An AUGUST Tapestry Full of Embassy and Cultural Threads in DC

Event Highlight: Imagining the Future Exhibit - Leonardo da Vinci (August 9th)

After much encouragement, we visited the “Imagining the Future Exhibit - Leonardo da Vinci: in the mind of an Italian genius” exhibit at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library. This amazing exhibit featured 12 original drawings from the Codex Atlanticus that belonged to the great Italian inventor. The Codex is the largest collection of original drawings and texts by da Vinci in the world. In partnership with companies such as Biblioteca Ambrosiana and the DC Public Library, one can visit this artistic and symbolic collection to seek inspiration on methods to encourage economic to civil development.

We walked into the exhibit and analyzed the 12 pages up close (Photos 1-3 below) and marveled at how Leonardo da Vinci was able to invent technologies centuries beyond his time. The inventor’s philosophy was based on observation and experimentation, an attitude clearly reflected in the modern scientific method. Covering a wide range of subjects, we were able to see Leonardo’s notes on topics such as flight, mathematics, engineering, etc. It also makes one wonder whether we have lost the ability to think in such a manner with the advent of the internet with information is at the palm of our fingertips.

Thank you to the Italian Cultural Institute and Italian Embassy for supervising the exhibit alongside the DC Public Library.

Cultural Center Dive: Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC)

The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) is a cultural center that is dedicated to educating the people of two different cultures including the United States and Oman. Their mission is to bring the culture, history, and heritage of the Sultanate of Oman to audiences in DC, the US, and abroad. We had the fortune of visiting the SQCC during the Around the World Embassy Tour back in May 2023 when their doors were open to the public. It was an amazing building with an architecture style that is unique in the DC area.

The SQCC has multiple outreach programs and events throughout the year including lectures on topics such as Omani culture to advancements in the arts as well as science. In addition, the cultural center boasts an impressive library full of books concerning different languages as well as varying aspects of Omani culture. Arabic language classes are available for professionals, however, it is best to inquire early since they fill up quickly. Exhibits also exist within the SQCC showcasing different clothing styles for both men and women along with the history of the country.

Be sure to check out the SQCC if you have an interest in the Sultanate of Oman with their amazing country and culture:

Location: 1100 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Time: Monday-Friday (10AM - 4PM); Saturday and Sunday: Closed

International Events List (August 14^th - August 20^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, August 14^th to Sunday, August 20^th

Emoji Notes

👗 = Fancy dress code.

Monday, August 14^th , 2023

1. Prospects for Democracy, Security, and Political Reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo Lecture (FREE!) (10:00AM - 11:30AM)

   • Description: Join the Brookings Africa Security Initiative for a conversation with Martin Fayulu, opposition leader and former DRC presidential candidate, and policy experts on the strategic, military, and economic trends of the DRC and the significance of the upcoming election for regional stability and U.S.-China competition in Africa.

2. Christopher Miller — The War Came To Us: Life and Death in Ukraine with Linda Kinstler (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join Christopher Miller and Linda Kinstler for a story of modern Ukraine and its transformation, as told through the lives of Ukrainians, their fears and struggles.

Tuesday, August 15^th , 2023

1. Conceptualizing Gender Apartheid in International Law Public Panel (FREE!) (4:00PM - 5:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a public panel on Conceptualizing Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan.

2. Visions of Afghanistan: Stories of the Past, Hopes of the Future ($12.51) (6:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Two years after the fall of Afghanistan, US and Afghan veterans and civilians reflect on the past and unveil a hopeful vision of the future in a discussion.

3. Leah Redmond Chang — Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Following the intertwined stories of the three women from girlhood through young adulthood, Leah Redmond Chang's Young Queens paints a picture of a world in which a woman could wield power at the highest level yet remain at the mercy of the state.

4. Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová of The Swell Season Performance ($55 - $125) (8:00PM - 10:00PM)

   • Description: Join the folk rock duo formed by Irish musician Glen Hansard and Czech singer and pianist Markéta Irglová for a performance at The Anthem.

Wednesday, August 16^th , 2023

1. The Watson Twins - Kennedy Center Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Long before their entwined voices took them around the world—first as harmony singers for Jenny Lewis, then as leaders of their own critically acclaimed band—The Watson Twins grew up in the American South. Join them for a performance at the Kennedy Center.

2. Casino Dance Technique Workshop with Ramses Sariol ($23.18) (7:00PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: DC Casineros is again excited to have International Master instructor Ramses Sariol in Washington DC.

3. Imagining the Future - Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit (FREE!) (9:30AM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Come explore the “Imagining the future - Leonardo da Vinci: In the mind of an Italian genius” exhibit featuring 12 original Leonardo da Vinci drawings from the Codex Atlanticus.

Thursday, August 17^th , 2023

1. UNESCO Italy Photographic Exhibit (FREE!) (3:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Come visit an exhibition dedicated to the Italian sites most recently added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

2. Third Thursday - Phillips Educators Museum Tours (FREE!) (5:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Visit America's first modern art museum for free during our extended hours on the Third Thursday of every month.

