Arts Post - Cultural news as seen by the Washington Post's arts writers and critics.

Posted at 05:18 PM ET, 06/29/2011

Artist Explained: Tom Story

By Stephanie Green

Tortured artist. Playful eccentric. Cultural icon. Capturing Andy Warhol’s enigma is like getting lightening in a jar. Actor Tom Story plays the celebrity-obsessed artist in the musical whodunit Pop! at the Studio Theatre

By Stephanie Green | 05:18 PM ET, 06/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:21 AM ET, 06/29/2011

China Orders Artist Ai Weiwei to pay $1.85 million in back taxes; Tom Petty Gets Political over ‘American Girl’

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 10:21 AM ET, 06/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
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Posted at 05:39 PM ET, 06/28/2011

Sackler Gallery postpones controversial Shipwrecked exhibition

By Jacqueline Trescott

An exhibition of artifacts from a shipwreck during the Tang Dynasty has drawn strong criticism since the Sackler Gallery announced it would be shown in 2012. A series of consultations between the museum and the underwater archaeologists and other experts have been held. Julian Raby, the director of the Sackler and Freer Galleries at the Smithsonian, decided Tuesday to postpone the show and continue talking.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 05:39 PM ET, 06/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 06/28/2011

Belgium’s Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde Bring Royal Pomp to Washington

By Katherine Boyle

Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium attended a formal reception at the Belgian Ambassador’s residence to celebrate American and Belgian business partnerships. Washington enjoyed the pageantry.

By Katherine Boyle | 02:15 PM ET, 06/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 06/27/2011

Director of the National Museum of American History announces retirement

By Jacqueline Trescott

Brent Glass, the director of the National Museum of American History for the last nine years, announced Monday he is retiring from the post on July 10. Glass previously was executive director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission before he joined the Smithsonian in 2002. During his tenure the core of the original building was renovated and the Star-Spangled Banner conserved and given a new display.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 02:33 PM ET, 06/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:39 PM ET, 06/27/2011

Artist Explained: Ella Joyce talks being “A Rose Among Thorns”

By Erin Williams

By Erin Williams | 12:39 PM ET, 06/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:15 AM ET, 06/27/2011

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Jacket Sold for $1.8 Million at Auction; Bruce Lee Museum in Hong Kong on Hold

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 08:15 AM ET, 06/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
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Posted at 10:19 AM ET, 06/24/2011

In its 2011-2012 season, Strathmore Music Center will explore the work of American composers Duke Ellington and Charles Ives

By Jacqueline Trescott

For its 2011-2012 season Strathmore announced Friday it will look at the work of Charles Ives and Duke Ellington and also present several premieres in its expanded season.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 10:19 AM ET, 06/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:05 AM ET, 06/24/2011

Michelle Obama’s Diplomatic Style

By Katherine Boyle

Michelle Obama’s sartorial choices are a carefully crafted mix of her favorite designers and those that represent the heritage of the country that she’s visiting. Her discreet nods to up-and-coming international unknowns have become more apparent with each tour she takes.

By Katherine Boyle | 10:05 AM ET, 06/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Fashion

Posted at 01:17 AM ET, 06/24/2011

NEAannounces lifetimes honors for 18 artists

By Jacqueline Trescott

The National Endowment for the Arts announced Friday the 18 artists who are the receipients of its honorific awards. The awards go to Jazz Masters, Heritage Fellows and Opera pioneers.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 01:17 AM ET, 06/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:46 PM ET, 06/23/2011

Gaia at the Corcoran: Midsummer Night seeks to enhance your gallery experience

By Erin Williams

Gaia uses elements of dance, music, and art for a pleasing sensory experience, and will include the works within the Corcoran to complement the evening, most notably the Chris Martin: Painting Big exhibit.

