun Sound Pleasure, Timmy Han and B. Wright. There will also be food from Jamila’s Catering and vibrations and stylings of Mr. Jenkins, Time Traveling Toaster, Saint Clair and Nag Champa. All the tunes will be accompanied by the visual marvels of Rushern Baker IV, Mike O’Brien, Superwaxx, Erick Ricks, and Graham Boyle.

Union Arts
411 New York Ave, NE - 3rd floor

Metro: NoMa-Galludet and walk about 15 minutes or take a taxi  - it's not too far from Union Market. There is also parking available behind the building in the alley 

PAST: NEW YEAR'S: La-Ti-Do New Year's Eve Celebration at the Black Fox Lounge in Dupont Circle! TUES, Dec 31st from 9:00pm - 1:00am, show starts at 10:00pm, by donation, $5 suggested, 21+

La-Ti-Do Musical Theater Cabaret and Spoken Word Series at the Black Fox Lounge presents a special La-Ti-Do New Year's Eve Celebration!
Tuesday, December 31st
9:00pm - 1:00am, show starts at 10:00pm
by donation, $5 suggested, 21+
Note: Best to arrive early to get a seat as the space is on the small side

Ring in 2014 with La-Ti-Do and a handful of our favorite performers from 2013! Guest Performers: Usman Hameedi, Sasha Sinclair. Hosts: Regie Cabico & DonMike Mendoza. Accompanist: TBA.

La-Ti-Do is DC's first curated spoken word/musical theater cabaret series! This weekly event takes place every Monday night in the cozy lower level piano lounge at the Black Fox in Dupont, performers vary. A really great, intimate evening of high quality musical entertainment and spoken word every week! 

"Every Monday evening at La-Ti-Do, you can count on a couple of things: the warm welcome, and fabulous talents, of hosts DonMike Mendoza and Regie Cabico, and resident pianist Jonathan Tuzman, spoken word and musical theatre performances (in addition to the month’s feature), and, most importantly, the feeling of community that comes from taking in DC’s performing arts community." 

Black Fox Lounge

‎1723 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Metro: Dupont Circle, take the Q St exit and walk a few blocks north on Conn, it's on the right side of the street.

PAST: NEW YEAR'S: Celebrate New Year's with a more Traditional evening of Folk Music and Drink Specials at Acre 121 in Columbia Heights on TUES, Dec 31st from 10:00pm - 3:00am, $10, 21+

New Year's Eve Party - Folk Music at Acre 121 with the Michelle Raymond Band
Tuesday, December 31st
10:00pm - 3:00am
$10, 21+ 

Join this local folk band for "a foot-stomping performance" at Acre 121 in Columbia Heights and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight as well as discounted drinks throughout the night. Learn more about the Michelle Raymond Band.


Acre 121
1400 Irving St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights

PAST: HOLIDAY: See the National Christmas Tree on The Ellipse from FRI, Dec 6th - WED, Jan 1st + Santa's Workshop and More, Free

The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse!

Free

Friday, December 6th - Wednesday, January 1st

The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace will be open from 10:00am - 10:00pm. Seasonal displays include a Yule log, a large-scale model train and a Christmas manger. Santa's Workshop hours here. Complete details here.

The Ellipse

17th St and Constitution Ave, NW, just south of the Corcoran Gallery

Metro: Farragut West or Farragut north and walk about 15 minutes south on 17th or take a taxi 

PAST: HOLIDAY: The annual "Zoo Lights" Family-Friendly light show at the National Zoo, WED, Jan 1st, 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Free

Zoo Lights at the National Zoo
Most nights Friday, November 29th  - Wednesday, January 1st

5:00pm - 9:00pm

Free
Note: Closed on Tuesday, December 31st

Zoo Lights is back this year and brighter than ever! More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. Lit animal silhouettes, musical light displays, and a new garden scene light sculpture make for truly magical sights!

In addition to the free event, the following paid attractions are also available: Zoo Tubing on Lion/Tiger Hill at the bottom of the park by Harvard St entrance,  There will be two 150 foot long "snow tubing" tracks. Be sure to take the plunge down this magical snowless track!

Ride the Merry-Go-Round, also known as the Speedwell Foundation's Conservation Carousel, which is solar powered!  You can also ride the Conservation Carousel is composed of 58 animal figurines and highlights the Zoo's incredible research and success stories.

Note: Recommend getting there by metro - or better yet a bus that gets you right to one of the zoo entrances (along Connecticut Ave the L1, L2 or L4, or the H2 bus which takes you to the entrance closer to Columbia Heights) as parking is pricey, $16 - $22 per vehicle, members $9. When the lot is full it can take a very long time to get out of the zoo area onto the main road. Trust me, my friend, her husband and their two year old were not happy last year waiting to get out of the lot for over an hour on a warmer winter night.

