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The Artistry of Shells

What is the first known artwork? According to The-Shell-Seeker-by-Juli-Berwald , this goes back half a million years to ''our ancient cousin,'' Homo erectus . The author, who is an ocean scientist, says the creation consists of a few etched lines on a mussel shell.  Also inspired were people in Israel, Algeria, and Morocco, who made shell beads from mud snails as long as 75,000 years ago. Shells later were used by others in jewelry and mosaics. They have even been transformed into instruments. And they became the muse for a variety of artists, Adriaen Coorte, Georgia O'Keeffe , and Salvador Dali among them.  While Berwald's main focus is on the animals inhabiting the shells, the book also offers lots of illustrations which (pun intended) illustrate the artistry of shells. Examples include the Red Abalone, Blue Mussel, Alphabet Cone (with markings that resemble letters), and Queen Conch (which appears to be wearing a cape). 

Wearable Rembrandt

A msterdam's Rembrandt House Museum bills itself as the only place in the world where you can briefly experience what the painter's life was like. It is where he lived and worked for 19 years. What's more, the museum is currently hosting a working tattoo studio through November 7, t he Poor Man's Rembrandt Project . This is a collaboration with tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher and his studio, returning for a second run, following its 2023 debut. So visitors can once again book a tattoo based on Rembrandt van Rijn 's etchings and drawings.  Prices range from $110 to $390, with a deposit ($56) required at booking. Some walk-in slots are reserved each day.  Henk explained the name of his project came from ''an old tattoo artist who once called tattoos the Poor Man's Rembrandt .'' He added that while it is far more affordable, his art is as carefully executed as the original work.  And it's a great honor for him to work in a place where Rembrand...

The King's Trust 50th Anniversary Auction

As reported previously by the Art and Music Guide ('King's Trust Auction,' posted on April 24, 2026), loads of Phil Collins keepsakes will be sold in November. This includes clothes worn by the singer for photo shoots and music videos.  All proceeds will go to the King's Trust , formerly the Prince's Trust .  And according to a new press release, more stars have gotten involved. Highlights include a pair of Elton John 's sunglasses; Ringo Starr 's shirt and drumsticks; a guitar owned (and signed) by Mark Knopfler , and a photograph of the Doors from Henry Diltz .  Online bidding is already open ahead of the November 19 auction at https://www. juliensauctions.com/en/ auctions/the-kings-trust . Selected items will be publicly displayed at the Peninsula Beverly Hills on the 13th of November, from 9 a.m. until noon PT.

Michael Chow And Friends

Few restaurants are more synonymous with the art world than Mr. Chow .  The owner, an artist himself, is Michael Chow . And he's the subject of an exhibition, to be presented by gallerist Larry Gagosian .   Friends & Legends: The Collection of Michael Chow debuts at the Gagosian gallery’s Beverly Hills location from November 4 to November 7. Then the show travels to Larry's new Madison Avenue gallery in New York. It runs from November 14 through December 22, in conjunction with the fall auction season.  The majority of the works are portraits of Chow. They were created by Andy Warhol, Peter Blake, Julian Schnabel, Ed Ruscha (who reproduced the restaurant's name, using kitchen ingredients like beets and coconut milk), David Hockney, Jean-Michel Basquiat , and Keith Haring . An Urs Fischer candle sculpture is part of the collection, too.  Additionally, an Artist Drawing Book , filled with pictures and inscriptions by guests over the years, will be featured....

''Sea Witch'' Festivities

A Delaware festival used to offer just a few events, and ran for one day. Now the Sea-Witch-Festival , set for October 23-25 in Rehoboth Beach, offers much more.  Besides parades for people and canines full of homemade costumes, a variety of musical performers will participate. They include a country band called the Brackish Water Boys and  Paul Zavinsky , an acoustic guitarist and singer, whose repertoire consists of soft rock, blues, country and jazz, sprinkled with some original music. He has previously opened for Tammy Wynette, John Prine , and Pure Prairie League . Also taking the stage will be the Jimmies , an eighties flashback band, with selections ranging from Devo to Bruce Springsteen . They have supported Rick Derringer, Molly Hatchet, Cheap Trick , and Hootie and the Blowfish .  Glass Onion  can be counted on for an eclectic playlist too, as they are known for covering Jerry Lee Lewis , the Temptations, Lynyrd Skynyrd , and Bruno Mars . Among the most...

Highlights From ''Played, Worn & Torn''

  A pair of Rod Stewart 's leopard print pants; three of Ella Fitzgerald 's dresses; Dolly Parton 's cosmetics; a crystal-covered piano made for Liberace . . . . Just a sampling from Julien's Auctions , when Played, Worn & Torn comes to Nashville's Municipal Auditorium on the 22nd of October.  The sale could also be called ''Played. Worn & Drawn,'' as some artwork is featured. Among the options are a female nude oil painting, created by Jerry Garcia ; a doodled postcard from John Lennon ; a couple of Tony Bennett' s pictures; Bob Mackie costume sketches; and a Peter Max print. There are over 450 lots, and dozens are from Bill Wyman 's personal collection. The former member of the Rolling Stones who turns 90 on October 24th, is selling some of his instruments and record awards, along with framed photos and posters. The latter includes Some Girls posters of Bill, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards , and Charlie Watts --along with Wyman...

Surprises For Concertgoers

I n August 2024, Aerosmith announced they were retiring from touring, due to Steven Tyler 's vocal injury. However, the band will return to the stage for a two-night concert celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 29 and November 1. An impressive range of guests will join the musicians. Among them are Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns 'N Roses; Heart; Billy Idol ; drummers Kenny Aronoff and Chad Smith; Run DMC ; the Black Crowes; Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez; Andrew Watt ; and Train 's Pat Monahan .  Surprise appearances are anticipated, and a portion of the proceeds are to benefit Tyler's charity, Janie's Fund, which assists girls who have been abused or neglected. Visit California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends   for tickets. Another major gig is to take place in Nashville on the seventh of November. That's when Bernie Taupin makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, not to mention his first public musical performance i...