>> The Corcoran is all abuzz these days with their newly-announced director and blockbuster shows featuring Andy Warhol and D.C.’s beloved Sam Gilliam. A new exhibition opens there on Saturday that focuses on the depiction of banjos in paintings, drawings and photographs, including the ca. 1895 photo of the woman at right. Interestingly, the exhibit is partially funded by the Steve Martin Charitable Foundation, according to the museum’s website. (Who knew that Steve Martin was…

>> In case you missed it, the dates for the inaugural Capital Fringe Festival (which DCist told you about back in April) were announced on Saturday during the Arts on Foot festival in Penn Quarter. Mark July 20-30, 2006 in your calendars now! You can celebrate and get more info about the festival tomorrow night at The Warehouse Cafe & Bar at a happy hour from 6 – 8 p.m.; with the promise of $2…

The visual arts scene around D.C. this week includes lots of new gallery and museum exhibits — keep reading for our picks. >> On Saturday, the long-awaited, 48th Annual Corcoran Biennial opens to the public. Curated by Jonathan Binstock and Stacey Schmidt, the Biennial (for the first time in years) includes several area artists as well as several international art stars. Look for the work of D.C. area artists Colby Caldwell, James Huckenpahler and Jeff…