Aaward-winning art retailer celebrates two decades of fine art

Hepplestone Fine Art, an award-winning art retailer in Lancashire, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Founded by Clive and his son Giles, both avid art collectors, the gallery opened in 2004 in a small space at the Carrington Centre in Eccleston. In 2010, it relocated to a purpose-built gallery at Heskin Hall Shopping Village, which allowed for expanded exhibitions and evening events. The gallery gained national recognition by winning Art Retailer of the Year from the Fine Art Trade Guild in 2016 and 2018. In 2024, it opened a second location in Wilmslow, Cheshire. A highlight was hosting the first UK gallery appearance by American artist Todd White, who continues to exhibit with them every two years. The gallery now represents emerging talents like Stockport's Lucy Manfredi and remains focused on bringing fine art to collectors both in-person and online.

There Is Still A Tomorrow, Mother: An Imelda Cajipe Endaya Exhibition

Imelda Cajipe Endaya, a pioneering Filipino feminist artist, will hold her first U.S. solo exhibition in nearly two decades at Silverlens New York, opening May 8, 2025. Titled "There is Still a Tomorrow, Mother" and curated by Eugenie Tsai, the show spans works from 1982 to 2023, highlighting the overlooked roles of Filipino women through colonialism, war, and dictatorship. The exhibition features mixed-media pieces incorporating materials like cloth gloves, woven bamboo, and crocheted textiles, alongside paintings such as "Tutol ni Dolorosa" and the installation "The Wife is a DH," which address themes of erasure, migration, and resistance.

The Pressure to Mean Something: Inside the VCUarts’ MFA Exhibition

The article covers the MFA exhibition at VCUarts, showcasing the work of graduate students in the visual arts program. It highlights the pressure on emerging artists to imbue their work with meaning and the diverse approaches taken by the exhibitors.

Georgia artist John Cleaveland brings Jimmy Carter’s childhood to life in 'The Nature of Man' exhibit

Georgia-based artist John Cleaveland has created a series of realistic landscape paintings titled "The Nature of Man: Landscapes from the Childhood of Jimmy Carter," inspired by the former president's 2001 memoir "An Hour Before Daylight." The exhibition is on display at the Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta through May 31, depicting locations from Carter's childhood in Sumter County, Georgia.

‘Exhausted’ life models at Florence art academy threaten nude protest

Life models at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze (Florence Academy of Fine Arts) are threatening legal action and a nude protest in the academy's courtyard over poor working conditions. They describe their work as “exhausting,” involving eight-hour sessions with minimal breaks, and say their renewable annual contracts—offering 500 hours over 11 months—lack insurance, paid leave, sick days, or a digital timecard. The dispute centers on Italy’s ministry of universities and research rules introduced last year, which the academy interprets as excluding models hired more than three years ago under simplified procedures from permanent contracts. Union president Giancarlo Iacomini has met with academy director Gaia Bindi to seek a resolution, while the academy says it will publish a new public recruitment notice that counts previous contracts as qualifications.

Russian artist reveals portrait Putin commissioned him to make as gift for Trump

Russian artist Nikas Safronov revealed a portrait of Donald Trump commissioned by Vladimir Putin as a gift for the U.S. president. The painting depicts Trump after the July 2024 assassination attempt, with blood on his face and fist raised, against a U.S. flag and Statue of Liberty backdrop. Safronov confirmed Putin personally conveyed the importance of the order, and the portrait was delivered via Trump envoy Steven Witkoff. The Kremlin pool journalists posted the image, and Putin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the gift.

Edward Gorey’s surreal back-of-the-envelope illustrations tell a moving story

A new book titled *From Ted to Tom* collects the illustrated envelopes that Edward Gorey (1925-2000) sent to his friend Tom Fitzharris between 1974 and 1975. The envelopes are adorned with Gorey's trademark surreal drawings, often featuring a pair of dogs wearing clothing with the letter 'T,' representing the two correspondents. The volume includes excerpts from 50 letters, along with witty annotations, tactile design elements, and quotes from writers Gorey admired, offering a glimpse into his personal and artistic life.

