Some hometown art pride was announced today: the Lunder Conservation Center, run by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, just received the biennial Keck Award from the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. The award goes to an “individual or group who has contributed most toward promoting public understanding and appreciation of the accomplishments of the conservation profession.” Unlike any other museum, the Lunder Conservation Center has floor to ceiling glass walls that allow the public to get a first hand view at the conservation techniques used by the museum. The center is available for viewing during regular hours at the Reynolds Center.

>> The Washington International Arts Expo is holding its second annual event at the Convention Center this weekend. From Friday through Sunday, browse through the many artists booths, take in a workshop, or attend some of the after-hours parties. The Washington Project for the Arts and Eighty-Eight DC will host an art party Saturday at 9 p.m. ($15). Founded by local artist and activist Lisa Jones, the Expo strives to be a platform for talented artists to jump off from, while contributing back to the community — 15 percent of the proceeds go to Life Pieces to Masterpieces. See the entire calendar of events here.

>> Project 4 opens a new show with the works of Michael Scoggins. The NYC based artist takes on D.C. issues, using purposeful childlike drawings to embrace universal feelings and directness. See Friday Night Gun Fight during the opening reception on Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m.

>> Hemphill is embracing the open retail opportunities in D.C. by working with Taurus Development to host art shows in one of their spaces. Located at 1341 H Street NE, they’ll open a show by John Watson, Better now than they once was, with a reception on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. The temporary gallery will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November 1.