Patsy Fleming, Gracias Por la Vida, 36×36 acrylic collage.

There are a lot of events and openings this Friday and Saturday. Are you ready? Let’s go.

>> First up is an exhibit by Patsy Fleming concerning something we’re all searching for: peace. Fleming began painting in college and continued throughout her 25-year career in public policy. Her work has always focused on the disadvantaged and disenfranchised throughout the world. In Colors of Peace, Fleming explains: “We are bombarded by reports of devastation of human life around the world. We yearn for a peace that would make it better for those who suffer and mourn. And for all of us who can merely watch and send a few bucks with a heavy heart, we long for peace as well. I go to the studio to get the colors of peace on the canvas. These paintings are the products of my desire to find peace.” Head on over to the Foundry Gallery on Friday evening and maybe you’ll find your own peace. 6 to 8 p.m.

>> Nature will be hanging out at the Touchstone Gallery for the next month in two new exhibits opening Friday. Mary D. Ott’s Grasses is a collection of hand-pulled prints including etchings, screenprints, monotypes, and mixed-media prints while Janet Wheeler’s Nest’s With A Twist are not your typical bird nests, in fact there’s something not quite right about each one of them. Evoking a feeling of something spiritual and sacred, Wheeler’s nests focus on nature’s endless cycle of renewal. 6 to 8:30 p.m.

>> Dana Jeri Maier has spent the last two years amassing a collection of over 400 pen and ink drawings on drink coasters. If I hadn’t spent 4 (ahem, 5) years of college amassing a collection of doodles on lecture notes and final exams, I might think she has a problem. Instead, it seems as if she and Adam Dwight have created a unique experience in their exhibit, Off in a Corner at the Flashpoint Gallery, in which they explore the transition to adulthood and the role alcohol plays in it. Maier uses her bar coaster drawings to examine her own biography as well as of those around her, while Dwight takes a look at the public life of Candace “Candy” Lightner, the founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in his paintings. Friday, 6 to 8 p.m.

>> I know, it’s only rock n’ roll but I like it, like it, yes I do! And clearly I’m not the only one, since the Del Ray Artisans will pay homage to all things rock in their new show It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll, But I Like It! which opens Friday night. The show will celebrate the bands, instruments, lyrics, rebellious youth culture and a lifestyle dedicated to glamour and excess. What more could you ask for? 7 to 10 p.m. Rock attire is encouraged, but per their request, no smokin’ in the boys room.

>> First Friday in Dupont Circle will offer openings at Hillyer Art Space and the Studio Gallery. Process: Reaffirmation at Hillyer honors the personal philosophies, vocabularies, and processes of the eight artists in the show from 6 to 9 p.m. Studio Gallery will celebrate the work of three artists in Solo Show: Uncommon Boundaries and Duo Show: Rectangle Revisited and transition from 6 to 8 p.m.

>> Have you ever wanted to see what’s in an artist’s sketchbook? Now’s your chance. Transformer Gallery has a new exhibit that will allow you to look into the creative process and development of artists’ work. Sketch features the sketchbooks of 16 D.C. artists and offers the opportunity to leisurely flip through the books for a more hands-on experience. Open house on Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m. with an artist talk from 2 to 3 p.m.

>> In celebration of the greatest event to ever occur in the city of Washington, D.C. — the planting of the Japanese cherry trees 99 years ago (what did you think I meant?) — Cherry Blast III will be taking place on Saturday. Featuring Massive Murals by Art Whino artists, artistic performances curated by IV, and live music and DJs curated by All Things Go!, this is sure to be the best way to honor those fluffy little pink and white blossoms. Tickets are $10. 8 p.m. to midnight.

>> Marcātus, the creative art market at Yards Park, will begin this Sunday. Featuring music, food and art, it’s a great way to spend a day. It’s also a great excuse to check out the amazing Yards Park if you haven’t already. Don’t worry if you can’t make it this weekend — it’s going to be held every first Sunday through August 7th. Free. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

>> Transformer Gallery’s annual “Collector’s View” begins this Sunday with a visit to the home and private collection of Heather and Tony Podesta in Kalorama. Participants will be offered the opportunity to learn the motivations, interests and passions of the collectors. Three other “views” will take place over the coming months, including two newly added events. Advanced registration is required and costs $75 per “view.” Contact Alison Konecki at alison@transformergallery.org or 202-483-1102 to reserve your spot. 4 to 6 p.m.

Art Notes:

• The Phillips Collection will hold their monthly Phillips after 5 on Thursday. Chat with Director Dorothy Kosinski, join curator Susan Behrends Frank for a tour of David Smith Invents, and enjoy the music of DJ Donald Syriani. Reservations required, donations for some activities. 5 to 8:30 p.m.
• Long View Gallery hosts an opening reception for Revive by Michelle Peterson-Albandoz on Thursday evening. “An accomplished painter and mixed-media artist, Michelle Peterson-Albandoz is well known for her unique use of reclaimed wood. Using discarded wood found in and around her Chicago neighborhood, she creates both constructions on panels and sculptures.” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• ReadySetDC and Curating for a Cause will be hosting a benefit art auction, RESTORE: Japan, to raise money for the Japan Red Cross. The auction will feature the work of 30 local visual artists and will be held at the new Lamont Bishop Gallery on Thursday. 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
• First Friday in Dupont Circle will offer openings at Hillyer Art Space and the Studio Gallery. Process: Reaffirmation at Hillyer honors the personal philosophies, vocabularies, and processes of the eight artists in the show from 6 to 9 p.m. Studio Gallery will celebrate the work of three artists in Solo Show: Uncommon Boundaries and Duo Show: Rectangle Revisited and transition from 6 to 8 p.m.
• The Art Museum of the Americas and Worn Magazine are hosting Toast Under the Stars, a launch party for Issue 3 on Friday night. Tickets are $25 and will not be available at the door.
• Zenith Gallery at Chevy Chase Pavilion will be holding an open house on Saturday to kick off their new exhibition ZARTiculation and to celebrate their 33rd anniversary. 1 to 5 p.m.
• Marsha Mateyka Gallery will host an opening reception for Christopher French’s “Inventions and Recollections” on Saturday. 3 to 5 p.m.