Art Forms

Comic Art

You might think that comics are a relatively recent innovation, but when you examine the history of comic art, you see that some of the earliest art is considered sequential art.  Even the famous prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux in France fall into this category.  They depicted animals and chronicled the tribes’ struggles for survival and their hunts for food.

Egyptian hieroglyphics found inside the great pyramids immortalized the rulers as deities.   As early as 1300 B.C. these depictions were telling a sequential story and, by definition, that qualifies them as “comics.”

One of the largest and best known paintings of all time, the scene of Adam and God on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, tells a sequential story in picture form.  The painting is so large it covers the entire ceiling; and while not usually considered a “comic,” does share Michelangelo’s A.D. 1511 concept of the creation in a progressive fashion.  It does, therefore, fall into the broad definition and would qualify for perhaps the most elaborate example of sequential art.

The biggest misconception of comics is that they are aimed at children.  This seems to be considered by some because of the simplicity of the messages and images.  Another misconception is that there is no merit in the artistic or literary content, and this is certainly not true.  Because these are often subtle, they frequently address serious contemporary issues and do not require higher education to read and comprehend, and they can deliver potent impact.  For this reason they are revered as one of the most important forms of literary and artistic communication.

Whether the item is a comic strip of a super hero or a single image oozing with political satire, there is importance in the content.  From a creative standpoint the images are fresh, original and timely.  For the sequential pictorial images, they can teach life’s lessons and offer support, direction and enjoyment to millions.  How could either of these qualities be unimportant?  Whether or not you agree with the message, you are drawn in and held momentarily and have some opinion about the content--precisely for what the artist had aimed.

There are several collections that house considerable volumes of paper copies and originals in the form of comic art.  The San Francisco Museum of Comic Art has a collection that consists of 2.5 million clippings, tear sheets and comic sections from American newspapers, dating from 1894 to 1996.  The collection is housed at the Ohio State University Cartoon Research Library in Columbus, Ohio.  It is the United States’ premier cartoon research library with a mission of collecting and developing a comprehensive history of American newspaper and magazine cartoons.  In addition, there is a collection of over 10,000 books and other published works that contains thousands of images.  Triennially, Festivals of Cartoon Arts celebrations are held to honor the collection, and exhibitions are held at the Research Library on an ongoing basis.

One of the most important comic artists includes the late Al Hirschfeld, whose fresh and appealing drawings of everyone from presidents and actors to the common man of the day are considered some of the most important art of the 20^th century. 

Jabari Elliott of Toronto, Canada, is better known as Elicser.  His work is spread throughout the city and is appreciated by all who see it.  Wildly exaggerated and full of whimsy, his distorted cartoon-like characters are enjoyed by thousands every day although displayed in grand size rather than small printed form.

The New York Review of Books has a massive collection of drawings from master caricaturist David Levine. There are over 2500 illustrations in the gallery, which should be more than enough to study his masterful pen lines.  His style makes him an enduring favorite of millions.

Every country and every city has favorites, some of which are included in newspapers and magazines each day.  For the cost of a daily newspaper or a magazine you can examine the work of dozens of talented artists or you can research the Internet for your favorites.  And super hero fans can stop by the Post Office for the “DC Comics Super Heroes” commemorative stamps/stamped postal cards that depict 10 portraits of the characters and 10 covers of individual comic books devoted to their exploits.

Exhibitions:  Masters of American Comics is a two-part exhibition at The Newark Museum, NJ, and The Jewish Museum, New York City, through January 28.  This landmark exhibit focuses on 14 of the most innovative and influential American artists and shows how comic strips and books developed as a serious and popular art form over the last century.  Nearly 600 original drawings, rare proofs, printed newspaper pages, comic books and graphic novels represent the work of several pioneering artists.  Comic strips from the first half of the 20the century will be shown in Newark, with comic books and graphic novels from the 1950’s onward featured in NYC.  In addition, Superheroes:  Good and Evil in American Comics is on view concurrently at The Jewish Museum.  Featured are over 70 works and artifacts from the golden age of comic books (1938-1950) that showcase the work of 15 Jewish comic book artists and writers from this era.

The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York City, presents Africa Comics, the first exhibition of African comic art in the U.S., on view through March 18.  African comic art has achieved a wide-range of recognition both as an art form and as a valuable medium of cross-cultural communication. 

