DCAC: Everything must go in Kate Hardy’s “American Idolatry,” a collection of toys and knick-knacks that examines the “commodification of artworks as well as subverting the typical protocol of the art market.” In purchasing one of the objects, which Hardy has priced based on her own personal relationship with each item, the consumer “will be participating in the completion of the piece.” How’s that for a sales pitch? The reception is at 7 p.m. Friday, June 8; the exhibition is on view from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, to Sunday, July 8, at the District of Columbia Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. Free. (202) 462-7833.

Creative Partners Gallery: The paint flows like water in Grace Peterson’s “Flowing Color,” an exhibition of watermedia paintings. The reception is at 6 p.m. Friday, June 8; the exhibition is on view from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, to Saturday, July 7, at Creative Partners Gallery, 4600 East-West Highway, Bethesda. Free. (301) 951-9441.

Kathleen Ewing Gallery: Proceeds from the sales of work on display in “Tails of Art: A Survey of the Animal in Photography, Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture” will benefit the Washington Animal Rescue League. The reception is at noon Saturday, June 9; the exhibition is on view from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, to Friday, August 31, at Kathleen Ewing Gallery, 1609 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. (202) 328-0955.

Long View Gallery: Painter Dana Ellyn, who lives and works less than five blocks from the White House, offers plenty of perspective on politics and religion in “I Call Shenanigans.” The reception is at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 9; the exhibition is on view from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to Saturday, June 20, at Long View Gallery, 1302 9th St. NW. Free. (202) 232-4788.