Museum honors African-American painter Frederick J. Brown (1945-2012)

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest O. Britton

"The Ascension" (1982) by Frederick J. Brown.
Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum of Contemporary Religious Art in Saint Louis, Missouri is honoring the recent passing of American contemporary religious artist, Frederick Brown (1945-2012) with a special exhibition this summer through August. The museum's founding/director Terrence Dempsey was a friend of the artist, and the museum's collection includes an altarpiece created by the artist for the museum. Dempsey writes in the MOCRA blog, that he first encountered Brown’s work (above) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan in the summer of 1985. "Its vitality energized one of Christianity’s most frequently depicted subjects, with the top frame barely able to contain the rising Christ figure who bears the physical signs of his crucifixion," said Dempsey.

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Nuns on a Bus T-shirts are now available

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

WASHINGTON – Catholic's United has produced a T-shirt entitled, "Nuns on a Bus" in support of the political engagement of Nuns passing a federal budget that addresses poverty and injustice. Republicans, on the other hand (including some Roman Catholics) are angered that some Nuns are riding across the nation in protest of GOP budget plans. Iowa radio host Jan Mickelson even went as far as to suggest that Republican Congressman Tom Latham order the women religious riding on the “Nuns on the Bus” tour be pulled over and beaten, saying, "There’s a bus full of nuns headed towards Washington to lobby against the Ryan plan. Do you guys, do you have any power to pull the “Nuns on the Bus” over and “pistol whip” them?"

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Collectors: John and Dominique de Menil's Rothko Chapel of Art & Reverence

HUFFINGTON POST
By John Seed

Meditation, especially silent meditation, seems to belong in temples, ashrams or memorial chapels. There is, however, one especially fine place in the United States where silent meditation in the presence of great modern paintings is encouraged. It is the Rothko Chapel in Houston. Established in 1971 by John and Dominique de Menil, who were avid collectors of modern art, the chapel houses a suite of fourteen deeply toned purple and maroon abstract murals painted by Mark Rothko in 1967. The entry lobby of the Rothko chapel displays sacred texts from a wide range of religious traditions, but the experience it provides doesn't have to be religious. "The chapel invites people to experience the divine on their own terms; or not." explains Emilee Whitehurst, the chapel's Executive Director. [link]

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(PHOTOS) 5 Faiths Friday

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

In this week's A&O 5 Faiths Fridays, I decided to feature a contemporary vision of Christ's death by David LaChappelle; the awakening of Buddhist spirituality by Ito Jakuchu; the spiritual power of "one ring" (or Spencer Tunick) to strip people naked in Russia; the oppression of women and artists under extremist male theologies in Tunisia; and also the musical power of celestial beings in Hinduism by Jeevan Lal.


Islamism in Art at the Printemps des Arts fair

Buddhism in Art by Ito Jakuchu

Christianity in Art by David LaChappelle

Ancient religious beliefs by Spencer Tunick

Hinduism in Art by Jeevan Lal

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10 Popular Affiliate Programs for Small and Medium-sized Blogs

PROBLOGGER
By Charles Dearing

Affiliate marketing is a relatively trouble-free way for bloggers and other website owners to earn money. In fact, these days, even social media sites can become lucrative platforms for affiliate marketing campaigns. Because affiliate marketing doesn’t require affiliates to offer their own products or services for purchase, but only to place promotions on their sites for other merchants’ products, it frees affiliates from many of the responsibilities and complications of traditional sales models. Which are the most popular programs available today?

1. LinkShare
2. Commission Junction
3. ShareASale
4. Amazon Associates
5. Google Affiliate Network
6. ClixGalore
7. PeerFly.com
8. ClickBank
9. MaxBounty
10. Neverblue.com

What’s your favorite network? [link]

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Fine Art photographer Anand Sharan's obsesssion is to document Hindu monuments and religious event

THE HINDU
By Aditya Tejas

"Holi festival" by Annan Sharon. Courtesy of Saatchi Online.

