Smithsonian.com

Elvis (1978) by Robert Arneson. Friends, Romans, countrymen—lend me your ears! In this piece, on view at the National Portrait Gallery, the artist re-envisions the king of rock 'n roll as a Roman emperor. Image courtesy of the Hirshhorn.

Monday, January 11:

OK, so the museums are off to a bit of a slow start this week when it comes to special events programming. But never fear—other stuff is here! Be sure to check this Web site for a listing of regularly scheduled Smithsonian fun.

Tuesday, January 12: Film Series: Black Georgetown Remembered

Come enjoy a film that commemorates several generations of Georgetown’s African-American community and listen to residents’ recollections that recall the hardships of slavery and Jim Crow. After the film, stay for a while for a discussion led by the museum’s education department head, Robert Hall. Free. If you would like to reserve a seat for this event, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Museum, 10:30 AM.

Wednesday, January 13:

Please refer to the previous link to check out a calendar of regularly-scheduled activities at the museum. Also, don’t forget about IMAX offerings. You can find IMAX listings here.

Thursday, January 14: Elvis Aaron Presley: Face to Face Portrait Talk

Was there anything about Elvis Presley’s persona that wasn’t absolutely epic? The hair, the clothes, the car, and—oh yeah!—those super sultry pipes are part and parcel of one of pop culture’s biggest icons. So, naturally, should someone paint Presley’s portrait, it’s totally appropriate to make a sizable statement. Case in point is Robert Carston Arneson’s vision of Elvis as a Roman emperor. Come on out and listen to the curator of the new exhibit, “One Life: Echoes of Elvis,” Warren Perry discuss the piece in this week’s portrait talk. Free. National Portrait Gallery, 6:00 PM.

Friday, January 15: Discovery Theater, Going the Distance

Here for one day only is a show that sets the lives of athletes Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Come learn about how these two athletes overcame adversity to win Olympic gold. Ideal for persons ages 5-12. Tickets are required. Rates are: $6 general admission; $5 for children; $4 for members and children of members. No tickets are required for children under age 2, but please be sure to include them in your ticket order. Tickets may be purchased online here or at the Resident Associate Program box office which is located in the S. Dillon Ripley Center and is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Discovery Theater, 11:30 AM.