African American History Month 2021 III
For my ongoing celebration of African American History month, let’s honor the life and work of Hughie Lee-Smith. He was one of many artists who matured during the Harlem Renaissance (1918– ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
African American History Month 2021 II
February 4th was artist Nick Cave’s birthday, so let’s celebrate his art for African American History Month. ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
African American History Month 2021 I
Let’s begin honoring African American History Month this year with the work of vernacular artist David Butler. His art reflects the long tradition of African-Caribbean influence in the art of ma ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
Gem of the Month: Guanyin
Seated in the “position of royal ease” (rajalilasana in Hindu), this portrayal of the bodhisattva Guanyin mirrors hundreds of other versions of the subject in Chinese art. The pose was inf ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
Art for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
In commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am recognizing an African American artist who was as committed to equality—especially for African American women—as MLK and expressed it ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
A Pioneer Abstract Sculptor
January 10th was the birthday of one of the great pioneer abstract sculptors of the late 1900s, Barbara Hepworth. Her sculpture has always been a tribute to the materials in which she worked. She ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
Auspicious Friend for the New Year
Pine trees are one of the three “auspicious friends”—plants (along with bamboo and plum blossom) that help welcome the New Year in Japan. Pines are auspicious because they survive an ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
National Pear Month
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared December as “National Pear Month.” I did not realize that pears have as much potassium as bananas. And they are certainly interesting a ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
Winter's Almost Here
Winter is near. Although I’m often drawn to brilliant color palettes in landscapes, I find this winter example just as enticing to walk into. Remember the common wisdom established by Song ...
Read More
Curator’s Corner
National Illinois Day
Being an art historian originally from Illinois, you just know that I have to celebrate National Illinois Day with some art. I chose two fascinating artists from Chicago. ...
Read More