INDIA---There’s an urgent need to document ancient monuments and cultures in India, says Anand Sharan.  Having abandoned a career in the government for advertising photography, and again for fine art photography, Sharan dedicates most of his time to perfecting his craft and teaching it to others. “There’s no market in India for fine art photography,” he says. “Even when people are buying art, the question they ask is if the value will double in two years.” His own photography, the Indian aspect of it at least, is focused around the traditional. “There’s a very urgent need to document ancient monuments and cultures,” he says. [link]

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Freedom Center Completes Merger With Cincinnati Museum Center

CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER
Contact: Elizabeth Pierce

OHIO---Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) Board of Trustees approved a resolution today authorizing CMC to become the sole member of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC), joining NURFC into the CMC family of organizations. This follows a period of due diligence that was initiated in February when the NURFC Board of Trustees expressed the intent and authorized amendments to NURFC bylaws permitting the organizations to join. Union Terminal re-opened its doors in 1990 as home to the legacy institutions: Museum of Natural History & Science (established in 1818) and the Cincinnati Historical Society (1831), and the Robert D. Lindner OMNIMAX ® Theatre. These three corporate structures became one organization in 1995 gaining operating efficiencies. The Cincinnati Children’s Museum joined this corporate structure in 1997 and was later renamed as the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. Additionally, Enjoy the Arts (1981) and the Helen Steiner Rice Foundation joined CMC’s corporate structure in 2009. [link]

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New study reveals that America's charitable giving has decreased due to economy

BARNA GROUP

A new public opinion survey by the Barna Group shows deepening economic concerns among American adults and increasing downward pressure on their charitable donations. The financial problems afflicting economies around the world has influenced Americans’ generosity: 41% of all U.S. adults say they have reduced giving to non-profit organizations as a result of the poor economy in the last three months. This was roughly on par with the level of charitable reduction discovered in 2011 (39%). As for giving to churches, Americans are increasingly likely to cut back on donations to congregations and houses of worship. In the current study, one-third of Americans (34%) have dropped the amount donated to churches in the last three months. [link]

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Following attacks on artists, the Tunisian govt is cracking down on Islamic extremists

TUNISIA LIVE
By Farah Samti

TUNISIA---While there are many requirements to become an imam,”The most crucial [requirements] are tolerance and moderation. An imam is not supposed to create controversy or damage people’s reputations,” said Ali Lafi, political and media adviser at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Following the controversy accompanying the Printemps des Arts exhibition in the Palais Abdellia (located in Tunisia’s suburb of La Marsa), as well as the subsequent response from several Tunisian imams, the government has taken a stronger role in monitoring mosque activity to prevent further controversy. [link]

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Pope's latest tactic is using choral music to unite Catholics with Episcopalians

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Randy Kennedy

ITALY---For the first time in a history stretching back more than 500 years, the Sistine Chapel Choir will sing as a single chorus with another choir. But not just any group of voices: the Westminster Abbey Choir, a much older body that, at least since the16th century, has been a symbol of the Church of England’s separation from the Roman Catholic Church. The Associated Press reported that the two choirs would join at a special papal Mass on Friday in St. Peter’s Basilica as a symbol of Christian harmony after centuries of discord, furthering Pope Benedict XVI’s goal of trying to bring Christian sects closer. [link]

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Jewish Punk Rocker Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz supports "Holy S***" by Pussy Riot

RUSSIAN TIMES

NEW YORK---Adam 'Ad-Rock' Horovitz of Beastie Boys has played a set in support of members of the Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot, who are facing hooliganism charges for performing their song Holy S*** in Moscow’s main church. The girls rushed into the Christ the Savior Cathedral in February and gave an impromptu performance at the altar with a number deemed blasphemous and politically provocative. On June 12 Ad-Rock played a benefit DJ set in the Brooklyn nightclub Death by Audio to support the detained girls. Visitors were encouraged to donate money with the minimum admission fee set at $7. [link]

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Selling Art as an Emerging Artist, the Best Way Remains the Traditional Gallery

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton

"Transdiction" by Derrick Carter. Courtesy of 924 Gallery

As anyone who knows me is certain, I am nuts about Arts Management, and while I enjoy my own creating, I absolutely love promoting other artists who are creating for a living, and especially religious artists. That's why I was so excited to come across a cost-benefit analysis by Liz Craine, a ceramics artist who has explored selling her creations in a variety of venues. Based on her experience, and analysis the best financial options for the emerging career artist are traditional galleries and local art fairs. The worst options are Artist Co-ops (unless you thrive on the social interaction) and National Art Tours (unless you just love to travel).  Her data is impressive, especially for the emerging artist.

