Best Galleries 1. “Side by Side: Oberlin’s Masterworks” at The Phillips Collection: This combination of 25 pieces on loan from the Allen Memorial Art Museum with works from the Phillips collection reminds us of one of the Phillips’ great strengths: Grouping pieces not by nationality or era, but by the aesthetic conversation they create when juxtaposed with one another. When: Through Jan. 16
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St., N.W.
Info: Admission: $12 / $10 for students and seniors 62+ on weekends; by donation Tuesday-Friday, phillipscollection.org.
2. “Suzannah Vaughan / Solas Nua: Tracing Form” at Flashpoint Gallery: Irish artist Suzannah Vaughn creates three-dimensional drawings by combining concrete and glass sculpture with phosphorescent string suspended from the gallery ceiling.
When: Through Feb. 12
Where: Flashpoint, 916 G St., N.W.
Info: Admission: Free, 202-315-1305; flashpointdc.org
3.”Books without Words: The Visual Poetry of Elisabetta Gut” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts: Italian artist Elisabetta Gut presents a deeply personal exhibition of her collage-poems and sculptural books culled from throughout her 50-year career.
When: Through Jan. 16
Where: 1250 New York Ave., N.W.
Info: Admission: $10 adults / $8 students and seniors (60+) / Free for members and visitors age 18 and under, 202-783-7996 or nmwa.org
4. “A Revolution in Wood: The Bresler Collection” at the ReN.W.ick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum: These 66 specimens of carved and turned wood from collectors Fleur and Charles Bresler includes pieces by Rude Osolnik, Ron Fleming, and David Ellsworth, among many others, demonstrating the expressive potential of this organic medium.
When: Through Jan. 30
Where: Renwick Gallery, 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Info: Admission: Free, 202-633-7970, americanart.si.edu/renwick
5. “Saturnalia: New Works by Gallery Artists” at Irvine Contemporary: This intriguing overview of new pieces from Irvine artists is highlighted by the contributions of painter Teo Gonzalez’s, whose abstractions play with the colors of skies over specific D.C. locations.
When: Through Feb. 12
Where: Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St., N.W. and 2016 9th St., N.W.
Info: Admission: Free, 202-332-8767; irvinecontemporary.com
Best Theatre
1.”Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet”: The last in Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s trilogy of Brother/Sister Plays. This provocative work examines Marcus on the verge of alienating his family and friends as he searches for love, while past and present, obligation and desire collide in the sultry Louisiana heat.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St., N.W.
When: 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; 7 p.m. Sun.; 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun.; through Feb. 13
Info: $35-$65 (discounts available); 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
2. “Magic”: In this witty story of faith versus reason, G. K. Chesterton, the master of paradox and author of the famed Father Brown mystery stories, presents the dire consequences of losing not one’s belief, but one’s skepticism. Produced by the Washington Stage Guild.
Where: Undercroft Theater, United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 2:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. through Jan. 30
Info: $50 Fri. and Sat.; $40 all other performances; 240-582-0050; stageguild.org
3. “Maria La O/I Pagliacci”: The In-Series presents a double bill. Ernesto Lecuona’s “Maria la O,” is a Cuban zarzuela in which an aristocrat must choose between the mulatto he loves and a white woman. In Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci,” a troupe of comedians comes to a village where their show intertwines with real life — with tragic results.
Where: Source, 1835 14th St., N.W.
When: Jan. 8-22
Info: $20-$39; 202-204-7760; inseries.org; sourcedc.org
4. “Shadow of Honor”: Matthew Keenan directs this Keegan Theater production of Peter Coy’s play involving two families and two generations. Past and present collide as the wounds of war are made manifest in ways both mysterious and clear.
Where: Church St. Theater, 1742 Church St., N.W.
When: Through Jan. 30; see Web site for dates and times
Info: $30-$35; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
5. “Let Me Down Easy”: Conceived, written and performed by Anna Devere Smith, this one-woman show is based on interviews with an eclectic range of people, from a heavyweight boxer to a supermodel, from Texas Governor Ann Richards to legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong. “Let Me Down Easy” mixes a humanitarian’s concern for people with a stand-up comedian’s sense of timing.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 6th St., S.W.
When: Through Feb. 13; see Web site for dates and times
Info: Tickets begin at $55; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
Best Brainfood
1. Patricia Brady: The cultural historian, director of publications at the Historic New Orleans Collection, discusses and signs her new book, “A Being So Gentle: The Frontier Love Story of Rachel and Andrew Jackson,” in the Jefferson Room.
Where: National Archives and Records Administration, Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 9th Street, N.W.
When: Noon; Jan. 7
Info: 202-357-5000; archives.gov
2. Botanic Gardens: It’s cold outside but inside the Botanic Gardens’ Plant Exploration Room and Garden Court you can see botanic marvels, including Birds of Paradise, orchids and Baja Fairy Dusters. Where: United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave., S.W.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-225-18333; usbg.gov
3. Tom Rachman: The author reads from and discusses his bestselling novel “The Imperfectionists.” A book signing follows.
Where: Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 7
Info: Free; 202-34-1919; politics-prose.com
4. Museum of the American Indian, Return to a Native Place: Algonquian Peoples of the Chesapeake: Meet the Native people of the Chesapeake region — what is now Washington, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware — through photographs, maps, ceremonial and everyday objects, and interactive displays.
Where: National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue, S.W.
When: Ongoing
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu
5. Works in Progress: Between the Sistine and the Julius Tomb: Michelangelo’s Detroit Sheet of Sketches: This lunchtime series highlights new research by Gallery staff, interns, fellows and special guests. The 30-minute talks are followed by question and answer periods.