The National Zoo

3001 Connecticut Ave, NW

Metro: Woodley Park, Cleveland Park or Columbia Heights - Please read the note below
Note: If you have small children especially, or if it is a cold night, you might want to choose from one of these options instead of walking uphill from the Woodley Park Metro. Most folks might not know this, but the zoo is actually equidistant to the Cleveland Park stop (about a 9 minute walk or so from either stop). Definitely recommend getting off at Cleveland Park instead, it is a much more interesting, easier, and flatter walk. From either station, you can also wait for the L1, L2 or L4 bus on Connecticut Ave if you don't want to walk, it drops you off right in front of the zoo entrance! You can also metro to Columbia Heights and access the zoo from the Harvard Street side near Adams Morgan. It's only an 12 minute walk or so from the metro if you walk across Irving to 16th, turn left and take a right on Harvard (see walking map). You can also get closer by bus, take the 42 or 43 bus from Connecticut Ave downtown or from Dupont to Harvard St, where the bus turns left off of Columbia Rd,  it's about a 6 min walk or so downhill on Harvard. Get even closer with the H2 bus which goes right to zoo the entrance at the bottom of Adams Mill at Harvard. Pick it up on Columbia Rd at 14th St by the 7-11, though that line does not run that frequently. For bus info, visit metro online.

PAST: ART: Amy Genser's "EnterTwined" at Long View Gallery THURS, Nov 21st - TUES, Dec 31st + Works by Tony Savoie on view TUES, Nov 5th - TUES, Dec 21st, Free

Amy Genser's "EnterTwined" at Long View Gallery
Free
On view Thursday, November 21st - Tuesday, December 31st
Open: Wednesday-Saturday 11-6
Sunday 12-5 and by Appointment

Amy Genser’s exploration of paper as medium began in a papermaking and bookmaking class while studying for her graduate degree in graphic design at the Rhode Island School of Design. Art school led her to paper, but growing up in the northeastern United States and her year round visits to the beaches of Rhode Island inspired her love of the natural world. She masterfully manipulates paper to satisfy her obsession with color, texture and pattern while composing works undoubtedly influenced by her fascination with organic forms and natural processes.

Genser’s work grows from piles of flat paper into textured, three-dimensional constructions. Manipulated by her hands, each piece of paper is stacked, rolled, and cut, creating growth rings of color.

Also on view at the gallery - Tony Savoie

Free

Tuesday, November 5th - Tuesday, December 31st

Long View Gallery
1234 9th St NW

Metro: Mt Vernon Sq - Convention Center

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Final Day to check out these two exhibits! SAT, Dec 28th, Free - Thanks to CultureCapital.com for listing these!

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com! This site is a fantastic resource provided by CultureCapital (formerly known as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington) a wonderful organization that supports and highlights the metro area's diverse and vibrant arts community! 

Note: Due to the holiday season this post is quite a bit lighter than usual. You can find more free things to do on the "Free in DC" Inside-Out page, which covers DC and metro VA & MD. 

You can also sign up for their weekly Insider email that goes out every Tuesday and/or for their new Weekend edition! Select Free events below are organized by date and time. Please click through for more event details.

Last chance to check out these two shows before they leave!

"The Strange World of Cassie Taggart" at Zenith Gallery 

On view through Saturday, December 28th
Fascinated by the idea of multiple truths, her narrative interior scenes seem to straddle a line between dream and reality, between one truth and another. Taggart reminds us that "Reality is pliable, and for every perspective, there is a different truth."

Zenith Gallery
1429 Iris St, NW

Metro:  Closest Metro is Silver Spring. Best reached by bus: S4 to Juniper or S2 to Alaska Ave & 13th St, or from 14th St the 52 or 54 bus.

Art by Cianne Fragione

"My Haiku: Paintings by Cianne Fragione" 

at the Brentwood Arts Exchange in MD

On view through Saturday, December 28th
Cianne Fragione's art pours over with the physical material of paint and mark-making as an act of exploration. Her exhibition at the Brentwood Arts Exchange will present a selection of new works inspired by her residencies in Southern Italy, at Pennsylvania's Soaring Gardens, and the landscapes and spaces of our own region.
Brentwood Arts Exchange
At the Gateway Arts Center
3901 Rhode Island Ave - Brentwood, MD

Metro: Please see metro trip-planner for best bus access from metro 

PAST: COMEDY & BURLESQUE: "Bareneked Comedy" at The Pinch in Columbia Heights on FRI, Dec 27th starting at 9:00pm, Free, 21+

Barenaked Comedy at the Pinch 
Friday, December 27th
9:00pm
Free, 21+

From the invite: "Lord knows that you have spent too much time with the family this week and need to unwind. We have exactly what you need: Come to The Pinch in Columbia Heights for an evening of Stand Up and Burlesque! We will spend the night alternating hilarious stand-up from some of DC's finest comedians with Burlesque performances from local beauties. Hosted By: David Coulter and Mindi Mimosa
Burlesque Performances from: Stu L'amour, Aurora Wells, Anna Steasya, La Dame d'Artois Comedy by: Dana Bell, Simone, Matty Litwack, Ryan Schutt, Stavros Halkias, and David Tveite.

The Pinch

3548 14th St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th St about ten minutes or take the 52 or 54 bus along 14th St closer

PAST: COMEDY: Haywood Turnispeed hosts a Free Comedy Show with Elizabeth Croydon and others at Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights THURS, Dec 26th, 8:00pm, sign-up 7:30pm, 21+

Haywood Turnipseed

Free Comedy Show at Wonderland Ballroom
Thursday, December 26th
8:00pm show, 7:30pm sign-up
Free, 21+

Featuring Comedian Haywood Turnipseed Jr, along with the unbridled humor of Elizabeth Croydon and other comedians, TBD.

