The Franklin Fine Arts Center, which is a Chicago Public School (CPS) Magnet School, wants you to get involved with their educational community setting. The school, located at 225 West Evergreen Avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, has volunteer opportunities available with their Garden Club community. There, volunteers help maintain and redesign the garden, which occupies space in the school’s front area, so it can become available for use in school events and teaching instruction.

The Friends of Franklin, or FOP works to raise funds to support the Franklin Fine Arts Center. This non-profit organization that began in the early 2000’s and board members meet the 4th Wednesday of every month. To be considered for one of their volunteer positions, call Franklin Fine Arts Center at 773-534-8510. Their online volunteer sign-up form web page is currently under construction, so check back often if you want to apply online.…

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The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is one of the largest and most famous museums in the United States. It is even well known around the world. It contains more than 450,000 works of art. Visitors can see works by ancient Egyptian and Greek artists as well as such famous artists as Vincent van Gogh, John Singleton Copley, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock and Georgia O’Keefe. They have extensive collections of Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Europe, North American and South American art.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston was founded in 1870. The collection was held at the Boston Athenaeum. In 1876, the collection was placed in a new building in Copley Square. This gothic revival style building was designed by John Sturgis and Charles Brigham. The building required additions in order to accommodate the Museum of Fine Arts twice in its time as the MFA. The first addition was completed in 1879 and the second in 1890. Unfortunately, the Copley Square site was not big enough to allow for any more additions and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston needed them. So, in 1899, the decision was made to seek out a new site in Boston for the museum and start constructing a bigger museum.

Plans for the new building began in 1907. Architect Guy Lowell was commissioned to design a building with a number of wings that could be constructed in phases. The first would be large enough to move the collection there. Then, as the collection grew and funding allowed for it, extra wings would be added. The building was completed in 1909. It is a beautiful building, complete with colonnade and rotunda. The Museum of Fine Arts moved their collection there and the Copley Square building was vacated.

The new (and current) site of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston was on Huntington Avenue. The main address is 100 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02116-6511. The original building is now the site of the Copley Plaza Hotel.

The second phase of construction found funding in 1911, through a generous donation of more than one million dollars from Mrs. Robert Dawson Evans. The new wing was completed and opened in 1915. It became known as the Robert Dawson Evans Wing. One year later, John Singer Sargent was commissioned to revamp the rotunda and colonnade. He did several paintings in the dome, added a few sculptures and some ornate details in the rotunda. He completed his work there in 1921 and moved on to the colonnade, for which he made several murals and reliefs. He completed all of his work for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in early 1925.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston was home to a school of fine arts since its inception. In 1927, a new school building was built for the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This was part of Guy Lowell’s designs for the museum. However, the school is not located on the museum’s main grounds. It is across the street.

The last wing of Guy Lowell’s design was completed in 1928. This is the Decorative Arts Wing. This wing included a courtyard designed by Arthur Shurtleff. The Forsythe Wickes Addition expanded the Decorative Arts Wing. It was designed by Hugh Stubbins and completed in 1968. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston commissioned Hugh Stubbins for the George Robert White Wing immediately after the Decorative Arts Wing addition was complete. The George Robert White Wing was completed two-years later.

The George Robert White Wing was completely engulfed by 1981. World-renowned architect, I.M. Pei was commissioned to design an addition to the wing that would surround it. It’s the most modern design the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has completed as of yet. It is precisely what one would expect from Pei.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is ever changing and expanding. In fact, as of right now, a major addition and renovation is nearing completion. Part of this project is an Art of the Americas Wing. The wing was designed by the Foster & Partners architectural firm. It is slotted to open in November of 2010.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has a sister museum in Nagoya, Japan. It is known as the Nagoya Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts makes many works of art in many styles and periods available to their sister museum. Many of these art genres have never gained exposure in Japan. These two museums set a fine example for sharing and displaying different cultures throughout the world.

Sources

Architectural History, retrieved 6/13/10, mfa.com

Art of the Americas, retrieved 6/13/10, mfa.org/collections/index.asp?key=17…

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It is often difficult to rate and compare educational programs. Each University has its own distinguished features that may be useful for one student but worthless for another. So how do we really rate the schools? Well! We can select based on the annual rankings published by numerous authoritative sources or analyze purely on the basis of reputation. Whatever the case may be, here we will look into ten University programs that are widely regarded as the best education in Fine Arts studies.

Rhode Island School of Design

It is widely regarded as the most outstanding program in the entire United States. It provides fine arts education in 18 disciplines. Philosophers and artists from all over the world flock to its campus to provide hands-on training to the students.

