Painting with White Border (Bild mit weissem Rand), May 1913. Oil on canvas, 55 1/4 x 78 7/8 inches. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, By gift 37.245. © 2011 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris>> The Phillips Collection opens two abstraction exhibits. One offers a rare glimpse into Wassily Kandinsky’s creative process, showing completed works along side preparatory studies. The other features eight of Frank Stella’s latest sculptures for the first time in a museum exhibition. The Scarlatti Kirkpatrick Series is inspired by 18th-century Italian composer Dominico Scarlatti’s harpsichord sonatas. Kandinsky and the Harmony of Silence: Painting with White Border and Stella Sounds: The Scarlatti K Series open Saturday.
>> As Irvine Contemporary prepares to pack up and move on from its 14th Street location, Artist Tribute Exhibition 1 will lead off an extended thank you to their artists and to the community. The first of two exhibits will highlight Irvine artists and include some special events and artist talks. Opening reception Saturday 6 to 8 p.m.
>> Critical Exposure hosts its sixth annual student show, Both Sides of the Lens: The Faces and Stories of D.C. Youth, at Edison Place Gallery on Thursday. Come out and meet the students and view their work at the opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres and cupcakes. Suggested donation: $25.
>> Civilian Art Projects opens two solo exhibitions this Friday. The Kids Are Alright by New Orleans-based Dan Tague and New Loops by D.C.-based artist Billy Friebele. Opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m.
>> Artist Evan Reed transforms everyday objects into new forms. Inspired by Russian Constructivist El Lissitzky, Reed creates large, architecturally based sculpture. See his work at Project 4 for the opening of Traveling Past PROUN. Friday 6:30 to 9 p.m.
>> In the Flesh 3 is an all-media juried show that examines contemporary figurative art. Hear juror Dr. Jamie Smith, curator and partner of Conner Contemporary and Co-Director of (e)merge Art Fair, give a gallery talk at 7 p.m. Thursday. Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory.
>> Wavelengths, presented by microWave project opens atHonfleur Gallery. This site-specific installation spans two floors and explores the concept of wavelength. The work was created by four artists who incorporated their own perspectives on the theme. Opening reception Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
>> DOCUMENTS: alternative guide to dc underground is a collaborative project which investigating the subject of identity through photographic and physically interactive portraits. Based on the likenesses of artists from the D.C. metro area, the objective of the project is to chronicle connections between artists, their environment, personalities and work through portraiture. The pieces in DOCUMENT range from black and white digital prints to installations where the audience is directed to play a part in the presentation. Opening at Vivid Solutions on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.
>> VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, presents an artist panel discussion in conjunction with Shift, an exhibition exploring the moments that alter a person’s life. From the personal to the professional, artists living with disabilities share their stories through a range of media in this international juried exhibition. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Art Notes
- The seventh annual worldwide tour of gute aussichten, Germany’s annual graduate photography competition opens at the Goethe-Institut. Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Artist Sam Gilliam’s hand blown Italian glass mosaic mural, From a Model to a Rainbow, a commission for the Washington Metro System, will be dedicated at the Takoma Metrorail station on Saturday at 10 a.m.
- Depictions of Del Ray opens at A Show of Hands on Saturday. Local artist Leisa Collins will show her paintings of Del Ray houses and landmarks. Kids can get in on the fun by helping to re-create a painting of the building. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Washington Studio School presents Certificate Student Laurel Dugan: Paintings. Graduation Exhibit and Reception on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.
- The Gravitational Pull of Memory opens at The Art League Gallery on Thursday with an opening reception and artist meet and greet. 6:30 to 8 p.m.
