Sotheby’s to Hold Auction in Diriyah Featuring over 60 Artworks

A priceless 2,500-year-old golden helmet and three golden bracelets from Romania's Dacia civilization, stolen from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands in January 2025, were returned to Romania on Tuesday. The artifacts arrived at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport under guard and were displayed at Bucharest's National History Museum, flanked by armed security. The recovery followed 14 months of investigations, diplomatic tensions, and an ongoing trial of three suspects; one bracelet remains missing but Dutch authorities vow to continue the search.

‘Augustana High School Invitational’ to Open at University’s Eide/Dalrymple Gallery

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery at Augustana University will host its annual 'Augustana High School Invitational' from January 15 to February 6, 2025, featuring over 110 artworks by students from 22 regional high schools. The exhibition includes a range of mediums such as ceramics, drawing, digital art, photography, mixed media, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, with a closing reception and awards ceremony on February 6. The show is juried by Augustana Art Department faculty, and junior and senior artists can participate in portfolio reviews for Pro Artis Scholarships worth up to $8,000.

TWiST Art Gallery opens in Naples

TWiST Art Gallery, Art Space & Artist Studios has opened in the Bayshore Arts District of Naples, Florida, as a new non-profit creative hub. The grand opening was funded primarily by two sold-out Embellished Wearable Arts Fashion Shows in 2024 and 2025, which raised over $100,000 for affordable art classes and studios. Additional support came from The Community Foundation, Jan Edwards, and the Gail Danae Kasbi Foundation. The gallery will offer affordable artist studios, a fine art gallery, community workshops, rotating exhibitions, and monthly First Friday Art Walk events. Monique Kutash has been appointed Art Director, and plans include an artist-in-residence program and a Mini Art Gallery Series featuring outdoor micro-galleries hosted by local businesses.

Edinburgh independent arts festival announces open call for artists

Edinburgh's Hidden Door, an annual independent multi-arts festival, has announced an open call for visual artists to submit work for its 2026 edition, running from June 3 to June 7. The festival, which is volunteer-run, received transformative multi-year funding from Creative Scotland through 2027, enabling it to pay artists fairly and expand its ambitions. Artists based in Scotland or with a meaningful connection to the country are invited to apply by January 11, with themes including 'Out-of-Place Objects,' 'Stone Tape Theory,' and 'Myth of a Building.' The venue for 2026 remains secret, with the full program to be announced later.

Anna Thew's exhibition

New Art Projects gallery in London is presenting a solo exhibition of Anna Thew, an artist whose practice spans painting, performance, filmmaking, and music. The show brings together historic and recent works on paper and film, including pieces never before shown or screened, and will feature a new multi-screen projection created for the duration of the exhibition. Thew first made a film in 1980 and gained a reputation for challenging the Structuralist Materialist school of British experimental cinema through works that emphasize emotive content, poetic editing, and spoken word soundtracks.

‘Back at it again’: Wichita couple re-opens art gallery after hiatus

After a decade-long hiatus, Wichita State alumni and spouses John and Connie Ernatt reopened their art gallery, The Diver Studio, at 424 S Commerce St. in Wichita with a new exhibition on October 24, 2025. The opening drew a large crowd of family, friends, and local art lovers, featuring individual and collaborative works priced from $500 to $12,500, including a piece titled “Cold Sand” with price available upon request. The couple had closed the gallery during the COVID-19 pandemic to renovate the space, and this show marked their first public display in 10 years.

‘I'm sending a piece of Gaza to the world’: Palestinian artist Ahmed Muhanna discusses his exhibition of works painted on aid boxes

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a traveling exhibition titled "Gaza: Stories of Hope and Resilience," featuring over 40 paintings by Gazan artist Ahmed Muhanna. Muhanna created the works on WFP aid boxes and paper over three intense months under constant threat of bombings, using the boxes as canvas due to a lack of art materials. The exhibition opened on 15 September in Brussels and will tour nine European cities before closing on 23 October, with funding from the EU.

