D.C. will celebrate American culture

WASHINGTON — From a portrait of George Washington and photos of Weimaraners to eyewitness accounts of historic events, the nation's capital is promoting the summer of 2006 as a celebration of American culture.

The campaign theme, "Washington, D.C. Celebrates American Originals," is a reference to attractions that can't be found in even the most elaborate theme parks.

"Eyewitness — American Originals From the National Archives," featuring 25 firsthand accounts of world events in the words of those who observed them, opens June 23. They include a letter from Thomas Jefferson written from Paris on July 19, 1789, in the midst of the French Revolution. The future president described the storming of the Bastille and public beheading.

"He writes in really a clear, calm voice, reporting on exactly what was happening," said Stacey Bredhoff, senior curator of the National Archives.

There is also an excerpt from Lady Bird Johnson's audio diary, recorded hours after she became first lady following the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The material will be presented in a multimedia format to help visitors of all ages imagine the historic events, Bredhoff said.

The Smithsonian Institution's American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery — both housed in the historic Patent Office Building — will reopen in July following a nearly six-year, $281 million renovation. Visitors will be able to view thousands of works of art in the restored 19th century Greek Revival building. The two collections are now referred to as the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.

Grand-opening special exhibits include William Wegman's famous photos of Weimaraner dogs, and a collection of prints by a noted black artist, William H. Johnson.

The Portrait Gallery's collection includes the famed Lansdowne portrait of George Washington, which has been touring the country while the renovation took place, and other presidential portraits. Other displays will include the results of the gallery's first national portrait competition, and exhibits devoted to portraits of poets, musicians and athletes.

If your taste in art runs a bit edgier than presidential portraits, consider attending the Capital Fringe Festival, July 20-30. Performances and exhibits — from puppets to poetry — will be offered along Seventh Street and nearby in theaters, galleries, outdoor areas and other venues. Tickets will average $10 an event. The festival coincides with other fringe festivals held in Edinburgh, Scotland, and a number of U.S. cities, including New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Orlando and Cincinnati.