Research shows learning is enhanced when it’s combined with the arts.Some students in PHM are learning science through sculpture.Josie Engdahl has 20 kids in he
Students learn science through sculpture at Meadow’s Edge Elementary
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A theatrical new Calder exhibition staged in Seattle
The Seattle Art Museum’s gift of more than 45 works from collectors Jon and Kim Shirley makes for a compelling performance
Gravity-defying artwork on view at Fort Worth Community Arts Center
Sometimes Jeff Robinson doesn’t get to see his sculptures completely finished until installation. The potter turned woodworker creates intricate, large-scale sculptures that range between about 5-feet to 9-feet tall.
Local Photographers Explain How to Master Your Annual Family Photoshoot
It’s just about time to send your annual holiday card, and what’s a Christmas card without a smiling, happy portrait of your whole family? But everybody knows the process of taking that photo is anything but happy. Babies are crying, kids are untucking their Christmas tartan button-downs, and the dog is eating something.
On these occasions, it’s best to enlist a professional who knows a thing or two about lighting, framing, and posing. Here, four local photographers share their best tips and favorite DFW locations for creating beautiful holiday photos. Whether you lean lifestyle or prefer personality-driven portraits, your recipients will be oohing and aahing over your Christmas cards in no time.
SOS
Domus Aurea Portraits
Renee Streett’s timeless style and heirloom-quality prints bring a special touch to family photography. While Christmas portraits tend to be on the formal side, she advises clients to keep spontaneity at the forefront. “My clients appreciate the relaxed, natural, and easygoing atmosphere of my sessions,” she says.
Xmas Marks the Spot:
Flippen Park
“The morning light there is so dreamy! Prather Park is also great, with ample shade and beautiful backdrops.”
With nearly two decades of experience, Kate Marie has a knack for capturing the authentic personalities of her subjects—especially the little ones. “Rushing through a session only leads to forced smiles,” she says. “When you take the time to connect with the kids, you’ll capture much more natural expressions.”
Xmas Marks the Spot:
Her Lewisville Studio
“I have everything to accommodate busy moms: a full client wardrobe with over 100 outfits to choose from.”
Lauren Peterson’s top tip for an authentic family photo? Let your kids do their thing. “Yes, they might scrape their knee running around in circles or playing games, but we’re going to capture that, too,” she says. “In 15 years, you’ll be able to reminisce on just how tiny that knee was.”
Xmas Marks the Spot:
Sunnyvale’s Samuell Farm North Park
“It has a bunch of evergreen and cedar trees, so it gives you that look of a Christmas tree farm.”
Former wedding photographer Jessica Price is now known for her “personality sessions”—black-and-white studio shots that showcase kids’ true selves. “It’s a great alternative for a Christmas card if you only want to showcase your little ones,” she says. “It’s simple and less complicated but still something you’ll cherish.”
Xmas Marks the Spot:
Downtown Prosper
“It’s almost a rite of passage now to have family photos taken in front of the silos!”
EIY
Say Cheese
If being in front of a camera makes you feel like pre-Christmas-gratitude Scrooge, Studio Ambient has the solution. The Plano photography company’s newest venture, Self. by Studio Ambient, allows you to become the model and photographer, all in one. The aptly named Self. is a self-service photo studio: Simply book your session, pick your outfits, and show up—then the Studio Ambient team will have various props and backgrounds ready upon your arrival. The best part? You control the camera yourself with a clicker—perfect for camera-shy adults and kids alike.
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Geisel School of Medicine Celebrates Artwork Honoring the Abenaki People
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Project HEAL, part of Geisel School of Medicine’s chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS), unveiled a new work of art honoring the Abenaki people of the Upper Valley.
Welcoming everyone to this special community celebration, Geisel Dean Duane Compton, PhD, acknowledged the importance of the artwork in recognizing the Abenaki and Wabanaki, and thanked GHHS for their commitment to Project HEAL, Amal Cheema’24 and Arvind Suresh MED’23 for their leadership of this project, as well as Shawn O’Leary and members of the Abenaki Elder’s Council in attendance.
