Journal

Boston, MA

Democracy Brought to Life Built on the concept that democracy requires participation and understanding, the interactive, educational Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United states senate recently opened to the public (on March 31). The institute is housed in a sleek white building next to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. It holds a full-scale replica of the U.s. senate chamber (shown above), along with an expansive museum space that details Senate history and process. Each visitor to the institute receives a tablet computer that interacts with exhibits and allows for hands-on experiences. Middle school and high school groups can participate in Senate Immersion Modules, which allow them to role-play as senators and to vote on contemporary and historical issues. To learn more, call 617-740-7000 or visit emkinstitute.org. —Tanya Friedland

Through April 30, “Jazz then and now,” artifacts and art; American Jazz Museum, Kansas City, MO; 816-474-8463; changinggallerykc.org

Through May 3, “Funky turns 40: Black Character Animation Art from Black Cartoons of the 1970s,” an exhibition featuring some of the earliest positive depictions of African-American characters on TV; Northwest African American Museum, Seattle, WA; 206-518-6000; naamnw.org

April 15–18, 2015 U.s. Adult Figure skating Championships, top U.S. competitors; Salt Lake City Sports Complex, Salt Lake City, UT; 2015usadult-championships.com

April 17–August 16, “the new Frontier: Young Designer-Makers in the Pacific northwest,” innovative works by local designers; Bellevue Arts Museum; Bellevue, WA; 425-519-0770; bellevuearts.org

April 26–May 3, Eat! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival, workshops, chef dinners and more; BC Place and locations citywide, Vancouver, BC; eat-vancouver.com

May 15–17, Mayfest, music, food, beer, Chicago Kids Day, and the Chicago Pet Pageant and Expo; Chicago, IL; starevents.com/festivals/mayfest

CalendarnEw YorK, nY

the whitney ExpandsWith sweeping views of the Hudson River and nearby High Line Park, the new home of the whitney Museum of American Art will open its doors to the public on May 1, expanding the famed museum’s exhibit space greatly in its new 200,000-square-foot building. Pritzker Prize–winning architect Renzo Piano designed the

structure to be a worthy backdrop for the museum’s world-class works, such as those in the inaugural exhibition “America Is Hard to See” (May 1–September 27). The facility includes large indoor, outdoor and column-free galleries; a plaza to bring visitors together at the dramati-cally cantilevered entrance; and areas for new educational programs. Call 212-570-3600 or visit whitney.org to learn more. —Sophia Lizardi

APRIL 2015 ALAsKA BEYonD MAgAzInE 37

Grown in fertile volcanic soil and roasted to perfection, the coffee of the Ka’ū District of Hawai‘i Island is not simply made—it’s crafted. Along with the Kona area, to the northwest, Ka’ū has become a respected player on the world coffee stage for its smooth and flavorful beans.

the Ka’ū Coffee Festival (April 24– May 3) will honor the people and traditions associated with the region’s award-winning brews. In addition to tastings, the festival will offer guided hikes, farm tours and stargazing. The fun culminates on May 2 with music, dancing and baristas showcasing various brewing tools and techniques. Call 808-929-9550 or visit kaucoffeefestival.com for more information. —Hannah Tyne

Architect Renzo Piano used bold geometric forms in his design for the new Whitney Museum building.

To

P, T

IMo

TH

y S

CH

En

CK

/ C

ou

RT

ES

y:

WH

ITn

Ey

Mu

SE

uM

oF

AM

ER

ICA

n A

RT;

LE

FT,

Co

uR

TE

Sy

: E

DW

AR

D M

. K

En

nE

Dy

In

ST

ITu

TE

Fo

R T

HE

un

ITE

D S

TAT

ES

SE

nA

TE