What Happened to August?

Katja has been on the road or in the skies every week this past month, which a few mornings caused her to ask herself, “where am I today?” She has, however, at least been certain that whatever city she happened to be waking up in would have a good museum (it’s important to have priorities when traveling). Sadly none of this travel required Katja to use her passport, as she does love to escape to foreign lands, but she can’t complain as the cities she went to - Boston (a few times), Washington, DC, and LA – are all lovely places to visit. And while her on the go schedule has left her with that I have no idea where the month has gone feeling, she knows it only means that she’s been up to lots of good things. She is, after all, the kind of girl who believes in taking the time to smell the roses (as well as this beautiful flower she stumbled upon in a lovely garden in Boston).

Katja had very much missed seeing her friends in Boston, as she hadn’t been there since May. She thus had a very packed social schedule during her trips to the city, catching up with friends over coffee, dinner, and a cocktail making lesson at Study Restaurant. The cocktail being discussed that particular evening was a classic, the gin martini (stirred, not shaken - apparently James Bond does not know what he's talking about). She should have been responsible and ended the evening after her rather large concoction, but what can she say, she doesn't always chose the most responsible option, so instead the evening ended a few unnecessary cocktails later. And not that she needs an excuse, but she does remember reading something wise recently about one never looking back and remembering the nights one got a lot of sleep...

Luckily Katja has lots of energy, so despite being in less than top form the following day was able to make it to the Museum of Fine Arts to see Tropical Mythologies, an exhibition of the works of Gustavo Fuenmayor.

His work, which addresses Latin America’s colonial past and its legacy, includes the most beautiful charcoals. The exhibition ends soon, so if you’re in Boston go see it (or look for his work elsewhere)! Katja also stopped by the Boston Ballet to see various people. She can't wait for the new season to start, and has already planned various trips in the next few months for Boston Ballet related activities.

The trip to DC was quick and there wasn’t quite as much fun to be had, but Katja was able to stop by the National Gallery of Art, which she thinks is one of the most beautiful galleries out there, both for its great collection and for the gallery itself (just look at the lovely fountain).

As she's on the topic of museums Katja figures she'd mention the China Through the Looking Glass exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which she was able to catch one of the August days that she actually was in New York. She loved the show, but then again it's only natural that all of the beautiful clothing would appeal to her fashionista self. The exhibition ends in just over a week, and it's definitely worth fighting the crowds to go see it.

While in New York, besides getting to that thing called work, she naturally got in as many ballet classes as possible at what seems to have become her second home, Ballet Academy East.

She also spent time with friends and made it to a few shows of the Joyce Theater's Ballet Festival; she particularly liked the performance by Amy Seiwert’s Imagery. Katja also stopped by the post-performance receptions, as she does love some bubbly (and cheese straws) with her ballet.

Katja was very happy to get to go back to LA so soon after her last trip, just as she was very happy that she was upgraded on the flight over. She does fancy herself a first class kind of girl, and it certainly made the trip much comfier (despite the rather grumpy looking man next to her). She even got a decent meal that included a salad with proper greens, as well as raspberry sorbet for dessert. But the pre-meal warm nuts and the later in the flight warm cookie were definitely the highlights.

This time Katja stayed in downtown LA, so she was able to try many of the yummy restaurants near her hotel, including Bäco Mercat (delicious ricotta fritters and lace battered squash blossoms), Faith and Flower (a delicious summer squash salad and fresh burrata pizza, not to mention the cocktails), Bier Beisel Imbiss (an absolutely divine poppy seed pastry…she does love her poppy seed), and Guisados (tasty tacos). Because she hadn't stayed downtown for a while she really enjoyed wandering around the streets,

checking out the street art and stopping by local landmarks such as the Grand Central Market.

Of course it wouldn't be a proper trip if there wasn't at least one museum outing (or performance), so she spent a very lovely afternoon at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. She checked out the 50 for 50 exhibition, and wandered through the permanent collection, which she hadn't done for some time. She was particularly fond of a little 14th century work by Paolo Veneziano that she stumbled upon.

Like all her trips to LA (well her trips in general), it went by much too quickly. But this time Katja was actually looking forward to a rare travel free week filled with lots of ballet classes, so she didn't feel too too sad when she had to say goodbye to LA and make her way to the airport. And besides, as the jet setting penguin that she is, she knows she'll be back before she knows it.

