The start of fall is just a week away, but the trees aren't the only ones that will show off their colors in the coming weeks. Many of the Smithsonian Institution's museums will turn over a new leaf in September and October as they open new exhibits. Below, you'll find some highlights of the coming weeks' displays.
"Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams: Natural Affinities"
The vast expanse of the American West colored the lives and works of painter Georgia O'Keeffe and photographer Ansel Adams - in O'Keeffe's case, often literally. Her vibrant desert masterpieces will be displayed alongside Adams' photographs for the first time ever at the American Art Museum starting Sept. 26. The two met in 1929 and their friendship continued throughout their lives, as did their mutual passion for the Southwest. You can view the fruits of this passion until Jan. 4, 2009 in this uniquely curated exhibit.
"Alphabetilately"
In honor of its 15th anniversary, the National Postal Museum has created a whole new word to encompass the excitement of its celebratory exhibit. "Alphabetilately" is the semantic love child of "alphabet" and "philately," the study of stamps. In this spirit, the exhibit takes on the entire world, A to Z, through stamps. Look forward to views of pop culture and history no larger than, well, a postage stamp in this exhibition that opens on Sept. 26.
"Lino Tagliapietra in Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Glass"
Secrets and subterfuge are not something you normally associate with something as transparent as glass - and Lino Tagliapietra would like to keep it that way. Born in Murano, an island in the Venetian lagoon, and home to the most beautiful glass in the world, Tagliapietra entered the region's glassmaking industry at age 10. He found their secrecy appalling and has spent his life sharing his extensive glassblowing knowledge with the world. The Renwick's exhibition, which opens Oct. 3, will feature some of this master's greatest work.
"Women of Our Time: Twentieth-Century Photographs"
Imagine America's greatest women - living and dead - together in one place. Sounds like a fantasy, but the National Portrait Gallery is making that a reality with their newest exhibit. The gallery has pulled their best photos of American greats like Julia Child, Amelia Earhart and Helen Keller and put them together in one exhibit. Not only are noteworthy women represented, but the exhibit showcases some of the best men and women of photography as well. Look for portraits by Edward Steichen and Lisette Model in this exhibition that opens on Oct. 10.
You can reach this staff writer at kpowell@theeagleonline.com.
