The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., celebrates the newest additions to its renowned collection of modern art, including masterpieces by some of the biggest names in the art world. Along with unveiling these latest acquisitions, Director Jay Gates "pulls back the curtain" on the process of collecting, discussing how the gallery, founded in 1921 by collector Duncan Phillips, tries to remain true to Mr. Phillips' vision and the challenges of collecting in an era of skyrocketing prices for great works of art. The exhibition runs through May 25.

The Phillips Collection

Franklin Voss, one of the most celebrated equestrian artists of the first half of the 20th century, had an extraordinary ability not only to capture the anatomy of a horse but its spirit as well. His work, featured in an exhibition at the Maryland Historical Society, includes some of the most famous race horses of the era, along with hunting and steeplechase scenes painted in Maryland.

Maryland Historical Society

Managing chaos takes a steady, patient hand, like the hand of a doctor. Dr. Eric Finzi, a dermatologic surgeon with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, experimented with epoxy resin to corral science and beauty into his artistic endeavors. An unusual, and toxic, medium, the finished portraits are luminescent and mesmerizing—reminiscent of a developing Polaroid or a fading memory. He employs unusual tools: a wooden stick, a range of Dixie cups, and a variety of syringes; however, the most important instrument in his work is time. Dr. Finzi suggests an outline of idea then steps back to allow the resin to shift and coalesce into the finished piece. He says it’s like working with a collaborative partner that isn’t always the most cooperative. Dr. Finzi’s work is on view through May 31 at the Gallery Imperato located at 921 E. Fort Avenue in Baltimore. For more information, call 443-257-4166.

Eric Finzi
Gallery Imperato

The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University marks its 150th anniversary with an once-in-a-lifetime Gala celebration on Saturday, April 26. The evening will be filled with extraordinary music, dancing, elegant desserts, and performances by Peabody faculty, students, and alumni. Proceeds from the Gala will support the George Peabody 150th Anniversary Scholarship Fund. The Gala begins at 8:30 pm in Peabody’s Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall with a stellar music program featuring Grammy award-nominated guitarist Manuel Barrueco, a Peabody alumnus and faculty artist. Fellow faculty artist and world renowned flutist Marina Piccinini will perform with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, led by Hajime Teri Murai, in excerpts from Georges Bizet’s Carmen. The centerpiece program also features the Peabody Children’s Chorus and the Preparatory Violin Choir. Tickets are still available. For information, call 410-659-8100 ext. 3040.

Peabody Institute Gala

This week’s salon art is by Joanne Alsruhe. Ms. Alsruhe was born and raised in Baltimore County and now resides in Cecil County, devoting much of her time to painting since her retirement. Her paintings are an extension of her environment and have always been a part of her life. As an artist, she prefers to paint subject matter that interests her rather than copy the masters. Fascinated by the intricacies and complexity of nature, Ms. Alsruhe uses light to capture and reveal these details in her paintings.

Ms. Alsruhe's oil paintings can be seen in a solo exhibition entitled "Life's Reflections" at Gallery Roca, 220 North Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD. Gallery hours are Monday & Tuesday by Appointment, Wednesday-Saturday, 11AM-6PM and Sunday, 12noon-5PM. Appointments can be made by calling 410–939–6182.

Gallery Roca

On ArtChat This Week, Nate and Rhea discuss the new timetable to reopen the Smithsonianýs National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The museum has been closed since 2006 for major renovations. If you're just itching to get out and have some new cultural experiences you may want to try Passport D.C. It kicks off May 3rd and showcases Washingtonýs embassies and cultural organizations with a wide range of performances, talks and exhibits. And sadly, John Dorsey, a former Baltimore Sun arts and restaurant critic passed away this week from Lou Gehrigýs disease. For decades readers turned to his essays on Baltimoreýs restaurants and he penned many interesting articles about the cityýs artistic community, drawing audiences to little known studios and galleries. Dorsey was 69.

Passport D.C.