Free and Easy Events

Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com.

Artist Ori Gersht, whose slow-motion videos on display at the Hirshhorn feature bullets and flying fruit, discusses his work on Tuesday night. (Ori Gersht)

Tuesday
Meet the Artist: Ori Gersht at the Hirshhorn
The Israeli-born artist, whose slow-motion video pieces are currently showing at the Hirshhorn, discusses his life and work.

Wednesday
'Gee's Bend' at the Addison/Ripley Fine Art Gallery
Brightly patterned and intricately designed, the quilts that come from the rural African-American community of Gee's Bend, Ala., are considered some of the nation's finest folk art. (Remember the blockbuster show at the Corcoran a few years ago?) Recent works by three community members -- Mary Lee Bendolph, Louisiana Bendolph and Loretta Bennett -- are on display in Georgetown until the end of the week.

Thursday
U.S. Royalty at Fire Flies
The bluesy Americana-indie band is taking over Alexandria's Fire Flies every Thursday in February, promising a mix of special guests and one-time-only material.

Friday
'DCist Exposed' Opening at Flashpoint
Editors of the local blog selected photographs from hundreds of submissions to the group's Flickr pool, and now amateurs and professionals alike will have their works hanging on the walls of Flashpoint. Word of warning: Lines for admission have been uncomfortably long the last two years, so arrive early.

Saturday
Mardi Gras Carnival at the Anacostia Community Museum
Celebrate Mardi Gras and Carnival with a guided tour of the museum's new "Jubilee" exhibition, musical selections from carnival, costuming, mask making, storytelling, and a variety of art activities for children and adults.

Sunday
Oscar-Nominated Documentary Short Films at the National Archives
All four nominees for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject screen at the National Archives at noon. Free tickets are required for admission, and will be handed out at 11 a.m. One ticket per person only.

Monday
"When Oud Speaks" at the Kennedy Center
The first free concert of the Kennedy Center's mammoth "Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World" festival features the Oud Knights with Amina and Shayma. Amina and Shayma are a female duo from Bahrain who play the oud, an ancient precursor of the lute.

-- Fritz