Calendar of Events
2008 Smithsonian Institution Calendar of Events
A Celebration of Latino Art and Culture at the Smithsonian
June
Music Performance
“Grupo Folklórico Y Experimental Nuevayorquino”
2008 Annual Ralph Rinzler Concert
Saturday June 28
6 p.m.
National Mall / Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
Join the Smithsonian Latino Center and the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival for a historic reunion concert in tribute to New York City musicologist and producer René López of the Grupo Folklórico y Experimental Nuevayorquino.
July
Music and Dance Performance
“Carnaval del Corazón”
Thursday, July 3
5 p.m. — 8 p.m.
Kogod Courtyard / Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
8th St. and G St. NW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
Join Eileen Torres of Salsation Productions for the first in a series of three musical programs organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum on the first Thursdays of July, August, and September. See live performances and dance to the rhythms of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Latin New York!
Artists Talk
“Boricua Origins: Tales of Puerto Rican Artists in Nueva York”
Thursday, July 24
7 p.m. — 9 p.m.
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Join the Smithsonian Latino Center and Jersey City Museum Curator Dr. Rocio Aranda in a cross-generational dialogue with artist Raphael Montañez-Ortiz, the founding director of El Museo Del Barrio, and contemporary performance artist, Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz in a journey of Latino art heritage in the U.S. “Boricua Origins” tells the story of Puerto Rican art in New York from varied professional, generational and artistic viewpoints. Drawing on vivid details from two artists’ unique participation in the New York City art world, this event will explore a city home to the largest Puerto Rican population in the country and discuss the imprint of this urban landscape on their art and lives.
September
Family Day
Living in Many Worlds: Hispanic Heritage Month Family Day Celebration
Saturday, September 13
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Kogod Courtyard / Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
8th St. and G St. NW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
The whole family is invited to kick off the Smithsonian’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with craft and art making activities, bomba and plena music and dance performances, children’s storytelling, family-oriented bilingual tours, and other interactive activities. This is the first event in the Smithsonian Heritage Month series “Living in Many Worlds,” which explores the many influences of time and place on heritage and identity. This program is also part of the Puerto Rico at the Smithsonian program series and is sponsored by the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies, the Smithsonian Heritage Months Steering Committee, and the Smithsonian Latino Center.
Exhibition
Posters from the Division of Community Education (DIVEDCO) of Puerto Rico, 1949-1989
September 17, 2008 — January 18, 2009
Concourse of the S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
As part of the 2008 program series “Puerto Rico at the Smithsonian,” the Smithsonian Latino Center has organized an exhibition highlighting Puerto Rican poster art from the late 1940s to the late 1980s. Produced by artists enlisted by a government agency known as DIVEDCO (División de Educación de la Comunidad), these posters (from the collection of the Archives Center of the National Museum of American History) were part of a broader effort to stimulate artistic production on the island while transforming its population into a model of modern, democratic citizenry.
Annual Gala
“The Smithsonian Latino Center’s Annual ¡Smithsonian Con Sabor! Gala and Legacy Awards”
September 18
Kogod Courtyard / Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
8th St. and G St. NW
Washington, D.C.
Now in its third year, the ¡Smithsonian Con Sabor! Gala and Legacy Awards is a high-profile celebration of Latino culture and heritage. This year we honor Puerto Rico and recognize the contributions of Puerto Rican individuals in the arts, humanities, sciences, and other areas of American culture.
School Workshop
“Art for Social Change”
Thursday, September 25
10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
3rd Floor of the S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
As part of the 2008 program series “Puerto Rico at the Smithsonian”, the Smithsonian Latino Center is offering educational workshops to complement its exhibition of Puerto Rican posters. These workshops will focus on the use of art to promote social change and issues. Using the DivEdCo Poster and Film collections as a basis, topics and themes presented as part of the program will include current social issues such as health, education, and the role of family and the community in society. The workshops will include a guided tour of the exhibition, classroom discussion, and hands on activities. Art for Social Change is appropriate for both middle school and high school groups.
For more information or to RSVP (commencing August 25th), please contact Emily Key at 202.633.1268 or by email at keye@si.edu.
