Arts Agenda: Getting to the Center of the Universe

>> October whizzed right by, but that means today is First Friday already. Put on a sweater and head over to Dupont between 6 and 8 p.m. for the many galleries that will open their doors for evening perusal. Studio Gallery opens a new show with work by Micheline Klagsbrun Frank. These mixed media paintings look a little like abstract frescos, with a hint of form refracted through sea water. The Kathleen Ewing Gallery throws a 100th birthday party for Baltimore photographer A. Aubrey Bodine with a hanging of some of his best work.

>> Dupont comes with extra treats tonight, as Connor Contemporary (check out their shiny new Web site) will also be open from 6 to 8 p.m. for its new show Origin. Similar to previous shows, Origin focuses on the integration of science and art to examine the constructs of the universe. Leo Villareal has made large LED panels (pictured) and programmed the movement of its elements with a little help from Issac Newton and mathematician John Conway. The sequence never repeats so you might find yourself stuck in the gallery for quite some time waiting for the panels to reveal the meaning of life, or maybe just mesmerized by the pretty sparkling lights.

>> After you cast your vote next Tuesday, take your bottled up anger down to Warehouse and find sweet release with their 5th Annual Peace Show. Addressing conflicts from Lebanon to New Orleans, these artists express their rage, sadness, frustration and even optimism at the world's instability. See the show at the reception from 6 to 9 p.m., then grab a beer in the cafe and join their Election Return Party to get all pissed off again.