Cats Were a Thing Even Before They Owned the Internet

Where: Archives of American Art

When: through October 29, 2017

The Archives of American Art is riding on the capacious coattails of Internet cats, in the interest of showing their collection of cat depictions.  Turns out artists own cats, like cats, take cats as subjects of their art and draw inspiration from cats.

So we who live in the age of the information superhighway didn't discover the many wonderful qualities of the cat, we have merely put them online and shared them with a wider audience.

Verdict: A fun small show that would pair admirably with the "Recent Acquisitions" exhibit for a lunch hour trip.

Party Time at the Hirshhorn

Where: Hirshhorn Museum

When: through October 1, 2017

Today's the last day for this show I really liked (imagine!) at the Hirshhorn.  It wraps around the 3rd floor inner circle of the concrete donut (which I found out today has an official nickname of the Brutalist Donut).

I love the vibrant colors and depictions of nature at the beginning and end of the day.  I walked around to look at the whole thing and was surprised how quickly I made the trip - sort of the opposite of one of their Bataan Death March exhibits.

Obama's remark after the 2016 election, that no matter what happened, the sun would rise in the morning was the inspiration for the work, which was created specifically for this space.

Verdict: Worth a look, if you're on the Mall today.

Afghan Craft Fair

Where: Ripley Center International Gallery

When: through October 29, 2017

Ordinarily, I wouldn't visit or blog about a show closing so far in the future, but when I went, the closing date was January 29, 2017.  Not sure if the website had (or has) a typo or if the stay has been extended, but, assuming you really do still have time to see this show, take advantage of that opportunity.

The International Gallery is set up as an open-air market (minus the open air, of course).  Elaborate carving greets you as you enter, and, best of all, you can touch it!  Tactile exhibits are my favorite, but they are very rare.

I love this quote from one of the artists, Sughra Hussainy, "I believe that while the body needs food to live, the soul needs art."  You'll see beautiful calligraphy and beautiful painting.  There's so much to see, that it's hard to single any one thing out, but I think I was most struck by Nasser Mansouri's latticework, which reminded me of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs.

Verdict: See this show and step into another world.