Join us for a series of upcoming workshops at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. The workshops are hosted in partnership with the exhibition Black Out: Silhouettes Then and Now.
The exhibition Black Out: Silhouettes Then and Now explores this relatively unstudied art form by examining its rich historical roots and considering its forceful contemporary presence. The show features works from the Portrait Gallery’s extensive collection of silhouettes, such as those by Auguste Edouart, who captured the likenesses of such notable figures as John Quincy Adams and Lydia Maria Child, and at the same time, the exhibition reveals how contemporary artists are reimagining silhouettes in bold and unforgettable ways.
Strike a Prose: Creative Writing Inspired by Black Out: Silhouettes Then and Now
Date: Thursday, Nov. 1, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM or Friday, Nov. 2, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 800 G Street NW, Washington, DC
In this creative writing workshop inspired by Black Out: Silhouettes Then and Now, we will address complex themes such as race, history, family, and identity. Fiction, nonfiction and poetry writing prompts will be provided. Open to writers of all levels who are 18+.
Strike a Prose: Family Stories
Date: Thursday, Nov. 8, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM or Friday, Nov. 9, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 800 G Street NW, Washington, DC
Using works of art from Black Out: Silhouettes Then and Now, this creative writing workshop will focus on writing about our families. Using reading, discussion, and guided writing exercises, we will explore both where we came from and who we are as members of our families. Open to writers of all levels who are 18+.
Strike a Prose: Create Vivid Characters
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM or Friday, Nov. 16, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 800 G Street NW, Washington, DC
In this creative writing workshop inspired by Black Out: Silhouettes Then and Now, we will focus on writing characters that breathe, move and feel. The workshop includes guided writing exercises, reading and discussion. Open to writers of all levels who are 18+.
Willona M. Sloan 