Not many exhibit openings this week, but that doesn’t stop the galleries from throwing big parties for any reason they can find. Keep reading for derby arm wrestling, two concerts from our three star alums, DJs, poetry readings, and of course, tons of (mostly) free alcohol.
>> Head over to Hillyer Art Space on Friday night for the Barrelhouse Magazine Roller Derby Issue launch party, “License to Brawl”. From 6 to 10 p.m. you can enjoy a giant mural by derby pop-art loving Cory Oberndorfer, presentations of derby-themed stories and poems, music, food and beer, and our favorite part: “A rare opportunity to arm wrestle an actual DC roller derby girl!” Though with the description of derby girls as “bone-crushingly awesome,” we might just stick to the snack table, thanks. Sponsored by The Pink Line Project and Scion. $10.
>> We love folks who decide to just throw their own art parties, so get over to the temporary Boiler Gallery tonight, which is actually the apartment of a GW student with curatorial aspirations. She’s flexing her muscles with To Say the Least, featuring six artists, some new and some established, who work in a variety of media. See it for yourself from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. tonight at 1829 California Street NW, Apt. 33.
>> The National Portrait Gallery is celebrating Hip Hop all day today along with their Recognize exhibit. They started at 2 p.m. in the Kogod Courtyard, where WKYS-FM (93.9) is doing a live broadcast until 6 p.m. From 5 to 6:45 p.m. take in a Hip Hop Happy Hour with music and a cash bar, then head over to their McEvoy Auditorium for a screening of the video New York is Now by Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky), followed by a discussion with the artist. All events are free.
>> Civilian Art Projects has two big events this weekend. Friday they’ll hold a closing reception/music party for the rock poster exhibit Screams and Screens. Starting at 9 p.m., hear music by Ilya Monosov, Duane Pitre, Pree (May Tabol of Le Loup), Scott Allison, and DJ sets from Ed Dudes and Scott Bauer of Velodrome. ($5 suggested donation.) Saturday, swing by for the Summer Trunk Show at their shop, where you can find handmade jewelry, T-shirts, fine art books and more. 3 to 6 p.m.
