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Cub Scouts View the Stegosaurus (c. 1950s). Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Archives.

Monday, October 11: Performance by Artist James Luna

In observance of Columbus Day, performance artist James Luna invites the public to “Take a Picture with a Real Indian” at the Christopher Columbus statue outside Union Station. Luna employs humor, irony, and penetrating insight to confront commonly held misperceptions of Native Americans. In this re-staging of his acclaimed performance work, he involves members of the audience, who take away photographs of themselves with the artist. Free. American Indian Museum, 4:15-5:45 PM. PLEASE NOTE: This event does not take place at the museum, but at the Christopher Columbus statue outside Union Station between Massachusetts and Delaware Avenue.

Tuesday, October 12: Lathe Demonstrations

Watch the Capital Area Woodturners, Chesapeake Woodturners, and Montgomery County Woodturners demonstrate the process used by the artists in A Revolution in Wood to create their unique pieces. Free. American Art Museum, 12:00-1:00 PM.

Wednesday, October 13: National Fossil Day

Learn how fossils offer clues for understanding the history of life while exploring the museum’s Fossil Halls. Enjoy hands-on activities at Discover Carts, watch paleontologists and volunteers at work in the Fossil Lab, and meet scientists who study fossils. Then go outside to the National Mall to collect your own fossils at a fossil dig (rain or shine). Natural History Museum, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thursday, October 14: Face-to-Face Portrait Talk: Michael Jackson

Andy Warhol is famous for his silkscreened pop art portraits of celebrities and in this week’s evening gallery talk series, curator writer Warren Perry will discuss Warhol’s portrait of Michael Jackson. Free. Portrait Gallery, 6-6:30 PM.

Friday, October 15: Forensic Friday

Join Smithsonian forensic anthropologists as they study new cases from America’s historic past. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask the forensic anthropologists questions and observe first-hand the basic methods used for documenting human remains recovered from archaeological investigations. While you’re at the museum, be sure to check out the related exhibit Written in Bone, which was recently covered in Smithsonian. Free. Natural History Museum, 1:00 PM

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