Kids Korner

Holiday Presents

Many people think there is no finer gift than a handmade gift.  With our fast-paced lives, it is often difficult to find the time to create those little presents for family and friends.  But there is still plenty of time to make several simple yet treasured gifts for anyone on your list.

Gather several scraps of gift wrap or leftover decorative scrapbooking sheets and you have the basis for some super quick and neat stocking stuffers.  Attach strips of fancy paper to the barrel of common pencils and you transform them into the realm of decorator items for any desk or counter.  Use permanent glue stick for neat, no-drip attachment by coating the back side of a paper strip cut to the proper length and width.  The same decorative papers can also be used to cover an empty food can which becomes a neat pencil holder, vase or organizer for that same desk or counter.

Use paint sticks or permanent markers to decorate insulated lunch “bags” for friends.  They are practical, reusable and inexpensive and will wow your friends when they see the designs and patterns you paint.  Dramatic geometric patterns look really neat and are easy to do.  Outlining the shapes can help you contain the paint within a specific shape.

Create cool belt loop, cell phone or backpack “charms” by threading faceted beads of different colors and shapes.  If you use carpet thread or other strong twine, the charm dangles will last very well.  Use a heavy paper clip as an attachment mechanism.  To thread the charm into place, gently open one end of the paper clip so that it will slip over any loop (jeans belt loop, backpack zipper pull, cell phone strap, etc.) and wind the fabric through the bends until it is captured inside the clip and the charm dangles from it.

Teen girlfriends love jewelry and it is a snap to create when you use lightweight plastic beads from the craft store.  Use head pins to thread the beads onto and create a loop at the end with a pair of needle-nosed pliers.  Attach an ear hook to two and you have a pair of original earrings.  Mix colors that are similar or contrasting or use metallic accents or small, clear glass beads for textural changes.  Look for packages of different sizes of beads so that you can create several pairs from one package.  You can also create wrist or ankle bracelets by using elastic thread that stretches. 

Everyone is creating his own pictures with computers these days, so picture frames are a wonderful gift.  Seek out plain frames that you can decorate uniquely.  Some ideas include:  sea shells glued over a sand-colored frame, twigs glued over a frame, a frame painted with a bright color and then antiqued with a darker tone, or silk flowers and leaves or dried flowers glued over the entire surface of a frame.  Glue on paper scraps to cover a simple frame for a patchwork frame.

There is still time to make lots of great gifts.  Get busy, have fun and Happy Holidays!

Breakfast with Dali

The Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, FL, presents “Breakfast with Dali” on designated Saturday mornings from 9-11. Designed for children 5-12 years, an interactive tour is led by a docent who has chosen Dali paintings and other works which especially appeal to children—and is followed by a scrumptious breakfast.  Pre-registration is required and the breakfast is limited to 20 children plus adult companions.  This popular program will be held Dec. 9, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 3 and Apr. 7.  Also, family tours are scheduled every Saturday at 9:45, with hands-on activities from 11-4:30.  Call 727.823.3767, Ext. 3024 or email:  mguerrero@salvadordalimuserum.org.

Virtual Art Games

Kids can play free online games with Getty art at http://www.getty.edu/gettygames/.  Test your memory, play detective or solve a puzzle with Detail Detective, Match Madness, Switch, and Jigsaw Puzzles; or download pdf’s and print them out to make a bookmark, a mask, or wheat stacks or cupcakes (think Monet!).

Youth Exhibition

The “Annual Young People’s Exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art features works from more than 400 students enrolled in the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial’s Saturday Young People’s Program.  This exhibition includes drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture by young artists (ages 5-18) and paintings and drawings by parents enrolled in the Saturday Parent’s painting classes.  View Dec. 2 – 16 at the Dene M. Louchheim Galleries.  Call 215.684.7860.

Best Illustrated Books

The New York Times Book Review has announced its choice of the 10 best illustrated children’s books of 2006—something to consider when selecting holiday gifts.  The honors go to:  The Little Red Hen, Jerry Pinkney, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin (ages 4 and up); John, Paul, George & Ben, Lane Smith, Hyperion Books for Children (ages 5 and up); Hello Twins, Charlotte Voake, Candlewick (ages 2–5); The Red Lemon, Bob Staake, Golden Books/Random House (ages 4–8); So Sleepy Story, Uri Shulevitz, Farrar, Straus & Giroux (ages 3-6); Adele & Simon, Barbara McClintock, Frances Foster/Farrar, Straus & Giroux (ages 4-8); Mommy?, art by Maurice Sendak (22^nd award), scenario by Arthur Yorinks, paper engineering by Matthew Reinhart, Michael di Capua/Scholastic (all ages); Move!, Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, illustrated by Steve Jenkins, Houghton Mifflin (ages 3-4); Flotsam, David Wiesner, Clarion/Houghton Mifflin (ages 5-8); and Gone Wild:  An Endangered Animal Alphabet, David McLimans, Walker (all ages).