RAD Rendezvous opens with ribbon-cutting, music and celebration in Asheville

RAD Rendezvous, a new art event in Asheville's River Arts District, held its grand opening on September 16, 2025, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music by DJ Rob Gray / CPT Hyperdrive, and a celebration with local artists. The event showcased works by numerous artists including Lori Jusino, Rob Czar, Katt Naz, Betsy Kendrick, Pamela Miller, Mara Viksnins, Fernand Poulin, Louise Genetti, Brian Luzader, and Susan Sinyai, with The Radical owner Amy Michaelson Kelly officiating the ribbon-cutting.

Salford Uni’s Energy House 2.0 appoints new Iranian-born artist in residence

Iranian-born artist Omid Asadi has been appointed as the new artist-in-residence at the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 research facility. Running from Spring 2026 through the end of the year, the residency will see Asadi collaborate with researchers at the world-leading climate laboratory, which features two massive chambers capable of simulating extreme global weather conditions. The artist plans to create new installations and sculptures in response to the facility's pioneering retrofit research, specifically focusing on a recreated 1930s-era house.

In Romagna for over a century there is a "serious" spring carnival. The story of the plaster and thought floats

In Romagna da oltre un secolo c’è un Carnevale “serio” di primavera. La storia dei carri di gesso e di pensiero

A small town in Romagna, Casola Valsenio, has been hosting a unique spring festival for 125 years, featuring massive allegorical floats made of plaster and wood. Unlike traditional carnivals, this event—called the "serious carnival"—takes place in late April/early May and focuses on social and political themes. The floats, up to seven meters long and nine meters high, are built by local youth and paraded twice (day and night) with performers frozen in tableau vivant poses. A jury, this year chaired by Roberto Cantagalli, director of the MAR museum in Ravenna, awards a winner.

Sarzana failed to become Capital of Culture 2028 but relaunches: 'The dossier will be implemented anyway'

Sarzana non è riuscita a diventare Capitale della Cultura 2028 ma rilancia: “Il dossier sarà realizzato ugualmente”

Sarzana, a city in Liguria, Italy, failed to win the title of Italian Capital of Culture for 2028, which was awarded to Ancona. However, instead of shelving its candidacy dossier, the city has decided to implement its strategic cultural plan, titled "L'Impavida," as its official cultural governance program for 2026-2028. The plan treats culture as a permanent infrastructure, integrating urban planning, tourism, welfare, and economic development, and was developed through a decade-long process involving co-design with associations and citizens.

The Animals We Are. The New Metamorphosis of the Apartment-Showroom Casaornella in Milan

Gli animali che siamo. La nuova metamorfosi dell’appartamento-showroom Casaornella a Milano

Interior designer Maria Vittoria Paggini has unveiled the 2026 edition of Casaornella, her apartment-showroom in Milan's Via Conca del Naviglio 10, during Design Week. Titled "L'animale sociale" (The Social Animal) with the subtitle "Nessuno mi può giudicare" (Nobody Can Judge Me), the space is completely restructured each year. For this edition, Paggini removed all doors to create a fluid, open-plan layout, using curtains for privacy. The project explores themes of authenticity and human relationships in the digital age, inspired by Italian pop songs from Mina to Luigi Tenco, which form the exhibition's soundtrack.

Cultural heritage reform. The 'Italia in scena' law gives some answers but raises many questions

Riforma dei beni culturali. La legge “Italia in scena” dà alcune risposte ma produce tante domande

Italy's parliament approved the "Italia in scena" law in March 2026, a cultural heritage reform aligned with right-wing priorities: territorial valorization, local identity promotion, autonomy, and private-sector involvement. The law establishes a digital registry (Anagrafe), a roster of accredited operators, and a framework for private management of cultural assets, but allocates only €4.5 million annually—a symbolic sum compared to France's cultural mediation budgets. It also opens participation to the Third Sector (cooperatives, community foundations) but defers all critical details to implementing decrees with no strict deadlines or enforcement mechanisms.

Popular sculptor Jago sets his sights on Capri with an exhibition that is also a territorial enhancement project

Il popolare scultore Jago punta su Capri con una mostra che è anche un progetto di valorizzazione territoriale

The Italian island of Capri has announced a major solo exhibition by the sculptor Jago, scheduled to open in June at the historic Villa Lysis. This ambitious project will feature the artist's works distributed across the villa’s eclectic spaces, including its Art Nouveau interiors, the Chinese-style opium den, and its panoramic terraces. The initiative is a strategic move by the local administration to revitalize the site, which, despite its architectural significance, suffers from its remote location on Monte Tiberio.

