>> The Corcoran is all abuzz these days with their newly-announced director and blockbuster shows featuring Andy Warhol and D.C.’s beloved Sam Gilliam. A new exhibition opens there on Saturday that focuses on the depiction of banjos in paintings, drawings and photographs, including the ca. 1895 photo of the woman at right. Interestingly, the exhibit is partially funded by the Steve Martin Charitable Foundation, according to the museum’s website. (Who knew that Steve Martin was such a huge fan of the banjo??)
>> The Arlington Arts Center has a number of current shows worthy of a visit. Drawing: Tradition & Innovation includes work by 22 artists stretching the boundaries of drawing in diverse ways. “MORI” – described on the gallery’s website as an “earthwork” – is an installation piece that links the Hayward Fault in California to a screen in the gallery via the Internet. Learn what “MORI” means and read more about the installation here. Visit the Arts Center this weekend and you can also shop for handmade gifts at the Holiday Bazaar; it’s 10-4 both Saturday and Sunday.
>> Legato, by sculptor Christopher L. Williams opens at Flashpoint on Thursday. Williams has literally changed and manipulated the gallery space, building temporary walls in front of existing walls and making use of exposed ductwork. It promises to be quite a show. There’s an artist’s talk on Thursday at 4 p.m., and the opening reception is that night from 6-8 p.m. An image of the work is shown at left.
>> At the Washington Studio School on Friday, sculptor and WSS faculty member Jean Bartoli will give a slide lecture at 6:30 p.m. Following the lecture is an opening reception for an exhibition of drawings and paintings by Noy Davis.
>> Got the Christmas spirit? Stop by the American Immigration Law Center in Chinatown to see their exhibit of mulitcultural Christmas trees. (We read that the exhibit goes up today, but their web site still needs to be updated.)
>> One thing that D.C. doesn’t lack is a plentitude of film festivals. This week features the 16th annual Washington Jewish Film Festival, continuing now through December 11. Read more about the screenings here.
