Name: WETA Arts
Released: 2020-10-02T16:17:48-0400

Current Episode

October 2026

In October, WETA Arts puts a spotlight on internationally renowned local sculptor Foon Sham, known for creating large-scale sculptures depicting organic forms made of wood blocks. Also, host Felicia Curry explores the city with D.C. Preservation League Executive Director Rebecca Miller to learn about what D.C.'s architecture can reveal about its history.

Foon Sham's large public art works peppers the Washington-area landscape, from the REI in North Bethesda, MD to Farragut North, from the Kreeger Museum in NW to Inova Hospital in Fairfax, VA.

He credits the Museum of Contemporary Art, Arlington for helping him launch his career with a residency. The museum continues to support contemporary artists through shows and space, and also programs art opportunities for all.

The DC Preservation League only dates to 1971, but it researches and advocates for architectural history hundreds of years in the making. Learn more about DC's historic sites, historic site tours, and the basis for the layout of Washington DC, Pierre L'Enfant's city plan of 1790, and the plan to implement the L'Enfant plan detailed by the Senate, the McMillan Plan of 1902.

Upcoming Episode

November 2026

Premieres Monday, November 9 at 9pm on WETA Metro and 10pm on WETA PBS

In November, WETA Arts will celebrate momentous anniversaries for two Prince George’s County institutions. Explore the steel drum with a music performance celebrating the 30th year of the Cultural Academy For Excellence and follow the story of the groundbreaking Washington Glass School as they celebrate their 25th year.

Based in Prince George’s County, The Cultural Academy For Excellence has brought steel drumming from Trinidad and Tobago to everywhere in the DMV – performing at the Strathmore to the Kennedy Center to the Maryland Governor's Mansion.

The school not only provides students opportunities to learn steel drum, but also achieve their academic goals through comprehensive programs. While CAFE focuses on youth education, they offer courses for all ages to learn to play.

The Washington Glass School, run by trio of directors Michael Janis, Tim Tate, and Erwin Timmers, holds a cornucopia of styles and schools of thought. They’ve long called Prince George’s County home and become a cornerstone of Mt. Rainier’s Gateway Arts District.

Whether you’re looking for an introduction to glass, advanced techniques, or open studio -- they teach classes for all experience levels.

Schedule

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WETA Arts

October 2026

Tuesday
Oct 27

5:30 am

30 Minutes

All-local arts and culture series features four short stories showcasing the creative arts scene in the Greater Washington area, with an emphasis on the artists and makers themselves; hosted by Felicia Curry.
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WETA Arts

October 2026

Saturday
Oct 31

3:30 am

30 Minutes

All-local arts and culture series features four short stories showcasing the creative arts scene in the Greater Washington area, with an emphasis on the artists and makers themselves; hosted by Felicia Curry.
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WETA Arts

October 2026

Sunday
Nov 1

1:00 am

30 Minutes

All-local arts and culture series features four short stories showcasing the creative arts scene in the Greater Washington area, with an emphasis on the artists and makers themselves; hosted by Felicia Curry.
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WETA Arts

November 2026

Wednesday
Nov 4

4:30 am

30 Minutes

All-local arts and culture series features four short stories showcasing the creative arts scene in the Greater Washington area, with an emphasis on the artists and makers themselves; hosted by Felicia Curry.
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WETA Arts

November 2026

Monday
Nov 9

10:00 pm

30 Minutes

All-local arts and culture series features four short stories showcasing the creative arts scene in the Greater Washington area, with an emphasis on the artists and makers themselves; hosted by Felicia Curry.

September 2026

This September, WETA Arts returns with Regional Emmy Award-winning segments from the past seasons. Tour the National Museum of African American History & Culture’s exhibit “In Slavery’s Wake”, about the worldwide impact of European slavery and colonialism. Meet pianist Brian Ganz, who is on a quest to perform every single work composed by Frederic Chopin. And, stop by D.C.-based artist Jabari Jefferson's first solo museum exhibition, Sacred Spaces, at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in Annapolis, MD.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, on the corner of 14^th and Constitution Ave NW, is marking its 10^th anniversary with a weekend of celebration Sept 24-27, 2026. Visit any day of the week (with free timed-entry passes) or sign up for a tour.

While the National Philharmonic and Silver Spring-based pianist Brian Ganz completed their multi-year Chopin concert series, they have started a new collaboration with the Beethoven catalog. The Philharmonic's 2026-27 series runs from September to May, with renowned guest artists and symphonic masterpieces. Past performances, upcoming appearance information and more at BrianGanz.net.