Starting today, eight of D.C.’s best bartenders will showcase the art of mixology in special cocktails inspired by visual art. The drinks will be available for a month, leading up to the Artini grand finale gala at the Corcoran on Friday, March 22.

The mixologists will serve the drinks at their home bars or restaurants, and throughout the month the drinking public of Washington will get to vote on their favorites. Plus, each participant will host a free-to-attend “feature night” at the Corcoran, where you can buy raffle tickets and the featured cocktail — proceeds from these evenings benefit the NOW at the Corcoran contemporary art program at the college. If you attend all eight feature nights and get your card stamped to provide proof of purchase of the Artini, you’ll get a free year of 1869 Society membership.

Tickets to the Artini gala are available now (here), and run $125 for the 8:30 PM–midnight event with art, cocktails, entertainment and dancing. You can also spring for the VIP ($200 or $169 for 1869 Society members) and gain access to the VIP speakeasy, which opens at 7:30 PM.

Here’s a list of the free feature nights (all start at 6 PM) and the 2013 Artini cocktails you can find all over town. May the most artistic drink win!

Eddie Kim, Daikaya
Art inspiration: iona rozeal brown, Afro.died
Feature night: Wednesday, February 27

Frank Jones, The Gibson
Art inspiration: Henri Regnault, Head of a Moor
Feature night: Friday, March 1

Taha Ismail, Bandolero
Art inspiration: The Salon Doré
Feature night: Tuesday, March 5

Alex Bookless, The Passenger
Art inspiration: Antonio Canova, Venus
Feature night: Wednesday, March 6

Joe Ambrose, P.O.V. at the W Hotel
Art inspiration: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, View From Cap Martin of Monte Carlo
Feature night: Thursday, March 7

Josh Berner, Zentan
Art inspiration: Eugène Carriere, Arsène Carriere
Feature night: Wednesday, March 13

Amy Russell, Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Art inspiration: Martin Johnson Heade, View of Marshfield
Feature night: Thursday, March 14

Milton Hernandez, Ambar
Art inspiration: Albert Bierstadt, Mount Corcoran
Feature night: Tuesday, March 19

Event Date: 02/19,02/27,03/01,03/05,03/07,03/13,03/14,03/22
Event Time: 6 PM
Location: Corcoran
Price: $125
Website: getinvolved.corcoran.org/ARTINI2013