Alameda Senior Center Showcases Local Artwork

The Mastick Senior Center in Alameda, California, is hosting its 24th annual art exhibition, featuring 159 artworks from 88 artists, all members of the center. The show opened in June and runs through August 15, marking the largest edition yet, with expanded participation from members who create art independently. Curated by Alison Limoges and Diane Alabaster, the exhibition includes diverse mediums such as ceramics, mosaics, stained glass, knitting, jewelry, quilts, and for the first time, Chinese ink paintings. The center, which serves adults aged 50 and older, has transformed multiple rooms—including the dining room, game room, media room, and lobby—to accommodate the record number of pieces.

“Chaos Osmosis” Project Announces Open Call for Artists & Scientists

Nicole Longnecker Gallery in Houston has announced an open call for the third edition of "Chaos Osmosis," an art and science exhibition centered on fluid dynamics. The project is a partnership between the gallery, the Gallery of Fluid Motion in Houston, and the Paradoxluxe curatorial collective, with locations in Greece and Puerto Rico. Selected participants will be featured in a dual exhibition at Nicole Longnecker Gallery and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, opening in October 2025. Houston-region artists and scientists from all disciplines are invited to submit works in any medium, including video, photography, painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media. The submission deadline is July 30, 2025.

Humanoid robot Ai-Da that sold first robot art at auction for over $1 million now says it's not aiming to ‘replace human artists’

The humanoid robot Ai-Da, one of the most advanced in the world, unveiled a new oil painting titled "Algorithm King" at the United Nations' AI for Good summit in Geneva. The portrait depicts King Charles III and was created using artificial intelligence algorithms. Late last year, Ai-Da made history when its portrait of Alan Turing became the first artwork by a humanoid robot sold at auction, fetching over $1 million. The robot, created in 2019 by a team led by Aidan Meller with specialists from the universities of Oxford and Birmingham, is designed to resemble a human woman with interchangeable robotic arms.

Amid a cost of living crisis for London’s artists, a charity has secured dozens of affordable studio spaces

Bow Arts, a UK charity founded in 1994, has acquired two buildings in east London to create permanently affordable studio spaces for artists. The purchases include a site in the Hackney Yards development, developed in partnership with housing association Notting Hill Genesis and supported by Arts Council England and the London Legacy Development Corporation, which will provide 38 studios by 2026, and the Brutalist Lakeside Centre in Thamesmead, already housing over 40 artist studios. This follows Bow Arts’ first owned building, Three Waters, acquired in 2022 on a 999-year lease with 70 studios. The charity now owns three of the 28 buildings it manages across London, with an annual turnover of £5.1 million, most of which is reinvested into the creative community.

Awash in color: Newport Beach Art Exhibition showcases over 200 works by area artists

The 58th annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition took place on June 30, 2025, at the Newport Beach Civic Center, drawing about 2,000 attendees. The one-day event featured over 240 artworks including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media, displayed in the Community Room and Civic Green. Notable participants included Joyce Cox, whose oil on linen painting "Soaking Up The Zen" attracted attention; Jeff Guzzetta, who won third place in 3-D art for a stained glass mosaic surfboard titled "Sol"; and Elena Kealy, who received the Juror's Choice Award for her oil on canvas work "Bliss." Other award winners included Kevin Avery, who took second place in Photography for "Rich Strike." The exhibition was organized by the Newport Beach Library and supported by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation.

Paradise Center for the Arts Hosts Opening Gallery Reception Tonight; The Work of Aramis Wells, Dana Lacina, Trudi Schaefer, Marissa Shackleford, Monica Wilder, and the Minnesota Mosaic Guild on Display

The Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, Minnesota, is hosting an opening reception tonight for new gallery exhibitions featuring multiple artists. The displays include work by the Minnesota Mosaic Guild, painter Dana Lacina, assemblage artist Trudi Schaefer, oil painter Marissa Shackleford, acrylic painter Monica Wilder, and Northfield photographer Aramis Wells. Wells, an astro and landscape photographer, is showing a series of winter scenes from Lake Superior alongside his signature images of the Northern Lights and solar eclipses. The reception runs from 5pm to 7pm and is free to the public, with the galleries open through August 9th.

‘The Mini Art Show’ opens in Philadelphia this Friday

A new exhibition called 'The Mini Art Show' opens this Friday, June 27, at the vintage shop At My House in Philadelphia's Queen Village. The show features artwork no larger than three inches, including pocket-sized paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and tiny textiles from 21 local artists. Curated by local artist Fabiola Lara, known for her art vending machines, the exhibition runs through late July. The opening night includes specialty cocktails, and the store will provide magnifying glasses for visitors to examine the tiny works closely.

Is Contemporary Art’s Most Important Fair Losing Its Luster?

The New York Times examines whether Art Basel, widely regarded as the world's most important contemporary art fair, is experiencing a decline in influence and appeal. The article cites recent editions where attendance dipped, sales slowed, and major galleries expressed concerns about rising costs and diminishing returns, questioning the fair's continued dominance in the global art market.

Empire Arts Gallery builds community through exhibitions and tattoos

Empire Arts Gallery in Kirkwood, founded in 2020 by Brandi Smart and Malia Rifkin, operates as a hybrid space combining an art gallery, a tattoo studio, and a boutique. Gallery coordinator and tattoo artist Jessica Locklar, along with manager Sara Slick, run the space, hosting exhibitions for local artists while also offering tattoo services in a welcoming, femme-operated environment. The gallery fosters community by blending art sales, exhibitions, and tattooing in a symbiotic model.

Art exhibit to show the realities of homelessness in Kansas City

Artist Daniel Montoute will present "Living in Tents," an exhibition of paintings, found objects, and mixed media works at the Shirley Stiles Gallery in Kansas City starting August 18, 2025. The show depicts the realities of homelessness in the Kansas City area, featuring imagery of tents, shopping carts, and people sleeping in alleyways. Montoute, who moved to Kansas City in 2023 to join the Pendleton ArtsBlock artist community, was struck by the prevalence of homelessness. All exhibition pieces will be donated to reStart Inc., an emergency shelter, and auctioned at its annual fundraising gala on September 11.

At Art Basel, the Market Hopes for a Recovery

Art Basel 2025 opens on June 19 amid economic and political uncertainty, with collectors exercising caution. The contemporary art market is still recovering from a 12% contraction in 2024, when auction sales dropped 25%. High-end transactions suffered most, while sales under $250,000 rose 17%. The fair expects 200 exhibitors, down from last year's 91,000 visitors. Sotheby’s May modern art auction in New York also posted lukewarm results, barely exceeding the low estimate.

One of the last surviving Union flags from the Battle of Trafalgar to come up for sale at Treasure House Fair

A Union flag from the Battle of Trafalgar, flown on the Royal Sovereign under Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood, is being offered for sale at the Treasure House Fair for £450,000. The flag, newly identified by expert Martyn Downer, is one of only three known Union flags from the battle and is believed to be the most important such relic still in private hands. It was previously sold for a few hundred pounds in 2003 due to confused provenance.

How can art fairs become greener?

Art fairs face significant sustainability challenges due to their temporary nature. Untitled Art in Miami Beach, held in a tent on the beach, works with environmental departments to ensure zero impact, reusing its tent annually. Fairs in permanent venues like Art Basel Miami Beach at the LEED Silver-rated convention center must manage temporary walls, energy use, and waste. Exhibitors struggle with high carbon emissions—art fair activities account for a third of a gallery's annual emissions—and waste from packing materials. Shipping constraints often force reliance on air freight over slower, greener options like ocean or rail, especially for last-minute, high-value consignments. The competitive, secretive atmosphere further hinders consolidated shipments and sustainable practices.

Art Fairs to See in the New York City Area in May

The New York Times has published a guide to art fairs taking place in the New York City area during May. The article lists several major and smaller fairs, including Frieze New York, NADA New York, and the Independent Art Fair, providing details on dates, locations, and featured galleries. It serves as a practical resource for collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts planning their May art-viewing schedule.

Southern Israel art exhibition explores trauma of Oct 7

An art exhibition in southern Israel brought together religious and secular artists to process the trauma of the October 7 Hamas-led massacre. Held at the Shafir Youth Center, the event was part of the Herzog Center for Promoting Inclusive Creativity's yearlong "Creating Space" initiative, curated by Israeli designer Zohar Yerom. Works spanned movement, poetry, painting, sculpture, and video art, with interactive installations including Avivit Shaked's "The Womb" and Avital Ora Fishwait's "The Birth Room." Audience members participated by writing pre-October 7 memories and painting images of healing.

Artist Keni Arts Transforms Altadena Fire Aftermath Into Exhibition of Hope

Local artist Keni Davis, known as Keni Arts, will present his exhibition "Beauty for Ashes" at the Altadena Main Library throughout May 2025. The show documents the aftermath of January's Eaton Fire, which destroyed over 9,000 homes and businesses in Altadena, including Davis's own home, studio, and most of his paintings. Through his watercolor works, Davis captures the destruction, renewal, and emerging hope in the community he has called home since 1977.

South Asian artists draw inspiration from heritage and identity at exhibition

The South Asian Artists Association of America held its "Vasant: A Spring Mosaic by Indian Artists" exhibition at Bridgewater Commons mall in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, from April 25 to 27, 2025. The three-day event featured 21 artists showcasing diverse works including large paintings, hand-carved candles, small sculptures, and traditional Madhubani-style art, with live painting demonstrations, workshops, Indian dance performances, and face painting for kids. The exhibition was part of the second annual Garden State Art Weekend and attracted over 60 attendees on opening day, with artworks priced under $150.

Chris Erik Thomas

Chris Erik Thomas has been appointed as the new editor of The Art Newspaper, taking over the role from previous editor Ben Luke. Thomas brings extensive experience in arts journalism, having previously served as an editor at Artsy and as a contributor to publications including The New York Times and Artforum. His appointment marks a leadership change at one of the art world's most influential trade publications.

‘Immersive Elements’ interactive exhibition showcasing student-artist collaboration

SUNY Oswego's ARTSwego program presents "Immersive Elements," an interactive exhibition created by NOIRFLUX's Electric Heliotrope Theater in collaboration with students. Running April 23 through May 4 at the Marano Campus Center, the project features sculpture, drawing, audio, video, and interaction design, developed by artist Lorne Covington and students from Cara Thompson's art classes. The exhibition explores the four elements—water, air, fire, and earth—through projected visuals and interactive pieces.

Two Fort Worth Artists Join Forces for a New Western-Meets-Modern Exhibition at Bowie House

Two Fort Worth artists, Abigail Faye Jackson and Jacob Lovett, have joined forces for a new exhibition titled "West of Real" at Bowie House in Fort Worth, opening April 27. Jackson's works focus on charrería, the national sport of Mexico, using 23-karat gold leaf backgrounds to create a surreal, timeless atmosphere. Lovett's paintings depict cowboys on horseback riding into blank white canvases, using window-like compositions to invite introspection and blur the line between reality and imagination.

Mike Fredrickson’s New Album and Paintings

Mike Fredrickson, a Riverwest-based painter and musician, has released a new album titled *Sunken Treasure* and is showcasing his paintings at two Milwaukee venues. The album, recorded in Chicago with collaborators including drummer Dave Braun and guitarist Scott Ligon, features 13 songs blending catchy grooves with introspective lyrics. His vibrant cityscape and portrait paintings are on display at The Daily Bird and Beans and Barley through mid-May.

Where to go in Venice?

Wohin in Venedig?

Nicoletta Fiorucci, a collector and philanthropist, shares her personal recommendations for experiencing Venice beyond the tourist crowds. She suggests quiet gardens, romantic detours, hidden islands, and the best addresses for authentic local cuisine, offering insider tips for navigating the city's bustling atmosphere.