The Wonderland Ballroom
1101 Kenyon St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th one block to Kenyon, turn right and walk over to 11th

PAST: HOLIDAY: The Procrastinator's Sale + Holiday Open House at The Mansion on O St - which I recommend checking out if you haven't been yet, one of DC's most unique attractions! TUES, Dec 24th, Christmas Eve, from 10:00am - Midnight! All ages, Free admission

Holiday Open House at The Mansion on O Street!
Friday, December 20th - Monday, December 23rd
10:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve
10:00am - 12:01 am - Christmas Morning!
All ages, Free, No reservations needed
Read more about the Christmas Sale here
Note: If you haven't been here before, it is worth checking out!  One of DC's best kept secrets, an interesting and peculiar place

"Once a year the Mansion on O decks the halls and opens it's doors to spread holiday cheer free of charge! This is your chance to explore over 100 rooms and more than 32 secret doors, while you mingle, shop and make new friends. 

Filled with one-of-a-kind items donated by members, friends and neighbors The Mansion Holiday open house is a great way to get holiday shopping done and have fun doing it.
 


Don't miss the Procrastinator's Sale on December 24th — you can save up to 40% on gobs of goodies!" Please bring your own shopping bags.

Here’s the scoop on December 24th!
10:00 a.m. to 7:59 p.m. — 10% discount
8:00 p.m. to 9:59 p.m. — 15% discount
10:00 p.m to 11:29 p.m. — 20% discount
11:30 p.m. to 12:01 a.m. — 25% discount

More discounts! Bring a friend — (not a roommate or spouse) who makes a purchase & get an extra 3% off
Pay cash — get another 2% off what you will find!

• art
• bath accessories
• books
• clothing
• furniture
• jewelery
• kitchen accessories
• linens
• memorabilia and much more!

Please remember to bring your own shopping bags!
The Mansion on O Street
2020 O Street, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, the musuem is on O Street between 20th and 21st

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Free events from CultureCapital.com for MON, Dec 23rd

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com! This site is a fantastic resource for events provided by CultureCapital (formerly known as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington) a wonderful organization that supports and highlights the metro area's diverse and vibrant arts community! You can also sign up for their weekly Insider email that goes out every Tuesday and/or for their new Weekend edition! Select Free events below are organized by date and time. Please click through for more event details.

Note: Due to the holiday season this post is quite a bit lighter than usual. You can find more free things to do on the "Free in DC" Inside-Out page, which covers DC and metro VA & MD. 

Monday, December 23rd

Messiah Sing at The Kennedy Center with the Metropolitan Chorus
7:30pm

See post already on Free in DC for details!

Find more more free exhibits and events on the "Free in DC" Inside-Out page!

PAST: HOLIDAY MARKET: Still looking for Holiday Gifts? Check out the 9th Annual Downtown Holiday Market at 9th & F St NW near the Chinatown Metro, FRI, Nov 29th - MON, Dec 23rd, Open from 12:00pm - 8:00pm Daily + Lots of live music, Free

Still looking for holiday gifts? Check out the 9th Annual Downtown Holiday Market

Friday, November 29th - Monday, December 23rd
12:00pm - 8:00pm daily

Free

You'll likely want to have some money to spend at the exhibitors booths! + Free musical performances

Downtown Holiday Market

8 & F St, NW 

Metro: Galley Pl - Chinatown

PAST: ART: Touchstone December Holiday Shows FRI, Nov 29th - SUN, Dec 29th + Opening Reception on FRI, Dec 6th from 6:00pm - 8:30pm, Free

Touchstone December Holiday Shows
Free

Friday, November 29th  - Sunday, December 29th

“Deck the Walls” with Art from Touchstone; a festive holiday all-media exhibit of affordable art in all sizes and shapes. 45 Touchstone members offer gifts of peace and good will through artistic expression. Also on view:  "Interplay" a new series of painting by Georgia Nassikas, and Touchstone Foundation for the Arts presents Art Enables artist show “The 28th Century: The Work of Charles E. Meissner.”

Save the Date! Opening Reception 

Friday, December 6th

6:00pm -8:30pm

Free

Touchstone Gallery
901 New York Ave NW
Metro: Metro Center or take the Circulator, Union Station - Georgetown route, bus right there

PAST: HOLIDAY: The Metropolitan Chorus invites you to a Messiah Sing at The Kennedy Center on MON, Dec 23rd at 7:30pm, Family-Friendly and Free

Messiah Sing at The Kennedy Center with the Metropolitan Chorus
Monday, December 23rd

7:30pm

Free

Family-friendly, Free. Holiday event, the Messiah Sing.

The Kennedy Center
2700 F Street, NW

Metro: Foggy Bottom and take the free Kennedy Center Shuttle or take the 80 bus 

PAST: ART: "Paradigm Shift" at Adah Rose Gallery in Kensington, MD from THURS, Nov 14th - SAT, Dec 28th, Free

"Paradigm Shift" on view at Adah Rose Gallery in Kensington, MD
Free
Thursday, November 14th - Saturday, December 28th

This show features works by John James Anderson and Mei Mei Chang. Regular gallery hours: Thursday - Sunday 12:00pm - 6:00pm and by appointment.

