Category Archives: 2020

May 11, 2021 · 12:15 pm

Scenes from Forces of Nature at the Renwick Gallery

 

After being closed for over five months, the Renwick Gallery is one of the Smithsonian museums that will reopen its doors again starting this Friday, May 14.  And before you think I was able to get in early to capture these scenes, let me clarify that they are from a visit there last fall.

The totality of time lusters the dusk by Lauren Fensterstock looks like floating storm

Sasha and I went to experience the Forces of Nature exhibition last November right before the Renwick shut down due to rising Covid rates.  Given the closing, it seemed moot to post about it back then, but as the reopening nears and the exhibit is still on display, I thought I’d share some pics — and the recommendation to go see it.

Mother-Load by Timothy Horn

Part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Renwick showcases contemporary American craft, often through exhibitions that feature stunning, large-scale installations that are always very popular.  Just about everyone in DC (and visiting DC) saw the fantastic Wonder, and No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man was a glorious mix of beautiful and kooky.

Arboria by Deborah Moore features gorgeous glass flowers

Forces of Nature is reminiscent of both, with striking and intricate works that take up entire galleries and make you want to examine them from all angles.  Even little ones will dig seeing the big pieces that sparkle, look like giant flowers, resemble a rain storm, and sometimes make you feel like you’re within the art.

Ai no Keshiki – Indigo Views by Rowland Ricketts

Timed-entry passes will be required to visit the Renwick, and they are available now.  However, they are already reserved through May and many dates in June — plus, Forces of Nature is only there through August 15 — so I suggest snagging them now to plan for a summer visit!

Timed-entry passes are no longer required to visit the museum, so you can walk in anytime during open hours!

Renwick Gallery
Where: 1661 Pennsylvania Ave., NW | WDC
When: Starting May 14, Wednesday-Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes
Covid policies

The ethereal Renwick 1.8, originally part of Wonder, is on view, too

 

 

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Filed under 2020, 2021, All ages, DC, Museums, Spring, Summer, Weekdays, Weekend

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December 31, 2020 · 8:54 am

Five Things for the Last Day of 2020

The newest member of the KFDC fam!  Can’t think of a cuter way to get ready for the new year 😊

 

1. First thing:  THANK YOU for sticking with KFDC through this weird and challenging year. Given my blog is all about activities to do and places to go, things got a bit tricky back in March when Covid-19 shut down all of the activities to do and places to go.  But as I said then, I still wanted to inform and inspire and help us all navigate this new, bizarre socially distanced world.  Thus, the Five Things for Today began.  It’s been so nice to see it get a good response and to know it’s been helpful for readers, whether by sharing useful info or just providing a chuckle. It has helped me, too.  Having this daily purpose and researching, reading, and relaying all of the random things gives my spirits a much needed boost.  Anyway, it’s been an odd journey, and I appreciate that so many of you stayed — or joined — for the ride. ❤️

 

2. Plan for New Year’s Day brunch! Washingtonian has a round-up of 12 DC area restaurants with takeout, delivery, and/or outdoor dining options to kick off 2021.

 

3. New Year’s traditions from across the globe — while we can’t travel to international destinations right now, bring the world home to you. Also, NYE countdown specials.

 

4. Take a news quiz to see how well you know 2020.

 

5. Time’s Top 100 Photos of 2020.

 

Bonus:  Something fun and silly to wrap up the shitty year.

 

Happy New Year!  

 

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Filed under 2020, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Social Distancing, Virginia, Winter

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December 30, 2020 · 7:47 am

Five Things for Today: December 30, 2020

 

1. Something fun and active to do with kids while they’re on Winter Break: Bike ride!  Dress in layers, so you can peel them off as you warm up along the way.  And the current forecast says it’s going to be in the 60’s on Saturday, perfect to get out on two wheels. This round-up of bikes routes around the area will help you plan a family ride.

 

2. Ideas for New Year’s Eve celebrations at home with the kids (minus guests, of course).  And Food Network has some fun and yummy suggestions for the evening, too.

 

3. In case you missed it the other day, there’s a new giveaway for a chance to win a free lesson with the International School of Music!  They are offering both virtual and in-person instruction on all instruments and voice for all ages and levels.

 

4. DC Public Library’s most borrowed books in 2020. (PS: They are hosting a virtual story time for children today at 10:30am.)

 

5. A quick and moving story about a local (and national) hero.

 

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Filed under 2020, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Social Distancing, Virginia, Winter

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December 29, 2020 · 7:40 am

Five Things for Today: December 29, 2020

Shark tooth hunting in cooler temps in Calvert County

 

1. Winter is as good a time as any for fossil hunting if you gear up right.  Dress warmly, don some waterproof boots, bring a sand dipper so you don’t have to reach your hands into cold water (or be sure to bring gloves to warm them up after you do), and you’re good to go!  Of course, knowing the best places for it helps, too, and this post has details on several area spots where you can search for shark teeth and other millions-of-year-old remnants, plus more good tips.

 

2. For kids (and adults) missing one of their favorite DC go-to places, the National Museum of Natural History has virtual tours available, some of them even narrated.  Find more ways to explore the museum from home here.  

 

3.  An honest and relatable piece on parenting during Covid.

 

4. Eater DC has a good list of  New Year’s Eve take-out options around the area.

 

5. Google’s Year in Search.

 

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Filed under 2020, 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Social Distancing, Virginia, Winter

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December 28, 2020 · 1:20 pm

Giveaway: Enter for a Chance to Win a Free Lesson with the International School of Music!

 

Is this the year your child learns to play music?  Did you or someone you know get a guitar, keyboard, drum set, or another instrument for the holidays?

If so, then it’s time to TAKE MUSIC LESSONS at the International School of Music!  With two locations in Bethesda and Potomac, the school is the premier provider of music lessons in all instruments and voice to students of all ages and levels.

With online and in-person lessons, the International School of Music brings together a community of dedicated, experienced, world-class faculty that offers personalized lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, flute, drums, saxophone, clarinet, harp, recorder, trumpet, trombone,  toddler and preschooler music classes and more!

Their teaching methods are student-centered, focused on individual learning styles and personal goals to help each student reach his or her full musical potential.

 

The School’s fun and exciting Musical Ladder curriculum that rewards practicing and achievement helps students with motivation as they win certificates, wristbands, and trophies.  And students get to explore music they are passionate about, whether they play classical, rock, pop, jazz, folk, or music from another genre.

Even more, the amazing virtual performance opportunities as well as many Ambassador community recitals all lead up to exciting concerts at the Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Strathmore where students thrive & have fun!

So, for the musician in your family or circle of friends, there is nothing quite like the joy that comes from learning music! They’ll be thanking you every time they learn a new song, or master a new technique.

For more information about International School of Music and their programs, visit their website. Or give them a call at 301-365-5888.  And be sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a free lesson and claim their amazing $94 offer when you register for lessons by January 15!

Give your kids something to get excited about and let The International School of Music bring out their inner star!

 

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Giveaway:   Three KFDC readers can win a half-hour private music lesson with the International School of Music in any instrument or voice with one of their amazing teachers! Want a chance to win? Simply leave a comment below telling me your or your child’s current favorite song.  Get an extra chance to win by entering on the KidFriendly DC Facebook Page, too! Contest is open to new students only. This giveaway will run through Monday, January 4, 2021, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by International School of Music, however, I only promote programs, places, and services that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.

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Filed under 2020, All ages, Class, DC, Giveaway, Maryland, Music, Professional Service, Virtual Programs

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