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Tai Shan (2007) by Meghan Murphy. Image courtesy of the National Zoo.

Friday, January 29: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain was a mind-blowing book in which she asserted that artistic ability was not a matter of natural gift, but rather, a matter of changing how you perceive the world around you—and how you go about translating it to your sketchpad. In this Resident Associates Program event, participate in exercises such as contour drawing, blind drawing, drawing positive and negative space, and rendering light and shadow, allow students to focus in depth on observational drawing from still life, the figure and portrait models. Tickets are required. Call 202-633-3030 for prices and availability. Resident Associates Program, 2:30 PM.

Saturday, January 30: Tai Shan’s Farewell Celebration

Thanks for the memories, Tai Shan! That’s right folks, on February 4, the panda cub who captured our hearts is leaving on a jet plane—he won’t be coming back again. Come on out to the National Zoo and help give the little guy one heck of a sendoff. The day will be chock full of activities: learn about the Zoo’s role in the ongoing international efforts to conserve the panda population, listen to veterinarians talk about how they care for these rare bears, make your own Tai Shan-themed greeting cards, a Land O’ Lakes tribute to “Butterstick” (Tai Shan’s nickname when he was born), and much, much more! Also, the first 50 kids (ages 12 and under) to visit the FONZ membership table at the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat will receive a giant plush panda. And, with that, so long, farewell, auf weidersehen, goodbye Tai Shan! Free. National Zoo, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Sunday, January 31: Book Signing

Robert F. Door will be available to autograph his book Hell Hawks!: The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler’s Wehrmacht. Free. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 1:00-4:00 PM.

For more information on events and exhibitions at the Smithsonian museums, check our companion website, goSmithsonian.com, the official visitor’s guide to the Smithsonian.