Art Events

Corning, NY – A Holiday Open House and Annual Holiday Studio Sale will take place Dec. 2-3 at the Corning Museum of Glass.  The museum offers free admission, live holiday music, festive holiday displays and the chance to make or buy special gifts at great prices.  The Walk-in Workshop invites guests to make some special holiday ornaments at a reduced fee.  Also, find unique gifts at the annual sale, featuring glass art created by world-renowned artists and students from The Studio.  Celebrate the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21 with music, live glassmaking demos and general holiday cheer and goodwill!  Call 607.974.4084.

Portland, OR – The Fête des Marchands au Musée will be held at the Portland Art Museum on Dec. 4 from 10a.m. to 3p.m.  Sip champagne, enjoy a lovely lunch and browse offerings from over 40 merchants and artisans gathered under one roof at the Museum.  Fee includes champagne, lunch, free raffle and complimentary gift wrap.  Reservations:  503.276.4283.

Miami Beach, FL – Art Basel Miami Beach takes place from Dec. 7-10.  This cultural event combines an international art show with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events including music, film, architecture and design.  Exhibition sites are located in the Art Deco District.  An exclusive selection of 200 leading art galleries from around the world will exhibit 20^th and 21^st century artworks by over 1500 artists at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  Visit www.artbaselmiamibeach.com.  To be held simultaneously is INK Miami 2006 at Suites of Dorchester, a venue to showcase contemporary works on paper featuring 15 notable publishers and dealers.

Washington, D.C. – The National Gallery of Art is celebrating the holiday season with free programs that include caroling, concerts, gallery talks and a special lecture.  Gallery Shops will offer seasonal items and art-related gifts, and the restaurants will serve a selection of holiday favorites from around the world.  Decking the West Building’s grand Rotunda and Garden Courts will be an array of traditional holiday plants and greenery, including fir trees decorated with sparkling white lights.  The gallery is closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.  Visit www.nga.gov/programs.

New York, NY – The Metropolitan Museum of Art is offering an unprecedented roster of “Holidays at the Met” programs and activities this season.  Included are extended evening hours during the final weekend of 2006, family programs and additional holiday offerings in the galleries, restaurants and shops, through New Year’s Day.  At the centerpiece of this holiday celebration, the Met will continue its traditional Christmas tree and Neapolitan Baroque crèche display, this year adding to its schedule of spectacular tree lightings, with additional lightings daily and during the museum’s popular Friday and Saturday evening hours.  Special holiday decorations and programming will also be offered at The Cloisters, the Met’s branch for medieval art in upper Manhattan.  See continual updates at www.metmuseum.org.  Also featured is an online tour of “The Christmas Story” as illustrated by paintings in the Museum’s collection, with narration.

Art Equipment

Light Boxes—Great Tools for Artists

Artists and quality crafters frequently need to duplicate designs and shapes for their work.  Light boxes make the job easy and accurate and offer a wide range of options for the dedicated artist or serious crafter.  Available in a wide range of sizes and with various lighting options, light boxes make tracing and duplicating designs easy.  The soft glow lighting used is easy on the eyes and allows for long work sessions without fatigue.

Most light boxes are made with a slanted work surface which makes them comfortable to use.  The back-lighted surface usually has a tray ledge to hold pencils, pens, chalk, pastels and the like so you can work rapidly with materials at your fingertips.  Whether you are designing stencils, patterns, lettering or incising shapes for ad art and camera-ready duplication, a light box is an indispensable tool.

Available in a good range of prices, each style and model offers different options for light output and work surface size.  There is a light box just right for every artist, whether hobbyist or professional.  It seems that each type of artist needs to enlarge, copy, duplicate or embellish his previous shapes and designs at one time or another.

Slide preparation for competition can be simplified by using a light box to sort, categorize and label slides.  Simply lay out slides, organize and packet them for sending.  You can also use a light box to assist in masking any areas of the slides that distract from the art itself.  Use special metallic tape to mask off areas and its density will block those areas when the slide is projected. 

