Washington, D.C
Wonder women in Washington DC
Dressed in a cotton and silk tutu with linen slippers, Belgian dancer Marie van Goethem stands proud, face upturned, and feet in classic ballerina pose. She’s been immortalised for eternity as Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer, a wax sculpture by Edgar Degas. Today revered for being one of his greatest works, Little Dancer wasn’t warmly received by critics and French bourgeois society who called it “ugly”, “repulsive” and oddly, a “threat to society”. All because Marie didn’t fit the society ideal—she was, after all, an “opera rat”, a term given to working-class young dancers with the Paris Opera ballet.
Today, a recast of Marie is one of the highlights at Washington DC’s National Gallery of Art.
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It speaks volumes that even today women are still often lambasted for not fitting a perfect society ideal. As Marie shows us, it is absolutely alright to stand out from the crowd because history will remember you.
It is my maiden visit to Washington DC, the capital of a country that could soon be electing its first woman President. There, I find many other powerful women, like Marie, whose stories fascinate and delight.
At The National Museum of Women in the Arts, I am reacquainted with that legendary feminist painter, Frida Kahlo. It’s a self-portrait painted for her lover, Russian revolutionary leader Leon Trotsky, during their brief affair. She’s dressed in a pink embroidered skirt, gold jewellery and honey-hued shawl, black hair woven with flowers.
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The revolutionary artist and feminist may be the most famous woman in the museum but hers isn’t the only inspiring work. The museum is the first of its kind dedicated only to women (or those identifying as women) artists, with paintings and sculptures that are big, bold and powerful.
Take Lalla Essaydi’s Bullets Revisited #3, a staged photo where a henna-d model sleeps on bullet casings. “This photograph is to showcase the role of women in revolutions, which often gets ignored. It’s also a way of talking about how the white gaze has impacted perceptions of Arab women,” says our guide, Micah Koppl.
There’s a floor dedicated to heavier work, sculptures in iron and wood because “work by women are thought to be delicate and small”.
The beauty of this museum is that it is all inclusive—there are non-binary artists’ work on display, it features transgender artists during exhibitions, there’s a nursing lounge for mothers, and all-gender bathrooms.
Interestingly, its grandeur is owed to the fact that it sits in what was once a Masonic temple. Elsewhere, on a visit to a functioning Masonic temple, Scottish Rite House of the Temple, what stands out in this all-male bastion is the fact that my guide is a woman. She has no connection to the freemasons and yet, conducts a tour that is informative, knowledgeable and extremely witty.
While on the subject of women breaking the mould, there’s aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, which deservedly pays tribute to this record-setting aviator and pilot. I learn that Earhart was also a trendsetter when on the ground. She designed and wore her own clothes. The line, Amelia Fashions, released in 1933, was revolutionary for its time, being practical, fuss-free and meant for “active women”.
America’s many women icons can be found in museums and institutions across Washington DC.
A tour of the US Capitol takes me to the rotunda with its paintings and heavily decorated ceiling, and the National Statuary Hall. There, the newest statue is of civil rights leader and journalist Daisy Lee Bates. In the rotunda, a white marble sculpture honours three prominent Suffrage pioneers, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.
Tour guide Ann mentions that Rosa Parks (also in the hall) was the first woman to lie in honour in the Capitol when she passed in 2005; her statue was the first full-length statue of an African American.
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Helen Keller is here too, captured as a seven-year-old showing her expression the first time she touched water. The disability rights advocate’s ashes are interred at the Washington National Cathedral.
The Neo-Gothic structure is the second largest church building in the country but perhaps best known for possessing a gargoyle of Darth Vader.
The Episcopal cathedral looks like a traditional religious structure, but offers much for those with a keen eye. In the section titled the “Human Rights Porch”, are small sculptural heads of Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt. This year is important to the cathedral—it marks the 50th anniversary of the first ordination of women as priests in the Episcopal Church, and they hired their first woman stonemason.
As religious structures go, it certainly is unique.
