Jury for Venice Biennale's art prize resigns after refusing to recognise Israeli, Russian artists

The international jury of the 61st Venice Biennale art exhibition resigned just over a week before the May 9 prize ceremony, after announcing they would not consider artists from countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court charges—an apparent reference to Russia and Israel. The jury included president Solange Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi. In response, the Biennale established two Visitors’ Lions to be awarded by ticket-holder vote, postponed the awards to November 22, and reaffirmed that all national participations remain eligible, effectively reinstating Russian and Israeli artists.

Art on Main presents "Women in Art: Revealing Our Magnificence" opening reception

Art on Main in Dallas is presenting "Women in Art: Revealing Our Magnificence," a juried exhibition featuring bold, expressive works across mediums such as painting, drawing, photography, fiber art, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics. The opening reception includes live music by the East Dallas Uke-A-Ladies and a set by DJ MISO, along with a Best in Show award presentation, and the exhibit runs through May 30.

This art exhibition wants to leave you ‘a bit happier’

Architect and artist François Valentiny, together with his wife Edith Burggraff, has opened a joint exhibition titled "L'art en partage" at the Valentiny Foundation in Remerschen, Luxembourg. Running until 10 May, the show features paintings and sculptures by the couple and is accompanied by concerts, workshops, and community events. Valentiny, known for designing landmarks like KPMG Luxembourg's headquarters and the Bijou building, studied architecture in Vienna and splits his time between Luxembourg and Austria.

PSAD Student Art Exhibition returns, showcasing year of creativity

The Paducah School of Art and Design (PSAD) is hosting its annual student art exhibition, featuring works created during the 2025-2026 academic year. The exhibition includes ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital photography, audio and video, graphic design, print production, and digital art. An opening awards ceremony will take place on May 1, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with cash merit awards in categories such as 2D art, 3D art, digital media, and commercial graphic design. Additional honors include the President’s Choice Purchase Award and a Juror’s Choice Award, judged by former PSAD director and photography instructor Paul Aho. The exhibition runs from May 1 to 8 at the Bill Ford Gallery in Paducah.

President Neufeldt Hosts Fourth Student Art Exhibition

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) President Ellen Neufeldt hosted the fourth student art exhibition, titled "Forms of Growth," at her home last weekend. The exhibition featured works by four student artists—Amber Miller, Charlotte Dumbeck, Destiny Kirchner, and Rodas Alonzo—and was curated by alumna Sarah Bricke. A reception was held where the artists and curator spoke with attendees.

L.A.'s $1 Billion Lucas Museum Has Revealed Inaugural Exhibitions For This Year's Opening — Curated By George Lucas Himself

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles has announced its 18 inaugural exhibitions ahead of its September 22, 2026 opening. The $1 billion, 100,000-square-foot museum in Exposition Park will feature 32 galleries curated personally by George Lucas, including a dedicated Cinema space showcasing the Lucas Archives with original concept art, costumes, and props from Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Unlike traditional museums, the exhibitions are organized by emotion and storytelling themes such as Adventure, Childhood, Fantasy, and Romance, rather than by time period or artist.

Iowa Art Quilters Association and Fiber Artists exhibit opens May 1

The Fairfield Art Association is opening a new exhibition titled "Iowa Art Quilters and Fiber Artists" on May 1st at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. The show features eight recognized Iowa artists—Karen Anne Babcock Grimes, Sue Kluber, Judy Ludwick, Wendy Read, Barbara Riggs, Kathryn Roe, Jean Taft, and Patricia Weber—displaying up to 50 original art quilt works in various sizes and styles, many of which are available for purchase. A reception for the artists and guests will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

Somerville brings art into City Hall with new Community Collections exhibits

Somerville is launching a new rotating art exhibit series called Community Collections inside City Hall, starting April 29 with the RE-discovering Somerville Open Studios show. The inaugural exhibit features artwork by Somerville Open Studios (SOS) artists, photographs of artists in their studios by Aram Comjean, and vintage SOS posters. The series is hosted by the Somerville Arts Council and co-curated by City Art Coordinator Heather Balchunas and SOS President Hilary Scott, with an art reception scheduled for May 18.

2026 Art Walk Series to transform Downtown Traverse City into gallery

Downtown Traverse City will host the 2026 Art Walk Series on two Friday evenings, May 29 and June 5, from 5-7 p.m. Organized by the Downtown Traverse City Association, the event pairs local artists with downtown merchants, turning shops and restaurants into temporary galleries. Art forms include painting, fiber, and wood, with live demonstrations, extended merchant hours, refreshments, and interactive activities. Additional programming includes hands-on activities at the J. Smith Walkway hosted by Crooked Tree Arts Center, live music at Horizon Books, and opportunities to view the city's permanent public art collection.

