Anne Truitt’s Night Naiad, 1977, from the Hirshhorn’s collection.

>> The American Art Museum opened What’s It All Mean: William T. Wiley in Retrospect, on October 2. This exhibit contains 88 selections that explore important themes and ideas expressed in his work. See Wiley’s serious commentary on war, pollution, global warming, racial tensions, and other threats to contemporary civilization wrapped in wit. Through January 2010.

>> In a celebration of craft and art, the DAR Museum showcases Wedgwood china and ceramics. Over 200 pieces of work from the 250 years of the Wedgwood company are on display in Wedgwood: 250 Years of Innovation and Artistry. Opened October 3.

>> Based in Washington, D.C. for most of her adult life, artist Anne Truitt was largely known for her column sculptures. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden showcases her contributions to post-1960s art in a retrospective of her work, Anne Truitt: Perception and Reflection opens October 8.

>> On October 9, the Newseum opens Athlete. See 40 select photographs taken by Sports Illustrated photographer Walter Iooss Jr., that represent his favorite moments from nearly 50 years as a sports photographer, ranging from sport superstars to sport lovers.

>> The National Museum of Women in the Arts opens two new exhibits this month. Lands of Enchantment: Australian Aboriginal Painting presents 26 masterworks by some of Australia’s best-known painters. In Telling Secrets: Codes, Captions, and Conundrums in Contemporary Art the museum invites viewers to consider multiple interpretations and inscribe their own ideas and experiences onto each image found in this collection. Both open October 9.

>> Panamanian Passages, at the Ripley Center, traces Panama’s human and natural history since the rise of the isthmus over 3 million years ago. Opening October 14.