Emeritus Gallery Student Art Exhibition returns with a bustling on-campus reception.

Santa Monica College's Emeritus Gallery hosted the opening reception for its Emeritus Student Art Exhibition on Thursday night, marking the first on-campus reception since 2019. The exhibition features works by older adult students from the Emeritus College program, which has been operating since 1975. Highlights include Deborah Kaufman's mixed-media sculpture "Maximillion's Dream," inspired by a dream about her dog, and a tribute wall dedicated to the late student Roshy Farry, filled with her watercolor paintings. Curator Jesse Benson organized the event, which drew a crowded, enthusiastic audience of artists and visitors.

Cracow Art Week KRAKERS 2025

Cracow Art Week KRAKERS has announced the first program details for its 14th edition, taking place April 24-30, 2025, under the motto “At times I think I am dreaming.” The theme is drawn from Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz’s novel "622 Downfalls of Bungo," honoring the 140th anniversary of his birth. The program includes a special inauguration event at the Palace of Art curated by Kamil Kuitkowski, regular exhibitions, a Laboratory Section with ten funded projects, and four exhibitions in cooperation with the University of the National Education Commission in Krakow. Highlights include a subway-themed exhibition split across two locations, a series of guided walks called Kultour, and a family walk titled “A river that doesn’t exist.”

A Panorama of Design during the NYCxDesign Festival

The article provides a broad overview of the NYCxDesign Festival, highlighting notable news, product launches, and events taking place across New York City during the design festival. It covers a range of design-related activities, from exhibitions and product debuts to talks and installations, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the citywide celebration of design.

Is It an Art Gallery? A Museum? A Theater? A Dream?

A new immersive experience called The Ministry of Awe has opened in a former bank building in Philadelphia. The project aims to help visitors find wonder in everyday life through a blend of art, theater, and interactive installations.

In Venice, an Ocean-Inspired Exhibition Takes Visitors Under the Sea

An ocean-inspired exhibition titled "Ocean Space" has opened inside a former convent on an island in Venice, featuring immersive artworks that invite visitors to explore the depths of the sea and expand their sense of self. The show includes installations by contemporary artists that use sound, light, and sculpture to evoke underwater environments and marine life.

The Next Frontier in Design? The Humble Birdhouse.

Artists and architects are increasingly designing and creating elaborate, artistic birdhouses, elevating a common backyard object into a subject of creative expression and public art. This movement reflects a broader trend of engaging with nature and public space, blurring the lines between functional design, sculpture, and environmental commentary.

In Indianapolis, a New Contemporary Art Museum Comes With a D.J.

The Indianapolis Contemporary (ICon) has officially opened its doors in a transformed 40,000-square-foot former dairy barn, signaling a bold new chapter for the city’s arts scene. This non-collecting institution aims to dismantle the traditional, often sterile museum experience by integrating live music, social spaces, and a rotating roster of site-specific installations that prioritize community engagement over historical preservation.

Everything You Need to Know to Start a Garden

The New York Times has published a comprehensive guide aimed at aspiring gardeners, detailing the essential steps required to cultivate and maintain a successful green space. The resource covers foundational gardening knowledge, from soil preparation and plant selection to long-term maintenance strategies for various types of outdoor environments.

‘Jimmy & the Demons’ Review

A new documentary film by Cindy Meehl, titled 'Jimmy & the Demons,' profiles the life and work of artist James Grashow. The film explores his whimsical yet profound sculptural practice and delves into the dynamics of his long-lasting marriage, offering an intimate portrait of the artist's personal and creative world.

The Age-Old Obsession With Living Forever

A new exhibition in London explores the human desire for immortality, using contemporary biohacking figures like Bryan Johnson as a starting point to examine the cultural and philosophical implications of extreme life extension.