Art Institute of Chicago

The institute is home to over 300,000 pieces of artifacts. It is popular in the world specifically for its painting department. Every prominent Chicago artist has left its mark on the growing community of 3000 degree seeking students, eighteen percent of which are international.

Cranbrook Academy of Arts

Based in Michigan, the art school provides practical training in ten fields including the best programs in the world for fiber and metalsmithing. The school has various artists who live and work in its historical compounds. The school has also integrated modern technology programs such as 2D, 3D designs and Architecture.

Virginia Commonwealth University

The nine disciplines of fine arts are ranked in the top ten, nationwide. The school prides itself in providing education in life sciences that is backed by solid research and unique programs. It enrolls one of the largest numbers of graduate and undergraduate students, in the nation.

Maryland Institute, College of Arts

The college has been providing fine arts education since opening its doors in 1926. There are more than 1,600 students enrolled. The Alumni resides in 58 different countries and are witness to its quality which produces an astounding 86 percent job offers, before course completion.

California Institute of Arts

The school was crated by Walt Disney himself and its faculty includes some of the finest artists and thinkers of our modern age. It is known for its programs in performing and visual arts. It now also provides world class training to the young artistes of California who come here every summer to learn from its faculty and over 1,500 students.

Yale University

The university is the only Ivy-league school that is considered to be exclusively geared towards an artist community. The school of arts provides specialization in graphic design, painting, photography and sculpture. Its fine arts programs are consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Temple University

The Tyler school of Arts is a premier provider of fine arts programs. Courses in Jewelry and Metals have gained international acclamation. It is ranked among the top 20 programs in the nation by US World News Report for the last decade.

University of California – State Wide System

The top tier university campuses of Los Angeles, Berkeley and San Diego are not only rated very highly but also provide the best value for money, according to the Princeton Review. Fine Art enthusiasts enjoy generous grants and loans provided by the government of California.

Carnegie Mellon University

The school of arts revels in providing technology based fine arts programs like no other in the world. Its research based computer arts degrees are highly integrated in futuristic design and development. The school provides research grants to most of its undergraduate and graduate students, enrolled in arts.

Virginia Commonwealth University

The nine disciplines of fine arts are ranked in the top ten, nationwide. The school prides itself in providing education in life sciences that is backed by solid research and unique programs. It enrolls one of the largest number of graduate and undergraduate students, in the nation.…

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I was lying asleep on a park bench in La Alameda Park in downtown Mexico City; it was fairly early in the evening, and a group of police officers woke me up and spoke with me. One of them asked me if I had a gun. I said no, but thought it was a curious question. I wondered if he meant I ought to have a gun if I intended to sleep in the park. With that comforting thought, I went back to sleep.

A few hours later I was awakened by two British men who were drinking large quantities of beer a few yards off. Their loud voices and the clinking of beer bottles on the ground is what woke me up. A prostitute and a Mexican guy (her pimp I suppose), were with the two Brits.

By the way, Alameda Park is next to the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City (Palacio de Bellas Artes).

Soon after I was awakened by all the racket, about six police officers showed up. I am not sure what happened, but suddenly one of the British guys starts yelling “give me back my ten quid!” Evidently one of the cops had taken the equivalent of a $30 “fine.” In Mexico this is often the smart course of action, simply pay the police and be done with the problem.

But this British guy was having none of it. He stood in front of the six policemen and demanded his money back. The pimp tried to calm things down, but the British guy would not back down, and he suddenly snatched the money from the police officer’s hand. The police officer then pulled out his revolver and pointed it at the British guy at point blank range.

I got ready to run (which was kind of hard to manage as I was inside my mummy sleeping bag), since I have no intention of hanging around if I witnessed a murder committed by these cops – they might find my continued existence to be embarrassing. Things were very tense for a few moments, and then the cops took off. It looked like it had been a very close thing.

I immediately stuffed my sleeping bag into its sack, and went over to introduce myself to those two British madmen. Anyone that crazy seemed to be worth meeting. Turns out they were pretty regular guys, just traveling around, and heading for South America where the British soccer team was playing in the World Cup. We stayed at a cheap hotel in downtown Mexico and toured the city, taking in various sights such as Chapultepec Park, where one memorable street show involved a man taking gasoline into his mouth, and then spraying it out through a flame: it looked like a tough way to make some money.

The British chaps were even good enough to hang around an extra day in order to celebrate my 21^st birthday, which as I kind of recall, ended at the Plaza of the Mariachis, where mariachi players gathered after the bars closed in the wee hours of the morning.

A couple of prostitutes also showed up, and were exposing themselves for additional entertainment that particular night. When I got a good look at them I really had to wonder how they managed to make a living.

