Author: Matthew Westphal

Smithsonian’s Chief To Step Down After Only 3½ Years

David J. Skorton, who became secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in July of 2015, is leaving in June to become president of the Association of American Medical Colleges. A cardiologist by trade, he said of his decision that “the possibility of trying to contribute something to the national challenges of health care is important to me.” — The Washington Post

Actor Donald Moffat, 87

“American critics called Mr. Moffat a consummate pro who could play any supporting role from Shakespeare, O’Neill, Ibsen, Beckett, Pinter or Shaw, as well as the lawyers, doctors, husbands and tough guys who are the stock in trade of movies and television — characters that make the stars shine and place the accomplishments of the ensemble above personal glory.” — The New York Times

Once World Capital Of Oil-Painting Copies, Chinese Town Tries Move Into Original Art

A decade ago, the Shenzen suburb of Dafen produced three-quarters of the world’s supply of oil reproductions of famous paintings such as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. “[But] what was once pejoratively described as something akin to a citadel of copycats is now trying to rebrand itself as an incubator of original art,” albeit with limited success so far. — Hyperallergic

The Pros And Cons Of Ballet’s Ranking System

Most European companies have at least five ranks for their dancers, based on the system developed at the Paris Opera Ballet. Most North American companies limit themselves to corps de ballet, soloist, and principal; the Joffrey does without rankings altogether. And when Dutch National Ballet artistic director Ted Brandsen wanted to make his company’s seven-rank system more egalitarian, the dancers themselves objected. Joseph Carman looks at the advantages and disadvantages of dancer ranks. — Dance Magazine