Adah Rose Gallery

3766 Howard Ave - Kensington, MD
Metro: Medical Center, and catch a bus

PAST: MUSIC + CHILL OUT: "Glide" New Age DJ Night at U Street Music Hall in Celebration of the Winter Solstice this SUN, Dec 22nd at 9:00pm, Free, 18+

GLIDE - DC's Premier New Age DJ Night
One night only! Every year around the Winter Solstice

Sunday, December 22nd

9:00pm

Free

View and share the facebook invite 

Washington's premier new age DJ night, "Glide," takes over U Hall with an evening of gentle music in celebration of 2013's winter solstice. Unique atmospheric effects will be provided, in addition to the ethereal sounds of new age. Bring a own yoga mat or blanket for enhanced relaxation.

U Street Music Hall

1115 U St NW

Metro: U St or take a bus

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Male A Cappella Group at the Franciscan Monastery SAT, Dec 21st at 7:30pm - Thanks to Gravy, Local Events App & Website

Did you know? You can find lots more local events online on the new local events site, Gravy + if you have an iPhone or Android, I recommend downloading the free Gravy app!
Some cool things that make Gravy unique:

• You can save events + select to save them saved directly on to your calendar on your iPhone! 
• You can search by what you are in the mood for! Whatever, Lively, Classy, Brainy; Playtime 
• You can also search by Currently Trending Events
• Channels: My favorite channel of course is the Free & Discounted one! Others include Live Music, Happy Hours, Family Friendly, Around the Corner and more - connecting you with specific types of things going on around you. You can find the Channels in your MyStuff section.

The Gravy app is totally Free, which of course we all love, and you can download it here now! Click "Learn More" on each post for more details! Free events below. See metro trip-planner for best bus and metro options. Note that this week's list of events is a little lighter due to the holiday season.

Saturday, December 21st

Male A Cappella Group the Suspicious Cheese Lords perform at the Franciscan Monastery
7:30pm
The Suspicious Cheese Lords will give a concert of Christmas music at the Franciscan Monastery in DC, where they recorded their latest CD. "Specializing in early music, this unique brotherhood's concerts, liturgies, recordings, and educational programs provide a scholarly yet accessible interpretation of music of all eras, inspiring fans and future musicians alike." Music from the male a cappella ensemble will include works by Jacob Handl, Leonard Paminger, Thomas Crecquillan, Gregorio Turini and a selection from Paestrina’s Missa O admirabile commercium. Free-will offering.
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land
1400 Quincy St NE
Metro: Accessible by bus, see metro trip-planner for best bus access

Have an iPhone or Android? Download the Gravy app for free!

PAST: SOLSTICE: Daytime Solstice Celebration at Westminster Church by the Waterfront Metro in SW! Enjoy Yoga, Qi Gong, Reiki, Seated Massage, Meditation, Visioning and more on SAT, Dec 21st from 10:00am - 4:00pm, All ages, $7

Winter Solstice event with ULM - Universal Love Movement
Saturday, December 21st
10:00am - 4:00pm
All ages welcome, $7
This month, Free Prashadam Vegetarian Cuisine by the Hare Krishna Temple

This Winter Solstice celebration invites you to "go within and embrace your infinite healing power." Organized by Heal Humanity & the ULM (Universal Love Movement) the day will include Sound Vibronics, Yoga, Qi Gong, Reiki, Seated Massage, Meditation, Crystal Healing, Solstice Visioning, Heart 2 Heart Networking and a Vegetarian Potluck.  Participating Practitioners include: Rev. Ivy Hylton, Victoria Payton, Manifest Ra, Cherae N'Dia, Limor Schafman, and Tracee Jamison-Hooks. Enjoy 15 minute Healing Services for a $ donation: Seated massage, Reiki and Crystal Healing. Questions, contact Manifest Ra at 202.746.4537 or info@healhumanity.org. Schedule below:

Solstice Yoga with Cherae N'Dia
 10:00am - 11:00am
Global Om 108 Chant with Limor Schafman
  11:00am - 12:00pm
Qi-Gong for Divine Love & Light with Manifest Ra
  12:00pm - 1:00pm
Womb & Chore Yoga for Women & Men with Tracee Jamison-Hooks
  1:00pm - 2:00pm
Sound Vibronics featuring Crystal Bowls & Sacred Harp with Rev. Ivy Hylton and Victoria Payton
  2:00pm - 3:00pm
Visioning for 2014 with everyone
  3:00pm - 4:00pm

Westminster Presbyterian Church

400 I St, SW

Metro: Waterfront, walk straight when you exit the metro about a block, past the Safeway, Westminster Church is on the left side of the street. For those who wish to drive, there is free parking in church parking lot. 

PAST: DJ + DANCING: Monthly: 80's Dance Party at Black Whiskey, 14th & P St, this SAT, Feb 22n from 9:00pm - 3:00am, $5, 21+

80's Dance Party at Black Whiskey on 14th St
Saturday, February 22nd
9:00pm - 3:00am
$5, 21+

The 80's Dance Party at Black Whiskey is back! Once again, The Angel teams up with Steve Donahoe to you DC's original 80's Night - the one that was held for years at Club Heaven and Hell - now in it's 21st year! In addition to the large dance floor there will also be videos!

