Can you believe we’re about to end this mind-boggling year? I can’t believe how fast the time has flown by, and am truly loving the busyness of the season along with the festive atmosphere that only takes place during the month of December.
We’re all about embracing the holidays at Heath, starting with playing holiday music the Friday before Thanksgiving, and I’m not one for over decorating but enjoy a few strands of lights strung along the banisters to create a cozy atmosphere. And love burning pine-scented candles, as we did in Christmases past, that smell of evergreen wafting throughout the house is luxurious!
Step Afrika: Magical Musical Holiday Show If there is one holiday show to see this season, you must go to Arena Stage in DC right now. You’ll meet DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends for an exhilarating journey, packed with high energy stepping and the most resounding music. The show ends on the 23rd, but is definitely a must see for next year!
I thoroughly enjoy seeing store’s and our neighbor’s home’s decorated for the holidays. These breathtaking ornaments of winter wonderland are from Nemacolin.
My go to place for utter relaxation and enhanced psychological well-being are the museums in and around the District of Columbia. Living in the suburbs of Washington, DC offers one the opportunity to visit a myriad of historical and cultural exhibits that allow me to disconnect from daily stressors and just enjoy the value of seeing actual, physical objects [artifacts] in real time.
When the specter of a potential government shutdown (again) reared its unwelcome head, my thoughts turned immediately to those most directly affected. But artistic expression is still alive and well, and artist views are not being suppressed. Art is not being subjected to the shutdown because a few of the galleries do not require government subsidies to stay open to the public.
I’ve supported National Museum of Women in the Arts for many years and cannot imagine not having access to their gallery. And after a week of cooking it was imperative that I submerge myself in the local exhibitions to reset my frame of mind.
Artist are representing their vision of what they’re seeing of the world through their artwork. These paintings, and sculptures are created for each person to interpret, and is not for censorship……. this art is for expounding your intellect.
Viewing art is indeed personal and engaging, actually seeing art and understanding the artists intent is perhaps one of life’s simple pleasures and a welcome balm to the incessant noise we are bombarded with on a daily basis.
Pictures of the city were taken by Larry Levin, Photographer
Californian Diary [Black is Different], 1994. Serigraph on paper. NMWA, Gift of the Niki Charitable Art Foundation. Among her sculptures and prints, Saint Phalle developed curvaceous female figures she called “Nanas”, powerful and spirited feminine archetypes. The text in this work describes the artist’s growing consciousness later in life about the nature of race and the complexity of identity.
Yael Bartana, What if Women Ruled the World, 2016; Neon, 98 1/2 x 38 1/2 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Museum purchase: Belinda de Gaudemar Acquisition Fund, with additional support from the Members’ Acquisition Fund;
Listed are three of my favorite museums in and around the city:
Stylish Heath 