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Visitors enjoying a Drop-In Art Making activity in the East Building Atrium.

First Saturday: October

First Saturdays

  • Saturday, October 7, 2023
  • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • East Building, Multiple Locations
  • Festivals
  • In-person

All activities are free, and most are first come, first served. Some activities require registration.

On the first Saturday of each month the East Building comes alive with art making for all ages, films, pop-up experiences, and more. Learn about upcoming First Saturdays.

Commemorate Indigenous People’s Day with performances by the Piscataway Nation Singers and Dancers, a screening of Lakota Nation vs. US, drop-in artmaking, and more. Plus, view the exhibition The Land Carries our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans.

Fun for Kids

Storytime

Atrium, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Let’s play together while reading aloud the children’s book Little You by Richard Van Camp in English and Spanish. We welcome all ages, especially our youngest visitors and nursing parents.

Details

Fun for Kids

Sketching Lab

Atrium, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
First come, first served

Visit our sketching lab to activate your imagination and ideas. Then, add your sketch to our community display to showcase your creativity. 

Details

Fun for Kids

Drop-In Artmaking

Atrium, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
First come, first served

Drop-in artmaking is a great way to try your hand at creating art in an informal, relaxed environment. Artmaking activities are designed for all ages and abilities.

Details

Fun for Kids

Kids' Play Space

Atrium, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.
First come, first served

Designed for our littlest art lovers. Play, build, sort, and stack in a hands-on space.

Details

Fun for Kids

Pop-Up Library

Study Center Atrium, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy special selections from the National Gallery of Art Library along with quiet activities for kids.

Details

Performances

Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers

East Building Atrium, Multiple Performances, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Join us for a performance by the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers, led by Mark Tayac. The troupe carries on the long-standing traditions, culture, and heritage of its indigenous ancestors and welcomes the opportunity to enlighten audiences that want to learn more about Native American history. From Tayac Territory of Port Tobacco, MD, Mark Tayac travels with the group, presenting a vibrant, educational, and entertaining pow wow-style event, featuring Native American dance, drum, and song.

Details

Films

Lakota Nation vs. United States

Auditorium, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli skillfully tell the story of the Lakota’s Land Back movement to reclaim its lands through archival footage, stunning cinematography, and original interviews with activists and organizers, including Nick Tilsen, Krystal Two Bulls, and environmentalist Phyllis Young.

Register