Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

The highlight of our day was going to the Smithsonian Freer and Sackler Galleries. In the Imaginasia classroom (Sackler Gallery), we learned about Arabic writing in a workshop called ‘Peace Be Unto You.’ The classroom was decorated in Arabic calligraphy animal pictures. The décor, the incense, and the music playing in the background gave us a sense of being in the Middle East. We were each given an activity book and sent to the Freer gallery to find examples of Islamic calligraphy (the Sackler and Freer galleries are connected underground). Kevin and Justin found all the examples, answered the questions, then returned to the Imaginasia classroom. We were each given a plate, along with markers, stencils, protractors and rulers, and a sheet with examples of many modern styles of Arabic writing. The workshop spokesperson encouraged us to design a plate incorporating what we saw and learned. Two renowned Egyptian calligraphers were present and helped us write our names on the backs of our plates in Arabic. The boys really enjoyed designing their plates. What an informative and interesting workshop!

Justin and Kevin in front of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Brian looks at hangings of beautiful writings of Arabic in animal shapes Justin shows off the plate he designed in ‘Peace Be Unto You’ workshop Kevin shows off the plate he designed and made Kenton and boys with Capitol Building in background Kenton and boys with Washington Monument in background In front of the Smithsonian Institution Building, a.k.a. Smithsonian Castle Boys pose at fountain in Mary Livingston Ripley Garden