Graphic designers use light boxes to design concept drawings and acetate overlays.  The light box offers them the work space and layout capabilities for all design work.  Artists use the light box in much the same way when they are doing stencil design work for silkscreen masters.  Stencils cut with the use of a light box are more accurate than those cut with regular room light since the backlighting is more intense.  Detailed designing is much easier, whether for stencil cutting or other fine detail work. 

Crafters can use a light box for a myriad of techniques.  Accurate duplication of paper designs for greeting cards, for instance, is much simpler than trying to cut without backlighting.  Quilters can design and test shape relationships on a light box rather than investing the extra time in actual piecing.  Hobbyists can use a light box to trace shapes and duplicate drawings.  The box helps the artist learn perspective and is a great way to learn the basics of drawing.

The Artist’s Marketplace

When purchasing gifts for artists, crafters, hobbyists or photographers this Christmas season, please remember the advertisers that bring you ARTtalk each and every month.  Ask for their fine products when you visit your art/craft materials retailer—and also see what products they have to offer on their Web sites.  Thank you and Happy Holidays from ARTtalk!

New Publication

North Light Books has announced the recent publication of The New Creative Artist by Nita Leland.  This revised and expanded edition offers a fresh, eye-catching design that showcases more than half new material and new instruction to address the creative challenges of today’s artist.  More than 60 activities are included for achieving greater creativity.  Leland provides a wide variety of artwork styles and mediums as well as practical advice combined with inspiring exercises and insights from other artists.  175 pages, 300 color photos.

In the Spotlight: Gagne, Inc., Johnson City, NY

Gagne is the manufacturer of high quality lightboxes and light tables in many sizes as well as an outstanding line of opaque projectors in several models for the beginner to the design professional. 

The newly redesigned line of Porta-Trace Light Boxes virtually eliminates “hot spots” found in competitive units.  The new frames and reflectors combined with the thick Plexiglas top provide uniform and even lighting over the entire durable, stable viewing surface.  Over 42 years of experience and quality go into each Porta-Trace unit, available in both stainless steel and oak.  The Gagne product line also includes Slide/Negative Sorting Trays and Table Models in two sizes.

Two new sizes of thin panel Porta-Trace light boxes are now available, and their lightweight and thin profile allows them to fit easily into a briefcase or portfolio.  The Plexiglas top can be removed for insertion of media for presentation or as a full-time back-lit frame; or it can be wall mounted or stood up on a table or a counter in either a portrait or landscape orientation.  Ideal for artists, crafters, photographers, calligraphers or quilters, its economical price and bright, even color-correct light make it a must!

The Porta-Studio--an all new portable photography lighting studio--is lightweight and economical, provides bright, even color-corrected light and is great for photographing small items.

Porta-Trace Opaque Projectors include the Mini-Sketch, ideal as a basic tool for the beginning artist/crafter; The Projector, a great all purpose model that is easily transported and stored; The Trace-Master, a rugged unit with a convenient handle and bottom loading design that can project the original image up to 20x; and the Trace-Master Deluxe that additionally comes with a very high quality 5-element lens and is recommended for professionals and those having more exacting requirements.

Quality, diversity and value—from Gagne.  Ask for the above products when visiting your retailer and go to www.gagneinc.com.

Art Movements

The Bauhaus School

A school of design, the Bauhaus School (more formally called Staatliches Bauhaus) was founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany, in 1919. The closest translation of the meaning of the name is Architecture House (and is the German verb for “build”).  The school had a signature modernist style that integrated Expressionist art with the fields of architecture and design and was enormously influential throughout the world. 

Led by Walter Gropius, school faculty included the artists Lyonel Feininger, Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, Oskar Schlemmer, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Johannes Itten, Josef Albers and Anni Albers.  The art style these artists promoted was radically different from the art that had come before.  The school was Germany’s most important and most avant-garde art and design school.  It existed from 1919 through 1933, when it was forced to disband because Hitler condemned it as Socialist.  Many of the artists of the original group came to America by way of England. 

The Bauhaus School was located in three cities during its existence: Weimar from 1919 to 1925, Dessau from 1925 to 1932 and Berlin from 1932 to 1933.  Each location had its own director, but Walter Gropius is credited with the leadership and the realization of the formation of the school--originally created as a blend of the Weimar School of Arts and Crafts and the Weimar Academy of Fine Arts.  With three different leaders, there was a constant shift in focus, technique, instructors and politics.  It was a private school toward the end of its existence that would not allow supporters of the second director, Hannes Meyer, to attend.  Politics were eventually responsible for the change of location to Berlin, but the war and persecution were the cause of dissolution of the school.