Museums and their food
One of my favourite finds in the city is the Mitsitam Native Foods Café in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, which showcases native foods. Mitsitam offers a taste of native foods, some in new avatars. There is frybread, manoomin (wild cakes) with smoked salmon, bison burgers and hotdogs, wild rice salad and corn pudding. This kitchen is pathbreaking also because it is led by chef Alexandra Strong and sous chef Toshiba Veney—the first all-female team at a Smithsonian museum café.
Right outside the museum I find presidential candidate Kamala Harris staring at me. Given that it is election time, she and Donald Trump are everywhere.
The stretch of road in front of many Smithsonian museums is parked with vans dishing out hotdogs, pretzels and souvenirs. Harris’ face adorns many of the vans, and you can also find it on tees, caps and magnets. Her famous “I’m Speaking” phrase (from the 2020 vice-presidential debate with Mike Pence) is a particular favourite. It may seem like just a cheap souvenir but it is a sign of the time, or possibly of history in the making.
At the Made in Washington store promoting black artists, it is easy to see whom they support—Harris shows up on candles, magnets, coasters, and tea towels.
Like many of the other iconic women in Washington DC, Harris seems set to become a part of the country’s history.
Joanna Lobo is a Goa-based journalist.
Washington, D.C
The Weekend Scene: Downtown Holiday Market and more to do around DC, through Nov. 23
Happy “Wicked: For Good” opening weekend! After you see the movie, let your stan flag fly with drink specials, trivia and karaoke – there’s even a one-day choir where singers can channel their inner Ariana Grande or Cynthia Erivo. Check out our roundup here.
Swap your pink and green for yellow to cheer on the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League championship Saturday night. Watch parties will be happening at Franklin Hall, metrobar and across the Spirit Bar Network.
Grocery shopping, traveling and/or welcoming family into town might be your focus on the last weekend before Thanksgiving, but make some time to enjoy festive fun all over the D.C. area.
- Weekend weather: The weekend might start with rain before the weather takes a turn for the better. Here’s the forecast.
D.C. highlights
Downtown Holiday Market
Nov. 21 to Dec. 23, F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets), free entry
🔗 Details
Browse dozens of vendors while picking up gifts for everyone on your nice list.
The market is right outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, so why not check out some art before shopping?
Family-friendly
ZooLights
Nov. 21 to Jan. 3, National Zoo, $9
🔗 Details
The National Zoo was closed for weeks during the government shutdown, but ZooLights is happening, and it’s opening on time. You can visit Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus more days into the new year. Read more and see the full list of ZooLights dates here.
“Our team has been working around the clock to make ZooLights happen,” the National Zoo’s Director of Business Operations, Nikki Mounts, said.
The shutdown is gone, and Zoo Lights is on. News4’s Tommy McFly has a preview of the National Zoo’s annual holiday attraction.
One million environmentally friendly LED twinkle lights and more than 100 animal lanterns await visitors as they wind down the zoo’s main walkway, dotted with scenes of rainforests, deserts and pandas.
We suggest buying tickets in advance for this popular event.
D.C.’s free Umbrella Art Fair returns for its fifth year. News4’s Eun Yang talks with one of the organizers about what to expect.
Free & family-friendly
Umbrella Art Fair
Fri. to Sun., The Square at International Square (1850 K St NW)
🔗 Details
One of the biggest showings of art is back again, showcasing more than 100 artists’ work across over 35,000 square feet in downtown D.C. Expect to see work by Autumn Spears, Rose Jaffe, Alex Solis, Tracie Ching, Jessie and Katey, Tom Kim (aka Death by Narwhals) and more.
It’s the Umbrella Art Fair’s fifth year. It will be open to the public 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Family-friendly
Washington Harbour Ice Rink opens
Opens Thurs., Georgetown Waterfront, $9-$11 admission, $7 skate rental
🔗 Details
One of D.C.’s most scenic ice rinks is back for the winter season! Glide near the Georgetown waterfront until 8:30 p.m. on work nights and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and during winter break (Dec. 22-31).
The rink is even open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s (check holiday hours on their website).
