In January, the Friends visited the Freer Gallery's storage vault for an up-close viewing of Chinese lacquer and textiles. The tour was led by Daisy Wang, Chinese art specialist.

Upcoming Friends Events

For more information about or to RSVP to any of the Friends events listed here, please contact Jenn Ryan, Membership Manager, at 202.633.0417 or e-mail Jenn Ryan.

UPCOMING EVENTS

PRIVATE TOUR
Hand-Held: Gerhard Pulverer’s Japanese Illustrated Books
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Monday, June 17
Tour: 1 pm

Join curator Ann Yonemura for an in-depth look at this exquisite exhibition of ehon, Japanese woodblock-printed illustrated books, which were key sources of knowledge and entertainment during the Edo period (1615—1868). Artists and writers created many designs for these books, and the compact, paper-bound volumes circulated widely. In a striking change from the past, when books were primarily reserved for the elite, the beautiful, intriguing, and humorous subjects in ehon brought reading to the masses.

At 2 pm, enjoy a tea reception and Q&A session in the Freer Conference Room.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Indian Cooking Demonstration with Monica Bhide
Tuesday, July 9
2 pm
Freer Conference Room

Join acclaimed food and travel writer, Monica Bhide, for an afternoon of Indian cuisine. Monica has been published in many major publications including Food & Wine, The New York Times, Bon Appetite, and Saveur. She has also published three cookbooks, the latest being Modern Spice: Inspired Indian recipes for the contemporary Kitchen.

Using traditional ingredients, Monica will prepare a sampling of her favorite Indian recipes and let you taste the results. Modern Spice will be available for purchase during the event.

Rsvp to Jenn Ryan at ryanje@si.edu or 202.633.0417. Space is limited for this event, so reservations will be taken on a first come first served basis.

Friends Travel

TOUR OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
From Madain Saleh to Doha: A Journey Across the Arabian Peninsula
November 1-13, 2013

A once in a lifetime exhibition calls for a once in a lifetime journey. Join us as we travel the ancient spice and pilgrimage roads that were brought so vividly to life in the Sackler's recent and much-talked-about exhibition, Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With many of the objects in the exhibition only recently unearthed, this exclusive Friends trip will be a journey of discovery as we search for the past alongside archaeologists and historians and learn more about the present by meeting private collectors and experiencing a vibrant contemporary art scene. We hope you will save the date!

A brochure with itinerary and reservation information will be sent to all Friends in the coming weeks. If you have questions or are interested in joining this tour, please contact Jenn Ryan at ryanje@si.edu or 202.633.0417.

SAVE THE DATE

Some Enlightened Evening
Thursday, October 17

Join Julian Raby for Some Enlightened Evening, a gala celebration to mark the premier of Yoga: The Art of Transformation. For more information visit http://asia.si.edu/events/galas.asp. A save-the-date with more information will be sent to all Friends in the coming weeks.

Friends Day
Saturday, September 21

Mark your calendars for our annual Friends Day celebration. Start the day with breakfast in the Freer, then enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, remarks by Director Julian Raby, and an elegant evening reception and dinner.

The Friends Council

The Friends Council, the museums' only fundraising advisory board, welcomes your interest and support. Please call Jenn Ryan, Membership Manager, to learn more about the advisory board and how you can participate.

Nancy K. Mannes, Co-Chair
Penny Yao, Co-Chair
Robin Berrington
Ronald Costell and Marsha Swiss
Lisa Jorgenson
Stephanie and Eugene Lawson
Jane and Kenneth Lieberthal
Susan Lubick
Dickinson Miller
Dorothy Robins-Mowry
Jean and Jack Pritchard
Sidelle Wertheimer
Gail Yano
David Yao