Smithsonian Associates Presents June Program Highlights

The June issue  of the Smithsonian Associates’ program guide features a variety of educational and cultural programs, including seminars, lectures, studio arts classes, performances for adults and children and local and regional study tours. Highlights this month include:

The Arts and WWI: Creation, Destruction and Revolution

Saturday, June 3; 9 a.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

The crucible of destruction and death that was World War I also forged some of the most innovative and significant creative works of the early 20th century. In an event honoring the World War One Centennial, art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine surveys the artists and writers whose wartime experiences provided the genesis for bold—and often highly personal—experiments in form and expression.

Alan Alda: The Science and Art of Communicating

Thursday, June 8; 6:45 p.m.

George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium

Interviewing a wide range of guests as host of Scientific American Frontiers on PBS propelled Alan Alda to investigate new ways to communicate complex ideas more effectively. He digs into the heart of what it means to be a true and empathetic communicator as he shares techniques, which also draw on the actor’s arts of storytelling and improvisation that can be incorporated into everyday communications.

The Origins of Wine Civilization: From Ancient Vines to Modern Expressions

Friday, June 9; 6:30 p.m. (Opening reception at the Embassy of Georgia)

Saturday, June 10; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Seminar) and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Grand Tasting)

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

In a unique two-day event, international experts in the culture, history, science and production of wine explore the link between the wines people enjoy today and the earliest of winemaking traditions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus. An opening reception, panel presentations, a lunch featuring dishes from these wine regions and complementary pairings and a concluding Grand Tasting enhance the experience.

Mammals on Camera: A New Approach to Wildlife Observation

Tuesday, June 20; 6:45 p.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

Think of it as wildlife selfies: Camera traps that capture images of animals in their natural habitats are offering scientists a tool to gather crucial information about their behavior. Bill McShea, a wildlife ecologist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, examines how these candid creature photos can influence discussions and decisions about ecosystems, conservation and preservation.

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SI-302-2017