art openings

Come Craft with us. Don't let the lack of RSVPs stop you, they aren't required, nor is membership to our group. Bring your project and join a boisterous group of crafters in the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery - American Art Museum. This glass roofed space is climate controlled and has the most beautiful light for crafting. (If there's an event in Courtyard head over to the MLK library Cafe.)

Mostly Broadway and Disney, all night. That’s right. No karaoke mic, just an old fashioned singalong. Step into the start of something: **Opening Acts & Fresh Starts.** This month’s singalong celebrates the songs that begin it all—the opening numbers, “I want” songs, and first steps that set stories in motion. From bold introductions to quiet moments of longing, these are the songs where characters (and maybe all of us) decide who they are and who they’re about to become. No solos required, enthusiasm strongly encouraged. Come scream-sing with friends, meet new ones, and start something together—loudly, and on purpose. 🌱🎤 I’ll get there by 6:30 pm to set up. Doors open by 7 pm if you get there early. We’ll be upstairs. You can join our FB group here to keep up with news and events, as well as vote for songs in the playlist: fb.com/groups/BADSingalong Generally looking at third Thursdays throughout 2026, adjusting for scheduling depending on conflicts for hosts, and holidays for regular attendees, which will be confirmed no later than the month before.

In 1940 an English inventor develops a machine that can receive radio/TV broadcasts from the future. She uses it to further British efforts in WW2, but as always in time-travel and time-manipulation tales, there are unforeseen consequences. This would have been an impressive feature if financed by a major studio, but the meager budget available for this indie mandated filming techniques that make the story even more compelling. ■ Title — *Lola* ■ Director — Andrew Legge ■ Cast — Emma Appleton, Stefanie Martini, Theodora Brabazon Legge ■ Unrated, suitable for general audiences ■ ©2022 \| 1h 19m \| Sci\-Fi\, War \| black & white ■ Distributed by MPI Media

Let's take another field trip out of SW. [Merry Pin](https://www.merrypindc.com/) at 7350 Georgia Ave., NW is kindly allowing us to crash their monthly Sip and Stitch, where we can indulge in adult drinks and light snacks as we craft. And as well-situated as the library is, the atmosphere is rather austere whereas Merry Pin is.... merry. And crafty. Their event starts at 5:30pm but they're open until 9 so don't feel pressured to get there early. I intend to get to Georgia Ave-Petworth station around 5-5:15 and make a judgment call about taking the D40 for 20 minutes up Georgia ave or a lyft/uber for a 15 minute ride. Depending on how many of us make it at 5 (I know it's early), I might just pay for a car and make all of our lives easier. If you rsvp and want to meet me at the station, please leave a message in the comments so I know to look for you. Note: The crafting area is up a flight of stairs if that poses any issues.

Beginner-friendly morning [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class [at OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): Learn escapes, submissions, and live strategy with expert instruction. **🔥** *No experience is required* -- **new students** and **first-timers** are genuinely welcome. Classes focus on **practical**, **real-world fundamentals** taught in a **safe**, **technical**, and **highly supportive environment**. You’ll learn how to **escape common holds**, **apply effective submissions**, and **understand live positional strategy** \-\- the same leverage\-based system used in modern BJJ and [Mixed Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts) (MMA), adapted for everyday people. This **gi class** takes place every **Tuesday** and **Thursday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **30 minutes of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research). Gis are available if you need one. **The drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.

Some of the most challenging places to be LGBTQ+ are in Africa -- but that doesn't stop gorgeous queer expression there. The National Museum of African Art offers a beautiful collection of 60 works by LGBTQ+ African artists. Join us, and find a new favorite queer artist from Africa! MEET AT: Outside the main entrance to the National Museum of African Art. It is inside the gardens behind the big red stone Smithsonian Castle and looks like the picture above. Look for Molly with the rainbow LAL sign. COST: FREE! NEAREST METRO: Smithsonian **Exhibition description:** Artists’ voices are central to this exhibition, which is based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms. They are united by a simple, shared declaration: **We are here and always have been and will be.** The exhibition is part of a larger research initiative, the Here Project, that seeks to document these voices. The artists in the Project practice across the entirety of the African continent and its global diaspora, using their work to speak their truths. Inviting us into their worlds, they share complex stories of openly claiming their identities, their histories, and their place. While their experiences are unique to them, they address issues that unite us all: the importance of family, of spirit, of standing up for oneself and others, of imagining the future, of making intimate connections, of finding belonging, of embracing potential, and above all, of experiencing joy. *Here* is based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with these artists and their communities. Through their art, they invite us into their worlds, and share complex stories of openly claiming their identities, their histories, and their place. *Here* is in the largest exhibition on this subject to date, with nearly 60 artworks, demonstrating how they are a part of a larger story of African art history.