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Jeevan Lal’s Hindu works give scriptural heroes a contemporary relevance

THE HINDU
By Anasuya Menon

"Gandharva" (Celestial Muscians) by Jeevan Lal MP

INDIA---Arjuna, Ganesha, Jesus Christ, kings, queens and demons from folklore appear—reinterpreted and reloaded—in an assembly of works by artist Jeevan Lal. ‘Avatar’, an exhibition of his paintings and sculptures at Nanappa Art Gallery, seems to be a happy congress of characters from several mythological time zones. He has resurrected some of the most celebrated heroes of India’s scriptures and touched them up with contemporary relevance. His works bear a faint resemblance to the traditional Tanjore painting, possess the ancient charm of the mural, especially in the colour scheme, and remind one of the transparent qualities of glass painting, all at the same time. “The exhibition is on till July 2. [link]

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Theorist, Richard Florist is back to argue how to keep America's Artists from Starving

TIME MAGAZINE
By Lilly Rothman

As we hit the tenth anniversary of his polarizing 2002 book "The Rise of the Creative Class", the controversial urban theorist Richard Florida has a plan to keep the artists from starving. An anniversary edition of the book, which will be released on June 26, includes several new chapters, with revised data (and anecdotes) throughout. The revised edition of the book also includes his prophecy about the future of the entertainment industry—and, between the lines, his prescription to keep artists from starving. That’s where the collector comes in: more than ever, entertainment-industry workers have to be creative; at the same time, art isn’t enough. [link]

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Chicago Jewish center in foreclosure. Chabad House to be auctioned today

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE
By Manya A. Brachear

ILLINOIS---Seven years ago, Lubavitch Chabad of the Loop, Gold Coast and Lincoln Park took out a $4.9 million loan to build what was supposed to be a state-of-the-art synagogue and community center at Chestnut and Clark streets. As collateral, the group offered the Chabad House of the Loop, where Jewish travelers and members of the Hasidic Orthodox community go for worship, religious classes and meals. It was also the home of the group's leader, Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun. But when the economic downturn caused construction plans to fall apart, Benhiyoun not only lost his dream for an Orthodox community center. He now stands to lose the roof over his head. [link]

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Artists vs. Clergy in Tunisia. Who will in the battle over freedom of expression?

RUETERS
By Lin Noueihed

TUNIS---Tunisian artists have gone underground since Salafi Islamists broke into Abdeliya Palace on June 10 and destroyed a handful of works at the Printemps des Arts fair to protest against art they deemed insulting to Islam, then ran riot for days. One of the most controversial works on display was an installation depicting veiled women as punching bags. Meriem Bouderbala, one of the curators at Printemps des Arts says, "After the revolution, artists had a feeling of freedom. They wanted to express freely. They produced very powerful art," she said. "Many people will self-censor. They are afraid because it is a matter of life or death but ... artists adapt to any situation ... Artists are visionaries. They find a way." [link]

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1,700 Russians strip naked for Spencer Tunick's installation for "The Ring"

ARTLYST

Spencer Tunick's Nude Ring Cycle In Munich Public Square

RUSSIA---Over 1,700 nude men and women painted in red and gold body paint, created an interpretation of a scene from the Richard Wagner opera "Der Ring des Nibelungen" on Saturday (June 23) in Max-Joseph Platz, Munich, Germany, outside the opera house. It was all part of a body art installation organised by the American photographer Spencer Tunick. The photographer was invited to create the art installation by the Bavarian State Opera to mark the opening of the 2012 Munich summer opera season. His installations incorporate dozens, hundreds or thousands of volunteers; and his photographs are a documented record of these events.

Spencer Tunick was born in the US in Orange County, New York in January 1, 1967. He is an is an American artist best known for his installations that feature large numbers of nude people posed in artistic formations. His models are unpaid volunteers who receive a limited edition photo as compensation.

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Barclays Bank Studies Why Collectors Buy Art

THE ECONOMIST
By S.T. Basel

It has become fashionable among economists to study the motivations of art collectors. Now Barclays Bank has generated data that proves that the art market is highly psychological and social. In a new report entitled “Profit or Pleasure? Exploring the Motivations Behind Treasure Trends”, only a tenth of those questioned said they bought art purely as an investment, whereas 75% cited enjoyment as the key. The study is based on interviews with 2,000 rich people in 17 countries. [link]

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Head to Miami to experience historical Baroque and Abstract Expressionism in dialogue

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

"Christ and the Penitents" (17th c) by Gerard Seghers 

FLORIDA---One of my favorite places to experience religious art is the Bass Museum of Art in Miami, Florida because it tries harder than most to explore the connections between historical and contemporary art, and to prompt a dialogue between generations of artists. Currently, for example the works from the historical era (500 years of Renaissance and Baroque) are on display with works by contemporary artists Janine Antoni, Michele Oka Doner and American abstract expressionist Peter Voulkos. It's a unique and inspirational way to enjoy the Old Masters collection donated to the city by John and Johannna Bass in 1963 in a contemporary light (or vice versa).

