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Share your favorite critter shots at this month's FONZ photo club meeting. Tragopan chick. Photo by Megan Murphy. Courtesy of the National Zoo.

Monday, August 2: ExplorAsia: A Drop-in Art Adventure for Families

Come on down to Freer Gallery 5 and immerse yourself in the art of elaborately-decorated folding screens which will transport you back to 17th and 18th century Japan. Discover what life was like in the city and the country, act out what you see in the scenes on the screens, write a poem and get to know what tools the artists used to create these pieces. This event is perfect for family members of all ages. Free. Freer, 2:00-4:00 PM.

Tuesday, August 3: FONZ Photo Club

If you’re a shutterbug with a penchant for snapping shots of critters, come on out to the National Zoo and participate in the FONZ (that’s Friends Of the National Zoo for those of you who were thinking Henry Winkler) photo club’s monthly meeting. Share your photos, hear from speakers and learn about new techniques that may help you capture that picture perfect moment. You must already be a FONZ member to participate. For more information on the FONZ photo club and how to participate, check out its website. National Zoo, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, August 4: Come Draw with Us!

A classic way to engage with works of art is to sit, study and draw what you see on the walls. (And in this summer heat, it’s also a terrific way to pass an afternoon.) Educator Deborah Stokes will get you going on your artistic endeavors—and since all supplies are provided, there’s really no reason for you not to come out. Free, but reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 202-633-4632. African Art Museum, 1:00-3:00 PM.

Thursday, August 5: Portraits Alive!

It’s back! By grace of DC Mayor Adrian Fenty’s 2010 Summer Youth Employment Program, a troupe of teens scattered throughout the Portrait Gallery bring the art on the walls to life though short, biographical sketches. Not able to make it out today? Worry not. Portraits Alive repeats throughout the summer. Check goSmithsonian.com for a full listing of dates. Free. Portrait Gallery, 2:15 PM

Friday, August 6: Made in Hong Kong Film Festival: The Pye Dog

In this poignant crime drama, fate intertwines the lives of three strangers—a boy who refuses to speak, a gangster posing as a school janitor and a substitute teacher. This film is presented in Cantonese with English subtitles. Free. Freer, 7:00 PM.

For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com