Dandy

Dandy is an active penguin who likes to keep his days full; his weeks are thus often packed with various social and cultural activities, as well as meetings and other less exciting things. Last week’s socializing began with a happy hour at the Mayflower Hotel in honor of National Philanthropy Day. The event was organized by The Cotillion, a group that highlights and promotes philanthropic and cultural enrichment activities, with a mission to cultivate the next generation of charitable givers. Dandy enjoyed meeting numerous people involved in different causes around town, and is looking forward to the group’s inaugural gala next year. Tuesday was meeting filled, so Dandy’s social life resumed on Wednesday, with the 1869 Society’s Cultural Cocktails at the Hamiltonian Gallery. There he enjoyed some wine and catching up with friends, while perusing works by Elena Volkova (Proofs) and Renee Van Der Stelt (Recordings).


Dandy was out and about again Thursday evening, when he attended the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s Cupcakes and Cocktails fundraiser. The event was not too exciting, but who is he to complain when faced with an evening of sampling sweets. He greatly admired the beautiful cupcakes from Cupcakes Actually, but his favorite was the mint julep concoction from Zola. Dandy (wisely) believes that one can never go wrong by adding a bit of alcohol to one’s baked goods.


Friday Dandy waddled over to the National Gallery of Art to do some research in its library. Before heading home he made certain to see the exhibition Arcimboldo, 1526-1593: Nature and Fantasy. He is a great fan of Arcimboldo and loved seeing the numerous works, and thought the Philp Haas Arcimboldo inspired sculpture was quite fabulous. Dandy was in the mood for a bit more culture, so that evening he made his way to the Kennedy Center to see the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Although he enjoyed the performance he is partial to the Washington Ballet (what can he say, he’s a loyal guy). In fact it was off to the Washington Ballet studios on Saturday to volunteer (and shop, of course) at the Sugar Plum Holiday Bazaar. He loves to shop, and what better incentive than knowing that 20% of sales would go to one of his favorite organizations in town. Dandy also enjoyed the Bazaar’s reception, catered by June B Sweet. He loved all of her tasty little treats and happily devoured numerous macarons (amongst other things) and a glass (or two) of bubbly.


It was then off to a friend’s birthday party. Dandy had hoped to be responsible and get home early, as he had lots of packing to do for his upcoming trip, and planned to head to the Bazaar for its second day. However, things don’t always go as planned…what can he say, when dancing is involved he just can’t say no!

Olga

Olga is a social butterfly; she loves nothing more that to put together a fabulous outfit and head out for a night on the town. That said, she does admit it’s been a bit harder to motivate lately, as she’s only slowly getting used to the colder temperatures.


Olga is also a very refined penguin, and she favors events with a cultural element. Wednesday night she found herself at the National Gallery of Art (such a civilized place) for a reception and viewing of the exhibition The Pre-Raphaelite Lens: British Photography and Painting, 1848-1875. As usual it was an elegant affair with bubbly and lots of delectable treats, including a rather tasty mushroom crepe cake, which she admits to having had more than one serving of (restraint is so overrated, and she knows she can always spend a little extra time in the gym). She did unfortunately miss out on most of the desserts, which were devoured while she spent her time gossiping with friends.


Thursday Olga braved the rain and made her to the Kennedy Center for a performance of the Washington Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet. She enjoyed the production, in particular the lavish costumes and dramatic scenes (what can she say, she’s an over the top kind of gal). After the performance she waddled over to the Guarisco Gallery for the opening night party. While she cannot say that she was a fan of the art, she had the most wonderful time catching up with Washington Ballet supporters, dancers and staff over a glass or two of red wine, and lots of mini ice cream cones filled with different flavors of mousse. Not a particularly healthy dinner, but what can she say, you only live once.


It was another night of art on Friday, when Olga attended the FotoWeek opening party at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She enjoyed checking out the diverse photography, which included exterior and interior projections, and caught up with lots of people she hadn’t seen in a while (over some not too good Cava…but what can she say, if it has bubbles she’ll drink it).


Saturday night Olga made a quick stop by Irvine Contemporary for the opening of Street/Studio 2.0; she was able to peruse the show and catch up with a few friends before making her way to the French Embassy for its annual champagne tasting. She wasn’t overly impressed with the event, which lacked ambiance, but who is she to complain as there is little she loves more than bubbly, and she was able to try lots of it.