Community Festival
“Fiesta DC”
Sunday, September 28, 2008
11 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Mount Pleasant St., NW
Washington, DC
See live performances of traditional and contemporary Latino music and dance, taste the diverse flavors of Latin American cooking, and spend a day of family fun and learning with the D.C. Latino community.
October
Performance
“Borinquen! Music & Dance of Puerto Rico”
October 1
10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Baird Auditorium / Natural History Museum
10th and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington D.C.
In partnership with the Smithsonian Discovery Theater, the Smithsonian Latino Center will host an interactive performance that will showcase different Puerto Rican musical and dance traditions including bomba, plena, and salsa music. The event will include group discussions and instrument demonstrations.
Tickets required. Group rates available.
202-633-8700
www.discoverytheater.org
Family Program
“Living and Working in Space”
Saturday, October 4
10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
National Air and Space Museum
Independence Ave at 6th Street, SW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Smithsonian Latino Center and the National Air and Space Museum are presenting a bilingual educational program about Hispanics in Aeronautics. Bring the family to join in arts and crafts activities, explore discovery stations, and learn about space!
School Workshop
“Art for Social Change”
Thursday, October 9
Thursday, October 23
10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
3rd Floor of the S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
As part of the 2008 program series “Puerto Rico at the Smithsonian”, the Smithsonian Latino Center is offering educational workshops to complement its exhibition of Puerto Rican posters. These workshops will focus on the use of art to promote social change and issues. Using the DivEdCo Poster and Film collections as a basis, topics and themes presented as part of the program will include current social issues such as health, education, and the role of family and the community in society. The workshops will include a guided tour of the exhibition, classroom discussion, and hands on activities. Art for Social Change is appropriate for both middle school and high school groups.
For more information or to RSVP (commencing August 25th), please contact Emily Key at 202.633.1268 or by email at keye@si.edu.
School Workshop and Performance
“Catch the Beat- with Luis Garay”
October 14, 15, 16, 17
10:15 am & 11:30 am
The Discovery Theater
S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington D.C.
In partnership with the Smithsonian Discovery Theater, the Smithsonian Latino Center will offer elementary students an interactive experience with Puerto Rican music, with a focus on percussion. Join us as we explore traditional Puerto Rican instruments and sounds to create the rhythms of the Island. The workshop will include a performance and interactive music session aimed at elementary age students. This program is part of the Smithsonian Latino Center’s Cultural Expressions program series.
Tickets required. Group rates available.
202-633-8700
www.discoverytheater.org
Films Series
“The Puerto Rican films of DivEdCo: Melodrama, Civics, and Modernity”
Featuring the short films, “El Resplandor” (1961) and
“Nenén de la Ruta Mora” (1956)
Thursday, October 23
7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
Presented in conjunction with an exhibition of Puerto Rican posters produced by a government agency called DivEdCo, this film series presents Puerto Rican films from the 1950s and 60s whose stories and images were determined by the public policies and cultural negotiations happening on the island during those pivotal decades of political, social, and economic change. This evening’s program features “El Resplandor” and “Nenén de la Ruta Mora,” two of the few DivEdCo films that specifically address blackness in Puerto Rico. These films are available only in Spanish; a written, English-language overview will be available for viewers the do not speak Spanish. This event is first-come, first-served—be sure to get there early to get a good seat!
November
School Workshop
“Art for Social Change”
Thursday, November 6
Thursday, November 20
10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
3rd Floor of the S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
As part of the 2008 program series “Puerto Rico at the Smithsonian”, the Smithsonian Latino Center is offering educational workshops to complement its exhibition of Puerto Rican posters. These workshops will focus on the use of art to promote social change and issues. Using the DivEdCo Poster and Film collections as a basis, topics and themes presented as part of the program will include current social issues such as health, education, and the role of family and the community in society. The workshops will include a guided tour of the exhibition, classroom discussion, and hands on activities. Art for Social Change is appropriate for both middle school and high school groups.
For more information or to RSVP (commencing August 25th), please contact Emily Key at 202.633.1268 or by email at keye@si.edu.
Films Series
“The Puerto Rican films of DivEdCo: Melodrama, Civics, and Modernity”
Thursday, November 6
Featuring the film, “Los Peloteros” (1953)
Thursday, October 23
7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
Presented in conjunction with an exhibition of Puerto Rican posters produced by a government agency called DivEdCo, this film series presents Puerto Rican films from the 1950s and 60s whose stories and images were determined by the public policies and cultural negotiations happening on the island during those pivotal decades of political, social, and economic change. This evening’s program features “Los Peloteros,” a masterpiece of Puerto Rican cinema directed by Jack Delano and featuring the legendary Puerto Rican comic, Ramón Rivero, known as “Diplo”. This film is available only in Spanish; a written, English-language overview will be available for viewers the do not speak Spanish. This event is first-come, first-served—be sure to get there early to get a good seat!
December
Films Series
“The Puerto Rican films of DIVEDCO: Melodrama, Civics, and Modernity”
Featuring the short films, “Juan sin Seso” (1959) and “Modesta” (1956)
Thursday, December 4
7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
Hirshhorn Museum / Ring Auditorium
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
Presented in conjunction with an exhibition of Puerto Rican posters produced by a government agency called DIVEDCO, this film series presents Puerto Rican films from the 1950s and 60s whose stories and images were determined by the public policies and cultural negotiations happening on the island during those pivotal decades of political, social, and economic change. This evening’s program features “Juan sin Seso,” a humorously didactic film about the dangers of consumerism, and “Modesta,” a comical but poignant declaration (and negotiation) of women’s rights on the interior of the island. These films both have English subtitles. This event is first-come, first-served—be sure to get there early to get a good seat!
Art Lecture
“Puerto Rican Art Now – with Antonio Martorell”
Friday, December 12
7:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.
Ring Auditorium, Hirshhorn Museum
Independence Avenue at Seventh Street SW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
Join the Smithsonian Latino Center for a dynamic presentation with one of Puerto Rico’s best known artists, Antonio Martorell, who will discuss the work of Puerto Rican artists since the 1980s and their presence in museums and galleries on the island and in the global art market.
School Workshop
“Art for Social Change”
Thursday, December 4
Thursday, December 18
10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
3rd Floor of the S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
As part of the 2008 program series “Puerto Rico at the Smithsonian”, the Smithsonian Latino Center is offering educational workshops to complement its exhibition of Puerto Rican posters. These workshops will focus on the use of art to promote social change and issues. Using the DivEdCo Poster and Film collections as a basis, topics and themes presented as part of the program will include current social issues such as health, education, and the role of family and the community in society. The workshops will include a guided tour of the exhibition, classroom discussion, and hands on activities. Art for Social Change is appropriate for both middle school and high school groups.
For more information or to RSVP (commencing August 25th), please contact Emily Key
January, 2009
Musical Performance and Family Program
“Three King’s Day/Puerto Rican Christmas Traditions”
Sunday, January 4
Sunday, January 4
1pm – 5 pm
Baird Auditorium / Natural History Museum
10th and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington D.C.
Admission is free
From parrandas to the Three Kings, Puerto Rico is rich in holiday traditions. Plan on spending January 4th with your family and the Smithsonian Latino Center as we enjoy traditional food, make crafts and sing along to Puerto Rican holiday música jíbara, while learning about Three Kings Days—a traditional, but increasingly forgotten Latin American holiday.
School Workshop
“Art for Social Change”
Thursday, January 8
10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
3rd Floor of the S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, D.C.
Admission is free
As part of the 2008 program series “Puerto Rico at the Smithsonian”, the Smithsonian Latino Center is offering educational workshops to complement its exhibition of Puerto Rican posters. These workshops will focus on the use of art to promote social change and issues. Using the DivEdCo Poster and Film collections as a basis, topics and themes presented as part of the program will include current social issues such as health, education, and the role of family and the community in society. The workshops will include a guided tour of the exhibition, classroom discussion, and hands on activities. Art for Social Change is appropriate for both middle school and high school groups.
For more information or to RSVP (commencing August 25th), please contact Emily Key at 202.633.1268 or by email at keye@si.edu.