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Agnostic recommends 5 pop culture institutions that make great religions

HOUSTON PRESS
By Jef With One F

TEXAS---I grew up in a non-religious household, and while that's made me somewhat out of step with a lot of America I don't really feel like I've missed anything of note. I mostly I don't bother with organized religion because over the years I've reached a deeper spiritual bond with pop culture than I ever could have with the message of Jesus Christ or Buddha or, I don't know, the Scientology guy. It's where I draw my strength from in times of need, and where I find the lessons that make up my morality. So if you're not the church-going type have you considered... [link]

A&O summary of the 5 institutions:

1. The hotly debated religion of Batman himself
2. The comics and graphic novels of Neil Gaiman (see above) 
3. Gaming's Final Fantasy
4. Performing in Rocky Horror for highly ritualized orthodoxy
5. And then there is Doctor Who

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Where people go to die? "The Afterlife" at ArtCenter in Miami, Florida

THE MIAMI NEW TIMES
By Carlos Suarez De Jesus

Eternal (Shelf) Life, on display at ArtCenter/South Florida.

FLORIDA---"For most people, regardless of their chosen religion, the goal is ultimately to land in a good spot for all eternity," says Byron Keith Byrd, one of the three artists participating in the intriguing show, which explores notions of the sweet hereafter using iconic religious symbols. But for organizers of "The Afterlife," a new exhibit at ArtCenter/South Florida, the lure of eternal rapture is a salve that unites us all— ranging from Judaism to Catholicism, from Buddhism to Islam, even from Santería and vodou — view the great beyond.  [link]

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When dealing with major names, art collectors should be sticklers about authenticity

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
By Danielle Arnet

An old friend recently gave me two pen and ink sketches by Pablo Picasso. They show a former lover of Picasso, a Serbian countess named Countess Zamora. Bottom line, the art needs to be examined firsthand by an expert. The donor owns the burden of proving the romantic story. Fake Picassos are a major industry, and have been for a long time. Perhaps the sketches are really prints, or photocopied. The art may well be faked or digital. There are all sorts of possible scenarios and unknowns. Should an auction be interested, they will be in touch. Auctions are in business to make money for consigners and the house, so they know how to set target prices. Your job is to choose well before handing over the art. [link]

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Artist claims to make Jesus popsicles from the blood of Christ

DIGITAL JOURNAL
By Yukio Strachan

For more on this story, see A&O News from May 2012

NEW YORK---Here's something you won't find at your local grocery store: Jesus Popsicles made out of wine blessed by a priest as he turned "wine into the blood of Christ during the Eucharist.” Chilean-born artist-designer Sebastian Errazuriz, 35, was one of 10 artists featured in the the Love it or Leave it show at R'Pure Gallery in New York celebrating New York Design Week, a press release said.  [link]

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Staten Island's Museum of Tibetan Art hosts Meg Whitlock's 'Lhasa on the Hudson'

STATEN ISLAND LIVE
By Michael J. Fressola Staten Island Advance

Venerable Pema Dorjee, December 2011.

NEW YORK---Photographer Meg Whitlock's "Lhasa on the Hudson" photographs document part of the newest wave of Asian immigrants, Tibetans. Most live in Queens (although she did shoot a Tibetan household in Great Kills). Some 8,000 Tibetans live in the city today. Ms. Whitlock used a vintage Graphlex camera. Nearly all of the subjects are photographed in colorful traditional dress, often against a backdrop of hangings, Himalayan furnishings and art. Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, 338 Lighthouse Ave., Richmond, www.TibetanMuseum.org. [link]

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Islamic religious art is increasingly popular, although extremists raise objections