3. South China Sea Roundtable - Update (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:30PM)

   • Description: Join fellow South China Sea (SCS) aficionados and watchers to hear updates and begin considering what TruDC-TruAsia leadership can do.

4. Hybrid Event: Deanna Raybourn, Killers of a Certain Age, with Liz Lawson (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: East City Bookshop welcomes Deanna Raybourn to celebrate the paperback release of Killers of a Certain Age, with Liz Lawson.

Friday, August 18^th, 2023

1. Tall Tall Trees - Kennedy Center Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Tall Tall Trees is the musical id of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Savino, a pioneer in the realm of experimental, DIY banjo music.

2. Moon Time, a Live Table Read - The Kennedy Center (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join us as for a live table reading from the pilot episode Moon Time, a screenplay written by Social Practice Resident, Dr. Elizabeth Rule.

3. Comedy Night starring Ben Nwokeabia ($17.85 - $23.18) (8:00PM - 10:00PM)

   • Description: Come see some of the DMV's hottest comedians in the awesome water-front setting of The Electric Palm!

4. Embassy Row Rooftop White Night in Havana Under the Stars with Latin Band ($28.52 - $39.19) (6:30PM - 9:30PM) 👗

   • Description: Join us to dance the night away under the stars after salsa dance lessons at the rooftop of the Ven at Embassy Row, Washington DC’s premiere boutique hotel in the heart of Dupont Circle.

Saturday, August 19^th , 2023

1. Serene Outdoor Yoga Class at the Lincoln Memorial ($25.31) (9:00AM - 10:00AM)

   • Description: A perfect opportunity to slow down, unwind, and prioritize self-care! Experience a deeper sense of mind-body connection within a community at the Lincoln Memorial.

2. The Spirit of Kwanzaa 2023 Auditions (FREE!) (9:30AM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Come audition for The Spirit of Kwanzaa 2023 at The Dance Institute of Washington! All performing artists ages 8+ welcome!

3. CityFest DC 2023 ($13.26 - $58.51) (12:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: CityFest DC features all local Vendors, Artists, Music, Talent, Entrepreneurs, Up & Coming Brands and all things that make DC diverse and unique!

4. Advanced Beginner Technique & Choreography Class (Price varies per number of classes) (2:00PM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: A continuation of Spring 2023 technique & choreography class for Flamenco.

5. Advanced Beginner Sevillanas w/ Castanets (Price varies per number of classes) (3:15PM - 4:15PM)

   • Description: A continuation of Spring 2023 technique & choreography for the Sevillanas and Castanets classes.

6.  Palos (All Levels - Flamenco structure & compás) (Price varies per number of classes) (4:30PM - 5:30PM)

   • Description: Beginner Basics to Advanced Beginner for the Palos class.

7. Intro to Flamenco Dance & Rhythm (Price varies per number of classes) (5:45PM - 6:45PM)

   • Description: For brand new students that need an introduction to the Flamenco Dance and rhythms.

8. Thunderstorm Artis - Kennedy Center Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: After years of refining his craftt, the Oregon–based musician has created his most captivating work to date: a genre-bending batch of songs built on both emotionally raw storytelling and incisive soul-searching, so come watch it at the Kennedy Center.

9. Max Impact for the Salute the Sunset Military Concert Series at the National Harbor (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for National Harbor's annual Salute the Sunset Concert Series.

Sunday, August 20^th , 2023

1. Imagining the Future - Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit (FREE!) (9:30AM - 9:00PM) (FINAL DAY!)

   • Description: Come explore the “Imagining the future - Leonardo da Vinci: In the mind of an Italian genius” exhibit featuring 12 original Leonardo da Vinci drawings from the Codex Atlanticus.

2. Spy Tour of Georgetown ($37.10) (10:00AM - 11:30AM)

   • Description: Explore the hidden history of this iconic neighborhood alongside a former intelligence officer.

3. Water in the African Sky | Abstract Art Exhibit | Sweet Water Gallery (FREE!) (12:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Discover mesmerizing art at Sweet Water Gallery's Grand Opening!

4. Experimental Curator: The Sally Dixon Story (FREE!) (2:00PM - 3:30PM)

   • Description: Produced with her remaining family, this loving documentary about her career and influence includes reflections by filmmakers Jonas Mekas, Ken Jacobs, Carolee Schneeman, Jim Hubbard, and others close to Sally Dixon.

Rate Issue No.26!

So, we have comments enabled at the bottom of this issue. Feel free to comment using the scale of smileys below on what you thought about this issue:

😁 😁 😁 😁 = Well done! You nailed it!

😁 😁 😁 = Good job overall, could use some work.

😁 😁 = Okay-ish issue.

😁 = Terrible, do better next time.

Follow, Like, and Share!