By Erin Williams | 02:46 PM ET, 06/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:43 PM ET, 06/23/2011

J.K. Rowling Announces Harry Potter E-Books; Florence Wants ‘Mona Lisa’ to Visit Italy

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 12:43 PM ET, 06/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:38 PM ET, 06/22/2011

Late heiress Huguette M. Clark leaves Monet painting to the Corcoran

By

The Monet was the only work separated from the collection. The small 1907 canvas was purchased in 1930 by Clark from Monet’s gallery in Paris. It was last publicly displayed in 1925.

By | 05:38 PM ET, 06/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:05 PM ET, 06/22/2011

Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei Released

By Katherine Boyle

Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that detained Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei has been freed on bail.

By Katherine Boyle | 01:05 PM ET, 06/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:34 AM ET, 06/22/2011

John Galliano’s Trial Begins; George Clooney’s ‘The Ides of March’ to Open Venice Film Festival

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 08:34 AM ET, 06/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
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Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 06/21/2011

The annual Capitol Fourth concert attracts Josh Groban, Little Richard and Steve Martin

By Jacqueline Trescott

The annual Capitol Fourth concert typically attracts some great headliners. This year the producers have stacked the deck with Josh Groban, Little Richard, Steve Martin, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, and the National Symphony Orchestra.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 05:07 PM ET, 06/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:28 AM ET, 06/21/2011

A Good Humor salute to summer from the Smithsonian

By Jacqueline Trescott

The Smithsonian has 137 million artifacts, and most of them are not on display. In the warehouse is a 1938 Good Humor truck. And the Smithsonian released a photo of it Tuesday to remind us that it’s summer.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 11:28 AM ET, 06/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:14 AM ET, 06/21/2011

Dwyane Wade Takes in Versace; The Onion Seeks a Pulitzer

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 08:14 AM ET, 06/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
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Posted at 05:36 PM ET, 06/20/2011

Items from the legendary dance and music show, Soul Train, are headed to the Smithsonian

By Jacqueline Trescott

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is receiving a number of items from “Soul Train,” the legendary music and dance show. On June 30 performers from Soul Train will organize a dance party on the National Mall to mark the first night of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 05:36 PM ET, 06/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:32 PM ET, 06/20/2011

Duchess Catherine Is No Clothes Horse; Princess-to-be Charlene Wittstock Is Becoming One

By Katherine Boyle

By Katherine Boyle | 05:32 PM ET, 06/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Fashion

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 06/20/2011

David M. Rubenstein, the Washington philanthropist and co-founder of The Carlyle Group, donates $13.5 million to National Archives

By Jacqueline Trescott

With a $13.5 million gift, the National Archives plans to expand its gallery space and visitor orientation services. The donation came from Washington philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, who also gave the Archives a copy of the 1297 Magna Carta.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 02:29 PM ET, 06/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 06/20/2011

Fans Remember Clarence Clemons; Unknown Caravaggio Painting Discovered in Britain

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 10:49 AM ET, 06/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
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Posted at 03:49 PM ET, 06/17/2011

Embassies celebrate new European Union council in song

By

Hungary’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, its first since joining the EU, ends this month, when Poland will take over. To celebrate the event, the embassies of the two countries co-sponsored a pair of singers for a celebration concert.

By | 03:49 PM ET, 06/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:36 AM ET, 06/17/2011

“RACE: Are We So Different?” opens at the National Museum of Natural History

By Erin Williams

The new exhibit “RACE: Are We So Different?” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History begs a simple question to an extremely complex answer: “Race – what do you see?”

By Erin Williams | 10:36 AM ET, 06/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:27 AM ET, 06/17/2011

Susan Boyle’s Story Set to Become Musical; Hugh Jackman Eyes Film Version of ‘Les Miserables’

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 09:27 AM ET, 06/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:37 AM ET, 06/16/2011

Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress Gets an Audience; ‘Follies’ Heads North to Broadway

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 08:37 AM ET, 06/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
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Posted at 06:03 PM ET, 06/15/2011

“Follies” goes to Broadway

By Erin Williams

The show, about a group of former performance stars waxing nostalgic on their past stage days, will be performed for a limited time at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.

