Local social events in brief

'Gentle Soul,' a photo transfer with mixed media by gay artist Bill Travis, is one of the works that will be on display at the D.C. Center this month. (Image courtesy of the Center)

Gay artist debuts Center exhibit

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) will be having an opening reception for its next art exhibit, “Bodyscapes: The Art of Bills Travis,” tonight from 6 to 8 p.m.

Travis’s, who is openly gay, work in this exhibit pairs images of bodies and landscapes to “invite us to contemplate connections that can exist on several levels,” according to his artist’s statement.

Travis recently moved to D.C. and has a Ph.D. in art history from the Institute of Fine Arts. He has had more than 60 solo and group shows around the world.

Bodyscapes will be on display through Jan. 5.

For more information on this event, visit thedccenter.org. For more information on the artist and to see some of his photographs, visit billtravisphoto.com.

Gay chamber has national dinner Friday

The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has its national dinner tonight as part of its weekend conference festivities. It’s from 5:30 to 11 at the National Building Museum’s “great hall.”

The theme is “An Evening of Courage.” A “founders and friends” reception and silent auction will be from 5:30 to 7:30 with the dinner to follow. An after party is from 10 to 11.

The museum is at 401 F Street, N.W. Tickets were still available as of press time Wednesday. Call 202-234-9181 or e-mail to ebannon@nglcc.org for more information. Tickets start at $250 for non-members. Several other price packages are available. Visit nglcc.org for more information.

Enigma party tonight at Green Lantern

Enigma is a monthly, alcohol-free and substance-free event at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) on the second floor with its own entrance at the side door that bypasses the first floor. It’s tonight at 10 p.m. and runs till 1 a.m.

Presented by gay event planner Jacob Pring, Enigma is a chance for those who don’t drink or do drugs to have a chance to hang out with friends and play pool without feeling pressured into doing something they don’t want to do.

Matthew, from Nectar Organic Juice Bar, will be there mixing non-alcoholic drinks.

DJ John Thompson will be providing music with a mix of indie, ’80s pop and more.

There is a $5 cover and a security person will be working the door to maintain the clean and sober atmosphere.

For more information, visit jacobpring.com.

Gay-penned ‘Candide’ slated for Harman Hall

Shakespeare Theatre Company teams up with Chicago’s Goodman Theater to present Leonard Bernstein’s operetta “Candide,” based on Voltaire’s satire.

Directed by Tony winner Mary Zimmerman, Candide opens Nov. 26 and is the story of a “optimistic and hopeful” young man.

The show features songs such as “Make Our Garden Grow” and “Glitter and be Gay.”

Candide will be the first musical to be staged in Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St., N.W.) and will run through Jan. 9.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit shakespearetheatre.org.