Chuck Close, Emma, 2002, 113-color Japanese-style ukiyo-e woodcut, 43 x 35 inches, edition of 55. Pace Editions Inc., New York, printer (Yasu Shibatu). Pace Editions, Inc., New York, publisher. Courtesy of the artist and Place Editions, Inc.

The Arts Agenda is a bit light this week as we head into a holiday weekend, but be sure not to miss the opening of Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration at the Corcoran this Saturday. Renowned for his mammoth portraits, this exhibit highlights Close’s use of printmaking to create his signature portraits, which often take years to create.

Over 100 works by Close will be on display including new, never before exhibited work, as well as many process pieces that illustrate the multiple steps involved in creating one of his portraits. You can see Close along with his biographer, Christopher Finch, during a live appearance at the Corcoran on streaming video tonight starting at 6:30 p.m.

As an added special on Saturday, Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration will be free as part of the Corcoran’s Summer Saturdays program. Stay tuned, as we’ll have more on this exhibit later.

>> Civilian Art Projects parties down on Saturday in celebration of Exquisite Corpse, their current exhibit, and “3.7 years of Civilian Art Projects.” This is the last event in the downstairs space as the gallery prepares to move upstairs. Exquisite Party kicks off at 10 p.m. and is $5 at the door.

>> This Thursday, Phillips After 5 presents a stage reading of Art, Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play. The reading of the play concerned with the nature of art takes place in conjunction with Robert Ryman: Variations and Improvisations and Pousette-Dart: Predominantly White Paintings, both currently on display. 6:30 p.m., $20.