Want to make a day of it? We shared suggestions on what to do nearby in this edition of The Weekend Scene newsletter.
Maryland highlights
Family-friendly
LuminoCity’s Wonder Journey holiday lights festival
Through Jan. 1, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, peak admission, including taxes and fees, costs $33.47 (child)/$40.23 (adult)
🔗 Details
Step into a wintery fairy tale filled with lights spanning 12 acres. Don’t miss the red heart slide in the “Alice in Wonderland” zone.
Beyond the lights, you can visit dozens of roaring life-size dinosaurs, boogie on an LED dance floor or dig for fossils. You can also pay extra for train rides, a safari dig and a bounce zone.
Free & family-friendly
Holiday Share Fair
Sat., Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds
🔗 Details
An old coat that’s too small? Boots you just don’t wear? A board game you’ve outgrown? If you’re decluttering before the holidays or looking for winter gear on a budget (i.e. FREE!), we’ve got the spot.
Imagine a trunk-or-treat for adults where “Givers” are invited to dress up their tables of fun finds.
Family-friendly
Festival of Lights – Bikes and Lights
Sun., in Upper Marlboro, $5
🔗 Details
Put a unique spin on your holiday lights tradition by biking through the enchanting displays in Watkins Regional Park.
This display with thousands of bulbs is usually a drive-through experience, so biking by will be extra special.
Virginia highlights
Free & family-friendly
Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa
Sat., 6-8 p.m., near Alexandria City Hall (301 King St.)
🔗 Details
Take a stroll down King Street to Market Square for Alexandria’s tree lighting ceremony, which is expected to begin at or shortly after 6:40 p.m., followed by live music.
Make sure to stick around to watch Santa roll in on the King Street Trolley! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will greet families until 8 p.m.
Alexandria Cider Festival
Sat., Lloyd House (220 N. Washington St.), $55 or $25 for designated drivers
🔗 Details
Sample cider, enjoy live music and join in on tavern games at the Llyod House in Old Town. It’s a great opportunity to explore the historic Georgian house, one of five such buildings that still exist in Alexandria.
Concerts this weekend
Robyn Hitchcock, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, The Atlantis, $45.30
Listen to your elders. The Bob Dylan of alternative rock first made the scene in the ‘70s with psychedelic folk rock cult heroes The Soft Boys. Since then, with the Egyptians and later on as a solo act, the British singer/songwriter spent decades delighting fans with his surreal lyrics brimming with biting wit, as well as his esoteric stage banter. Not the artist to tell to shut up and play. In song and shtick, his storytelling is welcome and deserving of audience attention. Details.
Die Spitz, 7:30 Thursday, Black Cat, $26.40
Austin, Texas, quartet takes a wild and heavy approach to rock ‘n’ roll, leaning toward punk but too varied to pigeonhole. All things heavy — and wild. Band members trade instruments and share vocal responsibilities, with even the drummer getting out from behind the kit to take her turn at the mic. Their high-energy live shows will find them hanging from the rafters. Matching that energy — potentially upstaging it — North Carolina queer punk band Babe Haven opens. Details.
The OBGMs, 8 p.m. Thursday, Pie Shop, $21.44 (advance)/$24.54 (day of)
The Toronto punks’ music is thrilling, in your face and thought provoking. Their last two LPs — moving toward more accessible alternative rock — were shortlisted for Canada’s Polaris Prize. Details.
Silvana Estrada, 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 Club, $45.30
Mexican singer/songwriter with a gorgeous, gently fluttering voice. The folk music of her country prevails, but her modern take is informed by many other styles. Her vocals need no translation to convey the emotion in her songwriting. Details.
American Analog Set, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Miracle Theatre, $40
This indie band from ‘90s Austin, Texas, shuffled along at the pace of Yo La Tengo’s mellow moods while involving the krautrock of Stereolab and post rock similar to that of The Sea and Cake and even decelerating into slowcore. They call this set “Magic Hour,” consisting of songs from their original run of six albums. (The band took another 18 years to release a seventh LP in 2023.) Details.
