2011 MAY BLOG

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CHARLESTON PALMS, oil on canvas, 30" x 30 "
This painting was produced after traveling with friends two months ago to Charleston, SC. If you like to learn and share ideas with interesting poeople while on vacation, I recommend the trips and programs of ROAD SCHOLAR. We experienced Charleston's gardens and homes with lectures about the city's history from before the American Revolution until after the Civil War, including commerce, black history and plantation life, southern cooking, and much more. We stayed in a beautifully restored hotel in the historical district, toured the city, the Battery, Fort Sumter and the Citidel. All the while looking and learning.

BOOKS AND EVENTS
At the University of Texas' VISUAL ARTS CENTER (VAC) until May 14th there are art and design works by students pursuing bachelors' degrees and the master's degree. The opening was a big draw. Several days later the alumni of the fine arts department were privileged to gather in the art building to enjoy the show. I was among the lucky four to have my name drawn and to be presented with two beautiful books.
ROMAN LIFE by the celebrated professor of Art History JOHN R. CLARK gives the reader insight to what life was like in the Roman Empire from the perspectives of various citizens, including their slaves. Years 100 B.C. through 200 A.D. are the focus.
The second book, entitled simply MELISSA MILLER, is a retrospective of her vibrant and imaginative printings of animals. Melissa, an associate professor of painting and drawing at U.T. and a friend, paints animals in a strong and uniquely independent way. For her allegorical depictions, she has gained national and international acclaim.

The AUSTIN MUSEUM OF ART-LAGUNA GLORIA is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary.Watch for announcements of events and activities.
The BLANTON MUSEUM and ARTHOUSE join AMOA with internal changes. Ned Rifkin, director of the BLANTON at the University of Texas for the past two years is leaving that post. The new director is Siomone Wicha. As reported in my March blog Jonathan Bobar, the Blanton's premier scholar (my opinion as well as that of many others), has taken a position at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. He will be sorely missed. Results of this shake-up seem to be continuing.
At ARTHOUSE a prominent artist quit the board of directors. The contemporary art center eliminated its only curatorial position and faces accusations of mishandling an artist's work. A Facebook protest asked artists who were invited to participate in the annual "5 x 7" fundraising show to pull their work out of the event. However the popular event is on for Friday May 13, 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information go to their website.

THEATER in Austin is alive and well. As a new member of the AUSTIN CREATIVE ALLIANCE, I receive weekly emails about the many productions and an opportunity to purchase discounted tickets. I can guarantee many chuckles at the ZACK SCOTT THEATER's production of OSAGE COUNTRY. However it may deter you from ever planning another family gathering.
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