“Today, First Lady Michelle Obama will help unveil [Artis] Lane’s bronze bust of Sojourner Truth, a former slave and women’s rights activist that will be the first sculpture of a black woman in the U.S. Capitol. The ceremony will take place in Emancipation Hall at the newly opened Capitol Visitor Center.”
Tag: 04.28.09
Krystian Zimerman’s Protest Was Part Of A Long Tradition
“Zimerman’s entrance into the political fray was hardly unique. Consider his countryman, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the pianist and composer who became so involved in Polish politics that he was elected prime minister in 1919. Or composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, who refused to accept an award at the White House from President George H.W. Bush in 1989.”
Frankie Manning, Ebullient Lindy Hopper, Dies At 94
“Frankie Manning, a master of swing-era dance who went from the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem to Broadway and Hollywood, and then after a long break enjoyed a globe-trotting second career as an inspirational teacher and choreographer of the Lindy hop, died on Monday in Manhattan.” (WIth WNET video.)
Will New York Times Sell Its Classical Radio Station?
“Beethoven and Bach could become the latest victims of the New York Times Co.’s financial crisis. Rumors are raging that top suits have discussed putting classical radio station WQXR (96.3 FM) on the block to shore up the company’s dwindling cash stash, which, The Post reported last week, is down to $34 million after debts are weighed in.”
This Year’s List Of U.S. Sites, Structures Most Worth Saving
“[W]hen the National Trust for Historic Preservation assembles its annual roster of America’s most endangered historic places, it looks for more than aesthetic distinction. Each year the trust selects what it considers important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk of being destroyed or irreparably damaged.” The 2009 list is unveiled.
Turner Shortlist Released; Crystal Cave Artist Is On It
“Roger Hiorns, who transformed a condemned south London flat into a cavern filled with eerie blue crystals, is among the four artists nominated for the 2009 Turner prize, it was announced this morning. Also on the list is Enrico David, 43, … who creates collages, drawings and sculpture; Glasgow-based Lucy Skaer, 34, who often bases her drawings on photojournalism; and Richard Wright, 49, a maker of sparse, delicately crafted wall paintings who is also based in Glasgow.”
Sotheby’s Extends Reductions, Cutting Dividend, More Jobs
“Sotheby’s, the world’s largest auctioneer by sales, will slash its dividend to 20 cents a year from 60 cents and plans further job cuts to reduce costs because of a decline in the art market and the wider economy. The company aims for a further 5 percent drop in global headcount following a 15 percent reduction being achieved under cuts announced last year. Executive pay is being squeezed by at least 10 percent….”
$3M From Government Saves Stratford’s Midsummer
“A full slate of performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is back on at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, thanks to a $3-million cash infusion from the federal government’s Marquee Tourism Events Program, announced Monday. … Antoni Cimolino, Stratford’s general director, said the government has ‘listened and acted’ and that he expects the added funds to ‘turn this year around’ for Stratford.”
Bookslut Founder Leaving Chicago For Berlin
“Jessa Crispin, founder of the literary review magazine Bookslut.com, is packing up and heading to Berlin in search of inspiration. … Bookslut.com, known for its biting wit and snarky book reviews, will be celebrating its 7th anniversary this week before Caroline Eick, Crispin’s assistant, will take over as the managing editor.”