“The works of Boston-born artist David Park, who died at 49 in 1960, are finally enjoying some worldly renown… Twice this year, a David Park canvas has sold for more than $1 million, both records.” Compare that to the prices Park’s work garnered in his lifetime, when he would sell a landscape for $200 to buy shoes for his children.
Author: sbergman
Striking Writers Getting International Support
Protests are being staged worldwide by screenwriters supporting the striking Writers Guild of America. “Protests were held in Paris, Berlin, [London] and four Australian cities.”
Finally, Some Art That Isn’t Stolen
“Three paintings by Flemish master Rubens held in a British gallery were not stolen by the Nazis, a government panel has ruled.” Instead, a Jewish-owned bank in the Netherlands was found to have legally sold the paintings prior to the Nazi invasion of Holland in 1940.
Scientist Ignores Threat, Says “Pollocks” Aren’t Real
“A forensic scientist said yesterday that a large group of paintings discovered several years ago and thought by some to be by Jackson Pollock included many containing paints and materials that were not available until after the artist’s death in 1956.” The scientist was hired to examine the paintings by their owner, then threatened with a lawsuit if he disclosed his findings.
Writers, Producers Still Talking
“Striking screenwriters and Hollywood producers agreed to extend their renewed contract talks to a fourth day this evening, signaling at least some progress toward ending a work stoppage that began three and a half weeks ago.” However, there has been no breakthrough on the core issues that sparked the strike.
This Used To Be Called “Getting Fired”
“The executive director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic has resigned after he was told he was being let go. David Wax, who joined the orchestra in 2001 after more than a dozen years at the helm of the Houston Symphony, submitted his resignation to the board last week.”
Why London Doesn’t Have Theater Strikes
The stagehands’ strike may be over, but it seems like labor situations come up constantly on Broadway. In comparison, London hasn’t had a theatrical shutdown since the 1960s. So what’s the difference? Nationalized health care and consistent job security play a significant role.
Get Ready To Hear A Lot About Jaap van Zweden
The Dallas Symphony has received an unusual $1m grant that will be used specifically to promote the orchestra and its incoming music director, Jaap van Zweden, both nationally and internationally. “The grant will also be used to… expand relations with existing patrons and introduce them to the maestro, and brand the symphony to reflect Mr. van Zweden’s artistic personality.”
Arts Education Effectively Nonexistant In Philly
In Philadelphia, “there are literally no music or art teachers in the city’s middle and high schools – even though music and art are core curriculum subjects with minimum standards for instruction.” As in so many American school districts, the withering of Philly arts education comes down to money.
TSO Back On Firmer Financial Ground
The Toronto Symphony has reduced its huge accumulated deficit by C$500,000, and balanced its budget for the year. “A C$400,000 increase in Canada Council funding and a 15-per-cent increase in single-ticket sales also helped the TSO stay in the black.”