THE TIMES OF INDIA
By Pritha Chakrabarti

INDIA---Islam is often seen as a religion without visual symbols or icons. But in practice, there are a variety of images that are revered by millions of Muslim believers, especially in South Asia and Iran. The mushrooming of shops on the streets of Charminar and elsewhere selling posters, metal plates, shiny stickers, CDs, etc., depicting these symbols only goes to show how the practice has become more 'popular' of late. Though some orthodox Muslim clergy have raised objections to these graphic depictions, the Quran does not prohibit the drawing of representative figures though it does taboo idolatry, said Yousuf Sayeed, author of the book, Muslim Devotional Art in India.  [link]

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Art Review: Ito Jakuchu's Buddhist Art at the National Gallery in DC

ARTNET
By Donald Kuspit

"The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra" by Ito Jakuchu

Ito Jakuchu’s "Colorful Realm of Living Beings," 30 scroll paintings created over a ten year period (ca. 1757-66), were donated, a year before they were finished, to the Shokokuji Zen monastery in Kyoto, along with his Sakyamuni Triptych, painted during the same period. Gautama Sakyamuni was the historically first “Buddha,” an epithet meaning “Awakened One.” Like the saints standing with Christ in Christian altarpieces, they are not simply his followers, but identify with him -- the imitatio Buddha shown in Jakuchu’s scrolls has its parallel in the imitatio Christi in Christian altarpieces.  They don’t need any halo to announce their sublimity; the least detail of nature is auratic, as the melting white snow and white feathers on the wild goose in Jakuchu’s Wild Goose and Reeds make clear. [link]

“Colorful Realm: Japanese Bird-and-Flower Paintings by Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800),” Mar. 30-Apr. 29, 2012, at the National Gallery of Art, 4th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20565

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Michael Jackson Religious Portrait At Centre Of Ownership Wrangle

CONTACT MUSIC

"American Jesus" (2009) Image courtesy of David LaChappelle Studio

A portrait of Michael Jackson reclaimed by the artist after the King of Pop's death in 2009 is at the centre of an ownership war - because the late pop star's longtime friend and dermatologist insists the piece is rightfully his. Dr. Arnold Klein and photographer/filmmaker David LaChappelle, who created the religious-themed work which depicts Jackson as Jesus Christ, have been bickering over the painting-like photo for more than a year, but the row only recently came to light when officials at the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office opted not to bring criminal charges against the artist, according to the Los Angeles Times. [link]

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RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS NEWS
By TAHLIB

Would you risk everything to pursue your calling? For two weeks, artists in Tunisia have faced the choice between following their calling in the face of death threats, or relenting to fear. Even though the rioting by Islamic extremists has ended (with one death), the artists still face persecution but are pushing forward. To follow a calling requires determination, and it means having faith. The Quran (3:193) reads, "we have heard a caller calling", and when artists understand their calling, they move forward no matter how terrible things get. What would you risk to pursue your calling? That is why these Tunisian heroes (including above) are the NEWS OF WEEK.

In other Religious Art news from across the USA, and the world:

• Three Broadway productions, "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Godspell" and "Sister Act" all announced plans to close due to poor ticket sales. [More: Christian News]
• The founding director of the Museum of Biblical Art, a national leader in blending Judeo-Christian art exhibitions in secular ways announced her departure after 15 years. [More: Judaic News]
• Artists in Tunisia's Printemps des Arts fair launched a petition to obtain international support for their creative freedom as government forces worked to bring the protests to an end. [More: Islamic News]
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened "Buddhism Along the Silk Road: 5th-8th Century" which  sheds light on a religious, economic and military history. [More: Buddhist News]
• Tyeb Mehta's painting, "Mahishasura" (1996) of a Hindu god was purchased for $2.15 million at auction on Monday. [More: Hindu News]
• Summer Solstice brought Pagans & Wiccans together to celebrate at Stonehenge, and around the world. [More: Other Faith's News]

WANT MORE interfaith art news? Get your daily dose of Alpha Omega Arts on Facebook and/or Twitter, or just come back each day. We also invite you to join us as a voting member of the A&O Contemporary Religious Art Society, and to invite a friend to join too! It's another great way to keep up with gatherings of like-minded people who share your interest in Religious Art. After all, who is Religious Art for? Yes, it's for Believers, but also Skeptics too!

