Exhibition Spotlight: Afro-Atlantic Histories

Afro-Atlantic Histories is both 1) an historical exhibition about the African diaspora *and* 2) an array of depictions of the African diaspora in art, past and present. Expectedly, it's more the latter, but art can inspire us to learn more, and also inform us in the meantime.

Hosted at the National Gallery of Art (NGA), this exhibition feels extremely worldly, perhaps more than any other recent exhibition there. Originally this show debuted in 2018 at Brazil's Museu de Arte de São Paulo.

This show has over 130 artworks and objects from the 17th century to today. Media from paintings, to metal & wood sculptures, to photographs, to video are all present, and more. The entire show comprises about six galleries, which is substantial for NGA. It is worth a trip.

Afro-Atlantic Histories is open through July 17, 2022.

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Top 5: Ice Skating Rinks in DC

Ice rink at the Wharf in southwest DC.

Earlier this summer roller skating was all the buzz in DC with two high profile rollerskating events, one in Penn Quarter and another go-go themed skate at the Anacostia Park rink.

The skating doesn't stop in the winter, however. DC has become home to some great ice skating options over the years, from permanent indoor facilities to some newer outdoor rinks in popular shopping areas. Here are the Top 5 skating options in the city. Please check each site for pricing, ticketing, and open hours.

1. Sculpture Garden Ice Rink at the National Gallery of Art. If you've ever been to NGA on a Friday evening in the summer, you know this circular fountain in the garden is home to Jazz in the Garden, an almost too popular jazz night. But in the winter, the fountain is transformed into an ice rink. With the beautiful backdrop of the National Archives building across the street, and set amongst modern art pieces, the Sculpture Garden ice rink has become the go-to winter activity on the National Mall. 7th Street NW and Constitution Ave. Open until March 6, 2022.

The Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art hosts an ice rink with a great backdrop, then National Archives.

2. Canal Park Rink. Capital Riverfront, Navy Yard, Ballpark Area; whatever you want to call this neighborhood, it's one of DC's fastest growing as far as population. The amenities keep multiplying and the Canal Park Ice Rink has been a newer, but consistent staple. The figure-eight shape of the track is curious, but makes for a more unique expreince than the typical circular or oval tracks. After a skate, you can stroll down to the riverfront and walk the Anacostia River. 200 M Street SE. Open through February.

3. Washington Harbor Rink. Georgetown is the home of Washington Harbor, which is don on K Street NW. I just called this area the waterfront. But this collection of housing, offices, retail, and restaurants in a cluster of early 1980s postmodern buildings also hosts the yearly Georgetown Ice Rink. This is probably the most popular of the commercial rinks in DC and has the most neighborhood amenities nearby with shopping, food, sightseeing, and more to do before and after. 3000 K Street NW. Open through March 13, 2022.

4. Wharf Ice Rink. The newest addition to the DC ice skating scene is the Wharf Rink. Located directly adjacent to the water (the Washington Channel), this rink is actually linked directly to the Georgetown Rink by the Potomac Water Taxi. The Wharf is a pedestrian friendly area with restaurants, shopping, and music so there is plenty to do after your rims on the ice. 970 Wharf Street SW. Open through February 2022.

5. Fort Dupont Ice Arena. As the only indoor rink on this list, Fort Dupont is mostly known for skating lessons, club ice hockey games, and other structured programming. However, they do offer public skating sessions throughout the week and of course, it's covered, so weather is never a factor. Years ago I ran a summer camp in nearby Kimball Elementary and the ice arena was a favored afternoon activity during DC's hot summer afternoons. 3779 Ely Place SE. Open year-round.