Black Whiskey 

1410 14th St NW - at P St
Metro: McPherson Sq or U St and take the Circulator bus right to 14th & P or 14th & Rhode Island or walk, you can also walk over on P St from Dupont, about 6 blocks or so .

PAST: ART: "Against the Bias" at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery on U St from FRI, Nov 8th - SAT, Dec 21st, Open today from 11:00am - 3:00pm, Free

Against the Bias on view at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

Friday, November 8th - Saturday, December 21st

Hours: Wednesday - Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 11am-3pm

Yarn, thread, and fabric were historically associated with "women's work" and hence works made from such materials were often relegated to the category of mere craft, yet with the 1960's feminist movement these once humble materials began to enter the realm of contemporary art worldwide. Against the Bias highlights the work of Emily Biondo, Hannah Brancato, Stacy Cantrell, Lily deSaussure, Jo Hamilton, Jesse Harrod, Jimmy Miracle, and Amber Robles-Gordon. The exhibit will also include a large-scale, crochet and knit installation wrapping their U Str building façade, created by a the local community and a team of expert yarn-bombers. 

Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

at the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U St NW

Metro: U St and walk about 4 blocks or take the S1, S2 or S4 or S9 bus from along 16th St right to U St or any of the 90 line buses that run along U St to 16th St.

PAST: Drum Class Recital, Potluck & Holiday Bazaar with Kristen "The DrumLady" Arant and her students at Roda Studio in Takoma Park on SAT, Dec 21st from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, All ages, Free, donations welcome

Drum Class Recital, Potluck & Holiday Bazaar in Takoma Park
Saturday, December 21st
6:00pm - 8:00pm
All ages, Free, Please bring something to share for the potluck
view and share facebook invite here

This free drumming event will feature the student stars of Ms K “the Drumlady’s” West African drum class, along with a potluck and a participatory drumming circle! Enjoy warm community vibes and a holiday bazaar with handmade drums, Shea butter and accessories from Ghana, all discounted for the holidays. Kristen and Kwe will also be taking orders for personalized drums to be created by artisans at the Arts Center in Accra, Ghana! Tips will be accepted throughout the evening, and all proceeds from this event will go towards Drumming Up From Poverty and our upcoming Ghana Tour, planned for Jan. 2014.

Roda Studio
7014 Westmoreland Ave - Takoma Park, MD

Metro: Takoma, walk about 9 minutes

PAST: MUSIC: Black Masala and Karikatura live at Tropicalia on U St for A Night of "Gypsy/ Brass/ Transglobal Mind Melting Fun" SAT, Dec 21st from 7:00pm - 10:30pm, $10

Karikatura (NYC) and Black Masala (DC) live at Tropicalia on U St for A Night of  "Gypsy/ Brass/ Transglobal Mind Melting Fun" - one night only!
Saturday, December 21st
7:00pm - 10:30pm
$10, no note about whether 21+ call  (202) 629-4535 to ask

Karikatura - "With gorgeously dark, terse horn arrangements, minor keys, and eerie gypsy chromatics along with a slinky latin rock bounce, the Brooklyn band’s music is danceable and also surprisingly deep." -- New York Music Daily/ Black Masala "is comprised of members from Bellflur, Thievery Corporation, and many others-rounding out a very diverse sound. Black Masala...will make for a rip-roaring evening of worldly music that is sure to be a don’t miss event.” - D.C. Music Download Blog.

Tropicalia
2001 14th St, NW - enter downstairs on U St, below Subway

Metro: U St or take the Circulator, Woodley-McPherson route, to 14th & U

PAST: Final Day of the Trunk Show and Holiday Market at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, FRI, Dec 20th from 10:00am - 5:00pm, Free

Holiday Market at the National Museum of Women in the Arts 

Wednesday, December 18th - Friday, December 20th

10:00am - 5:00pm

Free to attend though you might want to have some money to spend 

The National Museum of Women in the Arts Holiday Market will feature a trunk featuring works by five women - Diane Ginsburg, Keithley Pierce, Meena Tharmaratnam, Cindy Hornaman, and Melanie Ferrara - who will be selling their jewelry, textiles, home and personal accessories. A wide range of holiday gifts and collections, carefully selected for the museum shop, will be available. All five women will attend the show and be available for a "meet and greet" with shoppers. NMWA members will receive double discounts (20%). 

National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW

Metro: Metro Center or take any bus that goes to 13th and H St NW

PAST: BURLESQUE: DC Gurly Show is back at Phase 1 with a Year in Review Show! FRI, Dec 20th from 9:30pm - 11:00pm, doors 7:30pm, $10, 21+

DC Gurly Show presents a Year in Review!

Friday, December 20th

9:30pm -11:00pm, doors 7:30pm

$10, 21+

DC Gurly Show is back at Phase 1.

From the invite: "Did you miss a show in the last 12 months? Here’s your recap. You Voted. You Chose. Here–is your own *personalized* “Best Of” Show! Each participating DC Gurly Show performer will be doing the act you liked best!  CoHosted by the Vivacious Velvet Kensington and Sensual Sugar Cane. Kittened by Muffy Stockwood, Lucy Come Lately, and Lacy Sweet!"