Ironically, the Bauhaus School was proclaimed to be an institution for learning to build, yet it didn’t offer architecture classes until 1927.  Its main purpose prior to that was the design and creation of wallpaper, and crafts like cabinets, chairs and pottery were the main projects.

Along with the arrival in America of many principals of the Bauhaus School came major impact on art and architecture.  Gropius eventually taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, which was extremely influential in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.  Some of the most famous students were Philip Johnson, I.M. Pei, Lawrence Halpin and Paul Rudolph.  One of the main objectives at the Harvard School was to unify art, craft and technology.  An intangible component in this philosophy was the fact that the machine was a positive element and industrial and product design were enormously important.

See fascinating examples of the design work done by the Bauhaus School at www.artmuseums.harvard.edu.

Airbrush

Air Quick Tips/Notes

Kustom Automotive Artists Convene – SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Assn.) held its annual convention/trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Oct. 31 – Nov. 3.  This is the worldwide premier automotive specialty products show that is attended by over 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries who are affiliated with the automotive, truck, marine and RV markets.  Outstanding among attendees are the “cream of the crop” of kustom airbrush artists—pin stripers and spray painters.  This is an exciting, humongous show that provides educational seminars, product demos, special events and networking opportunities. 

A major event was the 2^nd Annual Airbrush Confidential Bash held at the Hard Rock Hotel and sponsored this year by Iwata-Medea, Artool, 3M, Airbrush Action magazine, ASET, Coast Airbrush and the House of Kolor.  These were some of the hottest tickets in town, both limited and issued by invitation only.  The event was attended by over 100 airbrush artists who appeared with their works and/or provided demos on the trade show floor, e.g. Craig Fraser, Deborah Mahan, Mike Lavallee, Dennis Mathewson, Steve Vandemon, Pamela Shanteau, and Mickey Harris. This was virtually a who’s who of kustom automotive airbrushing.  The 2007 SEMA show dates are Oct. 30 – Nov. 3 and the Airbrush Confidential Bash will be even bigger and better!

Spray Straight – When spraying with the airbrush, point it directly at the work surface; and move your entire arm when making a spray pass.  Beginning artists are sometimes inclined to move only the wrist when directing spray, and this prevents them from getting even coverage with the paint.  Another problem can arise when spraying at an angle if the spray lifts the edge of the stencil/frisket material.  Paint will drift underneath the stencil and a hard edge will not be achieved.

Airbrush Holders – It’s quite obvious that you can’t just set the airbrush down on the work table when it contains paint or the fluid will flow onto the work surface.  It’s necessary to have an airbrush holder in which to support the airbrush upright.  Different types of holders are available ranging from the simple, flat metal holders that come with some airbrushes to the more elaborate double-holders that have regulators and moisture traps attached.  Most types consist of two hooks between which the airbrush rests.

Myriad Airbrush Applications – At a recent basic airbrush workshop program held in Milwaukee (see www.arttalk.com/workshop/workshop.htm for the next dates), a survey was taken to see in what applications the students intended to apply their new airbrush skills.  The diversity of the students was amazing, and following are some of the many responses:  illustration, fine art acrylic on canvas, fabric/T-shirt painting, wall murals, sign painting, working on vinyl, makeup for hi-definition TV, kustom auto/motorcycle painting, wood carvings, furniture decoration, plastic models, miniature figures, model railroads/dioramas, doll restoration, glazing ceramics, china restoration, wall stenciling, photographic retouching, painting on fur/feathers, face masks, fingernails and preliminary renderings of designs for tattoo clients. 

The airbrush is constantly being adapted to new and unique applications.  Key to many of these is the ability to apply paint without touching the surface with a brush.

New FREE Newsletter – Visit www.airbrushtalk.com to see the new issue of AirbrushTalk and sign up for your FREE subscription.  Included are “Perfect Holiday Packaging” by Janean S. Thompson; On the Bench and Beyond with Tom Grossman--“Airbrush and Modeling Events at Starfest 06”; “Making Flawless Frisket Cuts” by Kent Steine; and more.

