>> Conner Contemporary has exciting news: instead of the previously predicted December 2008 opening, their 7000 sq. ft. newly renovated space at 1358-60 Florida Avenue, NE will hold their inaugural opening on September 27. We’ll bring you more about the space and the first show later next month.

>> He’s no Stephen Colbert, but he did win about a zillion gold medals, made Mark Spitz cry in his mustache, and had us worrying about the structural integrity of Facebook. Michael Phelps, our new national darling, is the subject of a photograph being installed at the National Portrait Gallery today. The image is from 2004, taken by photographer Ryan McGinley for the New York Times Magazine (it appeared on the cover), and was actually on display when the Gallery opened in 2006. Phelps Phans, take your mark, it’ll be on view when the museum opens at 11:30 a.m., through January 2009.

>> Last week we told you about the Living Sculpture performance by J.J. McCracken at Project 4. A commenter heeded our recommendation and told us it was “Really great. I felt like I was on a different planet.” Make sure you get there for the last performance, Friday at 7:30 p.m.

>> It’s always good to hear about artists finding a home, so we’re happy to hear that the Carroll Square artists are back on F Street. After being displaced temporarily due to some redevelopment, they have new studios and a gallery at 923 F Street NW. Penn Quarter Living has a great summary of the new place here. They should be opening officially next week when the 2008-2009 art season kicks off all over town.

Photo by philliefan99