Arts Agenda

>> The holiday gift season is officially here, which means we're going to start seeing a little more emphasis on the latter half of "arts and crafts" around the city, when the search for the perfect present for Aunt Sallie ends with you standing in front of a pile of handmade tea kettle cozies. You might want to start with the high quality stuff, and get to the Washington Craft Show this weekend at the Convention Center, where "fine craft" is on show and on sale. Check out some of the accompanying lectures, like "Considerations for the Young Collector: Decorative Craft on a Budget" by interior designer Judith Weisman on Friday at 6 p.m. (lecture is $40, includes pre-reception at 5:30 p.m. and admission to the show, register by calling 301-907-3888). See the Craft Show web site for hours and admission prices. A list of the other craft shows going on this weekend is in the Notes below.

>> Eschewing the modern Photoshop perfectionism trend, photographer Christopher Myers presents his hands-on images (pictured right) at Flashpoint in Standing on Two Eyes. Using a medium format camera, Myers captures the "altering urban landscape," and then brings those alterations to the surface of the image quite literally, by manipulating the negatives with heat and chemicals. Myers embraces the symbolism, as the abandoned storefronts he photographs are replaced with chain stores, just as his old techniques are replaced by the digital age. See them at the reception tonight, 6 to 8 p.m.

>> On your way home from work Friday, swing by Abode, an art collaboration between Project 4 -- which is getting good at these one-off art parties -- and local curator Jacqueline Ionita. Twelve artists, including Cedric Delsaux and Laurel Lukaszewski will showcase their work in the loft at 1143 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 200, with a particular eye to the incorporation of modern design. The free event includes cocktails and hors d' oeuvres and runs from 6 to 10 p.m.

Image by Christopher Myers, courtesy Flashpoint Gallery.