Conceptual artist Jenny Holzer is best known for her play with language—her short declarations have decorated the sides of buildings, windows, street posters, and a cylindrical light column inside the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Along with other artists working in the ’80s, Holzer blew open the doors of narrative and text in art. Now, taking a cue from Holzer, local multimedia artist Claire Briggs investigates expressions of grief and their commodification in “#coping.” In her crocheted wall hangings, Briggs spells out phrases like “knock it off,” bringing attention to the materials and terms humans use to cope. At tonight’s opening reception, the artist speaks with Artisphere curator Cynthia Connolly, renowned for her photography of American landscapes and the 1980s D.C. punk scene. The exhibit is on view Wednesdays to Fridays 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays noon to 11 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. to March 15 at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free. (703) 875-1100. artisphere.com.