As the (e)merge art fair got underway last night, I headed over with my camera — and most comfortable shoes — to record the sights. The second annual event runs through Sunday at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, and features sculpture, video, photography, painting, drawing, installation and performance, with an entire hotel floor given over to gallery exhibitors from around the world.

Performances and works by individual artists are scattered throughout the ground floor and pool area, with the underground garage given over to such local groups as the Corcoran College of Art and Design and Maryland Institute College of Art.

Full disclosure: This much art can be a little overwhelming, even for professionals like me. As I told a friend who asked what my favorite pieces were, art fairs are a little like hot dog eating contests if you don’t pace yourself: After a while, you stop savoring each individual hot dog. You’re just trying to get as many in your mouth as you can without losing your lunch.

Before you go, read Lavanya Ramanathan’s preview of the fair, and check out my photographic sampler of what’s in store at the top of this post. Neither a best-of list nor a worst-of list, it’s just an idiosyncratic collection of things that caught my eye.

Be careful out there. And I’m serious about those comfortable shoes.