Mandatory Reading List

**Community Spotlight: A Global Mosaic of Activism and Change** In a rapidly evolving world, communities worldwide are showcasing their resilience and creativity in addressing socio-political issues and celebrating cultural heritage. As we journey through these narratives, we encounter a tapestry of activism, art, and communal spirit. **Roxane Gay and the Guerrilla Girls: Amplifying Feminist Voices** Roxane Gay, renowned author and […]

Exploring Art Movements: The Impact of Knights, Presidents, and Crooks

**Community and Art: Presidential Paintings and Notable Movements** In the ever-evolving world of art, community plays a pivotal role in shaping and sharing culture. Notably, the former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, has made significant contributions to the art community, not just through politics but through his paintings. Christie’s, a renowned auction house, is featuring Carter’s painting, “The […]

The NYC Transit Museum Celebrates the Legacy of the MetroCard

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) recently phased out MetroCards, marking the end of an era for New York City’s subway and bus systems. This change makes way for the OMNY tap-and-go payment system, but the transition doesn’t erase the MetroCard from memory. The New York Transit Museum honors the impactful legacy of this iconic yellow card through a special exhibition […]

Notre Dame University Announces Fully-Funded MFA Program with Substantial Stipend

The University of Notre Dame is now accepting applications for its esteemed MFA program for the fall of 2026, focusing on Studio Art disciplines such as Painting/Drawing, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, alongside Design specializations in Industrial Design and Visual Communication Design. This program is an invitation to deepen your artistic practice in an enriched environment of diversity and academic excellence. The […]

Exploring Joiri Minaya’s “Venus Flytrap”: An Artistic Examination

Artist Film: An Exploration of “Venus Flytrap” by Joiri Minaya New York-based artist Joiri Minaya’s “Venus Flytrap” was a site-specific performance series and installation at Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden, North America’s oldest surviving botanical garden, curated by Dessane Lopez Cassell. This project explored themes of freedom, extraction, and ecology. The performance evolved from elegant poses to a vibrant, carnival-like expression, concluding […]

An Artist’s Perspective from the Easel

Welcome to the 319th installment of A View From the Easel, a series in which artists reflect on their workspace. This week, artists yearn for higher ceilings and find inspiration in the solitude of their studio. — ### XiaoXiao Wu, San Gabriel, California **How long have you been working in this space?** Five years. **Describe an average day in your […]

A Request for Museum Leaders’ Attention

## Why Museums Should Recognize Unions ### Amanda Tobin Ripley’s Call to Museums Museums are being urged to change their approach towards unionization. Amanda Tobin Ripley, both a researcher and an active participant in museum union activities, has highlighted the challenges workers face when museums resist union efforts. **Key Points:** – **Union Recognition:** Ripley emphasizes the importance of voluntary recognition […]

Museum Leaders Should Recognize Their Employee Unions Immediately

**The Transformational Unionization Wave in U.S. Museums: Major Victories and Challenges Ahead** In recent years, museums across the United States have witnessed a significant shift in labor dynamics as employees rally for unionization, marking a transformative era for the industry. Major victories, such as the successful efforts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where workers overwhelmingly voted […]

Honoring the Legacy of Lucia Di Luciano, Rosa von Praunheim, and Kathleen Goncharov

**In Memoriam: Celebrating Influential Lives in the Art World** This week, the art community bids farewell to several iconic figures whose contributions have left a lasting impact. From the precise strokes of Italian painting to groundbreaking film, and visionary curation, these individuals reshaped their fields with passion and innovation. **Lucia Di Luciano (1933–2026) – Pioneering Italian Painter** Lucia Di Luciano […]