Topsy

Topsy fancies himself a highly cultured kind of penguin (which of course he is). He enjoys exhibitions, performances, lectures and artist talks, and is happy when his week is packed with various art events. Tuesday night he attended a Pink Line Project Salon Contra (he always looks forward to them and is happy they are taking place more often). The evening’s salon featured the artist Gesche Würfel, whose exhibition, Go for Gold! – The Transformation of the Lower Lea Valley, recently opened at Civilian Art Projects. Würfel is both a photographer and urban planner, and the exhibition documents the transformation of London’s landscape in preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics, exploring the disruption of relationships between local residents and their built and natural environments. Topsy enjoyed the talk, did some socializing and savored the nibbles sent over by Eatonville Restaurant (especially the mini cheese and asparagus tarts).


Wednesday Topsy made his way over to the Finnish Embassy for a party celebrating its designation as the first LEED certified green embassy in the United States. Although he thought the speeches could have been shorter (aren't they always too long), he enjoyed every minute of the entertainment by Grammy nominated Christylez Bacon, a progressive hip hop artist, and the City Dance Ensemble. He then had his picture taken in front of a backdrop by Cory Oberndorfer, and danced the evening away to the Video Killers’ perfect mix of 80s hits.


The dancing, besides being great fun, made him feel less guilty about his gluttonous behavior at the buffet – he couldn’t resist the numerous vegetarian goodies (a very pleasant surprise) and desserts (especially the chocolate cake with mint icing). Restraint is just so boring.


The following evening Topsy went to the Kennedy Center to see the Washington Ballet perform The Great Gatsby. He loved Septime Webre’s production – the dancing, colorful costumes and live music made for a wonderful evening. Afterwards he waddled over to the opening night fete at the Guarisco Gallery (he certainly wouldn’t miss a party), where he socialized with other Washington Ballet supporters and enjoyed a glass or two of wine. Now to fill next month’s calendar with equally fabulous events!