ArtPourri

Venice Biennale News – Bruce Nauman:  Topological Gardens, the official U.S. representation at the 53^rd International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia – will explore thematically the work of one of the most influential living American artists.  Organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the exhibition will underscore recurrent themes in the artist’s extraordinary 40-year career with works shown across three prominent locations in Venice.

Gift for the Met – The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC) has accepted the promised gift of 250 exceptional examples of American art pottery from the collector Robert A. Ellison Jr.  The collection, which spans the years 1876 through 1956 and represents all regions of the nation, ranks among the foremost of its kind. It will be unveiled on the mezzanine level of the Museum’s Charles Engelhard Court when the second phase of the newly renovated American Wing opens on May 19.

NEA News – The Arts Endowment has announced the appointment of Patrice Walker Powell as the agency’s acting chairman. — On its 10^th anniversary this year, Save America’s Treasures grants totaling $10.52 million have been awarded to 40 organizations and agencies to conserve significant U.S. cultural and historic treasures. — Barbara Ernst Prey, a visual artist who specializes in watercolor, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the National Council on the Arts. — A new NEA research note shows that women are making gains in traditionally male artist occupations, but still earn less than male artists; they make up just under half of all artists nationwide; are under-represented in many artist professions; have achieved a greater presence in some artist occupations; are as likely to be married as female workers in general, but are less likely to have children; and cluster in low-population states.  Women Artists:  1990-2005 is available at www.arts.gov/research/ResearchNotes_chrono.html.

USPS News – The sacrifices of 12 civil rights pioneers have been immortalized on postage with the “Civil Rights Pioneers” stamp sheet, bearing six 42-cent first class commemorative stamps.  Art Director Ethel Kessler and stamp designer Greg Berger chose to approach this project through photographic montage, and pairing two pioneers in each stamp was a way of intensifying the montage effect. The selvage image is an illustration by Greg Berger showing participants in a march.

Support the Whitney – The Whitney Museum of American Art has partnered with internationally celebrated artist Jenny Holzer to commission a limited-edition “members only” T-shirt featuring one of her signature Truisms:  “Good Deeds Eventually are Rewarded.”  This is your gift when you sign up to become a Whitney member at the $75 level or higher during the run of Jenny Holzer:  PROTECT PROTECT, on view through May 31.  Current members may extend or upgrade their memberships to qualify for this special opportunity.  The shirts are available only while supplies last.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 19 No. 6 — April 2009