>> This week, start your arts viewing with a fascinating documentary on the lives of a powerful curator/collector and his ever controversial photographer lover. Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe examines the lives of these two men through those who knew them best, such as close friend Patti Smith, and how Wagstaff's relationship with Mapplethorpe vaulted them both into careers as art world visionaries, not the least of which included selling what many consider explicit pornography as high, fine art. See a screening of the film tonight at the Corcoran at 7 p.m.; $10 for members, $15 for the general public.

>> Hop just north of the city lines for the second Friday Bethesda Art Walk. Be sure to catch the opening of Land at Fraser Gallery, which is a group show of breathtaking landscape photographs using unusual techniques (pictured). Find a listing of the other Art Walk participating galleries here. Receptions are from 6 to 9 p.m.

>> At the Honfluer Gallery, renowned Belgium artist Arie Mandelbaum opens Die Umwelt, a collection of small large paintings that use a layered technique to depict moments of pain or "wounds" surrounded by every day objects. See them at the opening reception Saturday at 7 p.m.

Image of In Vitro Complex No.V by Anna Druzcz courtesy Fraser Gallery.

>> The newly opened Art Whino will host another reception to celebrate the addition of 20 artists to their permanent gallery, along with the opening of a solo show by Rick Reese. Join them on Friday from 6 to 11 p.m. for a DJ and a live installation by artist Decoy. The event is free, but donations will be collected for the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative.

>> 'Tis the season to have food on the brain, constantly. The artists at The Art League Gallery know how to make your mouths water, and will hold a reception for Food for Thought this Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring along some canned goods to stick in the donation box outside the gallery that will go to the United Community Ministries.

>> Graphic novel fans should get down to the Washington DCJCC for a presentation on the art form sponsored by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. Hear big names Lynda Barry, Alison Bechdel and Chris Ware talk about their work on Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be ordered online or by calling 202-544-7077.

Art Notes:

• Next Wednesday, Bethesda gallery Heineman Myers Contemporary will open Silence with new works by local artist Amy Lin. Reception 6 to 9 p.m., with an artist talk at 7 p.m.


• The relatively new (and very colorful) Oerth Gallery in Alexandria will open a sculpture exhibit by Carlos Beltran that "express[es] the vulnerability of humankind and the fragility of human relationships and experiences." Reception is Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.


• The Torpedo Factory Art Center will hold its monthly Second Thursday Art Night tonight, including open studios, gallery talks and more. 6 to 9 p.m.


• The Athenaeum, the gallery of the Northern Virginia Fine Art Association, opens an exhibit of travel paintings by Jessie Mackay; opening reception this Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.


• Stop by SAAM for a talk on Art and Propoganda of World War I in conjunction with their new exhibit, Over the Top. Saturday, 3 p.m.


• After the talk, wander down to the Lincoln Gallery at SAAM to see newly displayed, 28' light and text piece the museum commissioned by artist Jenny Holzer.


• Duality Contemporary Art in Alexandria will open a group show of local artists titled, Natural Selection: Art Inspired By Nature. Reception on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.