To escape the constant D.C. heat this weekend, dive into some of the District’s art and museum exhibits for an immersive cultural experience with some space to cool off.
Start your weekend off at the Portraits of Resilience exhibition Friday, tour the Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle Saturday and learn more about the culture behind your favorite foods at the U.S. Botanic Garden Sunday.
Friday
Portraits of Resilience
Surround yourself with a stunning show of projected photography and more personal storytelling at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus. The Portraits of Resilience exhibition highlights the challenges facing immigrants and amplifies immigrant voices from more than 10 countries, projecting their stories and experiences across a darkened room and striking the silhouettes of the museum-goers inside. The photo series tells the stories of dozens of journeys to raise awareness of the ongoing immigration crisis, marked by instances of oppression in the home countries of the photos’ subjects. Jonathan Banks, the artist behind this installation, aims to bring light to the beauty within the complex nature of those he photographs through his use of bright colors and captivating light projection work to complement the series. Friday is the last full day of the exhibition, so take advantage of this extraordinary learning opportunity while you still can.
Phillips at The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus. 1800 Mississippi Ave. SE. Open from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Free. Find more information here.
Saturday
Lou Stovall: The Museum Workshop
Interested in learning more about D.C.’s extensive art history? The Dupont Center is an art museum housed in the Phillips Collection, featuring a wide variety of contemporary work from artists based around the District. The center previously operated as a collaborative workshop for all artists of different ages and backgrounds. This exhibition focuses on Lou Stovall, a D.C.-based artist known for his abstract art, and features a wide variety of works he collected from other local artists. Stovall longed for the city to have more of a modern and contemporary art presence, which is a prevalent theme throughout the extensive collection on display. The exhibition not only features dozens of paintings, but also many abstract sculptures and photography installations. This exhibit is an excellent chance to see beautiful award-winning works while familiarizing yourself more with D.C.’s art culture.
The Phillips Collection. 1600 21st St. NW. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. General admission is $16.00 and $10.00 for students and educators with a valid ID. Find more information here.
Sunday
Cultivate: Growing Food in a Changing World
Learn more about the farming industry’s influence on American culture at the United States Botanic Garden features, which emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural practices. The exhibit “Cultivate: Growing Food in a Changing World” displays the many ways that agriculture affects every aspect of our daily lives and impacts our communities through social life, work, the environment and food. The documentary highlights the variety of agricultural industry practices across looks every region of the United States. The exhibition dives into U.S. food culture with interactive maps and food samples and sheds light on the influences of international cultures upon our own through the work of masterful chefs across the country.
The United States Botanic Garden. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free. Find more information here.