By Erin Williams | 06:03 PM ET, 06/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 06/15/2011

Oscars Revamping Best Picture Category Again

By Katherine Boyle

By Katherine Boyle | 05:07 PM ET, 06/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Film

Posted at 04:15 PM ET, 06/15/2011

Germany Embraces Beauty Sampling Services

By Katherine Boyle

Five beauty-sampling services began in Germany this spring, modeled on the successful U.S. start-up Birchbox, which launched a mailbox beauty venture in September with $1.4 million in venture capital financing.

By Katherine Boyle | 04:15 PM ET, 06/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Fashion

Posted at 03:52 PM ET, 06/15/2011

Maryland Folklife Festival to be held June 18 in Baltimore

By Erin Williams

The Maryland State Arts Council is hosting the Maryland Traditions Folklife Festival on June 18 in Baltimore.

By Erin Williams | 03:52 PM ET, 06/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:41 AM ET, 06/15/2011

Art Basel Opens to High Expectations; Anish Kapoor Cancels an Exhibition in China

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 08:41 AM ET, 06/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:14 PM ET, 06/14/2011

Building Museum announces admission fee

By Jacqueline Trescott

Responding to the tough economic climate for nonprofits, the National Building Museum announced Tuesday it will starting charging June 27 for its exhibitions.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 05:14 PM ET, 06/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 06/14/2011

Artists in their own words: Mark Ramont

By Stephanie Green

By Stephanie Green | 12:02 PM ET, 06/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:36 AM ET, 06/14/2011

Spider-Man Opens Again on Broadway; D.C. Jazz Festival Ends at the Kennedy Center

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 07:36 AM ET, 06/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:20 PM ET, 06/13/2011

“Bootycandy” extended for one more week

By Erin Williams

By Erin Williams | 05:20 PM ET, 06/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 06/13/2011

Ford’s Theatre brings back “One Destiny” to the stage

By Erin Williams

By Erin Williams | 05:13 PM ET, 06/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:08 PM ET, 06/13/2011

Beverly Jones Cox, former Director of Exhibitions and Collections Management for the National Portrait Gallery, reflects on the past 43 years with the museum

By Erin Williams

Beverly Jones Cox has been with the National Portrait Gallery since the beginning- no, really.

By Erin Williams | 01:08 PM ET, 06/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:43 AM ET, 06/13/2011

“The Book of Mormon” Wins Big; Bonnaroo Ends with Positive Reviews

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 09:43 AM ET, 06/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
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Posted at 07:29 PM ET, 06/10/2011

Baltimore festival features immigrant, refugee art

By Winyan Soo Hoo

The Walters Art Museum will hold their fourth annual “International Family Day” on Saturday from 12-3 p.m.

By Winyan Soo Hoo | 07:29 PM ET, 06/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:20 PM ET, 06/10/2011

Festival for immigrant, refugee youth art

By Winyan Soo Hoo

By Winyan Soo Hoo | 07:20 PM ET, 06/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 06/10/2011

Tory Burch Wins $164 Million in Counterfeiting Lawsuit; Art Museum to Open in Rough Section of Detroit

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 01:14 PM ET, 06/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:32 PM ET, 06/09/2011

Arlington County drafts 2030 arts plan

By Jacqueline Trescott

Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive arts strategy, the Arlington Commission for the Arts conducted a study --Arlington Arts 2030--to develop a long-term strategy for funding and housing arts groups.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 05:32 PM ET, 06/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:36 PM ET, 06/09/2011

Diane von Furstenberg to design for Gap Kids

By Katherine Boyle

By Katherine Boyle | 03:36 PM ET, 06/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 06/09/2011

How the visual culture of the Civil Rights Movement influenced the world

By Jacqueline Trescott

The visual culture of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s is pretty well known. Photographs of Rev. Martin L. King preaching. Stills of Sidney Poitier becoming a leading man. Film of black and white Americans marching for justice. Yet how those images changed opinions and attitudes has rarely been the subject of a museum exhibit. “For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights” takes one step to change that.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 12:10 PM ET, 06/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:59 AM ET, 06/09/2011

