Art Parties Hop to It
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Art parties are fun, but sometimes they're so ambitious it's possible to find the art itself relegated to a corner. Tonight, two parties in NoVa attempt a grand scale (as in: convergence of poets, musicians and graffiti artists big) while keeping visual art at the forefront.
Art Outlet, an Arlington-based collective that supports local artists through events, brings back its "sensory overload" bash Flux, the group's nod to spring. Forty visual artists will show their work salon-style, with video projectionists, a DJ, poets and even a metal band featured, all in an art studio on Columbia Pike. And, if that weren't enough, organizers are making the awfully compelling argument that "you don't want to miss [it] because the tourists definitely will." The best part: There's no cover (though it's a cash bar).
Free. Flux is from 6-midnight. Jazirock Studios, 3213 Columbia Pike, Arlington. For details, visit http:/
And a onetime NoVa institution, the edgy gallery Art Whino, is returning -- just for one exhibition -- to throw one of its blowouts in Crystal City. "Inked Souls," which opens tonight in a vacant retail space in the budding neighborhood, is a show that will look more like some sort of sneakerhead mecca: 30 artists were asked to customize sneakers. Big Benz and break-dance group the Document will perform; the DJ Lil E (of the dance parties Right Round at the Black Cat) spins; and there will be murals by Jazirock and an artist customizing clothing on site (BYO stuff to get reworked). And this is the weird part: In keeping with the current obsession with all things '80s, barbers will be giving free fades to those brave enough to lose a little hair -- and risk having people point, laugh and refer to you as Bell Biv DeVoe.
Free (cash bar). The "Inked Souls" party is tonight from 6-midnight. The exhibition will stay open Fridays and Saturdays through May 9. 23rd Street and Crystal Drive. For details, visit http:/
The District: "Planet Film," Earth Day Observed
The National Gallery of Art screens short films from around the world this weekend to mark Earth Day (which falls on Wednesday). On the bill: "The Tree Elves," about a group of elves celebrating a new season (from China, Russia and the United States); the U.S.-made "Papiroflexia," which follows an origami master's quest to bring nature to a city; and several other films. Free. Today at 10:30 a.m., tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. East Building Auditorium, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215 or http:/
The District: For Families, Hip-Hop Chess?
Arguing that both require quick thinking and a competitive spirit, community group Words, Beats and Life and the city today mash up two unlikely worlds -- hip-hop and, uh, board games -- for today's fourth annual Bum Rush the Boards competition. Four rounds of chess are mixed with workshops on graffiti, poetry and DJing, among other subjects. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. today. Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard St. NW. For details, visit http:/
The District: Film Pansy Division Redux
One in Ten, which sponsors the Reel Affirmations gay and lesbian film festival, now also hosts a Know Your Homo Superhero film series. The event begins with a screening of "Pansy Division: Life in a Gay Rock Band," about the West Coast punk group that broke barriers as a band with gay members and lyrics that referenced gay life and issues. For this screening, the band's guitarist and singer, Jon Ginoli -- promoting his book, "Deflowered: My Life in Pansy Division" -- will be on hand for a talk and performance. $10. 7 p.m. Monday. Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW. 202-315-1319 or http:/
Maryland: Exhibit Watercolor Winners
Strathmore's latest exhibition is the Baltimore Watercolor Society's Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition, which drew works from nine states and features nearly 100 of them. See the show on a guided tour offered today at 1 p.m. Free. The show is up through May 23. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. 301-581-5108 or http:/
