Arts Agenda: Irvine Contemporary's Two-fer

>> Irvine Contemporary opens two solo shows on Thursday, by artists working in extremely different styles and techniques. On the one hand are Sean Foley's creepy, colorful paintings and works on paper. (At first glance, the image on the gallery's homepage conjures up images of old Ren & Stimpy episodes.) On the other are haunting new photographs by Gina Brocker of a family of Irish migrants. Chat up the artists about their work at the reception on Friday, December 9 from 6-8 p.m., or drop by for their talks on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. A photograph by Brocker is shown at right.

>> Planning a retail excursion in Georgetown? Stop in to see the current exhibit at the Anne C. Fisher Gallery in Canal Square. "South American Holiday" features work by four South American artists living in D.C. There's a reception for the show on Friday from 6-8 p.m.

>> If you haven't visited Studio One Eight in Adams Morgan to see the Threesome: A Girl, a Guy, and a Gay yet (or even if you have), you have another reason to go this Saturday; the gallery is throwing a champagne party to kick off the holiday season from 7-10 p.m. that night. What better way to kick off Adams Morgan debauchery?

>> Drew Ernst's first solo show opens at Zenith Gallery on Friday. The exhibition includes paintings by the realist artist. You can read more about his work on his web site.

>> The Mexican Cultural Institute's exhibition of contemporary work by Mexican artists living in the U.S. closes Friday. That's also your last day to see "MOTI/ON," the group show of MICA students, at Flashpoint. The gender-exploring show Hey, is that a boy or a girl? at Warehouse closes Sunday.

>> Instead of seeing a gallery show, take a tip from Blake Gopnik and head to one of the many area museums to give their permanent collections another look.