New Year's Resolution: Expand Your Artistic Horizons

In case you missed it, our friends at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop are offering 40 free events in 40 days to celebrate their 40th anniversary.  Perfect timing, right?  Just when you’ve been thinking about trying something new, CHAW is offering the opportunity to dabble in just about any artistic arena, all for free.  Want to learn to tango?  Maybe you’d like to explore 3-D art, or hear one expert’s story about the nexus between art and science.  You can do all that and much more through February 12th.

Below is a list of next week’s events.  Kid-friendly events are marked with a *. Pre-registration is required for some events. Please call (202) 547-6839 or visit this site to view the entire catalogue and to register.

Celebrate CHAW’s 40 anniversary by working on the 40th birthday birdbath!  Have your work be permanently displayed in CHAW’s garden and have fun sculpting with clay.  Participants will learn how to use basic tools to create texture and detail in their miniature sculptures. Every piece will be incorporated into the birdbath basin and students will learn how to work collaboratively and continue to build community through the arts! All ages and all skill levels welcome.  (Ceramics Studio, Registration Required)

As we are more familiar with Two-dimensional art in general this workshop will introduce students to the Three-D world and show the creative possibilities of fundamental sculptural concepts. Even if you prefer one over the other you will be amazed at how the 2 media complement each other and can expand the potential of your artistic creations. (Limit 12 – Art Studio, Registration Required)

An evening of community singing led by Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell, singers and non-singers alike will share the common experience of learning in the oral tradition and singing rhythms, chants, traditional songs from Africa and the Diaspora, and a variety of songs from African American culture, including spirituals, ring shouts, hymns, gospels, and songs from the Civil Rights Movement. There is an awesome power in the human voice and when uncommon voices are blended for the common good, they become a “vocal community” at its best. All that is required is a willingness to sing.  Suitable for all ages. (Limit 35 – Dance Studio, Registration Required).

Join artist Nana Bagdavadze in the discussion on how she embraced scientific ideas and imagery based on her personal story, her efforts to express profound realities in the universe in connection to human experience. From figurative to the nexus of art and science, Nana will introduce her work through a  power point presentation and share her passionate quest for the hidden beauty of the genetic world and iconic DNA molecule as a metaphor in her ongoing work.  (Limit 50 – Dance Studio, Registration Required)

This is a great opportunity for tango dancers of all levels to practice, collaborate and learn in a collective space.  It’s great fun and a great way to hone your skills. (Dance Studio)

Murals by Kids for Kids paints murals, inspired by artwork sent  from children around the world, and returns the completed artwork with inspiration and love from the mural creators.  Drop in to lend your voice and artistry to the latest project which is headed to an AIDS orphanage in Mumbai, India, upon completion. Write letters and draw pictures for the children at the orphanage.  Suitable for children/youth ages 5 – 18.

All Points West is a chamber collective of DC musicians whose mission is to make classical music accessible and exciting for their community. APW strives to break free from the constraints of the traditional concert hall, engaging young audiences through educational programming that  highlights all aspects of the music making process.  Whether rocking out to Latin rhythms or demonstrating dynamic nuances, this concert is sure to excite and enlighten young and old alike. (Limit 55 – Theater, Registration Required)

CHAW is pleased to sponsor an appearance by the youth of the Bokamoso Youth Centre in Winterveldt Township near Pretoria, South Africa who will talk and sing about their challenges and dreams.  The Centre offers essential services to young South Africans, including:  skills training, mentorship for AIDS awareness, conflict management, and life skills.  Each year, 12 of the students in the Centre’s performing arts program receive scholarships for a month-long exchange and performance tour in America.  The exchange helps to raise funds to keep the Centre’s programs alive.   There will be a free-will offering at this concert in support of the Bokamoso Youth Centre. (Limit 50 – Dance Studio, Registration Required)