We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
Encapsulating an entire nation’s photographic culture poses a challenge for “A Democracy of Images: The Smithsonian American Art Museum.” To its credit, the show includes worthwhile contributions from photographers who aren’t household names. Consider the circular, black-and-white image from Deborah Luster’s “Tooth for an Eye” series (shown), which documents the last views seen by the homicide victims of Orleans Parish, La. For a visual survey of Americana, one image seems particularly apt: Skeet McAuley’s large-scale photograph of a woodsy scene. It’s a gorgeous panorama, but so carefully polished it could serve as corporate PR, a mixture of art and commerce that’s quintessentially American. Read more >>> The exhibit is on view daily 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. to Jan. 5, 2014, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F streets NW. Free. (202) 633-7970. americanart.si.edu. (Louis Jacobson)
EAT THIS
Jamba Juice is ringing in its one-year anniversary in D.C. with a “Free Smoothie Day” from noon to 6 p.m. at its locations in Dupont Circle, Union Station, and Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. In addition to a 16-ounce smoothie, every guest will receive a scratcher card, and one lucky winner will wine free smoothies for a year. Jamba Juice, 1333 19th St. NW; 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE; 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda. jambajuice.com. (Ally Mutnick)
OH AND ALSO
Banjo and ukulele duo The Sweater Set plays an intimate show at the Bier Baron with singer Amy LaVere. Check out our recent One Track Mind column about The Sweater Set’s new album, Oh, Visitor. 8 p.m. at 1523 22 St. NW. $10–$12.
Artist Patrick McDonough discusses his White Turf Painting Actions, a series of performances in which he painted large patches of grass with paint normally used for sports fields. Read Kriston Capps’ review of his performance in our arts section, and see more details on Facebook. 6:30 p.m. at 1241 Good Hope Road SE. Free.
Want ToDo ToDay sent to your inbox five days a week? Sign up here.