Before introducing the artist—Mateo Tlakuilkoatl Silva ’26, a Dartmouth undergraduate—Cheema expressed deep gratitude to those in attendance and explained that Project HEAL, health, education, art, and lives, was founded to promote anti-racism and critical self-reflection in both the Upper Valley and medical school through art, education, and advocacy.
Photos by Rob Strong
Last year, “when considering what artwork could spur critical self-reflection, our group readily identified the need for a sustained acknowledgment of Native and Indigenous peoples, including the Abenaki and Wabanaki,” Cheema said.
“It is my hope that Geisel students will look upon this painting and be reminded of how they could use the privilege of their education and social position to advocate for greater representation, learn with Native communities, address health inequities and disparities in both care and system, and practice medicine compassionately in respect for history, culture, and heritage.”
Prior to unveiling his artwork, Silva talked about his open relationship with Abenaki elders—seeking their guidance while ensuring respect for all those involved throughout the creative process. He thanked everyone for attending the unveiling celebration, for inviting him to be part of their story, and hopes it will inspire people to reflect on how they live their lives.
“This artwork portrays the Abenaki as a vibrant, contemporary community with enduring values and traditions,” Silva said. He also hopes the painting encourages introspection about the kind of community Geisel aspires to be. “Geisel’s focus on medical education aligns with the healing aspects of Indigenous culture and offers an opportunity for the school to lead in bridging Western and Indigenous medical knowledge,” he said.
He also acknowledged not everyone will like the painting. “I hope this makes people think about how to live their lives, how to be stewards of this land, and how this land is taking care of us, which Indigenous people learn from birth. For Indigenous people medicine is community, music, art, family, and respect,” Silva said.
O’Leary, director of diversity, inclusive, and community engagement, said it was an honor and pleasure to work with Silva and appreciated his thoughtful approached to the artwork, which he described as powerful.
The artwork now hangs in Remsen 3 for all to see. Next to the work is a wooden plaque made by Cheema in Dartmouth’s woodworking shop.
2023 Modern Gift Ideas From Editor-in-Chief Caroline Williamson
When coming up with gift ideas, I tend to think long and hard to make sure it’s something I really want and that I’ll actually enjoy. I have to really envision using something before I even think about asking for it so it doesn’t become clutter in my small apartment. I also don’t want anyone’s hard earned money to go to waste if it’s something I end up not needing. That said, my gift ideas are generally all over the place, from things I really want and wouldn’t necessarily buy for myself to practical asks of things I need. Below you’ll find a sampling of ideas that have popped up on at least one year’s wish list, if not more!
I don’t know if it’s the delightful color choices, the stripes, or the nostalgic nod to the old test patterns shown on TV way back in the day when a show wasn’t being broadcast, but I love this soap. It’s handmade with glycerine in small batches featuring eight stripes of vibrant colors with a fresh, light scent that has top notes of sweet basil, peppermint leaf, and flower buds.
The 14 Series originally launched in 2005, but Bocci just recently transformed the ball-shaped design into a portable, candle-like light. Two poured-glass domes come together and filter light through three ambient light settings. It would be so easy to bring this lamp outside for dinner under the stars, set it on your bathroom counter while taking a bath, or leaving it bedside for an elegant nightlight. The imperfect glass casts a rippled, watery glow that anyone would love to carry around to elevate their life at a moment’s notice.
As someone who is a lifelong fan of vinyl, I’m always intrigued by all the new turntables that come out and this one really caught my eye. If you know someone with limited space that loves playing records like me, you’ll want to get them this 2-in-1 set. Not only is it a visually impressive design, it’s clever in that a portable Bluetooth speaker pops out from the turntable allowing one to listen to vinyl anywhere in their home. The overall design itself is so compact that it can also be considered portable and moved to any room one might want to take it. If orange isn’t their thing, the Hym Duo also comes in neon yellow and an all-black versions.
Over the years, I’ve been slowly making upgrades to my apartment and next on my list is my small kitchen. I figured I can’t be the only one on the hunt for small but mighty ideas to overhaul a space without gutting it. They may fit in the palm of your hand but these cross-knurl knobs will transform any kitchen cabinet (or furniture piece). It’s like when you add a necklace or pair of earrings and it making your outfit, these knobs will definitely make your kitchen or bathroom that much better. I’m sure we all know someone who has recently moved into a new space or they’re trying to pull together a renovation. Help them out by contributing a pair (or enough for every drawer and cabinet) to elevate the heart of their home.