Mending Ceramics and Slowing Time With the Japanese Art of Kintsugi

The article explores the Japanese art of kintsugi, the practice of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. This technique does not hide the damage but highlights it, transforming fractures into visible, celebrated features of the object's history.

Why Interior Design Magazines Are Booming

The New York Times reports a significant resurgence in print interior design magazines, with titles like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful experiencing substantial growth in advertising pages and newsstand sales. This revival is occurring despite the broader print media downturn and a shift towards digital content consumption.

An Artist Renounced His Family. They Sued to Acquire His Life’s Work.

The heirs of the late artist Robert S. Neuman sued his longtime gallerist, June Kelly, to gain control of his artistic estate. The lawsuit, filed in New York, claims Kelly exploited her relationship with the elderly artist to secure ownership of hundreds of his works, while the family argues Neuman's renunciation of them was based on false information she provided. The family's victory in court, resulting in the transfer of the entire collection to them, sets a significant precedent for estate disputes involving artists and their dealers. It highlights the complex power dynamics and potential for exploitation in artist-gallerist relationships, especially as artists age, and may influence how galleries structure agreements to protect both their interests and those of an artist's heirs.

Is Art Good for Your Health?

A new book titled 'Art Cure' by scientist Daisy Fancourt argues that engaging with the arts has significant, measurable benefits for both mental and physical health. The author, a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology, compiles extensive research to claim arts experiences can prevent suicides, help manage epidemics, increase life expectancy, reduce depression, aid trauma recovery, enhance neuroplasticity, and even encourage healthier eating habits.

design parties design within reach panel

CULTURED, Design Within Reach (DWR), and Flos co-hosted a salon-style panel discussion in DWR's Third Avenue showroom in New York, focused on the evolving role of lighting in modern interiors. Panelists included Barber Osgerby design studio co-founder Jay Osgerby, interior designer Clive Lonstein, DWR Senior Director of Merchandising Lizzy Sullivan, and moderator Sarah Harrelson, CULTURED's Editor-in-Chief. The event featured the new Flos Bellhop Lamp Collection and drew designers, collectors, and media figures such as Sarah Solis, Gray Davis, and photographer Frank Frances.

If You're Wondering Where to Go With Kids... Experiential Events at Museums and Art Galleries Nationwide

The Korean Museum Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the ICOM Korea Committee, is hosting "2026 Museum and Art Gallery Week" throughout May to commemorate International Museum Day on May 18. The event features 16 special exhibitions and experiential programs from 18 institutions nationwide, organized under three main themes: "Museum×Enjoy," "Museum×Stroll," and "Museum×Meet." Participating venues include Kyo-dong Art Museum, Gyeonggi Provincial Children's Museum, Savina Museum of Contemporary Art, and others, offering hands-on activities, educational content, and community-based programs for children and families.

At Luckygirl Gourmet Gallery, Art Leads and Snacks Follow

Nikki Brovold has opened Luckygirl Gourmet Gallery in Portland's Pearl District, a hybrid space where art takes precedence over food. The gallery's inaugural exhibition, "Who's That Girl," features nine artists including Tom Relth, Eric Rue, Paul Solevad, Michelle Yamamoto, Richard Cutshall, and Paula Bullwinkel, with a focus on abstractive figuration and feminine perspectives. Brovold, who previously worked at a global consulting firm in New York and as a gallerist at the Portland Art Museum, curates the art while also offering a small selection of elevated snacks and drinks, such as Makabi & Sons cookies and Puff Coffee cold brew. The space is co-owned by Brovold's husband, Shawn Przybilla.