Above Lake Maggiore sits Italy's highest bookstore, fighting mountain depopulation

Sopra il Lago Maggiore c’è la libreria più in altitudine d’Italia che combatte lo spopolamento delle montagne

The Libreria Alpe Colle, located in the Lepontine Alps overlooking Lake Maggiore, has become Italy's highest-altitude bookstore. Established in 2014, this unique cultural hub is accessible only by a hike through beech forests and historical WWI fortifications. It houses thousands of rare, out-of-print, and antique volumes, attracting a diverse mix of serious collectors and casual hikers who visit for both literature and local artisanal products.

Bread, Wine, and Fish: How the Archaeology of Food Tells the Story of Life in Herculaneum

Pane, vino e pesce. Tutta l’archeologia del cibo racconta che vita si faceva a Ercolano: l’itinerario gratuito

The Herculaneum Archaeological Park has launched a new thematic itinerary titled "I luoghi del cibo a Ercolano" (The Places of Food in Herculaneum), offering visitors a deep dive into the gastronomic culture of the Roman city buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD. The guided path leads through ancient street food stalls known as thermopolia, specialized wine shops, and the bakery of Sextus Patulcius Felix, where stone mills and ovens remain intact. The experience extends to the Casa dei Cervi to illustrate the social rituals of elite banqueting and includes a supplementary exhibition at Villa Campolieto featuring organic remains preserved by the eruption.

Lights, Funding, Action – Film Grant Open Call

The Sharjah Art Foundation has launched the ninth cycle of its Short Film Production Grant 2026, issuing an open call for applications from filmmakers worldwide. The grant provides financial support, with a total fund of AED 120,000 (approx. USD 30,000), for the completion of short films of 50 minutes or less across all genres. Selected projects may also premiere at a future edition of the Sharjah Film Platform festival.

Interview with Su Hui-Yu: MAMBO

Entrevista Su Hui Yu Mambo

On January 24th, Taiwanese artist Su Hui-Yu's film 'A Complete History' premiered at the Bogotá Museum of Modern Art (MAMBO). The work, filmed within the museum, intertwines the histories of Colombia and Taiwan through a narrative told and inhabited by queer and trans individuals. The exhibition, titled 'La Saga Total,' also featured other works by Su, including 'The Trio Hall' and 'The Space Warriors and the Digigrave.' The project is now set to travel to Taipei for its premiere at MOCA Taipei on April 12th.

Columbia High School Senior Wins Merit Award at Statewide Art Exhibition

Columbia High School senior Francie Christensen won a Merit Award for her photograph "Sarah" at the Art Administrators of New Jersey (AANJ) Emerging Artists Exhibition. The awards ceremony was held at the James Howe Gallery at Kean University, recognizing exceptional high school visual artists from across the state.

Galloping into the New Year – 2026 Ningxia Zodiac Printmaking Spring Exhibition Opens in Yinchuan

“骏启新岁——2026宁夏生肖版画迎春展” 在宁夏银川开幕

The 'Galloping into the New Year – 2026 Ningxia Zodiac Printmaking Spring Exhibition' opened on January 18, 2026, at the Yuecai City Public Art Exhibition Area in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Organized by the Ningxia Artists Association and co-organized by its Printmaking Art Committee and the Ningxia University College of Fine Arts, the exhibition features 101 works, including 81 selected from an open call and 20 invited pieces from established printmakers. The opening ceremony was attended by association officials and artists, and a printmaking workshop was set up to allow visitors to try the art form.

International Quilt Museum to host artist Wada, professor Dudley

The International Quilt Museum is hosting a special event titled 'An Evening of Boro' on April 24, featuring artist Yoshiko Wada and professor Sandra Dudley. The event includes a reception for the exhibition 'Boro: The Hidden and the Visible in Japanese Mended Textiles,' a lecture by Dudley, and a guided tour of the exhibition led by Wada, who served as guest curator. The event will be livestreamed for remote attendees.

A photo tour of 2026 Chain of Parks Art Festival in Tallahassee

The 2026 LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival transformed downtown Tallahassee into a vibrant outdoor gallery, featuring over 160 national juried artists. Visitors explored a diverse array of mediums, including glasswork, sculpture, oil painting, and photography, alongside live 3D street art demonstrations and local entertainment.

