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According to 20th century painter and art collector Sara Roby, the best way to celebrate American visual art was to showcase pieces by actively working artists. So that’s what she did beginning in the mid-1950s, collecting art by realist painters like Edward Hopper, Philip Evergood, and Paul Cadmus, and displaying it at public art museums. Her namesake foundation donated 175 of those works to the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 1986 and now, nearly 30 years later, visitors have a chance to see them up close. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view daily, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., to August 17, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F streets NW. Free. (202) 633-7970.americanart.si.edu. (Caroline Jones)
EAT THIS
Grillfish is hosting a Scotch and oyster tasting all week. Guests can choose from four different oysters, which will each be paired with a single malt scotch. Pairings include three oysters and start at $22.50. The tasting menu is available all day, and additional oysters and scotch can be ordered a la carte. Grillfish, 1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW. (202) 331-3751. grillfishdc.com. (Raphaella Baek)
OH AND ALSO
Adrian Loving‘s “Fade 2 Grey” is now on display at Anacostia’s Vivid Solutions Gallery. Read more in our Spring Arts Guide. Noon to 5 p.m. at 1231 Good Hope Road SE. Free.
Essayist and cultural critic Daniel Mendelsohn reads from his latest collection, Waiting for the Barbarians, at Politics & Prose. 7 p.m. at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
Head to DC9 for a punk show featuring Walk the Plank, This Is Your Life, Mobius Strip, and Demands. 8 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $8.
The Kennedy Center’s World Stages Theater Festival begins tonight with discussions about costumes, set design, and a performance of Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord’s The Suit. 7:30 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. $49.
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