First Fridays gallery openings for Red Deer

Red Deer's First Fridays gallery openings for December 2025 feature multiple exhibitions across the city. The Red Deer Arts Council and Red Deer Public Library present “The Canadian Landscape Abstract Paintings” by John Bladek at Kiwanis Gallery (Dec. 2–Feb. 8, 2026), showcasing abstract interpretations of iconic Canadian scenes. The Red Deer Arts Council Community Gallery hosts the Mini Masters Year-End Fundraiser pop-up (Nov. 17–Jan. 5, 2026), selling small artworks to support local arts. At the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG), Tim Smith's photography exhibition “In the world, but not of it. Hutterite” (Dec. 6–March 7, 2026) documents Hutterite communal life, while Bailey Horton's “UNHAMPERED” (Dec. 5–March 15, 2026) addresses food security through collaborative art. Curiosity Art & Framing presents “Winter's Gift” featuring works by Brenda Garrett, Larry Reese, and others.

Hannan Center art festival celebrates 100 years of ‘life, even when you mature’

The Hannan Center in Detroit has opened its 2025 Emerge! Art Festival, a juried exhibition featuring 98 artists aged 55 and older and 175 artworks in various media, including sculptures, pottery, and fiber art. The festival runs through January 14 at the Ellen Kayrod Gallery and coincides with the center's 100th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “100 Years Unbound: The Power of Aging.” The center also opened a historical exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum and will host its 70 Over Seventy Awards honoring community contributors aged 70 and older.

A Roma si celebra il fotografo riminese Marco Pesaresi a 25 anni dalla morte: docu-film e mostra

Rome is celebrating the work of Rimini-born photographer Marco Pesaresi (1964–2001), 25 years after his death, through two events organized by the photography training center Daylight School, led by Marco Sconocchia. A documentary film titled "Il granchio nudo – La storia di Marco Pesaresi," produced by Riccardo Caccia and Michela Fragomeni and directed by Marta E. Antonioli and Elena Padovan, will be screened on May 21 at Nuovo Cinema Aquila. The film features unpublished materials, including Pesaresi's diaries and poems, and includes interviews with those who knew him. A group exhibition, "UNDERGROUND. Il mondo sotto. Omaggio a Marco Pesaresi," opens May 29 at Daylight School, reinterpreting the themes of his photobook "Underground" through the eyes of 15 photographers.

Creating Variety in Contemporary Rome: The Story of the Conventicola degli Ultramoderni on Sky Arte

Fare varietà nella Roma contemporanea: la storia della Conventicola degli Ultramoderni su Sky Arte

On Sunday, May 3, Sky Arte will premiere the documentary "Ultramoderni," which chronicles the rise of the Conventicola degli Ultramoderni, a unique artistic collective in Rome. Founded by Sior Mirkaccio and Madame de Freitas, who met in 2011, the group operates from a small hidden venue in the San Lorenzo district, blending music, cabaret, burlesque, and contemporary variety shows with a retro-futuristic aesthetic. The documentary, filmed in their Roman space, features interviews with the duo and excerpts from their performances, tracing how they built a diverse community of enthusiasts around their reinvention of past traditions.

L’inquinamento acustico diventa un percorso sonoro. L’installazione di Continental a Milano

Continental, the premium tire manufacturer, has commissioned WOA Studio, a creative studio founded by Davide Carioni and Giuliana Pajola, to create an immersive sound installation titled "The Sound of Premium" for the Fuorisalone design festival in Milan. Presented at BASE Milano, the installation transforms urban noise pollution into a three-part sonic journey—chaos, harmony, and quiet—using seventeen audio-luminous elements that abstract the city soundscape. The experience is designed to show how noise can be mitigated rather than eliminated, with sound data derived from real urban recordings, particularly tire rolling noise.

Thirteen Monumental Sculptures in Stockholm. Italian Artist Davide Rivalta Redesigns Urban Space

Tredici sculture monumentali a Stoccolma. L’artista italiano Davide Rivalta ridisegna lo spazio urbano

Italian artist Davide Rivalta has installed thirteen monumental bronze sculptures of animals—including lions, rhinoceroses, and buffalo—across iconic public spaces in Stockholm. The project, titled 'Blowing Figures into Space,' places the life-sized, pedestal-free figures directly on the ground, allowing them to blend into and subtly disrupt the urban landscape.