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World Artworks Created--The TransCultural Exchange has organized "The Coaster Project, Destination: The World" in which 99 artists have transcended geographic, political and cultural boundaries to stage 99 trans-global exhibitions, culminating in over 10,000 artworks freely given away around the globe. See www.transculturalexchange.com.

Academy Honored--The U. S. Postal Service has issued a new commemorative postage stamp saluting the establishment of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point and commemorating its bicentennial. Designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C., the stamp features a color photo of the West Point coat of arms, which features the American bald eagle atop the U.S. shield. In addition, a commemorative silver dollar coin, designed by U. S. Mint sculptor and engraver James Farrell, features a cadet color guard in a parade exercise, with Washington Hall and the Cadet Chapel in the background. The reverse features the West Point Bicentennial logo and was designed by John Mercanti.

Milestone Reached--Award-winning animator Chuck Jones has died at the age of 89. In addition to Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Jones helped bring to life many cartoon characters such as the Road Runner and his pursuer Wile E. Coyote as well as Pepe le Pew.

Memorial Dedicated--The six-month anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks has been marked with the dedication of a temporary memorial. "The Sphere," a 5,000-pound steel and bronze sculpture by Fritz Koenig that was partially crushed on 9/11, has been dedicated in Battery Park near Ground Zero.

History Uncovered--A 1,900 year old mural has been uncovered by archaeologists in the rain forest of Guatemala. The "masterpiece" of extensive and well-preserved paintings provides rare insight into the society and religion of the Mayan civilization.

Artwork Unveiled--At a ceremony attended by state officials, artwork was unveiled on 13 C-5A Galaxy cargo jets from the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing, based at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, NY. To commemorate sacrifices of 9/11, the emblems of the NY Fire Department, Police Department and the Port Authority have been painted on the noses of the aircraft.

New Director Appointed--Neal Benezra has been appointed director of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. He previously held positions at the art Institute of Chicago and the Hirshhorn Museum.

Exhibitions:

Denver, CO -- Denver Art Museum -- China Meets the American Southwest: Pottery Designs and Traditions provides a fascinating look at traditions in pottery from opposite sides of the globe--Native American pieces from the museum's outstanding collection paired with ancient Chinese examples on loan from the Sze Hong Collection. More than 50 exceptional pieces will be on view to compare and contrast. Through May 28.

Baltimore, MD -- Baltimore Museum of Art -- Reflections of Sea and Light: Paintings and Watercolors by J. M. W. Turner from Tate is the first major exhibition of Turner's extraordinary vision of the sea (and its only U.S. venue). More than 100 watercolors, oil paintings, drawings and prints that follow 40 years of Turner's career as a painter are on exhibit, including many never-before-seen works. Through May 26.

Washington, DC -- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden -- H. C. Westermann is a retrospective for this American sculptor that includes his images of houses, ships, towers, boxes, robots, coffins, surreal landscapes, and toy-like figurines that incorporate frequent references to war and death, consumer culture and art, and literature and film. Through May 12.

Washington, DC -- National Museum of Women in the Arts -- Places of Their Own: Emily Carr, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Frida Kahlo offers a rare opportunity for U.S. audiences to see Carr's sweeping, spirit-infused landscapes, O'Keeffe's varied exploration of the natural world, and Kahlo's self-portraits and lesser-known works. The 62 works on view will draw parallels in the art, careers and national identities of these three artists. Through May 12.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 12 No. 6 -- April 2002