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The National Portrait Gallery’s latest exhibition, “Face Value,” highlights works that don’t capture subjects in their most realistic forms, instead offering some insight into how the artist viewed the subject. The show features traditional oil self-portraits of acclaimed painters like Elaine de Kooning, but the quirkier stuff prompts questions—draw whatever conclusions you wish from a painted wood portrait of Hugh Hefner (pictured). And for those portrait aficionados looking for something more lifelike, Chuck Close’s “Nancy” provides appropriate contrast to the odder works. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view daily, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., to Jan. 11, 2015, at the National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F streets NW. Free. (202) 633-8300. npg.si.edu. (Caroline Jones)
EAT THIS
Bethesda Row Restaurant Week kicks off today. Sixteen restaurants will offer three-course lunch menus for $15 and three-course dinner menus for $30; Assaggi features a seared ahi tuna carpaccio, local sea bass, and semifreddo for lunch, and Vapiano offers antipasti de carni, pizza Americana, and tiramisu for dinner. Other participating restaurants include Lebanese Taverna, Luke’s Lobster, and Nando’s Peri Peri. The specials run through Sunday. Bethesda Row Restaurant Week. bethesdarow.com/events/ (Quinn Kelley)
OH AND ALSO
Boy George contemplates his career and performs a collection of new songs and classic hits at 9:30 Club. 7 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $35.
Electro-folk artist Dan Croll performs at Rock & Roll Hotel with New York indie group Panama Wedding. 8 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $14.
Rolling Stone contributor Matt Taibbi discusses the wealth gap and signs copies of his latest book, The Divide, at Politics & Prose. 7 p.m. at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
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