J.J. McCracken, artist in residence at the Red Dirt Studio in Mount Rainier, has been called the best political artist in Washington. Works like Thirst, currently in the midst of its run at the 39th Street Gallery in Brentwood, show why she has that title.

McCracken's show effectively combines photography, performance, motion picture and installation into a thorough exploration of themes of thirst and the realities of inequal distribution of natural resources.

The show run through Feb. 18, with an artist talk on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. The 39th Street Gallery is open on Thurdays and Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-3 pm.