Remains of time: Discarded Material Finds New Life As Artwork

Two Indian artists, Manveer Singh (aka Plasticvalla) and Smriti Dixit, are creating artworks from discarded materials to address environmental degradation. Singh transforms multi-layered plastic waste into sculptures inspired by local landscapes and folk traditions, such as a snow leopard for Spiti Valley and a landfill-inspired piece for Delhi. Dixit finds her practice meditative, while other young artists like Anuja Dasgupta and Mrugen Rathod recently exhibited at the 'Sustaina' exhibition using recycled materials like agricultural waste and discarded hotel textiles. Additionally, Tara Lal's Aranyani Pavilion, made from invasive Lantana Camara wood, was displayed at Sunder Nursery to promote forest restoration.

This solo exhibition in Mumbai by Koshy Brahmatmaj draws from pain

Koshy Brahmatmaj's debut solo exhibition, titled 'how do i make you believe,' is currently on view in Mumbai. The show presents artworks that draw from personal pain and limitation, with the artist choosing to work within constraints rather than against them. Images of the exhibition have been released by the gallery, showing pieces that reflect Brahmatmaj's engagement with themes of ecology, identity, archives, and community-based practice.

New week-long 'Wild Art' exhibition celebrating nature and local creative talent set for Peterborough in May

A new community-led exhibition called 'Wild Art Exhibition 2026' will take place at Railworld Wildlife Haven in Peterborough from May 24 to 31. Organized by Community Clickers, Peterborough Together Project, and Peterborough Embroidery Society, the event features amateur artists, photographers, and makers from the area, showcasing works inspired by nature, wildlife, and the environment. The exhibition opens with a classic car show on May 24, presented in collaboration with Abandoned City Camo Crew.

Helena College exhibits capstone 'The Cost of Living' project at Holter Museum of Art

Helena College is showcasing its annual capstone exhibition, titled 'The Cost of Living,' at the Holter Museum of Art in Helena, Montana. The show features final projects from six second-year art students—Vinessa Sanford, Kraig Mougeot, William Krings, Linus Leeper, Sophie Uda, and Red Romano—and opened on April 3, running through May 3, 2026. Assistant professor Seth Roby organized the exhibition, which includes works ranging from a turbulent abstract painting to a whimsical nook with lavender wisteria and fairy dwellings, all exploring existential themes tied to life and living.

Thapar Gallery’s tribute to Abdul Aziz Raiba

Thapar Gallery in New Delhi is hosting an exhibition titled "Master Artist A. A. Raiba: A Unilateral Eclectic," a tribute to the late Indian modernist Abdul Aziz Raiba. The show, on view until 21 June 2026, explores Raiba's six-decade career across murals, paintings on jute, reverse glass paintings, serigraphs, calligraphy, and sketches, highlighting his synthesis of Indo-Islamic traditions, European academic naturalism, the Bengal School, and European modernity. Historian Shivaji K Panikkar provides curatorial insight, noting Raiba's independence from group affiliations and his use of grids and strong linear outlines.

New Rotating Art Exhibit at the Broadway

The Broadway Theater in Rock Springs, Wyoming, has launched a new rotating art exhibit in its lobby, featuring local and regional artists. The program will display new artwork every 60 days, with all pieces available for purchase. The inaugural artist is Debora Soule, a longtime Rock Springs resident and former director of the Community Fine Arts Center, known for nature-inspired works reflecting the Western landscape. An opening reception with Soule is scheduled for May 12, and the theater is seeking additional artists for future exhibits.

Community Corner: 11th SLAM – Savannah Local Artist Market returns featuring more than 80 artists

The 11th Savannah Local Artist Market (SLAM) returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026, featuring more than 80 artists. The free, grassroots event takes place at Salvation Army Baseball field in Savannah, Georgia, with a rain date of May 9. SLAM Founder Charlie Ellis and local artist William Kwamena Poh discussed the event in an interview with WSAV's Kim Gusby.

‘It’s Amazing!’: Regional artists shine at Westman Juried Art Show

The 47th Westman Juried Art Show was held at the Killarney United Church CE Center in Manitoba, featuring 120 flat art pieces by non-professional local artists. The event, organized by the Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council (KTMAC) in partnership with the Arts West Council, included juried critiques from Leona Brown and Lucie Lederhendler, who selected 20 pieces for a travelling gallery across 19 communities and 10 pieces to compete in the Northern and Regional Manitoba Art Show in Winnipeg.

‘Farm & Fields’ exhibit features local artists

The Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, California, opens its annual juried exhibition “Farms & Fields” in the Lobby Gallery, featuring 52 works by 37 regional artists selected from over 150 submissions. Juror Susan Stephenson, a landscape painter and Stanislaus State professor, chose pieces across media including painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, and fabric arts, all celebrating agriculture. Awards totaling $1,100 were given, with Rhett Regina Owings winning Best of Show for her gouache “Farm Near Tracy.” The exhibition runs through July 25, with a free public reception on May 7 as part of the downtown Turlock art walk.