Spring Art Exhibition Aligned Again Opens at Village Theatre Art Gallery

The Village Theatre Art Gallery in Danville is launching its spring exhibition, "Aligned Again," featuring the work of six women artists. Opening with a reception on April 18, the show highlights a diverse range of mediums and styles that explore themes of connection and creativity. The exhibition will remain on view through June 19, serving as a centerpiece for the town's seasonal cultural programming.

Arzu Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva attend exhibition titled “10 Years Lived in Colors” [PHOTOS]

On December 28, an exhibition titled “10 Years Lived in Colors” was held at the “Turkic World” Painting Gallery in the Eco-Park area of the Zirə Cultural Center, celebrating the center’s 10th anniversary. The show featured handcrafted works by student-artists aged 6–30 and teaching staff, spanning painting, sculpture, wood burning, quilling, batik, ebru, alcohol ink, graphics, and mixed media. Attendees included Arzu Aliyeva, head of the Baku Media Center, and Alena Aliyeva, who toured the exhibition and took photos with guests. The event opened with remarks by Leman Aliyeva on behalf of the center’s management, followed by Mazahir Rustamov, head of the Art Studio, discussing the studio’s decade of development. Honorary guest People’s Artist Ömər Eldarov congratulated participants. The program also included a fashion exhibition of Azerbaijani national costumes and modern garments, and a dance performance by “White Flower.” The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony.

Sarasota Student Art Takes Center Stage: 71st Annual Spring Art Show Showcases 1,500 Young Artists

Art Center Sarasota is hosting the 71st Annual North Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show from April 28 to May 9, 2026, featuring over 1,500 student artists from kindergarten through 12th grade. The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, mixed media, photography, and experimental works, with a High School Awards Ceremony awarding more than $20,000 in scholarships and prizes. The show is organized by coordinators Angela Hartvigsen and Debra Markley, and coincides with Art Center Sarasota's 100th anniversary.

“ Where Arts Flourish, Culture Blossoms”: Renowned Film Director and Artist B. Narsing Rao at ‘Charcoal...

A charcoal art exhibition titled "Charcoal Stories" by young prodigy Ricky Tej from Nagarkurnool district was inaugurated at Lamakaan in Hyderabad. Renowned film director and artist B. Narsing Rao attended as Chief Guest, praising Tej's realistic charcoal drawings and mythological themes. Other speakers included journalist Sri Venkateshwar Rao, editorial cartoonist Sri Narsim, and Group-1 Officer Ms. Sahithi, who emphasized the importance of encouraging artistic talents alongside academics. The exhibition was organized by BALACHELIMI children's magazine and remains open to the public until 6pm on April 26, 2025.

Art Exhibition to conclude this evening

A two-day art exhibition featuring 12 artists from across Karnataka is concluding this evening at Suchitra Art Gallery in Kalamandira premises. The exhibition was inaugurated by Karnataka Lalithkala Academy former Chairman Dr. M.S. Murthy, with senior artist S.M. Jambukeshwara, Dr. Vithala Reddy, Chulaki Parameshwara, and Dr. Kundagola also present at the opening.

Turner Center announces winners of 39th Annual Spring Into Art Gala

The Turner Center for the Arts in Valdosta, Georgia, has announced the winners of its 39th Annual Spring Into Art Gala. The event recognizes local and regional artists across multiple categories, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, with awards presented during a formal ceremony at the center.

Recording Presence: Practical Strategies For Documenting Contemporary Exhibitions

The article provides a practical guide to documenting contemporary art exhibitions, outlining methods for creating useful, ethical, and durable records. It emphasizes the importance of shot lists, consistent file naming, descriptive metadata, and accessibility features like captions and transcripts to ensure archives remain searchable and meaningful over time.

Photos: Opening reception kicks off QCC Art Gallery’s 2026 Juried Student art exhibit

Queensborough Community College Art Gallery held an opening reception for its 2026 Juried Student art exhibit on April 21. The annual show, which began in 2011, features between 87 and 100 works selected as the "best of the best" from students in the Art and Design Department, with the pieces remaining on view through May 29.