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'Sister Act' to go to Broadway theatrical heaven

CBS NEWS

NEW YORK — God is having a tough month on Broadway — "Godspell" is closing, "Jesus Christ Superstar" is on life support and now comes word that "Sister Act" is going to theatrical heaven. Producers said Wednesday that the musical based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg will play its final performance on Aug. 26, a 16-month run that included more than 561 performances. After a flurry of religious-themed shows appeared on Broadway, crowds are apparently turning their backs, unconverted. "Leap of Faith," another Menken show about a crooked preacher, closed last month after just 20 regular performances. [link]

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Artist is warned, "You are a whore" and "we must killl you"

THE NATIONAL
By Alice Fordham

Sana Tamzini voices her opinion. Photo courtesy of Tunsialive

TUNISIA---After an uprising in Tunisia swept Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from power last year, Sana Tamzini, an abstract artist, was delighted to go from being an opponent of the old government to a senior employee of the culture ministry in the new one. But 18 months later, as competing factions struggle for power in the fragile country, Sana fears for her artistic freedom, the future of the country and even, she explained furiously, her own life. A week ago, shortly after a confrontation between artists and religious protesters at a gallery in Tunis sparked the nationwide protests, Sana was at a beach with her children when she received a call on her mobile. "You are a whore," said a man's voice. "You are not a Muslim, we must kill you." [link]

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Movie Review: "Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter," (3 Stars)

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Manohla Dargis

“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” is such a smashing title it’s too bad someone had to spoil things by making a movie to go with it. Then again, a big-screen version of Seth Grahame-Smith’s comic novel was doubtless inevitable, given the delectable absurdity of the 16th president of the United States’ going all Buffy on a vamp army, splitting heads like rails. [link]

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Green Lantern comes out as Gay, after 70 years in closet

THE CHRISTIAN POST
By Brittney R. Villalva

DC Comics has announced that it will debut the Green Lantern as the first openly gay male character in its comic books in order to push aside "prejudice barriers" and provide a "positive" gay role model. Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, will come out as gay next week in the latest issue "Earth 2" which has remade the character into a younger version of himself. Scott's first comic appearance came in "All-American Comics" No. 16 in July 1940. [link]

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Ohio's 'Touchdown Jesus' Statue Struck by Lightning to Be Rebuilt in July

THE CHRISTIAN POST
By Stoyan Zaimov

This statue, referred to as the "King of Kings" and "Touchdown Jesus," is seen at the Solid Rock Church, near Monroe, Ohio, in this file photo. It was designed by Brad Coriell, sculpted by James Lynch, and assembled by Mark Mitten.

OHIO --- Almost two years after a massive 62-foot replica of Jesus Christ was struck down by lightning in a rampant blaze, the Solid Rock Church statue in Southwest Ohio will finally be rebuilt by July. The sculpture, which was known as the "Touchdown Jesus" statue because of the way Christ was depicted with his arms raised in the air, will now be called "Lux Mundi," which is Latin for "Light of the World." Tom Tsuchiya, the sculptor in charge of restoring the large statue, confirmed that crews will begin erecting the statue on July 16, and by June 20 the replica will be ready to be unveiled to the public. [link]

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Theater Review: 'Savannah Disputation' comically tackles religious extremes

LOS ANGELES TIMES
By F. Kathleen Foley

Josh Clark, left, Bonnie Bailey-Reed, Anne Gee Byrd and Rebecca Mozo in "The Savannah Disputation" at the Colony.

CALIFORNIA --- Playwright Evan Smith confronts the scourge of religious extremism head-on in “The Savannah Disputation,” now at the Colony. Smith’s well-researched and frequently uproarious comedy seems deceptively even-handed at first. But at play’s end, Smith smacks you upside the head with the distinctly un-Christian beliefs of radical fundamentalism. While Smith’s exegesis of certain Biblical contradictions is surprisingly sophisticated, his play succeeds primarily as a juicy vehicle for four actors. [link]

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Kenji Liu's "10,000 Dharma Doors" is Buddhist pop art bestseller

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS

CALIFORNIA --- Bay Area designer Kenji Liu is selling a limited edition poster, “10,000 Dharma Doors”, that gives a makeover to the traditional Tibetan Buddhist thangka painting and evokes some challenges the historical Buddha might face in the 21st century urban United States. Fifty limited edition 12” x 18” prints of “10,000 Dharma Doors” are available for $10 each at Liu’s website. For an online purchase, please visit www.kenjiliu.flyingcart.com/.