Where: National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. East Building Concourse, Small Auditorium
When: 12:10 p.m., 1:10 p.m. Jan. 10
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
Best Gatherings
1.Furious Dancing: The Art Exhibit: Works by 18 artists in honor of Alice Walker’s book “Hard Times Require Furious Dancing.”
Where: Busboys & Poets, 1025 5th St., N.W.
When: Through Jan. 9
Info: Free; 202-789-2227; busboysandpoets.com
2. Architectural Realism: Three Contemporary Artists: Rick Dula, Roland Kulla and Stephen Magsig present their contemporary works examining concepts of time and space.
Where: Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 91 Key St., Hagerstown
When: Through Jan. 9; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs., Fri.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.; 1 a.m.-5 p.m.Sun.
Info: 301-739-5727; [email protected]
3. Dana Allin and Steven Simon: Allin, a senior fellow for U. S. Foreign Policy and Transatlantic Affairs at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), joins Simon, an adjunct senior fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, for a discussion of their new book, “The Sixth Crisis: Iran, Israel, America, and the Rumors of War.” A book signing follows.
Where: Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
When: 6 p.m. Jan. 8
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
4. Marc Bamuthi Joseph presents “The Spoken World”: Part of the Words that Move Us series. Joseph will also be presenting new pieces from his series “red, black and GREEN: a blues.”
Where: Dance Place, 3225 8th St., N.E.
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 8; 4 p.m. Jan 9
Info: $8-$22; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
5. Spy At Night: This program offers a James Bond experience to the 18-and-older set Friday and Saturday nights after the museum closes. The evening includes an hour-long “mission,” a drink, spy games and other activities that you don’t get with a typical museum visit. The core of Spy at Night is a trip through “Operation Spy,” a highly structured, interactive adventure that takes about a dozen would-be spies through the streets of the fictional city of Khandar.
Where: International Spy Museum, 800 F St., N.W.
When: Friday and Saturday nights (see website for times)
Info: $22 (includes admission, cocktail, Spy Skill challenge); spymuseum.org
Best Outdoors
1.Bull Run Mountain: Enjoy spectacular views on this hike, 5 miles long round-trip. The Bull Run Mountains are the most easterly chain in the Piedmont, and they protect the headwaters of two major watersheds. Approximately 45 miles from Washington, the mountains are part of an important greenbelt around the nation’s capital and are vital because of their proximity to ever-increasing population and development.
Where: Near Broad Run, Va.; directions on Web site
When: Year round
Info: Contact: Bull Run Mountains Conservancy: 703-753-2631; brmconservancy.org; localhikes.com
2. Eastern Market: Now in its 27th year, the market boasts 100 exhibitors from five continents. One of the most diverse in the nation, it offers arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles and imports every weekend, weather permitting.
Where: 7th and C St., S.E.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays; music noon-3:30 p.m.
Info: 703-534-7612; HYPERLINK “easternmarket.net
3. Forts of South Arlington: Visit the locations and remaining earthworks of some of the forts built by the Union Army to protect Washington and Alexandria: Forts Scott and Barnard and the reconstructed earthworks at Fort Ward.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Rec Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 8
Info: $15; Registration required: 703-228-4747; Program #622740-B
4. Birding Trip: Cape Henlopen State Park: For adults. Join fellow birders and travel to the beaches along the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean and search for diving ducks and loons. Info: 703-228-3403.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Rec Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 11
Info: $30; Registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program #622840-G
5. Brookland: The Brookland section of Northeast Washington is a distinctive area that feels more like a separate community than an outlying part of the nation’s capital. It’s a multi-ethnic expanse of campuses, religious institutions, residential neighborhoods and historic cemeteries. The easy, six-mile loop route passes the Basilica, the world’s eighth largest church, and the famous statue marking the memorial to Marian Adams, created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Where: see website for directions.
When: All seasons
Info: Department of Public Works and Transportation, Montgomery County; localhikes.com
Best Family
1.Story Time: Flights of Fancy”: Stories for Children. “Comets, Stars the Moon and Mars Space Poems and Paintings” by Douglas Florian. Museum staff read stories involving aviators, characters in the night sky, animals that fly; each session involves reading and a hands-on activity.
Where: U. S. Air and Space Museum, National Mall Bldg., 6th and Independence, Gallery 211
When: 11 a.m. Jan. 8
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; nasm.si.edu
2. “Annie”: A heartwarming story of one girl’s rise from rags to riches, the show is based on the Harold Gray comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie” and won a Tony Award for Best Musical.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney
When: Through Jan. 16; see Web site for dates and times
Info: $26-$54; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
3. “Ice!”: 2 million pounds of ice, sculpted into walk-through scenes from Dr. Seuss.
Where: Gaylord National, National Harbor (see website for directions)
When: Through Jan. 9
Info: $13-$29; 301-965-4000; nationalharbor.com
4. “The Nutcracker”: : Lilia Slavova, director and set designer, uses grand costume masks, intricate puppets, and innovative puppetry techniques. The signature movement of Synetic Company members is on display in the magical choreography developed by Irakli Kavsadze.
Where: Synetic Theatre, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
When: Through Jan. 16; see Web site for dates and times
Info: $15-$17.50; 800-494-8497; lassika.org
5. “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”: Tattletale May keeps picking on Junie B., and things get even worse when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa. She hatches a plan to give May a lump of coal, but will Junie have a last-minute change of heart and show her true holiday spirit?
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: See Web site for dates and times; through Jan. 9
Info: $10-$22; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
