Our Picks

LED BY THREAD-- Opens Wednesday. Through June 1. An exhibition of contemporary fiber arts selected by juror Yasmin Spiro. Torpedo Factory Art Center, Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Free. 703-838-4565, Ext. 4.

AARON DOUGLAS: AFRICAN AMERICAN MODERNIST-- See Can't Miss.

BALLYHOO! POSTERS AS PORTRAITURE-- Opens Friday. Through Feb. 8. Works from the late 19th century to today demonstrate the vibrant and dynamic portraiture in posters. The 60 pieces look at how we present and perceive celebrity and include images of Gen. John J. Pershing, Buffalo Bill Cody, Joe Louis and Judy Garland. National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

THE CINEMA EFFECT: ILLUSION, REALITY, AND THE MOVING IMAGE PART I: DREAMS-- Closes May 11. The first of a two-part exhibition features work by emerging artists who use film and technology to show the increasing impact of cinema on our perceptions. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free. 202-633-1000.

DOUBLE-TAKE: THE POETICS OF ILLUSION AND LIGHT-- Closes May 11. Painting, photography, video and sculpture explore the potential of light and shadow. Includes works by Bernhard Hildebrandt, Mary Temple and Alexandra A. Grant. Contemporary Museum, 100 W. Centre St., Baltimore. $5, students $3. 410-783-5720.

CAROLE BOLSEY-- Through May 14. New paintings and terra cottas by the accomplished New England artist. Cross MacKenzie Ceramic Arts, 1054 31st St. NW. Free. 202-333-7970.

FLOATING FACES-- Through May 17. People's expressions are captured in portraits; the exhibit examines how we read these paintings through the filter of our preconceptions. Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW. Free. 202-315-1305.

[Literature]

For more events, see the Literary Calendar in today's Book World.

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON-- Monday at 7 p.m. The syndicated columnist and political blogger discusses her book "Right Is Wrong." Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-364-1919.

[Movies]

Films open Friday and are in general release unless otherwise noted. Opening dates subject to change. Checkhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/moviesor Friday's Weekend section for details and complete movie listings.

JELLYFISH-- Through May 15. The lives of three Tel Aviv women intersect at a wedding: a catering waitress who takes in a mysterious child, a bride with a broken leg and a domestic worker who has left her son in her native Philippines. As they wander through Israel's most cosmopolitan city, each finds comfort in its tranquil waters. In Hebrew with English subtitles. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $7-$9.75. 202-452-7672.

MISTER LONELY-- Writer-director Harmony Korine ("Kids") brings together Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Temple, Charlie Chaplin and a group of flying nuns in this quirky, melancholy tale of fanaticism and the redemption people seek in one another. The film follows a lonely Jacko impersonator (Diego Luna) who travels to a Scottish commune full of other impersonators. Samantha Morton and Werner Herzog also star. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $7-$9.75. 202-452-7672.