Phase 1

525 8th St SE

Metro: Eastern Market, turn right on 8th St

PAST: MUSIC: Latin Salsa Orchestra Bio Ritmo live at Tropicalia on U St FRI, Dec 20th at 9:00pm, doors 8:00pm, $10

Bio Ritmo at Tropicalia - Early Show presented by Congo Y Castro as part of  Pura Vibra Fridays

Friday, December 20th

9:00pm show, 8:00pm doors 

$10 at the door or buy online with an additional $1.54 fee

Tropicalia presents an amazing night of tropical sounds with a complete, one-stop shop for all your Latin music needs. DJ Crown Vic-label boss at Electric Cowbell Records-starts the evening with his unique brand of 'Weird World' global grooves with a focus on great vintage Latin sounds. 10-piece Latin salsa orchestra Bio Ritmo will take the stage debuting a lot of new songs in anticipation of a new album coming out early in 2014 on the Spanish label Vampisoul. All of this followed by crushing DJ sets by special guest DJ G-Fulx alongside resident Friday night DJ-Junior Castro (DC/SF/I&I Vibration/18th St Lounge). More about the performers, and links to video and more, on the invite here.

Tropicalia

2001 14th St, NW
entrance is on U St, downstairs, below Subway
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus, Woodley/14th/McPherson line, to 14th & U

PAST: MEDITATION: Feeling Stressed this Time of Year? Learn ways you can "Reduce Stress This Holiday Season Through Meditation" at this Workshop at MLK Library at 9th & G St NW on WED, Dec 18th from 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Free

Learn ways to "Reduce Stress This Holiday Season Through Meditation" with Karin Silverman of Science of Spirituality DC at the MLK Library at 9th & G St NW

Wednesday, December 18th

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Free

The scientific community has recently been exploring the use of meditation as a healing modality. Join Karin Silverman as she discusses the extraordinary effect of meditation to reduce stress, improve concentration, enhance clarity of thought and mental equilibrium. She will also present a simple, yet powerful, meditation technique that can enrich one's life personally, professionally, spiritually and help with seasonal stress. The free workshop will take place in Room A-3. All are welcome to attend.

Science of Spirituality now has a new home in Washington, DC located at 2950 Arizona Ave NW‎, at the intersection of Cathedral and Arizona Ave. Though not super close to a metro there is lots of street parking available and you can check metro for bus options, looks like the M4 and D6 buses get you pretty close.

SOS DC will also continue to offer free meditation workshops at area libraries. You can learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and feel free to connect with the Mid-Atlantic region on facebook and with SOS DC on twitter at @SOS_WashDC.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

901 G St NW

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown, also close to Metro Center 

PAST: YOGA: Free Yoga Classes on WED, Dec 18th from 7:00pm - 8:00pm at the Family Life Community Center right by the Rhode Island Ave Metro, RSVP to ensure your space, 18+

Free Wednesday Night Yoga Classes, near the Rhode Island Ave Metro led by Crystal from Exquisite Asana at the Family Life Community Center
Wednesday, December 18th - Final Free Class
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Free, donations welcome, RSVP to ensure your space, 18+ 

Free Yoga Anyone? Throughout the month of December, Crystal Moore will be leading free weekly yoga classes at the Family Life Community Center in NE, right next to the Rhode Island Ave Metro, every Wednesday night through December 18th at 7:00pm.
Learn more about how yoga can help to connect you with your true, exquisite essence – mind, body, and soul.

Family Life Community Center
605 Rhode Island Ave NE (map)
Metro: Rhode Island Avenue, right by the metro, next to Auto Zone

PAST: CONTEST: The Golden Triangle's "12 Days of Golden Giveaways" comes to Day 12! Final giveaway will be a $1,200 gift card to the Tiny Jewel Box! Prizes on Weekdays MON, Dec 2nd - TUES, Dec 17th, Enter before 5:00pm for a chance to win!

The Golden Triangle - 12 Days of Golden Giveaways!
Enter now for a chance to win

Prizes will be given away Monday - Friday from

Monday, December 2nd - Tuesday, December 17th 

Free to enter!
One lucky winner will receive a gift card to a Golden Triangle retailer or restaurant each day!

To increase your chances of winning, tweet a message that contains the #12GoldenDays or fill out the "share form" after you enter. All entries must be received by 5:00pm each day to be eligible for the prize that day. Enter now until Tuesday, December 17th at 5:00pm. Winners must by 18-years-old or older by November 22nd. See all of the rules for entry here.

Today is the Final Day! Enter before 5:00pm for a chance to win!

Day 12 - Tuesday, December 17th  

      $1,200 gift card to Tiny Jewel Box

Past Prizes:

Day 1 - Monday, December 2nd $100 gift card to Taberna del Alabardero
Day 2 - Tuesday, December 3rd $200 gift card to Ann Taylor
Day 3 - Wednesday, December 4th $300 gift card to Ristorante i Ricchi
Day 4 - Thursday, December 5th$400 gift card to Rizik's
Day 5 - Friday, December 6th $500 gift card to Lou Lou Boutiques
Day 6 - Monday, December 9th$600 gift card to Brooks Brothers
Day 7 - Tuesday, December 10th $700 gift card to Sarar
Day 8 - Wednesday, December 11th$800 gift card to Betsy Fisher
Day 9 - Thursday, December 12th $900 gift card to Thomas Pink
Day 10 - Friday, December 13th$1,000 gift card to Boone & Sons
Day 11 - Monday, December 16th $1,100 gift card to Nordstrom Rack

Stay connected with The Golden Triangle on facebook and @GoldenTriDC on twitter. 