After a busy alcohol filled and nutrient deficient week Olga very much appreciated the extra hour that came with the time change, as there’s nothing like a longer lazy Sunday to get one ready for another busy week.

Pinocchio

Pinocchio is a city boy who ventures out into the suburbs as little as possible. Nevertheless, after a relatively quiet weekend he was ready to get out and about for some socializing, so he finagled himself a ride and made his way to the depths of Potomac for the Washington Ballet Women’s Committee’s end of the year pool party. He does admit it was lovely and peaceful, and was rather jealous of his host’s wonderful outdoor space. He greatly enjoyed the prickly pear margaritas, homemade pizza, mushroom risotto and mini ice cream cones, but certainly did not feel like donning a bathing suit after such indulgence. Instead Pinocchio hung out on the spacious deck and chatted away with various people (he always likes a good gossip). He had a lovely evening in the suburbs, but was quite happy to return to his small flat in the city...one can never be certain what kind of creatures might live so far out…


The following evening Pinocchio found himself at one of his favorite places in Washington, the National Gallery of Art, for a tour followed by a reception. There were numerous tours and talks taking place throughout the museum, and he joined that of the exhibition German Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1580-1900. He found the tour most interesting and loved Johann Elias Ridinger’s drawing The Rhinoceros “Miss Clara” (a touring Indian rhinoceros who was apparently quite the hit in mid-18th century Europe). He does, however, wish that the curator had not gone so much over his allotted time…a talk becomes infinitely less captivating when one can hear everybody else making their way to a reception! Pinocchio did eventually get there, and as usual the National Gallery did not disappoint. He loved the gorgeous flower arrangements (peonies), and the food, despite the lack of interesting vegetarian options, was as tasty as always. Pinocchio had no problem indulging in the yummy breads and cheese, and he fully enjoyed the desserts, which ranged from cupcakes to baked Alaska to bread pudding to ice cream. And, of course, he might just have had a glass of bubbly or two. As usual he was amongst the last to leave – luckily he has many like minded friends so he is never alone when doing so!

Baby Charly

Although Baby Charly loves a good party he is also very much a one on one kind of penguin who likes to schedule gossip dates as often as possible. He had a packed social calendar this week, and was able to catch up with various friends he hadn’t seen in a while. He planned his first date at the National Gallery of Art (one of his favorite places in DC) as he wanted to catch The Sacred Made Real exhibition before it closed. His trip to the Gallery was somewhat stressful due to smoke issues on Metro's tracks and a lack of proper communication (no surprise there), but once Baby Charly arrived he relaxed immediately. He loved the 17th Century Spanish art, especially the fabulous sculptures – his favorite was Mary Magdalene Meditating on the Crucifixion. Afterwards he and his friend went to the Espresso and Gelato Bar in the East Building’s Concourse Level for coffee and gossip. Although he resisted the gelato, he highly recommends it if you find yourself at the Gallery.


Tuesday Baby Charly ventured out to the suburbs (which he avoids as much as possible, unless of course he is craving Dairy Queen) to meet up with a friend at the Clarendon Le Pain Quotidien. He does admit to being a fan of that particular Pain Quotidien, as it is always quiet on weekday evenings and thus a very relaxing place to sit and chat. They also stopped by Kinder Haus Toys for a little shopping, so that his friend could check out the Smurfs. Baby Charly agreed that they are festive creatures, but of course not nearly as fabulous as penguins.


The week’s activities also included a friend’s birthday drinks at Zola, which Baby Charly thought was a most civilized choice of venue for Cinco de Mayo. Call him a snob, but he does not feel the need to celebrate a “Mexican” holiday that is primarily celebrated in the United States, and especially not with bad chemical laden margaritas and cheap tequila shots. He had a great time catching up with the birthday girl and meeting her friends, and showed remarkable discipline by sticking to Diet Coke. But, lest you think he’s gone boring, it was primarily motivated by the gala packed weekend ahead of him (discipline always goes out the door when there’s free flowing bubbly).

Martha

Martha is a posh penguin who relishes the finer things in life. She very much enjoys dressing up for an elegant evening out on the town, and counts the National Gallery of Art’s receptions as amongst the most civilized events. She recently made her way there to attend a preview and reception for the exhibition From Impressionism to Modernism: The Chester Dale Collection. She has to admit she generally gets caught up socializing and doesn’t spend much time (if any) perusing the art (besides, she’s much more interested in the exhibition The Sacred Made Real: Spanish Painting and Sculpture, 1600-1700).


