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Showing posts from July, 2025

Museum on Wheels

If folks want to check out art, they generally have to visit a gallery or museum. However, in Brooklyn, New York, a mobile museum has been visiting neighborhoods ranging from Brooklyn Heights to Coney Island. The idea came about last year, when the  Brooklyn Museum  announced its 200th anniversary. Local artist  Christopher Myers  contributed to the interior and exterior. His colorful creations pay homage to the borough and its diversity. Each stop includes activities such as art-making, storytelling, tactile exploration of objects from the museum's teaching collection, and games like hopscotch and dominoes. In addition, visitors can learn about careers in the cultural sector.  The  Museum on Wheels ' next destination is East New York, on the 16th of August. The full schedule is here:  https://www.brooklynmuseum. org/event-series/museum-on- wheels .

Remembering Ozzy

Ozzy Osbourne  died yesterday at the age of 76. Among those paying tribute were his bandmates.  Tony Iommi  said it was such heartbreaking news, he couldn't really find words.  Bill Ward  said he is always in his heart, while  Geezer Butler  chose to remember all the fun they had.  Pantera  and  Nirvana  thanked the singer for inspiring them.  Alice Cooper  considered him to be ''an unmatched showman,'' and  Elton   John  called his friend ''a trailblazer.''  California's  Governor Newsom  reacted as well, writing that Osbourne was ''a man of multitudes: larger than life, yet honestly human.'' Ozzy was inducted into the  Rock and Roll Hall of Fame  in October. During his speech,  Jack Black  referred to the performer's charisma, dubbing him ''the  Jack Nicholson  of rock.'' Earlier this month, Ozzy played his last concert with  Black Sabbath  in Birmingh...

Memorabilia From Two Late Legends

Two high-profile auctions will take place next month. On August 11,  Juliens Auctions  is selling a  Bob Mackie  jacket, faux crocodile jewelry box, and other items used by  Whitney Houston . It's to raise funds for the  Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation , which honors the singer's memory and addresses concerns of young people.  Also in Los Angeles--one day later--goods from the  Larry King Collection  will be available. There are over 400 lots. A  Tony Curtis  painting, letters from Frank Sinatra , and books signed by personalities ranging from  George Martin  to  George Barris , as well as King's trademark suspenders are among the highlights.  Also notable are various awards given to the talk show host, and an invitation to see  Ozzy  and  Sharon Osbourne  renew their wedding vows.

Saturday in the Hamptons

For the first time,  Bob Gruen  and his wife,  Elizabeth Gregory-Gruen , will be together in a gallery. Bob is known for his vast rock and roll portfolio, while Elizabeth has been recognized for her free-hand scalpel-cut paper assemblages.  Their works will be presented by the  Stella Flame Gallery  in Bridgehampton, New York. They are to be in attendance on July 19th, from 5-7 p.m., along with goldsmith  Donna Distefano  and  DJ Chili . Some of the event's proceeds will be donated to  Glam4Good , which ignites positive social change through style.  This is also the gallery's third anniversary bash. Stella told the  Art And Music Guide  that they specialize in pop/conceptual and magical realism/Dada inspired art, along with special photography. An example of the former is  Jojo Anavim , whose subjects include  Wonder   bread,  Coca- Cola, Mister Softee , and the American flag. 

''Love, Freddie''

Many people were not aware that  Freddie Mercury   had a daughter. While continuing to value her privacy, she has decided to share his story. Just three weeks before he died, the singer gave his handwritten diaries to his child.  Many years later, writer  Lesley-Ann Jones  was presented with the journals. She says it is the closest thing that fans of  Queen 's lead vocalist will ever have to an autobiography.  Love, Freddie: Freddie Mercury's Secret Life and Love  discusses the entertainer's childhood, fears, and desires. It will be published in the UK on the fifth of September. It comes out a week later in the States. The biographer has previously had books published about Mercury,  David   Bowie, Marc Bolan ,  Paul McCartney , the  Rolling Stones , and most recently,  Christine McVie . 

The Artistry of Jacques Pepin

Jacques Pepin  may be a famous chef, but he is an artist as well. His works include titles like  White Peaches and Flowers; Alone by the Sea; Mystic Forest ; and  Peaceful Rooster .  ''I have been cooking for more than 60 years. and painting sporadically for half a century,'' he says. Both are part of who he is, and how he feels. Ahead of his 90th birthday (in December), a celebration of his cooking and painting will be published.  The Art of Jacques Pepin  is to feature the cook's favorite recipes and paintings.  Jacques also plans to celebrate by offering three new prints for sale. Many of the proceeds go to his foundation, which supports the teaching of culinary skills to enrich individuals and strengthen communities. Visit  https://jacquespepinart. com  for examples of his creativity. 

Lakefest UK

On June 8, the  Art and Music Guide  had an article about  LakeFest  in Maryland. Next month is England's  Lakefest . The Hertfordshire event, set for August 6-10, will offer pretty much something for everyone.  One example is an unusual  Beatles  tribute . . . funk, reggae, ska, Latin, and hip-hop takes from the  Beatles Dub Club .  Another tribute act is  Maybe Oasis , featuring  Oasis  original drummer  Tony McCarroll . Also taking the stage will be  Echo & The   Bunnymen , while DJs are to include  Paul Oakenfold . If you're feeling creative, basket weaving, wood carving, and silversmithing workshops are available, and there's a host of activities for kids, from cartoon drawing to magic shows.  Those wondering about the history behind the UK's fastest-growing family festival can pick up a copy of founder  Lee Martin 's book,  Festival of Love and Pain.  As the title suggests,...

A Salute to State Fairs

State Fairs: Growing American Craft   is the first exhibition dedicated to artists' contributions to the U.S. tradition. There are over 240 artworks, dating from the mid-19th century to the present.   A must-see is a life-size butter cow, created on-site by  Iowa State Fair 's official butter sculptor,  Sarah Pratt.  It should also be interesting to view the size 96 boots worn by  Big Tex  from the  State   Fair of Texas,  as well as  Rod Zeitler 's pyramid of 700 glass jars of preserved fruits and vegetables. While he's been a doctor for many years, Rod has also become a ribbon-winning ''canning superstar.'' The display opens on August 22 at the  Smithsonian 's  Renwick   Gallery  in Washington, D.C., and runs through September 7, 2026. A catalogue will be available to purchase at the museum's store or online. For more, visit   https://americanart.si.edu/ exhibitions/state-fairs .