When you were a kid, did you ever snag the randomly found twist tie from the loaf of bread and pretend it was a ring? Well, I did and this sterling silver rendition brings it all back! It comes in sizes 4 – 9 with each size being cast in its own unique shape from an original mold made by the artists. I love simple band rings, but I really love unusual ones and this ring is that. So if you have anyone on your list that leans towards unique jewelry, this one is for them (and me)!
If you know a fan of Ettore Sottsass or someone who loves to cook and likes colorful kitchen gear, these Alessi grinders fit the bill. Available in three sizes – Short, Medium, and Tall – and made from sustainably sourced beechwood, these grinders are like small colorful sculptures that are functional. It would be impossible for someone to use these and not have a smile on their face! PS: If they’re not a fan of pink, there are two additional colorways (yellow and red) to choose from.
It’s long been established that I’m an AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) and I love all things aviation as well, so this set hits it out of the park for me. And like me, I’m sure we all know someone that already loves LEGO sets or has been tempted to buy them but hesitated due to the cost (it can be an expensive hobby). Either way, they’ll love having a new set to tackle over the holidays this year. When they’re done, the Concorde will look so sleek and cool on their shelf reminding them of you and the fun they had building it.
I’m someone who can’t go to bed without water on my nightstand and I know I’m not alone. For those seeking nocturnal thirst quenching, help them elevate their late night water drinking with this adorable glass set in a moody green hue. The cup with its subtle sleeping face works as a bottle stopper (or, let’s be honest, a top to keep dust and flying creatures out). They can have sips whenever they like and set the glass back into the top of the bottle till next time. When not in use or just empty, the bottle doubles as a design object that will look good anywhere it lands.
Since I renovated my bathroom to a black and white color scheme, I’ve had fun adding super colorful textiles and accessories into the mix. There’s nothing better than the sight of playful designs and happy color palettes when you’re barely awake in the morning trying to get up and ready for work. While most people stick to the basics in the bathroom – beige, white, cream, various shades of gray, etc. – there are those of us that are at the opposite end of the spectrum and long for something fun and a fresh, new bathmat can do the trick.
Just as much as I love the idea of a cool lighter, there’s still nothing better than striking a match to light a candle (or whatever). It just elevates the whole experience when setting the mood with a candle burning. While the traditional box of matches is functional, it leaves a lot to be desired visually. This brass canister can be left out anywhere as it looks like a small design object, but hidden inside are matches at the ready. Two surfaces of textured brass make striking easy, and with “Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flame.” engraved on the side, it makes it a practical yet thoughtful gift someone will use for years and years and think of you.
Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2023 Gift Guides this year!
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The Woodlands Photography Club announces 2023 annual photography contest winners
THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands Photography Club hosted its recent annual exhibition of submissions to its yearly photography contest at the South County Community Center. All of the submissions adorned the walls of the center for the entire day for judges and members of the public alike to admire, then that evening the winning photographers took a bow.
