Associates Advisory

Smithsonian Associates Podcasts on The Not Old - Better Show

by Kiren Jahangeer, Guest Blogger

Did you know there’s an official podcast for the Smithsonian Associates that features some of our programming?

The Not Old – Better Show is a podcast focused on the hottest issues and topics that fascinate those 50+ age individuals and their families. Content contributions come from other federal government agencies like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, along with AARP, PBS, and others.

This podcast is produced in partnership with the Smithsonian Associates programming. It is a great way to get a taste of what the Associates has to offer if you are unable to attend in person or an event is sold out. Podcasts are about 15 minutes in length, but examine the same topic as the live program. You can listen to podcasts like “How to Watch the Oscars” with film critic Noah Gittell, which will provide key tips ahead of the February 9^th awards ceremony; “Language and Aging: A Resilient Relationship” with cognitive scientist Dr. Roger Kreuz, who will teach you how some language abilities may actually improve with age; or “Travels with Darley: Exploring Qatar” with Emmy-nominated tv producer Darley Newman, where you can learn about her adventures in the desert and Qatari cuisine.

Check out this cool resource now!

A Conversation with Discovery Theater's Roberta Gasbarre

by Janet Hewitt, Guest Blogger

Roberta Gasbarre and Janet Hewitt by the Discovery Theater office

Is Washington a theater town?  On a scale of one to ten, where would the District fall when it comes to rating top towns for innovative, vibrant theater?

We put the question to Discovery Theater Director Roberta Gasbarre and she was more than happy to set us straight.

According to Roberta, DC does way more than just hold its own in the world of contemporary theater. She has been Director of Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater since 2000. Plus, she cut her teeth in the DC-theater world. So if anyone  would know, she should.

DC may actually be a step ahead of other places known as theater-forward cities.  And this is where Discovery Theater (DT) comes in. Offering innovative programs geared at young audiences, the DC area has been breaking new ground in growing the next generation of educated and discerning theatergoers--no matter where they live or what language is spoken at home.   

Roberta says, “That is the old myth” that Washington is not a theater town. “There is so much theater in this region. There is something for everyone,” she told us in a recent interview.

 

Welcome, Maddie Nelson and Jack Dee

By Jenna Jones

There are two new fresh faces around Ripley, so please welcome Maddie Pierce and Jack Dee. You will see them at work at various programs, assisting the Programmers with the speakers and such. They look forward to getting to know you Event Reps! Here's a little bio statement for each of them:

“Hello, everyone! My name is Maddie Nelson and I am from Olney, Maryland. I recently graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT with Bachelor’s degrees in Art History, Creative Writing, and French. I was one of the Summer Camp Managers this past summer, and I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to support Smithsonian Associates as Operations Coordinator. You can find me working with Mary, Heather, and Amanda. I look forward to meeting you soon!”

 

 

 

"Hi all! My name is Jack Dee,
and I am the Operations Coordinator working closely with Lauren, Kathy, and Ruth. I am originally from Kansas City, but lived in Memphis, TN for four years earning a B.A. in Theater from Rhodes College. Following college, I spent some time in the theater world working at Baltimore Center Stage, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and ultimately Shakespeare Theatre Company—which brought me to DC. I am beyond excited to be a part of the Smithsonian Associates and look forward to getting to know all of you! 

Welcome, Art Rep Winter 2020 Trainees!

Front Row, from left: Jeanne Tsai, Nouf Samarkandi, Manu Videki, McKenzie Prillaman, David Thornhill, Jr.
Back Row, from left: Chris Hebeler, Sam Spano, Katryna Carter, Rebecca Shipman, Meredith Pollock
Not Pictured: Edie Sklar and Gia Austin

This fine group trained to be Studio Art Reps last Saturday, January 11th. When you see them around Ripley, be sure to welcome them! They are assisting with Beginning Drawing courses,  Exterior Mosaics, Collage and Mixed Media, Image Transfers and Photo Alteration, Quilting, Intro. to Drawing and Painting, Intro. to Indian Textile Painting, Out and About with an Artist, Monoprint without a Press, and more. 

Do you know someone who would enjoy assisting our instructors and students at these hands on art making classes? We're recruiting volunteers for the spring semester, so please spread the word. Applications are being accepted now through March 1st, with interviews in February and March. To learn more, email Jenna at jonesjel@si.edu. 

Let's do Lunch!

On Thursday, February 6, at 12 noon, I invite you to join me for a brown bag/cafeteria lunch underneath the Castle! Yes, that’s right, underneath the castle was the “Boiler Room” which years ago was converted into a staff lunchroom. So if you’d like to check this out and socialize with me a little, please join me!  You can sign up in Vsys so I know how many are coming. We will meet in the Associates’ office lobby and then walk down together.

This is a “brown bag” type of event – you can purchase a hot lunch, make a salad, select soup, or make a deli sandwich at the lunchroom or bring your own food. There’s even a microwave available.

If this goes over well, or there is considerable interest, I may make this a weekly occurrence so volunteers can visit with me and with each other. I got the idea from my counterpart in the Capitol Building Visitor’s Center. He regularly has lunch with his volunteers and it seemed like a fun idea, or at least a nice excuse for me to eat lunch away from my desk. 

I hope you'll sign up in Vsys and I'll meet up with you on February 6th in the Associates' lobby at 12 noon.