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The Great American State Fair

State fairs tend to be associated with animal displays and fast food. But they've long been a vital outlet for artists, too.  A mother and daughter, Lillian Colton and Linda Paulsen , have been among the participants. Their crop portraits appear in a catalogue published in conjunction with Smithsonian Books ,  State Fairs - Growing American Crafts , which is also the title of a Smithsonian exhibition running through September 7. The women used materials ranging from pine needles to lima beans for their celebrity portraits. Most are effective, but Lillian's version of Elvis Presley looks more like James Dean , while 'Andy Warhol' strongly resembles John Denver .  Visitors can try making such pieces themselves on the 25th of June, when the Washington, DC, museum hosts an event called Handi-hour . Those who prefer demonstrations can learn about how decoys are made, on the 29th of May.  There's something for everyone, much like the book. One of the most memorable pr...
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Recovering The Journals of Layne Staley

Layne Staley' s family has released a book of his writings and drawings. Besides lyrics, there's a school essay in which he promoted shorter class days (with no more than half an hour devoted to each subject). He felt that students would be able to focus and learn more this way Layne's mother wrote the foreword, with numerous relatives and friends offering their memories. Fans have contributed, too, creating portraits of the performer. This Angry Pen of Mine  could have been a longer book, had the late songwriter's storage units not been broken into. It is still effective, however, as both his dark and humorous sides are in evidence.  And there's a good deal about Layne's career, as a member of  Sleze  and  Mad Season , as well as the frontman for  Alice in Chains .  Proceeds from book sales are going to the  Layne Staley Memorial   Fund , which assists those struggling with opioid addiction.
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Groceries Impacting Popular Culture

It's not unusual for a crowd to gather outside a nightclub. But in 1950, the opening night crush was for a supermarket called   D'Agostino   Brothers .  The photo appears in  New-York-s-Family-Grocer ,  Paul Schmitz 's story of  D'Agostino Supermarkets . The book also features some of the company's most successful promos.  That's particularly true of the slogan, 'If there's no  D'Agostino  near you, MOVE,'' seen in a cartoon of a woman wheeling a wagon of her possessions, followed closely by her dog. There was even a jingle, '' Mr. D'Agostino , move closer to me.'' Also popular were their colorful carryalls depicting produce and other merchandise. Models used the  D'Ag Bags  to take along shoes, clothes and cosmetics.  In later years, the company has invited students to design more environmentally friendly shopping sacks. Trader Joe's  is another chain which has offered fashionable bags. In 2024, they introduced ...
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Propstore's Upcoming Auction

A poster signed by  John Lennon , an autographed, stage-used guitar from   Slash , satin shorts worn by   Amy Winehouse   . . . These are among of the offerings at  Propstore' s next auction. The most items are courtesy of  Peter Hince, Queen 's head roadie for 11 years.  Peter is even including a gift he received from  Freddie Mercury . Freddie got the golden microphone from  Circus  magazine. That was in 1980 when  Queen  were named Band of the Year . and could fetch between $39,000 and $79,000.  Other options include Freddie's backstage dressing gown, Roger Taylor 's drumsticks, a limited-edition Bohemian Rhapsody in blue vinyl pressing, and a Christmas card to ''Ratty'' from Mercury.  Hince was previously known as ''The Rat'' while working with  Mott   The Hoople . A truck driver came up with the name because the young man was skinny, had long greasy hair, and squeezed into tight spaces.  You can ...
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King's Trust Concert And Auction

For over four decades,   Phil Collins   has been a supporter of the   King's Trust   (formerly the   Prince's Trust ). In November, an auction of the entertainer's belongings will be held, with every penny going to the charity. Lots will include Phil's   Live Aid  outfit, handwritten lyrics, and a snare drum with a doodle and personal message.  Fans can also purchase clothing worn by the singer for photo shoots and music videos.  The London auction is scheduled for the 19th of November, and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the  King's Trust . Click on  https://www.juliensauctions. com/en/auctions/the-kings- trust   for further details.  Another event marking the charity's milestone is set for May 11 at  Royal Albert Hall , where the guests are to include  Rod Stewart ,  Ronnie Wood, Rita Ora, Craig David  and  Jools Holland. Ant and   Dec  are the hosts.  Music, awards, and surpris...
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Earth Day Art

Today is  Earth Day , and this year's theme is   Our Power, Our Planet . The official artist,  Miles Wintner , created a bloom being held by human hands. His composition is called  Earthflower , and reproductions are available on posters and shirts via the Earth Day store.  Miles wanted to capture the tender relationship humans have with the planet and sees flowers as ''essential connectors that foster harmonious relationships between birds, insects, and humans.'' The self-taught artist is interested in natural phenomena such as light, sounds, gravity, wind, precipitation, and wildlife.
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2026 Rock Hall Honorees

The latest  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame  inductees have been announced, but at least one act is not attending the ceremony. Iron Maiden  won't be at the November event since that's when they'll be performing Down Under. The other entertainers to be recognized on the 14th of November at the  Peacock Theatre  in Los Angeles are  Phil Collins, Wu-Tang Clan ,  Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade , and  Luther   Vandross .  The inductions won't air live as in past years, but will pre-taped and available on  ABC  and  Disney+  in December. Yet more performers will be feted--receiving the  Early Influence   Award . They are  Queen Latifah, Gram Parsons, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte , and  Fela Kuti . Musical Excellence  honorees are  Rick Rubin, Jimmy Miller, Arif   Mardin , and  Linda Creed , while  Ed Sullivan  has been named the 2026  Ahmet Ertegun  recipient...
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