The contest committee chair, Randi Munsey, and committee members Chris Summers, Ann Greene, Becky Anderson, and Teresa Otto were proud to announce the winning photographers and photos:
Best of Show — Ann Green — Trees of Fog (ICM)
Member’s Choice — Tom Flink — Here I Come (TWPC Field Trips)
Texas
1st — Chris Summers — Stopping to Smell the Flowers
2nd — Andrew Steptowe — Caddo Calm
3rd — Randi Munsey Independent Spirit — Austin, TX
HM — Randi Munsey — Sunrise Amusement
Curator’s Choice
Andrew Steptowe — Road to Hell
Tom Flink — Pedernales Sunset
Michaels Schaffner — The Light Beckons
Bob Gower — Yee — Haw
Alicia Kominek — The blue house
Francisco — Collado — Texas Country Side
Architecture BW
1st — Michael Schaffner — Church in The Woods
2nd — Bob Gower — Escheresque
3rd — Richard Chesney — Houston Cistern — Underground
HM — Dahlia Dean — Aligned Rectangles
Curator’s Choice
Chris Summers — Form Ever Follows Function
Kathy Craven — Utility in Architecture
Joan Tilton — The Portal
Bob Jefferis — Kimbell Art Museum
Teresa Otto — In Savannah’s Defense
Bob Clemson — Lonely Street
Seasons
1st — Richard Chesney — Colorado in the Fall
2nd — Ann Green — Winter in Yoho National Park
3rd — Richard Chesney — Oregon Coast Sunset Splendor
HM — Andrew Steptowe — Winter Vista
Curator’s Choice
Darryl Scearce — Magical Views from the Ice Caves
Kathy Craven — Sisters of the Summer Sun
Craig Micklethwaite — Autumn Sprinkles
Craig Micklethwaite — Symphony
Dahlia Dean — Fall Colors
Zoraya Stern — Early Stretch
TWPC Field Trips
1st — Tom Flink — Here I Come
2nd — Zoraya Stern — Wrapped in Love
3rd — Joan Tilton — Post Grid
HM — Kathy Craven — Mexicranios — The Post
Curator’s Choice
Chris Summers — In Nomine Patris
Chris Summers — ’51 Ford F1
Glenn Siegert — Hight and Dry
Glenn Siegert — Deep Roots
Richard Yzaguirre — Swamp Prince
Bob Clemson — Sunflower
Open
1st — Michael Schaffner — Striped Reflection
2nd Chris Summers — The Warm Jets
3rd — Teresa Otto — Are Your Affairs in Order?
HM — Craig Micklethwaite — The Ethereal and The Eternal
Curator’s Choice
Chris Summers — Dunk, Rinse and Spin!
Darryl Scearce — Displaying her beauty
Darryl Scearce — Vertrahorn by Night
Remington Mullins — Observant Eyes — A Shared Gaze
Zoraya Stern — Reflections Interrupted
Richard Chesney — Not a Baby Anymore
Artistic Digital Manipulation
1st — Dahlia Dean — In a Hurry
2nd — Becky Anderson — Sunflowers Dreaming
3rd — Joan Tilton — Spin City
HM — Chris Summers — Apollo’s Harp
Curator’s Choice
Darryl Scearce — Whimsical Sunflowers
Becky Anderson — Raindrops and Flowers
Joan Tilton — Floating Flowers
Bob Jefferis — Sand Sailing Club on the Beach
Alicia Kominek — The House by the creek
Zoraya Stern — If Architecture Is A Reflections of Music Standing Still, Photography Is A Frozen Moment if the Composition
ICM (Intentional Camera Movement)
1st — Dahlia Dean — Downtown
2nd — Randi Munsey — Basket Weave
3rd — Bob Jefferis — Ocean View
HM — Kathy Craven — Windchimes
Curator’s Choice
Ellen Taylor — Out of the Park!
Tom Flink — To Infinity
Bob Jefferis — Sunset Watchers on the Beach
Teresa Otto — Sunbeam
Craig Micklethwaite — Passage of Time
Zoraya Stern — Lifeline
New Members — Textures/Patterns
1st — Kathy Hutchinson — Patterns on steroids
2nd — Kathy Hutchinson — Wild thing, you make my heart sing
3rd — Remington Mullins — Mamba Mosaic
HM — Craig Micklethwaite — Timeless Jigsaw
Curator’s Choice
Darryl Scearce — Wavy Sand Beach
Jim Anderson — Pathways
Kelly Geohegan — Ample Staple Inventory
Kelly Geohegan — Fuzzy Squash
Craig Micklethwaite — Frozen Fabric
Wild Card — Roadways, Bridges and Monuments
1st — Kathy Craven — Montrose Boulevard Bridge
2nd — Joan Tilton — Over the Top
3rd — Tom Flink — Exit Memphis
HM — Chris Summers — Forgotten Bridge to Nowhere
Curator’s Choice
Becky Anderson — Morning Stillness
Joan Tilton — Under the Boardwalk
Bob Jefferis — Meeburg Bridge in Bruges after 630 years
Teresa Otto — Below the Bridge to Nowhere
Zoraya Stern — Beyond
Bob Clemson — Dawn Patrol
NYU’s Center for Ballet and the Arts Announces Second Joint Fellowship with Juilliard
New York University’s Center for Ballet and the Arts has selected Mio Ishikawa to be the second recipient of its collaborative fellowship with the Juilliard School. Launched last spring, the CBA-Juilliard Fellowship supports a developing artist and Juilliard alum by providing space and resources that allows the fellow to take risks and try new ideas.
