Sorcières !

The article previews an upcoming exhibition titled "Sorcières !" at the Château des ducs de Bretagne – Musée d'histoire de Nantes, running from February 7 to June 28, 2026. It traces the historical debate around witchcraft in 16th-century Europe, focusing on key figures such as Heinrich Kramer, author of the *Malleus maleficarum* (1486), who argued that witchcraft was a female-specific evil requiring extermination, and Jean Bodin, who supported this view. In contrast, Johann Weyer and Michel de Montaigne challenged the persecution, suggesting accused women were mentally ill or elderly and deserved humane treatment rather than execution.

Penang Welcomes Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, A New Beacon Of Cultural Diplomacy

The Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery officially opened in Penang, Malaysia, at The Light Waterfront in Gelugor, with a ceremony attended by the Governor of Penang, Tun Dato’ Seri DiRaja Ramli Ngah Talib, and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Founded by acclaimed artist Professor Lin Xiang Xiong, the gallery debuted with a private preview of "The Vicissitudes of Life," an exhibition of 99 artworks addressing war, pollution, and poverty. The event gathered artists, government officials, business leaders, and academics, highlighting Penang's ambition to become an international cultural destination.

"JAWS" & GARDEN OF EDEN ART SHOWS TOP WEEKEND PICKS

Two art openings are taking place this weekend in Red Bank, New Jersey, within walking distance of each other. On Saturday from 5-8pm, the Art Alliance Studio and Gallery hosts an officially licensed exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's film "Jaws," featuring works by artists including Chris Austin and DULK, presented in conjunction with CODA, Popcore, Universal Studios, and Amblin Entertainment. Simultaneously, from 6-8pm, Galerie Lucida opens its summer group exhibition "Echoes of Eden," which focuses on environmental themes and features over twenty artists including Lisa Bagwell, Kristian Battell, and Michael Flomen. A preview of the summer Street Life Music Series will provide live music between the two venues.

Around town: Art Garden reopens in new downtown gallery

Art Garden, a combination art gallery and plant shop in Asheville, North Carolina, reopens on May 7, 2025, at a new downtown location at 98 N. Lexington Ave. The business was displaced after its former home in Riverview Station was flooded by over 25 feet of water during Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024. The reopening includes a preview party for the ReRoot art exhibit, a fundraising gala, a theatre performance, and a Mother's Day plant sale, celebrating community support that helped rebuild the space.

DO Savannah: Ella Langley, TEDxSavannah, and more

This article is a local events calendar for Savannah, Georgia, covering the week of May 12–21, 2026. Highlights include a SCAD Jewelry Trunk Show, a Telfair Museums anniversary preview of Impressionism and Modernity: French and American Painting with a lecture by National Gallery of Art curator Mary Morton, the opening of the Seven Ladies Exhibit at the Davenport House Museum, the 15th annual TEDxSavannah, a country concert by Ella Langley, a brewery anniversary party, a jazz fundraiser, and several preservation-focused lectures including one by National Preservation Partners Network CEO Kim Trent and a talk on landscape architect Clermont Lee. The Courtyard Concert Series at SCAD MOA concludes with local bluegrass band Swamptooth.

'Father' exhibit to make US debut at Armenian Museum. When it opens

The Armenian Museum of America in Watertown, Massachusetts, will debut the exhibition “Father” by internationally acclaimed artist Diana Markosian, running from May 29 to September 13. The show uses photography, archival materials, video, and text to document Markosian’s journey to reconnect with her estranged father, exploring themes of family, memory, and identity. Curated by Anahit Gasparyan, the exhibition is co-produced by Les Rencontres d’Arles and Foam, Amsterdam, and sponsored by the JHM Charitable Foundation. A private member preview on May 28 will feature a conversation between the artist and curator.

parties salon 21 east hampton alex bass

Salon 21 by Alex Bass hosted an intimate garden dinner at the Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton, celebrating its summer exhibition “La Dolce Vita” and previewing the gallery’s fall reopening in a new WSA space. The event brought together art world insiders, design leaders, and creative peers, including curator Sharon Coplan Hurowitz, Watermill Center Managing Director Elise Herget, and lifestyle expert Katie Sands Bochner, for an Italian coast-inspired evening of seafood, rosé, and conversation.

Nature is healing? Seagull lays eggs in the Giardini during Venice Biennale preview

During the VIP preview of the Venice Biennale, a seagull laid three eggs near the entrance of the Polish Pavilion in the Giardini. Pavilion staff built a protective barrier around the nest and warned visitors to avoid the protective bird, which one Italian collector called "the main attraction."

protesters storm campus nigeria museum of west african art 1234760895

Protesters stormed the campus of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Nigeria, on Sunday, just hours before its first preview events were set to begin. Demonstrators entered through a gate after being denied access, hurling insults at foreign guests and journalists. All preview events have been canceled and the public opening postponed. The museum attributed the unrest to disputes between previous and current state administrations, while local residents claimed anger over the perceived hijacking of a local initiative, with the Oba of Benin reportedly unhappy about the project.

