Photographer Carl Van Vechten spent years documenting the central characters of the Harlem Renaissance. By the 1980s, conservationists were concerned that his negatives would wear out, leading them to handmake 50 of the images into gravure prints. Those prints, transferred to the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 1983, make up the museum’s latest exhibition. Not only do visitors get to learn about the delicate printing style that made the images, they also get to see more relaxed takes of these icons. Read more >>>The exhibition is on view daily 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., to March 19, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Streets NW. Free (202) 633-7970. americanart.si.edu. (Caroline Jones)

EAT THIS

Cappy’s Crabs‘ last day is Sept. 4, but tonight’s the best time to pay the temporary Petworth restaurant one last visit. Guest bartender Paul Taylor will be making tiki drinks as a part of the last “Tiki Tuesday” of the summer. Chef Johnny Spero will be making island-inspired bites to match the theme. Visit between 6 and 10 p.m. Cappy’s Crabs, 828 Upshur St. NW. (202) 702-2628. cappyscrabs.com.(Laura Hayes)

OH AND ALSO

Washington Post reporter Neely Tucker doubles as a mystery novelist and he reads from his latest novel about crime solver Sully Carter, Only the Hunted Run, at Politics & Prose. 7 p.m. at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.

Argentine guitarist Cristian Perez’s music combines element of South American folk, classical, and jazz genres. He’ll perform examples of all three tonight at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. Free.

Spend the night at the Black Cat Backstage as it wraps up its Hogwarts Happy Hour series with a screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Drink specials will run all night. 7 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. Free.

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