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From Michelle Lancaster. Got a news tip or event? Send Michelle an email.
National Portrait Gallery Commissioner Resigns in Protest
By now, you must have seen the stories on the ‘Hide/Seek’ video installation getting pulled due to political pressure (if you missed, for shame! Go here and here and rejoin us). We Love DC got the scoop on the resignation of the Commissioner today in protest over the censorship.
New Art in Borderstan: Hamiltonian Gallery Exhibit Opens Dec. 11
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out the new exhibit at Hamiltonian Gallery. A new two-person exhibition: Magnolia Laurie, holding up; Jon Bobby Benjamin, going home opens December 11. Join them at their opening reception on the 11th from 7 to 9 pm. Event info here, gallery info here.
Man Involved in Bicycle Hit and Run Passes Away
DCist has the sad story of the death of an elderly man struck by a bicycle on Massachusetts Avenue NW last month. If you have any details or information, please contact authorities at 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-2746, or anonymously via 1-866-411-TIPS.
Logan Circle to Get Oysters, Jeff Black is Sure of It
Jeff Black is moving ahead with his planned restaurant in Logan Circle, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and BlackJack, TBD reports. He has put down the money on the building even before getting his liquor license approved, a bold move with the area’s recent history with licenses (especially at oyster places).
But if You Are an Oyster Fiend…
You don’t have to wait for this to open. Hank’s Oyster Bar announced their New Year’s Eve menu on Twitter before noon and I’ve been hungry since then.
Give a Warm and Fuzzy (Sweater) to Get One (Warm and Fuzzy Feeling)
Ginger Root on U Street is taking recycling to a new level this winter. Bring in a used/old/unwearable sweater and they will turn it into two hats, one of which is donated to charity. U Street Girl has the details.
Thursday evening: Transformer’s Victoria Reis in front of the gallery at 1404 P St. NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
A group gathered in front of the Logan Circle gallery Transformer around 6 pm Thursday to march to the National Portrait Gallery downtown. Organized by the executive director of Transformer, Victoria Reis, the group was protesting the National Portrait Gallery’s decision to remove the 1987 video, Fire in my Belly, from an exhibition. The National Portrait Gallery is part of the Smithsonian Institution.
People gather in front of Transformer to march towards the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday evening. (Luis Gomez Photos)
The 1987 video, Fire in My Belly, is now playing continuously in the front window space at Transformer, 1404 P St. NW. The video was removed from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery in downtown DC after complaints about depictions of Jesus. The video will run continuously in Transformer’s front window space until reinstated at the National Portrait Gallery, according to Transformer.
“Your right-wing critics, including in the Congress, know nothing and care nothing about art. They care not a wit about freedom of expression, or free speech, or “the American promise of equality, inclusion and social dignity.” – from Transformer letter to Smithsonian
On its website, Transformer states, “Under pressure from the Catholic League, The Smithsonian Institution has removed this work from the National Portrait Gallery’s current Hide/Seek exhibition. Starting TODAY, DEC. 1, Transformer began showing this video work in our 1404 P Street, NW Washington, DC storefront project space, and we will continue to run the video 24 HOURS A DAY until it is reinstated.”
Transformer had copies of a letter that was sent to G. Wayne Clough, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution (and available on the website). The letter addresses one of the main criticisms of Fire in My Belly — an image of an ant-covered Jesus. Of this scene, the letter notes:
Wendy Olsoff, who represents the Wojnarowicz’s estate, said: “David believed the imagery of ants’ society was parallel to human society.” You must know – but in the event you do not – we the undersigned are here to tell you that your right-wing critics, including in the Congress, know nothing and care nothing about art. They care not a wit about freedom of expression, or free speech, or “the American promise of equality, inclusion and social dignity.”
You can read the entire letter at the Transformer website.
I love the cowboy at the north entrance of The National Portrait Gallery. (Photo: Luis Gomez)
Get off your computer. Go outside and enjoy the early fall weather. For example, The National Portrait Gallery is open every day except Christmas Day, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is at 8th and F Street NW, by the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop (Green, Red and Yellow lines).
Here are some more ideas for theater, galleries, restaurants, concerts. The earlier weekend listings, below, contain many events that are still running/current.
- Borderstan Weekend September 19/20
- 14th & U Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
- Borderstan Weekend September 12/13
- DC Jewish Community Center (in Borderstan, check their listings)
- Borderstan Weekend September 5/6
- TICKETPLACE.org (discounted tickets)
- What’s On-Washington, DC (great calendar of events)
See you Monday.
Here are some suggestions of things to do during the weekend in Borderstan, really close by or in the city.
Ristorante Posto, at 1515 14th Street, NW. (Photo: Luis Gomez.)
Cafe Saint-Ex Restaurant & Bar at 1847 14th Street NW. (Photo: Luis Gomez.)
Ristorante Posto at 1515 14th Street, NW opened in December 2008 and is still a novelty in the area. They serve classic and modern Italian dishes, wood oven pizzas and focaccia. Its prices are in the upper mid range.
Cafe Saint-EX crowns the southeast side corner of 14th and T Streets NW. It is one of the pioneer businesses of its kind in Borderstan on 14th Street. They offer a delicious mix of American-Bistro style cuisine… always a good alternative in the area.
“Spring Awakening” at the Kennedy Center. (Photo: www.springawakening.org)
“Dark Play or Stories For Boys” at the Forum Theatre at 1365 H Street, NE. (Photo: Forum Theatre Web site.)
“Spring Awakening” is playing at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW. It opens in DC after receiving eight Tony Awards. Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater created the music, keeping most of the original dialogue, but creating a contemporary score.
“Dark Play or Stories for Boys” by Carlos Murillo premieres at DC’s Forum Theatre at 1365 H Street NE… with a plot about teenage loneliness in today’s world.
