With so many large cities boasting their own international fine art shows and biennials, isn't it high time that the nation's capital got a piece of that action? Finally, it looks like we have a major fine art show of our very own.

You might have already heard the buzz about artDC, but now it's time to start marking your calendars. The fair's organizers have announced that the show will be held next April 27-30 at the Washington Convention Center. Over 85 galleries from around the world have signed on, and you can expect to see our home-grown artists well represented by Hemphill Fine Arts, Conner Contemporary, Robert Brown Gallery, Curator’s Office and G Fine Art.

Those of us who lurk around the D.C. gallery scene already know what deep talent runs through 14th Street NW and hides in tiny Dupont spaces. So a big cheer to the folks behind artDC for highlighting the city as the influential art scene that it is. This modern and contemporary art-focused show promises to be no snooze-fest either, welcoming in new media such as video and sound pieces, as well as putting aside space for site-specific installations. Free lectures and panel discussions with curators and other art folk will go on throughout the weekend, and many of the local museums — and we've got a few museums around D.C. — will be opening their doors in conjunction with fair activities.

ArtDC is still accepting submissions, though only from galleries, so if you're an independent artist it's far past time to start looking for representation; those of you sponsored may want to pick up the phone to your gallerist. Check out the Web site for more information, sign up for their mailing list, and for the sweet love of Warhol, don't plan your spring break booze cruise that weekend.