Matthew Mann’s “Arson at Nacotchtank Falls,” courtesy Flashpoint Gallery

Written by DCist contributor Kerrin Kastorf

>> The opening of Matthew Mann’s The Cinecitta Chapel is Friday evening at 6 p.m. at Flashpoint Gallery. Mann has combined the imagery of 14th century artist Giotto with the 20th century imagery of the spaghetti western cowboy and the cartoon violence of Chuck Jones in order to examine the idea of American-ness. And what could be more American than cowboys and cartoon violence?

>> Saturday ushers in the first of two festive weekends on N Street NW, with the start of the Arts on N Street Festival. Artists from all eight wards will be represented, and a variety of events will be offered including concerts, gardening tutorials, painting workshops and by far the most important thing you will ever need to learn, cupcake decorating. The festival runs August 7th and 8th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and again August 14th and 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

>> Also on Satuday, Albus Cavus will be hosting a fundraiser at The Freezer located at 633 E Street SE (in the rear alley) from 2 to 8 p.m. They will show off their completed works and discuss future murals on 8th Street SE and Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Events will include an art exhibit and auction, as well as a raffle, music, student presentations and refreshments. Head on over to check out the awesome works these artists and students are producing.

>> Get out your nose plugs and swim caps! It’s time for SynchroSwim 2010! On Sunday evening at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, Washington area artists will participate in the second annual synchronized swimming performance competition. Be sure to bring your camera to document this most entertaining event. Performances begin at 6 p.m.