In retrospect, during the police incident in Alameda Park, it was thru pure luck or intuition that the British guy gambled, and won, on the assumption that the policeman would not shoot him. If the cop had shot him it would have been in front of five other cops, one US citizen, and two Mexican nationals; so this was no doubt a constraint. Could be there was some type of business arrangement between the prostitute, the pimp, and the cops, and maybe the pimp paid a fee to use the park.

Warning: this was done by bona-fide drunken British adventurers, well trained and experienced in their art form: DO NOT attempt this without proper training and supervision!…

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Although a cliché it is very true that Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America. The two cities share some similarities such as statuesque architecture, striking history and refined fashion but although having a European feel Buenos Aires is a city of its own, filled with local artisans’ markets and sizzling tango performances and surrounded by a countryside with rust gaucho history.

You will find that in Buenos Aires art is everywhere either in a museum, imbued into the architectural landscape or just in your hotel room. And that really is the case at Faena Hotel + Universe. This hotel is situated in the up and coming Puerto Madero district of Buenos Aires.

The hotel is a converted grain building and whilst its exterior is of worn brick the interior is lush and indulgent. The accommodations are over the top with thick velvet fabrics and everywhere you turn there are red roses but the Faena always stays within the boundaries of good taste.

Faena’s fine dining restaurant, the El Bistro, is entirely decorated in white: white curtains, white tables, white armchairs and busts of white albino unicorns lining the walls. This does sound a bit curious but diners forget about their surroundings when they taste the inventive dishes that the El bistro has to offer.

Below the El Bistro is the rustic wine cellar that has been transformed into a dining room. Just as high end as the El Bistro with the unicorns being replaced with rack after rack of bottles of fine wine from across the globe.

At nightfall the Faena turns into a hot nightspot with live bands playing most evenings. Here the locals do not start their night out until midnight or later so do not expect things to come to an end until the wee hours of the morning.

An additional benefit to staying at the Faena is its location. The hotel is within 15-20 minutes of just about any place in Buenos Aires that you might like to visit. Places such as La casa Rosada where Evita made her address to the people or the Teatro Colon which is one of the most distinguished opera houses in the world.

For U.S. visitors Argentina is one of the easiest of foreign destinations to visit as most people speak English and are happy to direct visitors to their country’s finest attractions.

First time visitors should consider having a guided itinerary so that they get to see all of the city’s major attractions. Borello Travel and Tours offer a Buenos Aires Experience Tour which includes major attractions such as Casa Rosada, the Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods, the Caminito and much more. After 4 days in Buenos Aires you move to a former gaucho ranch approximately a 2 hour drive called the Estancia Bella Vista. Here you can fish, go horse riding or just relax by the pool. This tour package starts from $2,450pp and includes four nights at Faena Hotel + Universe, two nights at Estancia Bella Vista, transfers, tours and taxes.…

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Custom Wall Paintings: As a fine artist, you can get freelance jobs working for homeowners who want to decorate their home interior. This is a great opportunity to make money drawing and painting on bedroom walls, furniture and even staircases. You can find a lot of clients by partnering with stores that sell maternity clothing. Parents who want to prepare a nursery before their child is born can hire you to create scenery for a child’s room. Build a portfolio of samples that you can enlarge and paint on walls.

Potential clients who do not have their own plans for the paintings can use your concepts as a reference. This can also make it easier for you to complete a job assignment in this field or work. Following your clients ideas may not always be easy, even if their concepts are detailed. You all will more than likely have different interpretations of what the final wall painting should look like. Base your prices on the materials needed and time needed to complete each job.

Your price should also reflect the amount of detail that will go into making a custom wall painting for homeowners. Instead of charging an hourly rate, it may be best to charge per square foot. A lot of mural artists come up with their prices this way. Mural artists charge between $10 and $40 per square foot. These fees can add up and it is not impossible to hear mural artists give a $5,000 quote for one job. You can also charge by the day and see how much can be done within and six to eight hour timeframe. A fine artist can make over $1,000 in one week by doing custom wall paintings.

Wedding Correspondence: Fine artists can get freelance jobs all year round by creating original pieces of correspondence for weddings. This is a fun service for selective couples or wedding planners who seek one-of-a-kind invitations. Do not be one dimensional in the services that you offer when working on weddings. Fine artists can make more money by convincing couples to add wedding ceremony programs to their custom order. A fine artist can finish this type of job by creating one original design and then taking it to a printing company for reproductions.