Casa Romantica Will Present THROUGH THE DECADES: ARTISTS THAT SHAPED THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente, California, will present an exhibition titled "Through the Decades: Artists That Shaped the Festival of Arts." The show highlights the work of artists who have participated in the Festival of Arts, a longstanding local art event, tracing its evolution across different decades. The exhibition aims to showcase the diverse artistic styles and contributions that have defined the festival over time.

Venice Biennale previews in chaos, overshadowed by Israeli and Russian participation

The Venice Biennale previews have descended into chaos, with the event overshadowed by controversies surrounding Israeli and Russian participation. Protests and disruptions have marked the lead-up to the prestigious international art exhibition, as demonstrators voice opposition to the inclusion of Israel amid the Gaza conflict and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. The situation has created a tense atmosphere, drawing significant media attention and complicating the Biennale's usual celebratory preview period.

Idaho Falls exhibit puts farm life front and center through western art

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls is opening a new exhibition titled 'Sacred Spaces: Visions of the West from the Prosaic to the Sublime' on Friday, with a public preview on Thursday night. The show features six artists, including Bryan Mark Taylor, Allie Zeyer, and David Dibble, all of whom have ties to agriculture. The works depict farm life scenes such as barns, fields, animals, and tractors, with an audio tour offering artist commentary. The Museum of Idaho is also contributing historic farm photos to complement the exhibit.

Live Arts Program “1922 Revisited” Opens May 5th to Kick Off Preview Week, 61st Venice Biennale 2026

Third Space Art Foundation will present “1922 Revisited,” a live arts program curated by Dr. Janine A. Sytsma, from May 5–9, 2026 in Venice, Italy, during the preview week of the 61st Venice Biennale. The program brings together ten international artists to engage with the 1922 Venice Biennale exhibition of African sculpture through performances, a film screening, and a panel discussion, staged at venues including Hotel Monaco and the European Cultural Centre’s Marinaressa Gardens.

Venice Biennale jury resigns amid row over Russian entry

The international jury of the Venice Biennale resigned en masse just nine days before the opening of the world's oldest contemporary art fair, amid a dispute over Russia's participation and the panel's decision to bar prizes for countries accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. The jury, comprising president Solange Farkas and members Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, stepped down without explanation, following tensions that also involved Italy's Culture Ministry cutting €2 million in EU funding over Russia's presence and sending inspectors to the Russian Pavilion.

Curator Adriana Farietta On Why CONDUCTOR Is the Fair the Art World Needs Right Now

CONDUCTOR, a new art fair curated by Adriana Farietta in collaboration with Powerhouse Arts, launches this week in Brooklyn, New York. The fair features individual artists and galleries from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and Indigenous Nations, with a focus on the Global Majority. A key innovation is its onsite fabrication model, allowing some works to be produced locally at Powerhouse Arts' facilities, reducing shipping and customs issues. The fair also offers an exclusive preview of artists presenting at the Venice Biennale, including Annalee Davis, Tammy Nguyen, RojoNegro, Beya Gille Gacha, and Bugarin + Castle.

This free exhibition celebrates the Monogram’s 130th anniversary with a selection of exceptional trunks in Paris.

To mark the 130th anniversary of Louis Vuitton's Monogram canvas, the Parisian auction house Gros & Delettrez is hosting a free exhibition of rare travel trunks and accessories from May 18 to 20, 2026. The display features iconic pieces including two expedition bed trunks (one from 1911 with the initials 'B.B.'), a library trunk, a desk trunk, and other travel innovations designed between 1880 and 1930, all before they go up for auction on May 21.

Botanica previews upcoming exhibition ‘Origami in the Garden’

Botanica, the Wichita botanical garden, is preparing to open a large-scale outdoor sculpture exhibition titled 'Origami in the Garden' on Saturday, running through September 26. Created by artists Kevin and Jennifer Box of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the show features 18 works inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding, including sculptures of a bison, horses, a pegasus, and rising cranes. The exhibition is included with general admission, and Mother's Day offers free entry for moms. Additionally, Botanica is hosting 'Symphony in the Gardens' on May 15 with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, themed 'American Landscapes' in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.

Coalition’ art exhibition draws massive turnout in Ibadan, eyes Guinness World Records

Over 900 art enthusiasts attended 'The Coalition' art exhibition in Ibadan, Nigeria, held from April 24 to 26, 2026, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The three-day event featured more than 600 artworks by 60 Nigerian artists, showcasing abstract works, portraits, and contemporary pieces exploring identity and culture. Organizers, including Constance and Sons Art Gallery founder Dunmade Ayegbayo, reported strong visitor engagement and sales, highlighting the commercial potential of Nigerian art.

In Minor Keys and legacies held in common

The article reflects on the 61st Venice Biennale, curated by Koyo Kouoh, who passed away on 10 May 2025 at age 57 after a cancer diagnosis. Her curatorial concept, "In Minor Keys," will be realized posthumously by her team. The Biennale preview opens on 6 May 2026, with the public opening on 9 May. Additionally, artist Henrike Naumann, selected for the German Pavilion, died on 14 February 2025 at age 41, also from cancer; her work will be shown in her name.

