Release Date: January 8, 2010

National Gallery of Art Programs for Children and Teens in 2010 Feature a Special Performance by Kevin Reese and Acclaimed Films from Around the World

Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art welcomes 2010 with an engaging array of family programming. The German film Stella and the Star of the Orient, shown January 9 and 10, takes its protagonist back in time to learn about the life of her ancestors. As visitors to the East Building are greeted with Alexander Calder's massive mobile suspended from the ceiling, it is fitting that on February 6 and 7, actor and visual artist Kevin Reese presents A Perfect Balance, a one-man play inspired by Calder's mobiles. In March, the Gallery celebrates Earth Day with The World in Our Hands, a program of award-winning animated short films that inspire audiences of all ages to care for the environment.

These innovative films and performances enhance enjoyment of the Gallery's collections and exhibitions and foster an understanding of art. In addition to special performers, the program aims to represent a broad range of recently produced foreign and domestic films, including a variety of animation styles, live action, and classics. Films are selected for their appeal to youth and adult audiences; age recommendations are intended to guide parents in selecting emotionally and intellectually stimulating films for their children.

For more information about family programming at the Gallery, visit www.nga.gov/programs/family or subscribe to the Gallery's monthly e-newsletter for families at http://subscribe.nga.gov. Family and teen programs are made possible in part by the generosity of the Prince Charitable Trusts. Additional support for 2010 has been provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.

Family Programs

All programs are presented in the East Building Auditorium, and seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups are welcome. Food and drink are not permitted. Programs are free and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information on the current month's programs, please call (202) 789-3030. Feature films are in English unless otherwise noted.

Stella and the Star of the Orient
(Ingelore König, Germany, 2007, 90 minutes)
Saturday, January 9, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, January 10, 11:30 a.m.
Ages 8 and up

Rummaging in the attic one New Year's Eve, ten-year-old Stella steps out of a wardrobe and discovers she has traveled 100 years back in time. There she meets two children who turn out to be her great-uncle Gustav and her great-grandmother Clementine. When Stella discovers that the family home may have to be sold, the trio sets off on an exciting adventure in search of a mysterious treasure to save the family from financial ruin. Join Stella, Clementine, and Gustav as they race against time to find the fortune. In German with English subtitles.

Special Performance: A Perfect Balance
Saturday, February 6, 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, February 7, 11:30 a.m.
Ages 6 and up

Actor and visual artist Kevin Reese presents A Perfect Balance, a one-man play inspired by Alexander Calder's mobiles. Celebrating creativity, playfulness, and invention, this magical show will delight children and adults. Approximately 60 minutes in length.

Illuminating the Gallery's collections or exhibitions, special performances are presented to family audiences free of charge. For information, please call (202) 842-6252.

The World in Our Hands
Saturday, March 20, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 21, 11:30 a.m.
Ages 8 and up

The Gallery presents a program of award-winning animated short films, each with an inspiring message about caring for the environment. The lead character in each animation imagines a better world and finds a way to contribute to the greater good with humor, creativity, determination, and positive action. Films include Delivery (Till Nowak, Germany, 2005, 9 minutes); Papiroflexia (Joaquin Baldwin, U.S., 2007, 3 minutes); Miro: Flower (Andrew Hodges, U.S., 2009, 2 minutes); Once Upon a Tide (Drew Takahashi, U.S., 2008, 10 minutes); Manatial (The Spring) (Gabriel Govela Azuela, Mexico, 2008, 4 minutes); and Varmints (Marc Craste, U.K., 2008, 24 minutes).