Thursday, October 12 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT | Une discussion avec l’artiste congolais Francklin Mbungu (en français) | FREE

Thursday, October 12, 2023
2pm PT/ 3pm MT / 4pm CT / 5pm ET
Federation of Alliances Françaises USA
En français

Join us for a conversation between Congolese artist Francklin Mbungu and Elizabeth Jaffee, owner of Gallery Article 15 in Washigton, DC., as they discuss his first solo exhibition in the United States, Funky Town.

The works of Francklin Mbungu (born 1972; lives and works in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo,  DRC), are unique among contemporary Congolese artists. Made with intricate, handcut paper applied to canvas, to which the artist often adds string or ribbon to add additional volume and texture, these collages are truly magical. This series of works features scenes of everyday life as well as local mythology and the artist’s fellow Congolese. His subjects are often portrayed in flamboyant, and funky, outfits with a nod to 1970’s fashion and style. The works are bursting with color, vibrancy and joy.

Gallery Article 15 is a unique gallery specializing in Congolese contemporary art. Located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC, Gallery Article 15 features an extensive collection of contemporary Congolese art by emerging, mid-career and established artists. In addition to ongoing exhibitions and a vast inventory of original works, Gallery Article 15 actively promotes Congolese art and culture through special events and programs. They also work to support young Congolese artists though the Gallery Article 15 Young Artists Collective.

This event will be on Zoom and is free for all Alliance Française members, AATF members, and invited guests of the presenter or publicist. Non-members or persons who have no AF chapter nearby can purchase tickets ($10). Click here to register.

Saturday, October 28th | 3-5pm | Bestselling author Victor Dixen presents The Court of Shadows | at Bonjour Books DC | 3758 Howard Avenue Kensington, MD 20895

Join us at Bonjour Books for an exciting in-person event with the bestselling French author Victor Dixen! Get ready to immerse yourself in the bloodthirsty world of The Court of Shadows, the just-released English translation of the hit series in which Louis XIV has become a vampire!

Discover the Dark side of the Sun King.....

Victor will be in conversation with Nastasia Peteuil, journalist with French Morning Media.

The discussion will be in English, after which the author will take questions in both French and English.

Then Victor Dixen will sign his newly released book The Court of Shadows in English, but also the French version La Cour des Ténèbres. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase other books by Victor Dixen in English and French, and get them signed (Phobos, Animale, Cogito, and more).

In the spirit of Halloween, costumes are encouraged!

Tickets

********EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR BONJOUR BOOKS CUSTOMERS ********

Customers who purchase their hardcover copy in advance will pick up an exclusive swag set inspired by The Court of Shadows world (signed bookplate, bookmark, glow-in-the-dark vampire sticker and vampire magnet). See image below.

The Book:

Louis XIV transformed into the King of Shadows when he embraced immortality and became the world’s first vampire.

“Dixen excels at concocting unexpected detours and jaw-dropping cliffhangers. Anne Rice fans will be especially enthralled.” ?Publishers Weekly (starred review)

FRENCH-SPEAKING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE WOODROW WILSON HOUSE

The Woodrow Wilson House is searching for volunteers to conduct tours at their museum. Requirements are below. Contact Edith Michel, Senior Manager, Collections & Education at emichel@savingplaces.org if you are interested. 

• Each Museum Guide Volunteer presents The President Woodrow Wilson House and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to the visiting public through guided tours and educational programs to convey a greater understanding of President Woodrow Wilson, his public and private life, his ideals and his legacy.
• Interpret his political and foreign policy legacy through interactive experiential tours that encourage visitors to better understand and appreciate the site within historical and contemporary contexts.
• Engage visitors in active observation, discussion and synthesis during guided tours.
• Respond to different groups of visitors (adults, school children, families) by varying tour content and techniques as appropriate.
• Convey the Mission of the House: We are a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We preserve and steward the house, collections, landscapes, and its full and dynamic history, and use it to provide forward-thinking and inclusive discussions, programs and community activities that are relevant today. 

Our Vision

• We use the backdrop of a historic house museum in the heart of Washington, D.C to serve as a community resource, a hub for conversation that explores current social, racial, political, and economic issues through the lens of history.  We use this platform to examine our civil liberties and ideals that unite us as Americans. We are a trusted place to learn from the past. We are a catalyst of change by confronting our history.

Qualifications:

• Effective and engaging presentation skills, tempered with the ability of succinct expression. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to speak and read English fluently. Bi-lingual fluency (in English and French) a plus.
• Some experience in public speaking, acting and presenting educational or promotional information to the public or other customer service role. Previous experience as an educator, guide, tour leader or related role preferred; experience in a museum or historic or cultural setting a plus.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for History, President Woodrow Wilson, First Lady Edith Wilson, World War I, or other cultural topics related to the museum.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with culturally diverse audiences, and audiences of varying age.

Hours:

• We are open for tours on weekdays and Saturdays.  We also conduct on demand tours for groups in the evenings.

Click here for more information

DMV-based researchers needed to work on a project at the DC Holocaust Museum (paid job)

Matthew Abergel, member of the Board of the Alliance Française de Sacramento, is looking for a candidate (French level, B1+) who can do some research at the DC Holocaust Museum. The materials of interest are all digital, but they can be viewed only on site at the museum. Most are in French, both hand- and typewritten from the 1940s. They do not relate to the Holocaust per se but to refugee work in French Morocco. Hourly fee will be paid for the researcher's time and any expenses. If you are interested, please contact Matthew Abergel directly at mattabergel@sbcglobal.net.

 Tuesdays, October 10 & 17 from 6 to 8:30 pm | Watercolor classes with Véronique (in French & English) | Georgetown Art Studio at Washington Printmakers Gallery | 1675 Wisconsin Ave, NW

The originality of watercolor compared to other types of paints, such as acrylic or oil, is that we do not need to "come back" to your canvas several times. An oil can be worked on for several months, or even more… The watercolor is worked in one go. And it can last several hours without thinking about other things. It's learning to master water without remorse.  

Age 18 and over - $130 - Material included - For more information, please email info@washingtonprintmakers.com. 

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/704915008767?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Email culture@francedc.org for a 15% discount if you are a member of AFDC.