#GWtoDo: Your Curated Arts and Events Agenda

Commencement is finally here! Also, register for a chance to see a CNN town hall debate between Bernie Sanders and John Kasich.

May 15, 2017

May 21 at 10 a.m. Commencement

National Mall

Commencement is finally here! Stay up on details of each school celebration here, and prepare for university-wide events, such as the Interfaith Baccalaureate ceremony on May 20 at 9:30 a.m. at Western Presbyterian Church.

GW's Commencement ceremony on the National Mall will be held on May 21. Students will line up at 8:30 a.m., and the ceremony starts at 10 a.m.

Coming Up:

May 16 at 9 p.m. CNN Town Hall Debate with Bernie Sanders and John Kasich

CNN D.C. Studios
820 1st St., NE
Free with registration

As tensions boil in Congress over the Russia probe, repealing and replacing Obamacare, tax reform and more, CNN will host two town hall debates to examine the issues facing the American people. While a town hall with Nancy Pelosi on May 15 is full, there is still space to attend a debate between Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Ohio governor John Kasich on May 16. Register here.

May 18 at noon “The True Cost” Screening

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
701 21st St., NW
Free

“The True Cost” is a story about the clothes we wear, the people who make them and the impact the fashion industry is having on the world. The documentary asks us to consider who really pays the price for our clothing. This special screening is being held in conjunction with International Museum Day.

May 18 at 6 p.m. Conversation: Ebony Fashion Fair and the European Connection

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
701 21st St., NW
$10 for members/GW community, $15 public

Fashion consultant Shayla Simpson, a former Ebony Fashion Fair model, commentator and buyer, discusses what it was like to work and travel with Eunice Johnson to the couture design houses in Europe to purchase fashions for Ebony Fashion Fair. Get there early for refreshments and a chance to see the exhibition, “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair.”

April 12-May 20 NEXT Exhibition

Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
500 17th St., NW
Free

The Corcoran School celebrates its annual NEXT exhibition, a showcase of graduating student thesis projects. Held in the Corcoran Flagg building, NEXT gives the GW and broader D.C. community a chance to see the work of the next generation of artists.

March 18-July 24 Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
701 21st St., NW
Free
Museum Hours: Monday 11 a.m to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

Forty exquisite designer ensembles will be included in the museum’s new exhibition, “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair,” which tells the story of the traveling fashion show that brought global designs to African-American communities eager to celebrate black accomplishment, aspiration and success. The show includes one-of-a-kind pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Emmanuel Ungaro and more.

Now-July 7 REFLECT: Photography Looking Forward, Looking Back

Luther Brady Art Gallery
805 21st St., NW
Free

Reflections can be defined in numerous ways, from a physical mirror image to a contemplative thought on the past, to a resemblance to a person, place or thing. Reflections of all kinds, importantly, show us something of ourselves. Photographs from GW's Collection by Andy Warhol, Philippe Halsman, Sally Gall, Louis Faurer and Louis Stettner as well as selected work from local photographers Jackie Bailey Labovitz, Dave Scavone and Sandy Sugawara show some of these physical and ephemeral reflections in the Brady Art Gallery’s new exhibition.

Save the Date:

August 11 at 8 p.m. Youssou N'Dour

Lisner Auditorium
730 21st St., NW
$55-$75

Youssou N'Dour from Senegal is one of the major stars of African pop. He and his band are internationally known for their thoughtful lyrics and joyous performances.