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. 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. Read more >>> 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. (Jordan Larson)
EAT THIS
“Roof to table” restaurant Bidwell opens in Union Market today from New York chef John Mooney. The menu touts local/organic/sustainable ingredients and a wide range of dishes from lobster tacos to Swedish meatballs to a patty melt-style burger. The restaurant will eventually have an aeroponic garden to grow herbs and produce on the roof of Union Market. Read more about the restaurant and check out the menu here. Bidwell, 1309 5th St. NE. (202) 547-0172. facebook.com/Bidwelldc. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Faction of Fools presents a sneak peek of its commedia dell’arte staging of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town at Arena Stage’s Kogod Cradle. 8 p.m. at 1101 6th St. SW. $10.
The Phillips Collection also gets theatrical tonight: It hosts a staged reading of Vincent in Brixton, Nicholas Wright’s 2003 play that imagines Van Gogh’s years in England. 6 p.m. at 1600 21st St. NW. $8–$20.
Cajun musicians The Pine Leaf Boys perform at Artisphere. Dancing by the Bayou, a local zydeco dance group, hosts a dance lesson before the performance begins. 7:45 p.m. at 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $15.
The National Air and Space Museum celebrates 10 years of the Mars Rover program with a new exhibition of Mars images called “Spirit and Opportunity.” 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Independence Avenue and 6th Street SW. Free.
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