We are creating a public art piece called “Conversation Bench.” Volunteers will collaborate to paint the bench together. Join us for this creative, community-driven activity!

We are honored to host Jaime Echt from The Crafter's Workshop for our annual Creative Minds Summit. Whether you’re new to Stencil Butters® or a longtime fan, this class is going to bring your Mixed-Media/Art Journaling game up a notch. You’re going to start by making a color swatch ring of all your favorite colors (and there are over 40 colors to choose from.) This’ll give you a chance to see how colors interact with water and other modifiers. Plus it’ll be a great reference tool to take home with you. From there you’ll create one or more frameable pieces of art. Jaime will walk you through technique after technique, from mark-making to stenciling, from dry brush to wet palette knife, and everything in between. You’ll leave with the swatch ring and at least one finished piece. Feel free to bring your art journal to work in. Learn more about this class, your student supply kit fee & list via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: [https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-color-mapping-abstract-art-with-jaime-echt](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-color-mapping-abstract-art-with-jaime-echt) \*\*\* Due to the size or other requirements of the class or concurrent scheduling, some classes are in our second-floor space: access is via stairs only. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for [through our website](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk), or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. [View our complete class policies »](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

Greetings! \*A Few Quick, Important Notes\*: 1. Location/Further Details/Tickets required at: **[https://convergeworld.org/dc/green-convene-2026/](https://convergeworld.org/dc/green-convene-2026/)** 2. A Free RSVP on Meetup is NOT a ticket for admission to this event. This is NOT a free event. Thanks! 3. Can't make this one, but interested in future events? **[https://forms.gle/4Pnws1HBn5M89Ro28](https://forms.gle/4Pnws1HBn5M89Ro28)** \*\*\* You are cordially invited you to **GREEN CONVENE.** Celebrate the arrival of spring’s most important environmental gatherings with an evening of connection, ideas, and momentum in the heart of Washington, DC. **GREEN CONVENE** brings together the people, organizations, and communities shaping the region’s environmental conversation—across policy, technology, art, and civic life. Taking place alongside a wave of major spring convenings—including DC Climate Week, Green Expo 2026, Earth Day and other initiatives — this event offers a central space to meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships that carry forward into the weeks and year ahead. Whether you’re deeply involved in environmental work or simply curious and looking to plug in, this is your chance to connect with the people driving ideas forward in DC and beyond. Feel free to forward this invitation to friends. I look forward to seeing you on **Saturday 18 April**! Yours,  **John Hanshaw** **Questions? Feel free to reach out at:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhanshaw/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhanshaw/)

Let’s go see the [state fair exhibit](https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/state-fairs) at Renwick! A nice way to move from winter into spring. We’ll meet out front at 10:30. The exhibit begins inside to your left and continues upstairs. Check comments day-of for how to find me. INHERENT RISK AND LIABILITY: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Common sense dictates that conditions may change and there is inherent risk associated with attendance. Organizers do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries or any other incidences that may occur in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.

Artistic Artifacts initiated our [Creative Minds Summit](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/about-our-creative-minds-summit "About Our Creative Minds Summit") in 2023 to provide our talented and enthusiastic customer base with exclusive fiber & mixed media classes taught by nationally known instructors in an immersive, collaborative environment. **We have some exciting plans for our 2026 event, so please [save the date](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/save-the-date-creative-minds-summit-2026) for April 17, 18 and 19 so you can join in the fun!** We’ll have news soon, so continue to watch this space for the names of our faculty and the exciting classes they’ll offer. A complimentary lunch is provided to students each day of the Summit. Many materials are provided for each Summit class, with a kit fee payable to your instructor that morning. Whether you stick with one instructor, experience a different teacher each day, or attend a single class, you’re sure to love the experience of attending our Creative Minds Summit!

**Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C210D19F-D41E-49ED-A66F-EB4EF696BF55](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C210D19F-D41E-49ED-A66F-EB4EF696BF55) The International Club of DC and the RCAS cordially requests the pleasure of your company at the Embassy of France, La Maison Francaise for a delightful evening of classical music. The concert is followed by a French wine reception to meet other guests in attendance. You are welcome to attend on your own or with friends. Tickets for the rare delight of a classical concert at the French Embassy featuring the world-renowned performers are only $65 for a limited time. The International Club of DC is very grateful to the RCAS for presenting this concert as well as the Embassy of France, La Maison Francaise for hosting the concert. After the concert meet other guests in attendance during the wine reception. Space is limited so please reserve your tickets early. Kindly note that the event is presented as a concert followed by wine reception and not a dinner function so please plan to have dinner before or after the event. If you purchase more than one ticket, please send us the full name of each of your guests. **Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C210D19F-D41E-49ED-A66F-EB4EF696BF55](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C210D19F-D41E-49ED-A66F-EB4EF696BF55) **Classical Music Performance** Enjoy a delightful evening of classical music at the Embassy of France, La Maison Francaise featuring the music of the Zingaresca Ensemble: Songs of Passion & Love The Zingaresca Ensemble returns with Songs of Passion and Love, a vibrant concert continuing the RCAS 20th Anniversary celebration! Enjoy a captivating blend of musical traditions in a heartfelt celebration of love and longing. **Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C210D19F-D41E-49ED-A66F-EB4EF696BF55](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C210D19F-D41E-49ED-A66F-EB4EF696BF55)

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

Join us for an afternoon of peace, relaxation, & healing. This FREE Spring Open House is a beautiful way to step into sacred community by enjoying nourishing food, heartfelt connection, and complimentary sessions. We will be offering FREE mini services: Wax Scryings, Intuitive Readings, Somatic Healing, Soul Embodiment Light Activations, Reiki & Multidimensional Energy Healing, Channeled Card Messages, Vibrational Sound Healing, Healing Infrared Dome Sauna, Chakra & Meridian Healing & Energy Body Clearing & Activation, Psychic Readings, Meditation, Wellness Coaching, & more! Time slots will be available first come, first serve. Optional RSVP to Caitlynn at: [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com] We will also be offering ongoing group talks and activities in our group room. Dr. Ryan Brown, Metaphysician & Transformational Trainer will be speaking at 3pm! This is a perfect opportunity to meet each practitioner & receive an introduction to the many different healing modalities we offer. Spiritual & Wholistic gifts and Gift Certificates & Packages will be available to purchase. They make a great gift for yourself or as a holiday gift of self-care for your friends and family. Mini Service Offerings: Ammatara: Wax Scryings, Intuitive Readings, Somatic Healing, & Soul Embodiment Light Activations Caitlynn: Energy Healing & Channeled Card Messages Ellen: Vibrational Sound Healing Team Member: Healing Infrared Dome Sauna Group Room Talks/Demos: Session 1 \| Intro to Center & Practitioners with Ammatara Session 2 \| Soulbits Circle with Caitlynn Session 3 \| Alternative Medicine with Dr\. Carlos Session 3 \| Group Sound Healing with Ellen Session 4 \| Somatic Healing\, Releasing & Return to Love with Ammatara Session 5 \| Frequency Shifting with Dr\. Ryan Brown Hosted by The Center for New Life Practitioners 6797 N. High Street Suite 333 Worthington Ohio 43085 \*Entrance up the orange ramp to right of building and to 3rd floor\*

Welcome to the Art School - 20's & 30's artists Meetup group! This is a community for young artists who are passionate about exploring different mediums and techniques in the world of art. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or mixed media artist, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, have a space to work on your craft, and showcase your work. Let's inspire and support each other on our artistic journeys! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artist, all skill levels are welcome. Join us and unleash your creativity! Afterwards, we will have time to work on our individual art projects, hang out, and if anyone is interested in feedback on their work, there will be time for that as well.

This year to help support Night of Noise we will be having an open collaging event with the community at the Westerville Public Library. Feel free to stop on by anytime between 2:00-5:00pm to create lovely collages with us! Let us bring together community, uplift our voices, and create. All supplies needed will be provided.