Art exhibition shines light on Romani persecution during Holocaust

An exhibition titled "Ceija Stojka: Making Visible" at The Drawing Center in New York City highlights the persecution of Roma and Sinti people during the Holocaust, a lesser-known chapter of Nazi atrocities. The show features paintings and drawings by Ceija Stojka, a Romani artist, writer, and activist who survived the genocide and died in 2013 at age 79. Her works, described as acts of memory and imagination rather than documentary, depict her experiences and stories passed down to her, with the exhibition also including documentary films by Karin Berger and Stojka's writings, such as her 1988 memoir "We Live in Secrecy."

Malaysia’s youngest solo art exhibitor debuts at Sunway Square Mall

A young Malaysian artist, recognized as the country's youngest solo art exhibitor, has debuted their exhibition at Sunway Square Mall. The showcase features a collection of original works, marking a significant milestone for the emerging talent in Malaysia's local art scene.

Leeum's installation art exhibition explores women-led history of genre

The Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul will open the exhibition "Inside Other Spaces" on May 5, featuring 11 installation artists from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The show reconstructs full-scale environments from 1956 to 1976, including Korean artist Jung Kang-ja's "Incorporeal Exhibition" (1970), which was forcibly dismantled by the Korean government and is being rebuilt for the first time. The exhibition previously appeared at Munich's Haus der Kunst, Rome's Maxxi, and Hong Kong's M+, with each venue expanding its scope.

“Rodney Demps: The Surrealist of the Highwaymen" exhibition opening

The Cornell Art Museum will host the opening of "Rodney Demps: The Surrealist of the Highwaymen" on Friday, May 1, 2026. The exhibition highlights the work of Rodney Demps, a contemporary artist whose surrealist style connects to the legacy of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of African American landscape painters active in the mid-20th century.

An art exhibit showcasing AA Raiba’s versatility across mediums

Thapar Gallery is presenting an exhibition titled "Master Artist A. A. Raiba: A Unilateral Eclectic," showcasing the work of Indian modernist Abdul Aziz Raiba from the 1950s and 1960s. The show highlights Raiba's versatility across mediums including murals, paintings on jute, reverse glass paintings, serigraphs, calligraphy, and sketches, and features landscape drawings from his Kashmir sojourn between 1957 and 1959. The exhibition runs until June 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.

Young Lawrence artists of Hang12 unveil 32 new pieces of art celebrating Kansas

The Lawrence Art Center's Hang12 program, a group of high school students who curate art shows and events, unveiled 32 new pieces of art in the New Hampshire Street parking garage in Lawrence, Kansas. The artworks, designed by Lawrence High School juniors Wren Jay and Rilo Scholz, celebrate native Kansas plants and animals and were collectively painted and assembled by Hang12 members. A ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from multidisciplinary artist Mona Cliff, who completed a mural in the same garage in 2025, and a tour of the new works.

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.

Investigators search again for stolen Celtic gold treasure

Ermittler suchen erneut nach gestohlenem Kelten-Goldschatz

More than three years after the theft of a Celtic gold treasure from the Kelten Römer Museum in Manching, Bavaria, investigators are conducting a new search for the missing loot. Four perpetrators were arrested and sentenced to long prison terms in July 2025, but only a small portion of the stolen gold coins was recovered. Now, based on new intelligence, Bavarian state police are searching the property of the main suspect and his partner in Plate, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, using X-ray and radar technology. They believe 411 gold coins and a gold casting ingot—about three kilograms of gold—are professionally hidden there, along with cash from other burglaries. The suspect's partner is under investigation for money laundering for allegedly offering to help sell the gold.

A Different Germany

Ein anderes Deutschland

The German Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, historically burdened by its Nazi-era origins, presents a new exhibition titled "Ruin." For the first time, the pavilion explicitly adopts an East German perspective, confronting its fraught past from a fresh angle. The show features massive pillars and a prominent "Germania" inscription above the entrance, directly engaging with the building's controversial history.

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.

Jury of the Venice Biennale Resigns

Jury der Venedig-Biennale tritt zurück

The entire jury of the Venice Biennale, appointed by artistic director Koyo Kouoh, has resigned with immediate effect. In a statement released on Thursday, the jury members—including chair Solange Oliveira Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi—cited a prior declaration from April 22 in which they announced they would not award Golden or Silver Lions to artists from countries whose political leadership is currently indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. Although no specific countries were named, the move implicitly targets Russia (President Vladimir Putin) and Israel (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), both subject to ICC arrest warrants. The resignation comes amid escalating tensions over Russia's participation in the Biennale despite EU sanctions, which had already led to a freeze of EU funding and widespread protests.