Iran will not participate in the Biennale

Iran nimmt nicht an Biennale teil

Iran has withdrawn from the Venice Biennale, according to an announcement by the Biennale organization reported in Italian media. No reasons were given for the decision. The withdrawal comes amid significant turmoil at the Biennale just days before its official opening on Saturday: the entire jury resigned over disputes regarding the treatment of Russia and Israel, the opening ceremony was canceled, and the traditional awarding of Golden Lions at the start has been postponed to the final day in November, with winners now to be decided by visitor vote rather than a jury.

Meloni on Venice Biennale: 'I've somewhat lost track'

Meloni über Venedig-Biennale: "Habe den Überblick etwas verloren"

Days before the opening of the Venice Biennale, the entire international jury resigned in protest over Russia's participation despite its war against Ukraine. The jury had previously excluded Russia and Israel from prize consideration due to International Criminal Court warrants against their leaders. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni admitted she had "lost track" of the situation, while the government sent inspectors to Venice. Biennale organizers responded by postponing the Golden Lion awards until November and introducing two audience-choice awards that will include Russian and Israeli entries.

Monopol is giving away 1 × 2 tickets for the German Jazz Prize 2026

Monopol verlost 1 × 2 Tickets für den Deutschen Jazzpreis 2026

Monopol magazine is hosting a giveaway for two tickets to the German Jazz Prize ceremony, scheduled for April 25, 2026, in Bremen. The event, held in conjunction with the jazzahead! trade fair, celebrates the diversity of the jazz scene by honoring musicians, albums, compositions, and journalistic contributions. The ceremony will be hosted by Thelma Buabeng and Götz Bühler, featuring a live performance by the Moses Yoofee Trio.

US Government Submits Plans for Triumphal Arch to Commission

US-Regierung reicht Plan für Triumphbogen bei Kommission ein

President Donald Trump has submitted formal plans to the Commission of Fine Arts for a monumental triumphal arch to be located near Washington, D.C. Proposed to stand at 76 meters tall, the structure would significantly surpass the height of Paris's Arc de Triomphe. The project, which Trump describes as the "largest and most beautiful" in the world, is slated for a site near the Arlington Memorial Bridge leading to the Lincoln Memorial.

In Greece, the Thessalonikéon Métropolis Archaeological Museum Opens Its Doors

En Grèce, le musée archéologique Thessalonikéon Métropolis ouvre ses portes

The Thessalonikéon Métropolis archaeological museum opened on May 7 in Thessaloniki, Greece, inside the renovated Pavlos Melas barracks (Building A3). Its collection of over 300,000 objects—including ceramics, jewelry, mosaics, sarcophagi, and architectural fragments—was unearthed during the construction of the city's metro system, which began in 2006 and became the largest rescue excavation in northern Greece. The centerpiece is the Decumanus Maximus, a well-preserved Roman-Byzantine commercial street discovered at the Venizelou station, nicknamed "Byzantine Pompeii." The museum's restoration cost about €14.5 million, partly funded by European Union funds, while the total archaeological interventions cost between €75 and €203 million.

EU sanctions Mikhail Piotrovsky, director of the Hermitage

L’UE sanctionne Mikhaïl Piotrovski, directeur de l’Ermitage

The European Union has added Mikhail Piotrovsky, the 81-year-old director of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, to its sanctions list as part of the 20th package of measures against Russia. Brussels accuses him of publicly supporting the war in Ukraine and of conducting archaeological excavations by the museum in occupied Crimea. His assets in the EU are frozen and he is banned from entering European territory.

Iran Absent from the Venice Biennale

L’Iran absent de la Biennale de Venise

Iran will be absent from the 2026 Venice Biennale, marking a notable gap in the international art exhibition. The decision reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges that have prevented the country from participating in one of the world's most prestigious cultural events.

Resignation of the Venice Biennale Jury

Démission du jury de la Biennale de Venise

The entire jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned. The mass resignation follows internal disputes over the selection process for the next edition's artistic director, with jurors citing a lack of transparency and interference from the Biennale's board.