PAST: POETRY SLAM: Monthly: The Beltway Poetry Slam is back on TUES, Dec 17th for round two at their new home, The Dunes in Columbia Heights! Art + Happy Hour starting at 7:00pm, Slam 8:00pm - 10:00pm, Open Mic 10:00pm - 10:30pm, All ages, $5

The Beltway Poetry Slam is back at their new home - The Dunes in Columbia Heights!

Tuesday, December 17th
8:00pm - 10:30pm, sign-up 7:40pm
Art Viewing + Happy Hour begin at 7:00pm

All ages, $5, bar available for those 21+
Come early for Happy Hour 7:00pm - 8:00pm Stay late for the Open Mic at 10:00pm

Tuesday, December 17th
This slam will be the second to take place at The Dunes. Events used to be at The Fridge.

Beltway Poetry Preliminary Qualifier Slam
Hosted by the illustrious, Matt Gallant
Feature: Cave Canem fellow and author of BlackGirl Mansion, Angel Nafis! watch her perform here. Read more about here here!

Poets- Please bring two original pieces that have never been performed at Beltway and that can each be performed in 3 min or less without the use of props or costumes. Slam - 15 poets max. The new venue -  The Dunes - and will feature a happy hour and a late night open mic hangout after the main event!

Also, be sure to check out the amazing works of DC's edgiest art duo - Matt Sesow & Dana Ellyn

The Dunes
1402 Meridian Place NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk just a few blocks north on 14th, past Park Rd, turn left on Meridian, The Dunes is above The Getaway, go up one flight of stairs.

PAST: "Fête des Lumières" continues in Georgetown FRI, Dec 13th - FRI, Dec 20th, most events are Free

The first Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) - Georgetown

Free

Friday, December 13th - Friday, December 20th 

See complete schedule and find more info here!

The holiday season will be aglow as four international artists bring their public art displays, using lights as their medium, to Georgetown for a week-long festival inspired by the world-renowned Fête des Lumières, Festival of Lights, in Lyon, France.  

Alliance Française de Washington D.C, Georgetown BID, Art Soiree Productions, EDF (Elecricite de France), SPAIN arts & culture, The JBG Companies, and Wallonie-Bruxelles International are proud to bring this world-renowned celebration to Georgetown for the festival's U.S. premiere!

Throughout the Week:

• Art Installations, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
• “Floating Lights” and “Ciudad Habitada,” will remain on display throughout the festival. 
• Georgetown Holiday Window Competition - Neighborhood merchants create holiday-themed window displays using only four different materials for the second annual competition.  
• *New this year: lights will be added as a fifth material in honor of the Fête des Lumières.  Location: Storefronts of Georgetown. More info here.

Georgetown - Various Locations 

Metro: Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle or Rosslyn and take the Circulator bus to Georgetown or take any of the 30 line buses that run along Penn/ M St and Wisconsin Ave. See metro trip-planner for bus access.

PAST: Monthly: GreenDrinksDC December Happy Hour will be at Cause, The PhilanthroPub, on TUES, Dec 17th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, This month's feature will be from Ethical Electric, Happy Hour starts at 5:00pm, Free, 21+

GreenDrinksDC December Happy Hour

Tuesday, December 17th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free, Drinks available for purchase, 21+

Happy Hour Specials from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Join GreenDrinksDC for their December Happy Hour, this month at Cause - The PhilantrhoPub! This month's 10-Minute Spotlight will feature Richard Graves, Co-founder, Ethical Electric.

Cause - The PhilantrhoPub
1928 9th St NW - just south of U St
Metro: U St - African-American War Memorial exit

PAST: HOLIDAY: MUSIC: DCFlutes Holiday Concert will be this MON, Dec 16th from 7:30pm - 8:30pm at the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, Free

DCFlutes Holiday Concert
Monday, December 16th
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Free
Note: This is the new date, was rescheduled from Tuesday, December 10th due to weather

Come hear Washington's DC's premiere flute choir performing works by Resphigi, Rossini, Lauf, Louke, and Boellman. Directed by National Symphony Orchestra Principal flutist Aaron Goldman. Reception follows. DCFlutes is the official flute choir of the Flute Society of Washington.

Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church
1 Chevy Chase Circle, NW
Metro: Friendship Heights and exit to the Western Ave buses and walk along Western Ave about 6 long blocks, or take a bus closer. Best to see metro trip-planner for best access based on where you are coming from. You can also get off at Van Ness and take the  L2 and L4 bus north on Connecticut toward Chevy Chase and get off at the last stop.

PAST: ART: Two Shows in Anacostia "Winter Recap" at Honfleur Gallery and "RAW Files Worn Magazine" upstairs at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions from SAT, Nov 9th - FRI, Dec 20th, Free

Two Shows on view in one space in Anacostia!