Broadway Stagehands’ Union Threatens to Protest Tony Awards; India’s M.F. Husain Dies at 95

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 11:59 AM ET, 06/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:37 PM ET, 06/08/2011

Sen. Sanders said he’s satisfied with changes at Smithsonian gift shop

By Jacqueline Trescott

A few months ago, Sen. Bernie Sanders was upset that the Smithsonian gift shops at the National Museum of American History were selling products that were not made in America. Talks ensued. The Smithsonian merchandising folks looked for new sources of souvenirs. On Wednesday Sen. Sanders went back to the museum to inspect the new product lines at one of the museum’s stores. He said he’s satisfied.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 04:37 PM ET, 06/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:46 PM ET, 06/07/2011

Uncle Sam has been watching what Americans eat for a long time.

By Jacqueline Trescott

The National Archives has combed its own paper pantry and developed an exhibit on the ways the government has monitored, regulated and encouraged what Americans have eaten since the Revolutionary War. “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” a buffet of information, posters, menus, will be on view until Jan. 3.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 07:46 PM ET, 06/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:49 AM ET, 06/07/2011

Norton plans National Dance Day in July

By Jacqueline Trescott

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) plans a National Dance Day on July 30. Norton, who is a ardent dancer, wants more people activities on the National Mall.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 09:49 AM ET, 06/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:02 PM ET, 06/06/2011

Interview with Pulitzer-prize winning author Oscar Hijuelos on his new memoir, “Thoughts Without Cigarettes”

By Erin Williams

Oscar Hijuelos, the Pulitzer-prize winner of “The Mambo Kings,” has just released his first memoir “Thoughts Without Cigarettes,” which chronicles his life growing up in New York City and identifying with his Cuban heritage.

By Erin Williams | 06:02 PM ET, 06/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:38 PM ET, 06/06/2011

Montgomery County starts a multimedia website to present the stories and arts of the more than 160 traditional communities that live in the county.

By Jacqueline Trescott

Montgomery County, home of about 160 different heritage communities, has introduced a multimedia website to showcase the arts, dances and songs of these different groups.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 03:38 PM ET, 06/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:12 AM ET, 06/06/2011

Smithsonian chronicles early years of AIDS

By Jacqueline Trescott

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is marking the 30th anniversary of the first government report on AIDS with exhibitions of artifacts.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 11:12 AM ET, 06/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:26 AM ET, 06/06/2011

National Gallery of Art to host Rome’s famed Venue

By Jacqueline Trescott

The Capitoline Venus, one of the best preserved artifacts from Roman antiquity, is visiting Washington for the summer.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 10:26 AM ET, 06/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:33 AM ET, 06/02/2011

Life Reissues Rare Marilyn Monroe Photos on 85th Birthday; James Patterson Goes Triple Platinum

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 11:33 AM ET, 06/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:32 AM ET, 06/01/2011

Alexander McQueen “Savage Beauty” exhibition extended to August 7

By Michele Langevine Leiby

“Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty,” which was due to close at the end of July, is tacking on another week and will now close on Aug. 7.

By Michele Langevine Leiby | 10:32 AM ET, 06/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:37 AM ET, 06/01/2011

James Franco’s Art Installation Is Postponed; Steve Martin Was Victim of Art Forgery Ring

By Katherine Boyle

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By Katherine Boyle | 08:37 AM ET, 06/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Art Post It

Posted at 05:24 PM ET, 05/31/2011

James C. Duff, chief administrative officer of the U.S. court system, was selected as the new president of the Newseum.

By Jacqueline Trescott

James C. Duff, chief administrative officer of the U.S. court system, was named the new president of the Newseum Tuesday by the museum’s board. The three-year-old museum on Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. focuses on media issues and the First Amendment. Duff, 57, has taught civil liberties and constitutional law at Georgetown University.

By Jacqueline Trescott | 05:24 PM ET, 05/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Arts Post: June, 2011

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