More to do in D.C.
Frosted at Franklin Park: Nov. 21 to Jan. 7, downtown D.C., free
Concert – Sir Chloe: Fri., Lincoln Theatre
Punk Rock Flea: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church, free entry
DowntownDC Holiday Market: Nov. 21 to Dec. 23, F Street NW, free entry
Theater – “ho ho ho ha ha ha ha” with Julia Masli: Through Dec. 21, Woolly Mammoth, $49
Theater – “Hadestown”: Through Sun., National Theatre
More to do in Maryland
Montgomery County Thanksgiving parade: Sat., 10 a.m., Silver Spring, free
Thanksgiving coaster craft: Sat., Brentwood Arts Exchange, free
Pyramid Atlantic Art Center 10×10 art sale: Nov. 22 opening reception, on view through Jan. 4, Hyattsville, free entry
Movies on the Potomac – “The Grinch”: Sun., 2 p.m., National Harbor, free
More to do in Virginia
Pet Nights With Santa: Mondays from Nov. 17 to Dec. 8., Tysons Corner Center lower level, free
Buffalo Plaid Christmas Wreath Workshop: Thurs., 6 p.m., Ono Brewing Company in Chantilly, $67 per person
Herndon Turkey Trot 5k: Sat., 4 p.m., Herndon Community Center, $25-$45
Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa: Sat., 6-8 p.m., near Alexandria City Hall (301 King St.), free
Alexandria Cider Festival: Sat., Lloyd House (220 N. Washington St.), $55 or $25 for designated drivers
Winter Lantern Festival: Opens Thurs., Tysons, $18.99-$25.99
Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
WASHINGTON (7News) — A man was shot and killed Wednesday evening in Southeast, D.C., according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Around 5:37 p.m., Seventh District officers responded to the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, Southeast, for a report of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found a man unconscious and not breathing, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
SEE ALSO | Man in Maryland jail accused of asking girlfriends to kidnap, stab DC woman
DC Fire and EMS paramedics tried to save the victim’s life when they responded to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead.
Police have not released the victim’s name as the investigation continues. Detectives are asking anyone with information to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or text 50411. Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.
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This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
See White House East Wing removal from the Washington Monument
Video captured from the Washington Monument spotted construction crew working to prepare the location for the White House’s new ballroom.
The newly reopened Washington Monument, which typically offers sprawling views of Washington, DC from 555 feet high, now provides a peek at the White House’s East Wing renovations.
Andrew Leyden, a freelance photographer in Washington, D.C., posted photos of the scene from the top of the obelisk on X last week.
The photos show construction crews, cranes and a gaping construction site where the East Wing recently stood. President Donald Trump had the East Wing demolished last month after initially insisting construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom wouldn’t involve the structure’s demolition.
Photos of a bulldozer tearing through the wing’s facade went viral on social media.
The White House is now undergoing renovations to transform the site, which traditionally served as the first lady’s offices.
The modern version of the East Wing was added to the White House in 1942.
Critics were outraged at the demolition because it was done without public input. In an open letter on Oct. 21, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit, said it was “deeply concerned” about the project and urged the National Park Service to pause demolition until the proposed plans could go through public review.
Why was the demolition done?
In a July news release, the White House said the construction would occur to create a space for large-scale events.
“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance,” the news release stated.
The ballroom is expected to be an “ornately designed and carefully crafted space” with a 650-person seating capacity, higher than the previous 200-person seating capacity in the East Room of the White House.
Its construction is estimated to cost $300 million, but Trump has said it will be funded by him and other donors. Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Apple are among a list of donors the White House said is paying for the addition.
What has the White House said about the criticism?
In response to the criticism, the White House said in a news release on Oct. 21 that “In the latest instance of manufactured outrage, unhinged leftists and their Fake News allies are clutching their pearls over President Donald J. Trump’s visionary addition of a grand, privately funded ballroom to the White House — a bold, necessary addition that echoes the storied history of improvements and additions from commanders-in-chief to keep the executive residence as a beacon of American excellence.”
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com
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