Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015. Thousands (millions?) of strings came together to create a rainbow of optical illusions. Truly, these exhibits must be seen in person.

Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015. The colors changed in fascinating ways as you walked around. Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015

The newly-reopened Renwick Gallery, part of the Smithsonian, kicked things off in style, with their exhibit "Wonder." They gave nine artists one room each to fill with their creations. The two highlights for me were "Plexus A1" above and "1.8." The last one was especially fun because you were encouraged to lie down on the carpeted floor or couches and watch the ceiling change colors. It was such a nice sight to see signs that actually said "Photography Encouraged." It was such an immersive and relaxing adventure. 

Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015. Netting hung from the ceiling was illuminated by constantly changed colored lights.

Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015. Visitors were encouraged to lie down on the carpet to get the full effect of the light show. Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015

John Grade - "Middle Fork (Cascades)", 2015John Grade - "Middle Fork (Cascades)", 2015. This was a cast of a cast of a 150 year old tree, the same age as the Renwick Gallery. Some fun moments. 

John Grade - "Middle Fork (Cascades)", 2015Hello down there! Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015There aren't many museums where this is completely fine. "You're too slow, dad!" Patrick Dougherty - "Shindig", 2015"You're too slow, dad!" Meta: a photo of someone taking a photo of someone taking a photo of him.

Entire Gallery