Martha had a lovely time catching up with friends in the West Building, which was decorated with the most beautiful flowers (if only she could have snuck out with one of the arrangements). She also rather enjoyed the mushroom bread pudding and desserts, although she should have been greedy and gone for the latter earlier rather than later, as the once attractive cakes were rather mangled by the time she got to them.


Martha’s love of fancy things and places does not, however, mean that she is overly prim and proper. She knows how to have fun and is a somewhat mischievous lass; she couldn’t resist playing with the creatures that inhabit her neighborhood as she made her way to Phillips After 5 Thursday evening.


She only stayed briefly at the event, quickly taking in the Georgia O’Keefe: Abstraction show. She decided to run before the crowds and men of a certain age who like to prey on women of a much younger age (and never miss a single event) arrived. What can she say, she didn’t want to take her chances…being a charming girl can be such a bother at times.

Big A

Big A is a social guy who loves nothing more than scheduling gossip dates with friends, whether over lunch (something light so he has room for a treat later in the day), coffee (always an Americano) or cocktails (bubbly is his beverage of choice, but he’s also happy with a glass of good red). This past week was a particularly social one for Big A, and he was able to catch up with various friends he hadn’t seen since the holidays. He heard all about a friend’s Canadian Christmas at the Caribou Coffee down the street from National Geographic, and caught up on a friend’s wedding plans and other fun going-ons at the Penn Quarter Teaism.


Big A also met up with a friend for lunch at the National Gallery (barely making it in time as he got distracted by a friendly game of chess on the way there). He loves dining in the National Gallery’s Refectory, which has great views of the city, tasty food, and an inviting bowl of M&Ms by the register (every meal must end with a sweet after all). Sadly he did not have time to wander the galleries, so he hopes to visit again soon, perhaps this time dining at the Garden Café, which currently has a French menu designed by chef Michel Richard in honor of the soon to open exhibition From Impressionism to Modernism: The Chester Dale Collection.


Big A’s most decadent gossip date was at ACKC, a cocoa bar café and chocolate shop where there are just so many treats to be had. The store was stocked up on Valentine’s Day goodies (Big A thinks the day is quite silly, but he is happy for any excuse to indulge in chocolate). As he perused the different displays he thought about getting something sweet to take home, that is until he came across the chocolate thong, which rather spoiled his appetite.

Goldie

Goldie loves museums, big and small. Some people may think they are elitist institutions, others just boring places housing dusty old things, but she loves spending her time wandering their halls, losing herself amongst displays of art and material culture (she’ll happily pass on science museums, however). Luckily Washington has many institutions for her to explore, from the not so well known Art Museum of the Americas, which she recently became involved with, to the popular National Gallery of Art, one of her favorites.


Goldie waddled over to the latter this past Thursday, as she realized she had limited time to catch the exhibition The Art of Power – Royal Armor and Portraits from Imperial Spain. Anything Spain related always puts her in the mood for sangria (the key when making it is to soak the fruit in brandy for at least half a day), so after perusing the show her mind turned to happy hour (not that she is a lush).


Despite her thirst Goldie made time to check out the flowers in the museum's rotunda. While she loves the poinsettias that surround the fountain during the holiday season, she was impressed by the current autumn colored display. As a yellow/orange penguin she often feels slightly out of place, but in this case she fit right in!

Townie

Townie may be a penguin, but he’s a real culture vulture, who more often than not can be found at one of Washington’s museums or performance venues. One of his favorite local museums is the National Gallery of Art. He loves its permanent collection as well as its diverse temporary exhibitions, and can pass hours waddling around its many galleries (and spending money in the gift shop). Last week he attended a viewing and reception for The Art of Power: Royal Armor and Portraits from Imperial Spain. He loved the impressive armor, and enjoyed the Spanish feast (even if a bit meat heavy).


He was also happily surprised when he realized that he wasn’t the only critter in attendance…it can be boring always having to socialize with humans.


The following evening Townie braved the rain and made his way down to the Kennedy Center for a performance of the Washington Ballet’s Don Quixote. Although he wishes the ballet had not been staged to recorded music, he thoroughly enjoyed the performance. And, after a few days of Spanish themed cultural offerings, he is ready for a trip to Spain…or at the very least a pitcher of sangria.