Ellen Harvey: The Alien’s Guide to the Ruins of Washington, D.C.

, the tour of America’s capital city through alien eyes, has inspired the Corcoran Gallery of Art to host a one-day Community Pop-Up Gallery on Aug. 24.

Corcoran is inviting participants to bring unusual antiques, peculiar family heirlooms and curious collected objects from the past for a temporary display in its North Atrium. Participants and visitors are encouraged to discuss and examine the objects, make up a story about what they were used for, or just reflect on what the objects might tell us about society at the time.

Anyone interested in participating must submit an application, which includes a brief description of the object or objects to be displayed, and up to five high-resolution images.

Space is limited, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is Aug. 14, and notification of acceptance into the Community Pop-Up Gallery will be sent by Aug. 16.

Aug. 14

The event will run from 11 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. on Aug. 24 at 500 17th St. NW; get your free tickets here.