To mark the opening of “Staged Stories: Renwick Craft Invitational 2009,” the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum will present “Superheroes and Alter Egos” Friday, Aug. 7, at noon. Fiber artist Mark Newport will discuss his approach to knitting oversized superhero costumes that mix adolescent male subject matter with craft techniques usually associated with women.

Newport is one of four artists being featured in “Staged Stories,” the fourth exhibition in a biennial series established in 2000 that honors the creativity and talent of craft artists working today. This year’s invitational highlights artworks that use theatrical devices to add drama and meaning. The exhibition runs from Aug. 7 through Jan. 3, 2010.

The Renwick Gallery is located on Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street N.W. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25. Metrorail station: Farragut North (Red line) and Farragut West (Blue and Orange lines). Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000; (202) 633-5285 (TTY). Museum information (recorded): (202) 633-7970. Web site: www.americanart.si.edu.

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SI-344-2009