Artist Talk: Korean Calligraphy, Past & Present
Register in advance to get the best experience.
Get a primer on Korean calligraphy, both traditional and experimental, from artisan Park Jinwoo. Delve into the history and practice of calligraphy as a long-standing art form in East Asia. Then learn about the artists in the field who are merging calligraphy with contemporary art, including Jinwoo himself!
Want to put what you've learned into practice? Follow up with hands-on calligraphy workshops on June 28 and June 29.
About Park Jinwoo
Park Jinwoo creates works based on traditional calligraphy. His goal is to reinterpret calligraphy, often regarded as outdated and old-fashioned, in a way that resonates with contemporary art. Jinwoo was born in Gyeongju, Korea, in 1981. He currently resides in both Virginia and Jeonju. Jinwoo has had solo exhibitions at the Hangaram Art Museum, The Sup Gallery, and Gongmyeongheon in Seoul. Image Courtesy of Park Jinwoo.
Venue: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Event Location: Gallery 27. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1372851318249?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Friday, June 27, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Hands-On Conservation
Explore conservation for yourself at our pop-up cart! Touch and see the tools and materials we use to preserve art, manuscripts, and other historic objects. Check out fluorescent glue samples, paper and brushes used for scroll mounting, and more. This is your chance to get a peek at what our conservators and scientists are up to behind the scenes. Image: Department of Conservation and Scientific Research.
Venue: Freer Gallery of Art. Event Location: West Building (Mall entrance). Cost: Free. No registration or tickets (walk-up only). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices.
Friday, June 27, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Hands-On Conservation
Explore conservation for yourself at our pop-up cart! Touch and see the tools and materials we use to preserve art, manuscripts, and other historic objects. Check out fluorescent glue samples, paper and brushes used for scroll mounting, and more. This is your chance to get a peek at what our conservators and scientists are up to behind the scenes. Image: Department of Conservation and Scientific Research.
Venue: Freer Gallery of Art. Event Location: West Building (Mall entrance). Cost: Free. No registration or tickets (walk-up only). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices.
Friday, July 11, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Conservation Cart Talk | Persian Writing Boxes
Discover the hidden layers of Persian lacquered writing boxes and what they reveal about craftsmanship, materials, and care. Gretchen and David Welch Conservator in Training Dhruvika Bisht will guide you through the fascinating world of these intricately decorated objects, which she is currently examining and preparing for conservation treatment. Explore a model showing how the boxes are built, examine pigments and materials up close, and view striking images—from artisans at work to glowing UV photos that uncover hidden details. Learn how close looking and technical study help us better understand and preserve these masterful works of art.
Want to see an example? Watch a video about a lacquer box in our collection with close up views of the decorations and details. Department of Conservation and Scientific Research, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Freer Gallery of Art. Event Location: West Building (Mall entrance). Cost: Free. No registration or tickets (walk-up only). Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, July 18, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.