James McNeill Whistler, a master of etching, would refer to the history of art as “the story of the beautiful,” a story “always constant” through cultural and material shifts. Whistler’s etchings of the Venetian lagoon in his Second Venice Set remained constant, too. They represented a seminal shift in the artist’s career: The 26 impressions were purchased by collector Charles Lang Freer and began a long partnership between artist and patron. Though the Second Set is well-known within Whistler’s oeuvre, this exhibition seeks to tell the story from Freer’s perspective, exploring how the acquisition changed the collector’s aesthetic taste and shaped his legacy. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW. Free. (202) 633-4880. asia.si.edu. (Weenta Girmay)

EAT THIS

If you’re not sick of all things pumpkin yet, City Tap House is hosting a “Pumpkin Smash” with Seattle-based Elysian Brewing Company. Draft lines will be devoted to beers ($6 to $13) like the Great Pumpkin Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Punkuccino, and The Lost Abbey Sardonic Pumpkin Dark Wit. The restaurant has also purchased a 250-pound pumpkin from a Virginia farm that will be hollowed out, filled with beer, and tapped like a keg. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and go until close. City Tap House, 901 9th St. NW. (202) 733-5333. citytaphousedc.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Benjamin Booker plays U Street Music Hall with Nashville rock outfit Blank Range. Read more in our Fall Arts Guide. 7 p.m. at 1115 U St. NW. $15.

Legendary ’70s SoCal hardcore act Agent Orange continues to tour and tonight, they stop at the Black Cat Backstage. 8 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $15.

Poets Matthea Harvey, Claudia Rankine, and Vijay Seshadri read from their work in celebration of Graywolf Press’ 40th anniversary at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation. Following the reading, author Stephen Burt will moderate a discussion with the poets. 7:30 p.m. at 212 East Capitol St. NW. $15.

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