ArtPourri

Paint Collection for the Home Introduced—For more than 50 years the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NY has selected the perfect wall colors to complement the celebrated collection of modern art showcased in its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home on Fifth Avenue.  Now through an exclusive licensing arrangement, Fine Paints of Europe, Inc., of Woodstock, VT, has introduced two paint collections suitable for residential and commercial use.  Classical Colors is a set of 150 wall colors drawn from much-loved paintings in the Museum’s permanent collection; and the Gallery Colors are comprised of 50 hues favored by generations of Museum curators, artists and designers, including Wright himself.

Funds Raised—The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, recently celebrated its 32-year history as one of the world’s leading contemporary art institutions.  An Artist’s Life Manifesto, a special gala envisioned by renowned performance artist Marina Abramovic, raised $2.5 million for the museum.

New Stamps Celebrate Holidays—The U. S. Postal Service has issued new stamps in a series to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwaanza.  The fourth issuance in commemoration of Hanukkah features bright colors to express the joyful spirit of the holiday, and the eight shapes behind the letters spelling out “Hanukkah” symbolize the eight days and nights of the Jewish Festival of Lights, which begins on Dec. 20.  Art director Ethel Kessler worked with graphic designer Suzanne Kleinwaks of Falls Church, VA, to create the stamp art.  Kwaanza, a non-religious holiday that draws on African traditions, takes place seven days beginning each year on Dec. 26.  Art director Derry Noyes worked with artist Daniel Minter to create a festive and highly symbolic design using bold colors of the Kwaanza flag.

Medal Awarded/Admission Increased—The Institute of Museum and Library Services has selected the Brooklyn Museum as one of only ten libraries and museums to receive the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.  This is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries for extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental and social contributions.  Additional museums to receive the IMLS medal this year are EdVenture Children’s Museum (SC), Erie Art Museum (PA) and Madison Children’s Museum (WI).—The Brooklyn Museum has also increased its suggested admission fee to $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and students with valid I.D.’s.  Admission to Target First Saturdays will continue to be free from 5-11 p.m., as will general admission for members and children under 12 accompanied by an adult.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 22, No. 2 — December 2011