FotoWeek DC 2009

For the historian

Several FotoWeek events focus on photography's evolution. But as far as Goss is concerned, there's no better opportunity for the history buff than a visit to the "Publisher Exhibition: Contemporary International Photography Books," on view all week at FotoWeek Central, the Georgetown nerve center of FotoWeek DC. Comparing the browse-able treasure trove of fine art photography books to a lending library (but without the lending), Goss says it's like taking a self-guided tour of photography's past and present from a comfortable chair.

FotoWeek Central 4, 3333 M St. NW. http://www.fotoweekdc.org. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.

For the student

There's lots to learn all week, but Goss's tip for the curious is a presentation on visual storytelling . . . and radio. You read that right. Even that quintessentially aural medium is adapting to the digital age by mixing photo galleries with audio on, for example, the National Public Radio Web site. On Monday at 6:30 p.m., a panel of staffers from NPR and the National Geographic Society will co-present "When Sights and Sounds Converge: Storytelling in the Digital World." National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium, 1600 M St. NW. Free, but reservations are suggested. RSVP to pictureshow@npr.org.

For the shopper

Check out the Tech Pavilion, where vendors from a variety of photo equipment suppliers and services will hawk their wares. Goss's tip: It's a great place for discounts and coupons.

Edison Place Gallery, 702 Eighth St. NW. Open Nov. 14-15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. http://www.fotoweekdc.org.

For the scenester

Let's be honest. FotoWeek DC isn't just about seeing but being seen. And ground zero for the art party crowd is likely to be the 1300 block of Florida Avenue NE this Saturday evening. That's opening night for "Fixation," a local group photo exhibition chronicling what Goss calls Washington's "crazy and weird" subcultures. (Full disclosure: The show a co-production of Goss's Ten Miles Square and the Pink Line Project.) If that weren't enough, the opening party coincides with a non-FotoWeek opening at the neighboring Conner Contemporary Art, 1358-60 Florida Ave. (See box on Page 3), and a first look at the still-unfinished G Fine Art, at 1350 Florida Ave.

"Fixation" opens Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Industry Gallery, 1358 Florida Ave. NE (second floor), with musical performances by Yoko K!, ayyoko confidential and Suspicious Package. http://www.tenmilessquare.com. Free.

Still lost?

Goss advises prospective festival visitors to check out the FotoWeek DC blog at http://www.fotoweekdc.org/blog, where you'll find show previews and other info to help you find your way.