Freer & Sackler Galleries Rock Out To Asian Pop!

The Smithsonian Freer and Arthur M. Sackler galleries celebrated the last "Asia After Dark" party of 2010 on Thursday night, and kicked off their Asian Art Revolution weekend with drinks, dancing, and Asian pop rock music.

Washington’s art enthusiasts relaxed with cocktails and hors d’oeurves while enjoying the fresh beats of DJs Yellow Fever.

Well Dunn Catering provided a variety of delicious Asian dishes served in signature white take out boxes. And later in the evening, guests flocked to Independence Ave. where Curbside Cupcakes made an appearance to deliver to guests some tasty dessert treats.

After taking in the museum's current Gods of Angkor exhibition, guests had the opportunity to express their own inner artists, during an "Artful Avatars" activity.

Participants took photos of themselves in a retro photo booth, and then decorated their pictures in a designated arts and crafts room. The evening's final product was a collage of self-portraits that would later be put on display inside the museum.

Adventurous guests also lined-up to be interviewed by the Pink Line Project's cameraman, with their on-screen performances later projected in the "Pink Line Pop Rock Lounge" for all to see.

In addition to receiving a sneak peek of the new Fiona Tan: Rise and Fall video and photography exhibit on Thursday night, ticketholders were presented with the opportunity to purchase the new and exclusive "Peacock Room T-shirt" created by designer Anna Sui.

Available for $39 at the Sackler's gift shop, the shirt first debuted at Sui’s runway show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last spring and features Whistler’s famous Peacock Room that is now on display at the Freer Gallery of Art.

Printed in black with an iridescent screening, this t-shirt is a must have for art enthusiasts and fashionistas alike!

As we mingled with fellow partygoers that night, we couldn’t help but notice that the Asian Pop Rock theme wasn’t just reflected in the evening’s musical entertainment, but also in its snack choice. Rather amusingly, packets of Pop Rocks, the "popping candy", were scattered everywhere for guests to snack on throughout the night. We even grabbed a couple for the road!

Watch your back Snap and Crackle...