>> At American University, get a healthy dose of art and a jump start on the fall gallery season, when the Katzen Arts Center opens six — yes, six — new exhibits this Saturday. View works from Heather and Tony Podesta’s collection in Inner Piece: Works from the Heather and Tony Podesta Collection, documentary photographs of Washington, D.C., in Re-viewing Documentary: The Photographic Life of Louise Rosskam, artistic response to 9/11 in Bruce Conner: An Anonymous Memorial, an exploration of underground living in Wayne Barrar: An Expanding Subterra, works from Duncan Phillips’ collection in Gifts of Duncan Phillips and an exploration of waves in Seismic Dream. Phew!
>> Transformer also gets a jump start on the busy fall gallery season with transformers. The group show celebrates the gallery’s mission as a catalyst and advocate for emerging expression in the visual arts and the many Corcoran College alumni the gallery has worked with over the past ten years. Opening reception Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Gallery 31 at the Corcoran College of Art and Design.
>> Containment and Diversion opens at Long View Gallery on Thursday, featuring mixed media works on paper by Thomas Burkett. Burkett uses topical news headlines to explore the ability or inability of man to control nature. Opening reception 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
>> Tomorrow, get ready to dance after hours at the Art Museum of the Americas. Art After Dark will feature a DJ, artists, food trucks, open bar and a raffle. Tickets: $25. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
>> The National Portrait Gallery is also getting in on the “After” game with Portraits After 5. On Friday, enjoy after hours access to Capital Portraits, special food and drinks from the Courtyard Cafe, music, performance art plus a hip-hop performance. 6 to 9 p.m. Free.
>> Thrasher Magazine, the skateboarding magazine, has been around for 30 years. At the Fridge, see Love + Guts, an exhibit highlighting images documenting the history, culture and evolution of skateboarding. Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.
>> Need to stretch your artistic muscles? Head over to the Washington Studio School for an Open Studio Session. Draw or paint with a model starting with gestures followed by a long pose. Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. $18.
>> Celebrate a year of murals with MuralsDC as it concludes its 2011 program with an exhibit featuring replicas of each of the murals installed during the program and other works by the program’s artists. Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the former R.L. Christian Library.
>> Alison Sigethy: Sanctuary and Solomon Wondimu: SKIN: America in Black & White opens on First Friday at Hillyer Art Space. Opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. $5 suggested donation.
>> Gallery 555dc will host a champagne reception for artist Kathy Wismar at the opening of Wismar X 2. See Wismar’s acrylic on canvas and ceramic work. Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m.