However, the highest quality pieces of wedding correspondence are usually handmade. There is no reason for couples or wedding planners to hire fine artists if they are not going to get correspondence that is truly custom-made. As an artist, you could make more money by charging couples per piece instead of by one whole volume. Fine artists charge between $4 and $15 for each wedding invitation. You could also make a packaged deal of 100 to 125 wedding invitations for $500.…

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Written by Linda Alexander

For the animal print lover, animal print checks are hot off the press! Do you like animal prints like leopard spots or zebra stripes? If so, you probably already have clothing, blankets, and accessories with these motifs on them. Now, you can also order your checks with animal prints on them.

Animal Print Checks and Accessories

Each time you write a check, you will be able to express your individual style even more. Use your animal print pen to write animal print checks, then mail them with animal print address labels on your envelopes. It can’t be overdone! Animal print checks express your wild side, something you don’t normally associate with writing checks.

So each time you pay for a purchase, you will be able to let everyone know just how much you appreciate animal print fashion. Your animal print checks can coordinate with your shoes, your purse, and your belt. How much more fun can you have?

If you’re not into animal prints, rest assured, there are plenty of other check designs to go with. Everything from bright colors, to pastels, to vibrant patterns, and from your favorite cartoon character to your favorite hobby, is available in a check motif. There is no reason to buy unadorned checks when you can have the images you love printed right on your checks.…

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Federal arts grants are specially designed to support arts institutes and organizations. There are some grants that are awarded to individuals also. These grants are typical and have been categorized into different groups. If you are an aspiring artist or you are interested to pursue education in music or fine arts, you can look for these grants and see whether you qualify for them or not. The grants are available for those who need funding for their projects so that once they complete it, they can launch their pieces of arts or start some earning from them.

No matter whether you are a student or you want to make arts your profession, you can find one or more relevant grants matching your needs. If you are in the administrative group of some organization and you need funding for the projects or to carry on some work within your organization, you can find and apply for the most appropriate grant program. The government wants to provide support to all sections of society and nation so that all are able to accomplish their needs and desires. You simply have to look for the grants in the right place so that you are not misguided or mislead.

Federal arts grants can be looked for on the legitimate website of the government. The best place to seek for these grants is federal government website and you must take the advantage of this facility. Look for the grants that are suitable and will support you completely. As an organization as well as an individual, you will have to write a grant proposal in which you will give a brief description of the project for which you need the fund and why you need the financial assistance.

The grant proposal should be persuasive and the selection panel must be convinced that you are the best candidate or the most deserving organization for the grant money. This is very important. No one is coming to help you or find whether you are genuinely in financial need or not. You will have to prove it though financial statements while applying for federal arts grants.…

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Operation Kindness, a no-kill animal shelter in Carrollton, TX, will be one of the vendors featured at the Fourth Annual Dallas City Arts Festival, a kid-friendly event, June 10th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the arts district downtown.

The festival, which started June 8th, presents many treats for all of your senses. The location is Flora Street between Leonard and Harwood. Admission is free. Art featured ranges from intricate designs to random splashes of color. The Dallas Museum of Art will also be on hand offering interactive programs for the whole family in addition to its regular line-up of exhibits. The 500 Inc. is also presenting a juried art show and sale during the festival with more than 80 Texas artists. Numerous dance, musical, and community groups will also perform.

The Dallas Arts District Alliance will give tours June 9th and 10th of the area regarding history of buildings and previews of things to come at 11 a.m.

For more information, go to dallascityarts.com.

On June 16th animal adoptions from Operation Kindness will be featured at Hawaiian Falls Water Park in the Colony in Texas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

June 20th the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents “Peter and the Wolf” as part of its Family Concert Series. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Show time is 11:30 a.m. at Van Cliburn Recital Hall, 330 E. 4th Street in downtown, one block east of Bass Performance Hall. For tickets, call 817-665-6000.

On June 24th a low-cost microchip clinic for animals will be held at Operation Kindness from noon to 5 p.m. The $15 per pet cost includes lifetime registration. The address is 3201 Earhart Drive in Carrollton.

In other animal news, the Texas House concurred with the Senate version of the animal cruelty bill and it is now on the way to the Governor’s desk.

Fort Worth Ice will offer summer camps on ice June 18-22 and July 23-27 with Power Play Camp, a great way for beginners to learn the skills required to play hockey. Also June 25-29 and July 30-Aug. 3 ice-skating camps with skating classes, crafts, and games among other activities will be available. There is a ten percent discount for second family members. Cost is $149 per week and hours are 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. including loaner equipment. Public skating is $5.00. The address is 3600 Benbrook Highway. For more details, call 817-560-9800.

Out in California, San Francisco Pride will take place June 22 through June 24, marking the 37th anniversary of the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) Pride Celebration and Parade. For information, go to sfpride.org.

Through Aug. 18th, the Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas is presenting a Korean exhibit by artist U-Ram Choe. For additional information, go to crowcollection.org.…

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