"RAW Files | Worn Magazine" at the Gallery at Vivid Solutions upstairs and "Winter Recap: Honfleur Gallery Collection" at Honfleur Gallery

Free
Saturday, November 9th  - Friday, December 20th

"RAW Files | Worn Magazine"
"To celebrate FotoWeekDC 2013, Worn Creative is putting its RAW Files on display at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions. On the heels of Worn Magazine’s sixth issue, the show will feature the most stand out images from the past five issues of Worn Magazine, a sneak preview of images from the upcoming Issue 6 “The Raw Issue” before its official release, behind the scenes video showing the magazine printing process, and a selection of unpublished images from past editorial shoots. Worn Magazine’s RAW Issue will be released in November, following the exhibition at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions."

"Winter Recap: Honfleur Gallery Collection" at Honfleur Gallery
"Since opening in January 2007, Honfleur Gallery has produced more than 50 exhibitions, presenting the work of local, national and international artists. This winter, the gallery will showcase a mix of its collection including work by Cyril Anguelidis, Stephan LaPlanche, John K. Lawson, Arie Mandelbaum, Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann, Delphine Perlstein, Ben Skinner, and Gustavo Diaz Sosa."

Honfleur Gallery and The Gallery at Vivid Solutions DC temporary home

1241 Good Hope Rd SE 

Metro: Anacostia and walk or take the Circulator bus on Howard Ave toward Skyland. You can also catch the same bus from 8th St SE, near the Starbucks, from the Eastern Market Metro.

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Free events this SUN, Dec 15th - Thanks to CultureCapital.com!

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com! This site is a wonderful resource for events provided by CultureCapital (formerly known as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington) a wonderful organization that supports and highlights the metro area's diverse and vibrant arts community! Find more upcoming free events and exhibitions on view in the DC metro area on the customized "Free in DC" Inside-Out page. You can also sign up for their weekly Insider email that goes out every Tuesday and/or for their new Weekend edition! Select Free events below are organized by date and time. Please click through for more event details.

Sunday, December 15th 


Morning - Children's Film, NGA - Archives 
Children's Film: Christmas Story
(Juha Wuolijoki, Finland, 2007, 80 min,

English-language version)
11:30am
Recommended for ages 8 and up
About the film: Hundreds of years ago in a remote village in Lapland, a little boy named Nikolas loses his family in an accident. The villagers decide to look after the orphaned boy together. Once a year--at Christmas--Nikolas moves to a new home. To show his gratitude, Nikolas decides to make toys for the children of the families. Read more.
National Gallery of Art
East Building Concourse, Auditorium
401 Constitution Ave NW
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

Afternoon - Choral Holiday Concert - Arlington, VA
Potomac Harmony Chorus Holiday Concert and Sing Along
Presented by Potomac Harmony Chorus
3:00pm
The award-winning Potomac Harmony Chorus will present Letters to Home,? its annual Holiday Concert & Sing-Along at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theater. Voluntary donations will be accepted to benefit Doorways, a nonprofit organization that provides a year- round safe shelter to abused and homeless women and families.
Thomas Jefferson Theatre
125 South Old Glebe Road - Arlington, VA
Metro: Clarendon and take a bus. See metro trip-planner for best bus access from the metro. Suggest you catch the Arlington Transit 41 bus at 2:45pm towards Dinwiddie & Columbia Pike to S Glebe Rd & 2nd St, arriving at 2:56pm. Walk a short distance SE on S Glebe Rd, turn left on 2nd St S, walk approx. 1 block E on 2nd St S., turn left on S Old Glebe Rd, walk a short distance N on S Old Glebe Rd.

Find more free things to do on the "Free in DC" Inside-Out page!

PAST: POETRY: Monthly: "In Your Ear" features Poets who draw on Avant-Garde Traditions, at the DCAC in Adams Morgan this SUN, Dec 15th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm, $5, Free for members

"In Your Ear" Monthly Avant-Garde Poetry event at the DCAC in Adams Morgan

Sunday, December 15th

3:00pm - 5:00pm

$5, free for DCAC members

Every month "In Your Ear" features readings and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Curated by Buck Downs and Maureen Thorson. Please call DC Arts Center to reserve your ticket 202 462 7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org.

DCAC - D.C. Arts Center
in Adams Morgan
2438 18th St, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle and take the 42 bus to 18th St or Woodley Park or Columbia Heights and walk or take the Circulator bus to Adams Mill Rs/ 18th St

PAST: ART: East City Art Weekend Round Up: Last Call for 2013 edition, Artist Talk with Pay Goslee on SUN, Dec 15th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Free

Weekend East City Event Round Up:  Last Call for 2013 Edition

Sunday, December 15th

Photo courtesy of 39th Street Gallery - via East City Art

39th Street Gallery - Artist Talk with Pat Goslee 
2:00pm - 4:00pm
This Sunday, join Pat Goslee for a discussion about her process and four month residency with the Gateway CDC.  For more information, click here.
39th Street Gallery
3901 Rhode Island Ave, upstairs -  Brentwood, MD

The East City Art Quarterly Guide to the Visual Arts Winter 2013 Edition is out now in the Hill Rag, East of the River and at select locations. The Round-Ups will resume January 16, 2014.

Phil Hutinet is the Editor-in-Chief of East City Art. You can also find East City Art on facebook  and Twitter and you can also sign up for their newsletter here .