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit set to re-open

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is preparing to reopen to the public after a prolonged closure. The reopening is generating significant local excitement, with a preview video offering a first look at what visitors can expect.

Arts Open – an exhibition growing with every year

The 2025 Arts Open by Guernsey Arts has opened at the George Crossan Gallery in St Peter Port, featuring over 130 artworks from 132 artists. The exhibition includes a wide range of media from oils and acrylics to embroidery and crochet, and drew a large crowd at its private preview event, with queues stretching through the Market Buildings. Organizers Louise Le Pelley and Jared Fox highlighted the inclusive, no-judgment submission process that welcomes both professional artists and first-time exhibitors.

Pop-up art exhibition exploring nature in Hampshire coming to city centre

A pop-up art exhibition titled 'Of Seeds and Stories' will take over Unit 37 at the Winchester Brooks Centre from October 4 to October 31. Co-curated by local Hampshire artists Jo Rose and Olana Light, the show also features work by Konrad Cox and Amanda Berridge, blending folk-inspired storytelling, memory, and nature through paintings, photography, sculptural installations, and wearable art. A free preview event is scheduled for October 4, with public access starting October 5.

Sarah Jane Brown work to feature in new exhibition launching Pembrokeshire Art Trail

A dramatic oil painting by contemporary landscape artist Sarah Jane Brown will be featured in a new exhibition launching the annual Pembrokeshire Art Trail at West Wales Arts Centre at Peppers in Fishguard. The exhibition, curated by North Pembrokeshire Open Studios, opens May 17 and runs through May 31, showcasing works from local artists and makers ahead of the main Art Trail event scheduled for August 23 to September 6. Sarah Jane Brown, who regularly opens her studio for the Art Trail, paints the Welsh coast and is represented by Etcetera Gallery and Art Unlimited.

The Venice Biennale and Its Many Flashpoints: An Explainer

The Venice Biennale, often described as the Olympics of the art world, is set to begin previews on Tuesday amid several controversies. Key flashpoints include the sudden death of a curator, Russia's surprise participation despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, and an unconventional entry from the United States. These developments have intensified scrutiny and debate around the prestigious international exhibition.

The Audacity of Art at the Obama Presidential Center

Barack and Michelle Obama commissioned 30 artists to create site-specific works for the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side, which begins visitor previews next week. The commissioned artworks span multiple media and will be integrated throughout the campus, reflecting the Obamas' commitment to public art and community engagement.

The first of May starts a new issue of Pax. Previews of the newsletter on cultural tourism (subscribe)

Il primo maggio parte una nuova uscita di Pax. Le anticipazioni della newsletter sul turismo culturale (abbonatevi)

The article previews the upcoming May 1st issue of Pax, a newsletter by Artribune focused on cultural tourism. It highlights a feature on Italy's colorful villages, explaining how bright colors historically aided sailors and fishermen, and how white facades served hygienic purposes. The issue also covers off-the-beaten-path destinations like Bolsena, which recently opened a contemporary art space in Palazzo Cozza Caposavi, and explores slow tourism practices such as barefooting, discussed with its founder Andrea Bianchi. Additional content includes a roundup of cultural initiatives from Berlin to Naples, Budapest's Citadella reopening, and the Sussex forest's Winnie-the-Pooh centenary.

Art Gallery of Burlington hosts spring gala with farm-to-table dinner and more

The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) has announced its upcoming spring gala, "Seeds of Change," scheduled for May 7th. The event features a farm-to-table dinner helmed by Executive Chef Matteo Paonessa, a silent auction, and a preview of a new solo exhibition by Argentine artist Celina Eceiza titled "A material called Earth, Vol 1: The life of corners." The gala also highlights the gallery's new Community & Medicine Garden, an initiative where artists-in-residence will harvest natural materials for pigments and textiles.

A Nation of Artists Exhibit At The Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has launched a new exhibition titled "A Nation of Artists," which showcases a diverse range of works highlighting the creative spirit and historical narratives of American artistry. The exhibit, previewed by local media, offers a comprehensive look at how various artists have shaped the national identity through their unique visual languages.

Native-owned gallery and retail store to open in Downtown Las Vegas Arts District

The nonprofit IndigenousAF, founded by artist Fawn Douglas and UNLV professor A.B. Wilkinson, announced plans to open a Native-owned retail store and gallery in Downtown Las Vegas Arts District. The venue will feature 700 square feet of retail space, 1,600 square feet of gallery space, and 1,500 square feet of mixed-use space, located near Charleston Boulevard and 3rd Street. The organization has already met one-third of its three-year fundraising goal, and the store, also named IndigenousAF, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026. A pop-up sale previewing items will take place on Black Friday, November 28, at Nuwu Art Gallery.

Young Irvine artist prepares for first major solo exhibition in town

Young Irvine artist Euan Tait, 23, a recent graduate of the University of the West of Scotland, will present his first major solo exhibition at the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine next month. The show, running from November 6 to January 10, features a range of new paintings and original prints, many produced at the Glasgow Print Studio where Tait is an active member. He has previously participated in group exhibitions at venues including the Maclaurin Art Gallery, the Dick Institute, and the Society of Scottish Artists' 127th Annual Exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy.