3 Days in DC

A big thanks to the lovely and fabulous Sarah Goldy for a fantastic, whirlwind tour of Washington DC. In my less-than 72 hours in DC, we managed to visit three museums, stumble on a fabulous Indian restaurant, watch 2.5 horror movies on cable (couldn't finish one because it was so bad), visit with Tammy Marinucci (nee Rhodes) twice, plant a voodoo hex on the inaugural site (notice the bad weather rolling in?), lunch at Tea-ism (twice!!) AND see "Sideways"! Woo!!

Highlights of the Museum experiences:
Day one: The International Spy Museum
www.spymuseum.org
Not only we were assigned with aliases (I was, for a brief moment, Maria from South America, vacationing in Iowa), we learned how to pick a lock, infiltrate a spy ring, hide suicide pills in unmentionable orifices, and discover that spying is just in general a sexy, moody profession. This would be a great place to take kids (for instance, they're hosting a "Spy Gadgetry Workshop" for kids his weekend).

Day two: Calder/Miro at The Phillips Collection!!
http://www.phillipscollection.org/
The big event that drew me to DC! It was GORGEOUS. And it provided a good argument for renting a quality audio tour. If you're ever able to take an audio tour for any exhibition, DO IT. It's a priceless way to gain a better understanding of artwork, especially works like this, which are steeped in rich stories but are so abstract on the surface. Between the audio tour and the very well-written wall panels, it was such fun to learn about the dynamic relationship - both artistic and personal - between Alexander Calder and Joan Miro. The exhibition was so playful and energetic! Then to be able to visit the Phillips home, with room after room of both historic architecture and modern masterpieces - oh! I was thrilled! What a treasure, tucked away in Dupont Circle. I might have to return for the Modigliani show this summer.

Day three: A Smithsonian Combo-package
Thanks to Rick for the "ADD Tour of the Smithsonian." I never thought I could "cram in" a visit to the Smithsonian before a 6-hour flight!

First, a quick run through the Freer and Sackler galleries: www.asia.si.edu
The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery represent just a wee little speck in the vastness of the Smithsonian, but under normal circumstances these would represent worthy museum collections all on their own. Together they form the national museum of Asian art for the U.S.,, and their collections are remarkable, ranging from ancient Buddhist art (we saw a 3,000-year-old statue of Ganesha!) to Biblical manuscripts, and dozens more (religious and non) categories. There is also, unsually, a wonderful collection of American Art, influenced normally by Free's good friend James McNeill Whistlers, whose work was strongly influenced by Chinese ceramics. Not incidentally, there is the world's greatest collection of Whistler works, including some enchanting etchings. The Freer and Sackler web site has a fantastic amount of their collection - check it out!

Then it was off to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: hirshhorn.si.edu
This is the Smithsonian's Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Sculpture, and as you can imagine its collection is stunning, focusing on work created since WWII. The exhibitions, housed in a circular building with stacked rotundas, is a must-see for modern art lovers; my personal favorites were the Henry Moore sculptures - you can truly get up close and personal with his sublime works, and it's such a treat. Another great web site to visit - be sure to check out the timeline under "The Hirsshorn Story" on the "Museum" page.

Then, it was off to the airport! Thanks again to Sarah for making it all happen.