ArtPourri

Sculpture Unveiled—The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute has unveiled a new work of art based on the Four Freedoms by the noted kinetic sculptor Henry Loustau.  The work captures the essence of the Four Freedoms and the meaning of American patriotism through the sculptor’s use of such familiar symbols as gold stars, bold stripes and the incorporation of the colors red, white and blue.  Currently on the grounds of the F. D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY, it will travel to other locations.

Senior Winners Announced—Fourteen talented AARP members, selected from hundreds of entries, interpreted thoughts of home to create winning artworks for the 2007 AARP Foundation Calendar.  JoAnn Koch’s artwork (Sherman, CA) appears on the calendar cover.  See the winning works at www.aarp.org.

Reward Offered—The City of Monterey, CA, has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people who stole a bronze statue of Dennis the Menace from the Dennis the Menace Playground.  Cartoonist Hank Ketcham commissioned the life-size statue in 1987 from animator Wah Ming Chang for placement in the playground created in 1956.  Dennis stands 3.5 ft. tall and weighs 125 pounds.  Call 831.646.3840.

NEA News--Ten medals have been presented by President and Mrs. Bush to recipients of the 2006 National Medal of Arts.  Included were Wilhelmina Holladay, arts patron, of Washington, DC; Interlochen Center for the Arts, School of Fine Arts, Interlochen, MI; and Viktor Schreckengost, industrial designer/sculptor, of Cleveland, OH. This is the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence.

—The President has announced his intent to nominate six new members to serve on the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA.  Included among them are Joan Israelite, local arts agency executive, Lee’s Summit, MO; and Charlotte Kessler, arts patron, New Albany, OH.  The Senate must now confirm nominations.

Auction News—Christie’s recent sale of “Impressionist and Modern Art” realized over $491.4 million, setting a new record for any auction.  The prospect of acquiring masterpieces, the likes of which had not been seen on the market, generated boundless enthusiasm and bidding throughout the sale.  Nine new world auction records were set including for Klimt, Schiele, Kirchner, Gauguin, and Balthus.

—At Sotheby’s a sale of “Impressionist and Modern Art” totaled more than $238.6 million, their highest total for a sale in this category since May 1990.  Top price achieved was for a still-life by Cezanne which sold for over $36.9 million; and a portrait by Modigliani followed closely at more than $31 million.  In sculpture, a rare example of Matisse’s Figure decorative, a work recognized as one of the greatest achievements in modern art, sold for more than $12.8 million.

Milestones—Celebrated folk artist Mose Tolliver (b. 1920) died recently in Alabama.  One of the most influential painters in the field of Southern outsider art, Tolliver painted until last year.

—Artist Benny Andrews died recently in New York at the age of 75.  Known for his collage, sculpture, illustrations, drawings, paintings and prints, he was also a writer, critic and professor.  Andrews’ work is included in many major museums.

Traditional Christmas Stamp Available—The U.S. Postal Service has selected “Christmas:  Chacon Madonna and Child with Bird” for the traditional holiday stamp.  It features an oil-on-canvas with gold details, dates circa 1765, and is attributed to Ignacio Chacon, an artist active from 1745 to 1775 in Cuzco, Peru. The painting is in a collection of Peruvian colonial art at the Denver Art Museum.  Stamps that celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Eid are also available.

Exhibitions:

Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Museum – Annie Liebovitz:  A Photographer’s Life, 1990-2005 features more than 200 photographs made on assignment as a professional, as well as personal photos of her family and close friends.  An international tour will then take the exhibition by this celebrated photographer to the San Diego Museum of Art, High Museum of Art, Corcoran Gallery, de Young Museum, and Europe.  Through Jan. 21.

New York, NY – Metropolitan Museum of Art – Americans in Paris, 1860-1900 features some 100 oil paintings by 37 Americans.  It demonstrates the importance of Paris as a center for late 19^th century American art as the key venue for study, a magnet for expatriates and a stimulus for the creation of newly sophisticated American art schools, exhibitions and criticism.  Through Jan. 28.

Santa Fe, NM – Institute of American Indian Arts Museum – Our Land—Contemporary Art from the Arctic surveys the breathtaking beauty of art created in the studios of contemporary artists from Nunavut, the northernmost Canadian Province.  Comprised of nearly 75 works of painting, sculpture, video, textiles and digital art created since 1950, the exhibition presents viewers with a rare look at the creative expressions of a thriving indigenous culture unfamiliar to most outsiders.  Through Feb. 4.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

from the Staff at ARTtalk
 

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Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 17 No. 2 -- December 2006