Plastic Betsy Ross Flag, Elise Robison

The Flatiron Artists Association creeped me out by describing “SALUTE” as “the art show that celebrates patriotism, embodies the American experience and appreciates military personnel.” Would it showcase un-ironic portraits of Donald Rumsfeld or sculptures of soaring eagles? Not according to the FIAA’s online preview, which contains thoughtful works such as Elise Robison’s 2008 Plastic Betsy Ross Flag (pictured), a meditation on dioxins as well as aesthetics. (“SALUTE” continues Saturday 4, noon–10pm; and Sunday 5, noon–5pm. $5 suggested donation.)

The Architrouve’s free opening reception for “Ray Pride: this is 606”, a survey of the photographer’s Chicago cityscapes, is also tonight, from 6–9pm. The Gene Siskel Film Center screens Megumi Sasaki’s documentary Herb & Dorothy—which examines how a mild-mannered, middle-class couple amassed a stunning collection of Minimalist and conceptual art—tonight at 6pm, Sunday 5 at 5:30pm and Tuesday 7 at 6pm. ($9; students $7; members $5; SAIC students and faculty, and Art Institute staff $4.)

On Sunday 5, the Museum of Contemporary Art ends its run of “Buckminster Fuller: Starting with the Universe” with Jen & Ira & You at the MCA Meet Buckminster Fuller Meeting the Hippies in Golden Gate Park. The 2pm “re-performance” is staged by Jennifer Karmin (Anti Gravity Surprise) and Ira S. Murfin (Laboratory for the Development of Substitute Materials). (Free with $12 museum admission.) If you’re in the mood for still more Yankee ingenuity, head over to East Garfield Park, where Julius Caesar hosts a free opening reception for Jerome Acks and Kaylee Rae Wyant’s show “Hear Here” from 4–7pm.