The CBA-Juilliard Fellowship spans the academic year. Ishikawa will have access to CBA’s studio and office space, its network of artists, scholars, and alumni, and NYU’s extensive academic and cultural resources. Ishikawa also will join the CBA’s other fellows for seminars and programs.
Ishikawa is a movement artist based in New York City who has a deep interest in collaboration. A native of Tokyo, she graduated from the Juilliard School in 2019 with a BFA in dance. She appears in Sleep No More, an immersive work by the British theater group, Punchdrunk, and with Sidra Bell Dance New York. Ishikawa has worked with choreographers Stefanie Batten Bland, Alejandro Cerrudo, Maleek Washington, Kyle Abraham, Mariko Kakizaki, and Celia Rowlson-Hall. She is an associate artistic director of Bodysonnet, a collective of contemporary dance makers who work in non-traditional spaces.
During her fellowship, Ishikawa will explore the Japanese concept of “yohaku ma,” which means negative space, by creating what she describes as “dance-based landscapes” that focus on the textures and emotions found in the space between movements.
“The process will involve subtracting movements to create an intricate interplay between what is seen and what is imagined,” Ishikawa says. She plans to develop the concept into an installation piece.
About the Center for Ballet and the Arts
The Center for Ballet and the Arts at New York University (CBA) is an international research institute for scholars and artists of ballet and its related arts and sciences. It exists to inspire new ideas and new dances and to expand the way we think about the art form’s history, practice, and performance in the 21st century. The Center is made possible by founding support of the Mellon Foundation and ongoing support of NYU and CBA’s Center Circle.
About the Juilliard School
Founded in 1905, the Juilliard School is a world leader in performing arts education. The school’s mission is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors, composers, choreographers, and playwrights from around the world so that they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens. Led by President Damian Woetzel since 2018, Juilliard is guided in all its work by the core values of excellence; creativity; and equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB). Juilliard is committed to enrolling the most talented students regardless of their financial background.
Local artists reckon with selling art amid Burlington homeless crisis
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Local artists are reckoning with selling art amid Burlington’s homeless crisis.
Burlington’s Winter Market kicked off over the weekend in City Hall Park. The annual market features two dozen vendors selling homemade crafts, food and drinks.
This is Holly Bahnsen’s third year selling jewelry at the market. She relies on holiday shoppers to make a living. But she can’t help but think of the unhoused frequenting City Hall Park on the outskirts of the market, who multiply each year.
“There’s the interesting duality of some people just recreating and then some people who don’t have a choice,” Bahnsen pointed out.
Bahnsen adds to a larger conversation about who gets to enjoy City Hall Park and who’s stuck there. This tension is particularly obvious in the winter when those with a home can enjoy the chill on their own terms.
The Winter Market runs every weekend until Dec. 23. Until then, Bahnsen hopes the homeless can enjoy the heaters and fires placed around the market, and perhaps use the vendor booths for shelter at night.
Copyright 2023 WCAX. All rights reserved.
Photographer Olivia Malone and stylist Camilla Pole reclaim paradigms, Frame by Frame
Erik Torstensson’s designs are front and center for this fashion portfolio, lending classics like jeans and cardigans an elevated edge
Models Ruby at OPC, Jess at Storm, Dosha at Storm, Clementine C, Hope Fly at Photogenics. Hair Hikaru at Frank Reps. Make-up Karo Kangas at Forward Artists. Set Designer James Rene at Jones Management. Digital Technician Brendan Pattengale. Lighting Robert Kozek. Photographer Assistant Bono Melendrez. Stylist Assistant Jane Cody. Hair Assistant Drew Martin. Props Assistant Graham Law. Production Ilona Klaver at Home Agency. Production Assistant Chris Paonessa. Casting Dreamland Agency.
