Art shows and art events in Colonial Beach, VA tonight and this week

Stuart Gibbs presents Totally True Tales from World War II, for spies-in-training who love superspy Ben Ripley. Free to $25.

An exhibition of Gari Melchers' studies for history murals commissioned for prominent libraries and two state capitols. Dozens of GMHS sketches and paintings, inches to nine feet tall, show his process. Subjects run from allegory to posthumous portraits, among them General Nathanael Greene, Commodore Oliver Perry and Mark Twain.

The National Archives Art and Architecture Tour, in Washington. The National Archives Museum holds the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, designed by architect John Russell Pope and the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.

Knitting and crochet group open to all skill levels.

An exhibition of portraits by Old Dominion University art students imagining Virginians named in legislative petitions to the state between 1776 and 1786, shown with the petitions themselves, for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Limited free parking under the Library.

Lives Bound Together, an exhibit on the 317 enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon: their families, communities and possessions, told through ancestral histories and recently excavated artifacts.

Mixed Media & Metal Clay Project: a 3-day class, 4 hrs/day, making a leather keychain, fused glass pendant and mosaic metal clay bracelet. All materials included; ages 10+.

Six galleries and 82 artist studios with fall exhibits. Carol Gruppé's show is up through October 31. Admission is free.

A group for working on your ongoing projects, with room for every skill level.

Beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop covering the basics of Chinese seal script calligraphy.

The closing reception for As You Were in the Gillespie Gallery of Art: an afternoon of conversation, celebration and connection, with the exhibited artists in attendance.

Exhibition of 37 African objects from the GW Collection, researched by 59 students in four seminar courses led by Assistant Professor Clement Akpang, with images and video.

Make your own candles from scratch with all natural ingredients and curate your own candle recipe.

A session exploring how to teach others your craft.

An opening reception for the exhibition Patient Zero, with artists, live music and refreshments. Free.

Starry Autumn, a beginner-friendly paint and sip with step-by-step painting instruction from professional instructors, plus cocktails, at The Delegate.

Print & Sip: print your project with guidance from District Riso over wine or juice.

Framework Panel #41: Auction Artists Reflect on History with Transformer, held at the LINE DC, a boutique hotel in Adams Morgan housed within a 110-year-old church building.

Wine tasting and pottery making: a workshop to sculpt handmade gifts or décor while you sip.

West Coast swing with Louie: beginner class $5, beginner plus $10, and a $10 social dance.

The Way of Words, Weaving and Crafting: a laid back monthly gathering for crafts and discussion of old lore, lately the Maria Kvilhaug books.

An exhibition of portraits by Old Dominion University art students imagining Virginians named in legislative petitions to the state between 1776 and 1786, shown with the petitions themselves, for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Limited free parking under the Library.

Lives Bound Together, an exhibit on the 317 enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon: their families, communities and possessions, told through ancestral histories and recently excavated artifacts.

An exhibition of Gari Melchers' studies for history murals commissioned for prominent libraries and two state capitols. Dozens of GMHS sketches and paintings, inches to nine feet tall, show his process. Subjects run from allegory to posthumous portraits, among them General Nathanael Greene, Commodore Oliver Perry and Mark Twain.

A seminar for agents to master pricing skills to win more listings.

A walking tour of the street art scene in NoMa and Union Market, with murals by local and international artists and first-hand knowledge about the artists and their work, plus the market's many outdoor venues.

Six galleries and 82 artist studios with fall exhibits. Carol Gruppé's show is up through October 31. Admission is free.

Crochet 101 in Southeast at Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City in Washington, District of Columbia.

Exhibition of 37 African objects from the GW Collection, researched by 59 students in four seminar courses led by Assistant Professor Clement Akpang, with images and video.

Twenty-two artists show 26 juried images on what it means to be fully human. It's free to see, and the work gives you plenty to think about.

Fall Painting Party at Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City in Washington, District of Columbia.

A watercolor painting class for beginners and experienced artists.

Beginner-friendly watercolor class for adults 18 and up: tones, palette setup and color mixing, step by step. Each student takes home a finished painting after the first class. Ten students maximum.

Author Beth Derderian and discussant Joshua Bell discuss the politics, capital interests and controversies behind the making of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Tweens and teens get watercolor paints and supplies to practice a skill or try a new medium.

Process Art Adventures, a weekly series of art-making sessions that build school readiness skills through artistic play.

Crafternoon: a craft project in the Children's Reading Room.