Art in One Form or Another

A Behanding in Spokane

Thanks to a 'snow storm' special on Friday I was able to enjoy A Behanding in Spokane on Broadway in the 10th row alongside Hank Moody (I prefer his stage name to David Dukovany) and Roger Sterling (aka John Slattery). Christopher Walken plays a man whose been searching for his decapitated hand from 47 years ago while two con artists and an off-kilter hotel clerk rounds out a memorable and hilarious story.

BAMart Silent Auction

Brooklyn Academy of Music's (aka BAM) sixth annual silent auction is around the corner and there are a few gems available. With over 150 pieces from some great artists there's a solid range of design objects to chose from. Bidding begins March 18th (through the 28th). Pretty please, don't touch that Marilyn Minter. It's mine!

Go See: Ghost Writer

While it may be hard to put personal feelings about (Director) Roman Polanski aside (i.e. I'll never see another Mel Gibson movie), the Ghost Writer is an incredible film. Starring Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan, Ghost Writer is a period piece about a former British Prime Minister whose questionable allegiances to the United States during the Iraq war surface when a writer pen's the PM's memoirs.

Art Player Cards

As pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training, a gallery in Houston is getting in the game in a fun way. Instead of creating an artist catalog, Arturo Palacio's Art Palace (recently relocated from Austin) hands out baseball card packs with each card featuring an artist's work and their bio. And yes, a stick of gum comes in each pack.

Culinary Insiders

If you're a foodie and live in New York, you should check out the Culinary Insiders. Membership offers some great opportunities from behind-the-scenes tours at new and top restaurants (I took a private tour at Daniel last weekend!) to private dinners with like-minded young professionals. The most interesting component of Culinary Insiders is the food + art collaborations. The organization pairs a chef with artists on really interesting projects (i.e. Daniel Boulud and VIk Muniz!).

First Aid by New Museum

I shouldn't be surprised with the New Museum's membership letter. It's more of a gift in the form of a first aid kit. According to the membership letter, for those who are risk takers, who live on the cutting edge, the New Museum is the place for you. The kit comes complete with:

• Band Aid Bandages - Warning: Cutting-edge art at the New Museum. Be prepared with these bandages.
• Archival Glove - A risk take who avoids injury? Try these archival gloves for a protective and practical approach to handling new art.
• Pill Case - Take one daily for a 'fresh' new approach to viewing and making art.
• Cotton Balls - Use these cotton balls to cushion your daring viewing experience.

I haven't been impressed with the Museum's programming to date, but the membership kit is a good start to changing my perception.

Fail: Why not include the membership cards with the package? Been waiting a month.

An (Art) Storm is Coming

I'm going to spend the next 10 days preparing for the storm of art that is going to be hit NYC beginning March 3 with the Armory preview. If you're in town, be sure to hit up  Pulse, dedicated to Contemporary Art, March 4-7.

iArt

The newest art iApp looks to be a good one! Artnear is a global art guide. Galleries, venues, artists and shows galore! Available for Blackberry, too!

Art Gift Registry

A while back I told you about nAscent Art, a wedding registry for original art, allowing friends and family to pool their money together for gifts. The problem with nAscent is that it's limited to New York artists. Enter Giwaza, a site that allows people to pool together money for any type of art.

Scottish Terrier Wins Dog Show

I'm not only surprised the Sadie, the Scottish Terrier won last night's Westminster Dog Show, but I'm shocked she was the favorite. Considered "the complete dog," Sadie beat out 2,500 entrants.