bad art news I hope you will use

Despite the fact that it's February and we are now a little bit closer to spring, I learned of two art events in the past week that have me feeling rather blue.  First, a leading figure in the conceptual art world that not so many may know but whom I was fortunate enough to meet and spend some time with passed away.  Dennis Oppenheim was a pioneer in the land and body art movements of the 1960s as well as a key figure in the realm of public art, both commissions and controversies.  I encourage you to read more about him and his art world contributions here.     

Above the Wall of Electrocution, 1989,

courtesy the artist's website

Then, more bad news, as picked up by the Louisville Courier-Journal, although not wholly unexpected given today's economic woes: members of Congress have proposed to cut federal funding for the arts and culture.  

In addition to "thinking spring," I would like to remind art lovers about the importance of staying informed concerning developments that could potentially have a profound effect on you and our collective arts futures.  The good news:  you can get more information about arts advocacy by visiting the Americans for the Arts website.