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(PHOTOS) 5 Faith's Friday

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

This week's A&O 5 Faiths Fridays explores religious art from the traditions of Paganism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judeo-Christian, and Islam. The featured events of week include the Summer Solstice celebration at Stonhenge and the continuing Islamic riots in Tunisia over artwork; and the featured American painter Frederick Brown (1945-2012).

Rioting continues by Islamic Extremists in Tunisia over art exhibition

Pagan's celebrate the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, UK

Frederick Brown restrospective on view at the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art 

Dr. Ena Heller, founding director of the Museum of Biblical Art resigns

Metropolitan Museum of Art's new Buddhism Exhibition

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Faced with violence and censorship, artists launch urgent petition calling for international solidarity

BLOUIN ARTINFO
By Shane Ferro

Demonstrators rioting in Tunis, Tunisia

TUNISIA --- Artists in Tunisia have begun circulating a petition calling for international solidarity from arts organizations in condemning the country's government for censoring an art exhibition (10th edition of Printemps des Arts) and siding with Salafist Islamic fundamentalists following riots incited by an art fair in the capital city. The petition, however, is not directed at the fundamentalists that incited the violence, but the moderate Islamist government that has since backed the Salafists and shut down the fair, even after many of the artists began receiving death threats via phone, text message, and social networking sites. [link]

"La République Islaïque  de Tunisie" by  Elektro Jaye

Courtesy of Mon Massir

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Priest's Crucifix collection boasts rare religious artifacts

RAPID CITY JOURNAL
By Mary Garrigan

This is a Nuevo Leon "Santos" cross circa 1840 original that emphasizes the wounds of the suffering Christ. The crucifix is part of the Rev. D. Craig Cower Collection at the St. Patrick Church in Wall, MI.

MICHIGAN --- A museum-quality collection of about 100 crucifixes is housed at St. Patrick Catholic Church here, including a 750-year-old one that some believe once belonged to Christopher Columbus. Authenticated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Columbus Cross was originally created in Venice sometime around 1256 and found its way to the New World on one of the voyages of Columbus, in or around 1492. The Rev. Leo Hausmann, pastor at St. Patrick's in Wall, finds the small corpus the most interesting piece in the display, but there are about 99 other interesting ones, as well. [link]

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African American Muslims Revolutionize the message of Hip Hop

THE PLATFORM
By Shirin Lakhani

African American Muslim artists across the nation have taken advantage of the popular medium of hip hop to revolutionise the notion of Islam in the United States in two distinct, but related ways. Popular, more mainstream, artists like Lupe Fiasco and Mos Def present a message of Islam through subtle references to core beliefs or key figures and as a parallel to their perceived duty towards social activism. It is hip hop’s ability to maintain an identity of American authenticity that allows it to be both a success and a necessity in allowing African American Muslim artists to successfully speak for their Islam. [link]

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Government official who triggered riots over ‘un-Islamic’ art is arrested

AL ARABIYA NEWS
By AFP

Mohamed Ben Slama's naked woman with bearded men standing behind her.
Image courtesy of Le Figaro

TUNISIA --- Tunisian authorities have detained the court officer who denounced an art exhibition as offensive to Islam last week and triggered a wave of riots by hardline Islamists, the official TAP news agency said. Mohamed Ali Bouaziz was arrested late Tuesday on charges of disrupting public order, the agency said, quoting a justice ministry official. He is accused of posting pictures of the paintings on Facebook and “breaching professional secrecy by declaring them an insult to Islam, triggering acts of vandalism and violence in several parts of the country.” [link]

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In Peoria tonight? Go learn about Buddhist sacred art at the Unitarian Church

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
By Gary Panetta

ILLINOIS --- An opportunity to learn about Buddhist sacred art is coming 7:15 p.m. Thursday at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd. Jim Aplington is a Peoria native who has since lived in Nepal and has gone into the business of importing Tibetan art -- something he began when he fell in love with an orphanage he visited while in Nepal many years ago. Starting at 7:15 p.m., the evening will feature 40 minutes of meditation practice followed by Aplington's talk -- so this is a great chance to learn about the practice of mindfulness meditation, a practice I've found personally very helpful. [link]

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Today's Holyday Art (SUMMER SOLSTICE) at Stonehenge

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Chérie Angélique de Sues

Image from Stonehenge courtesy of BBC

Summer Solstice (“sun stand still”) is a Pagan holy day that harkens the longest day of the year, when warmth spills upon the land and fruitful bounties are enjoyed by all creatures.

• Official name:  Summer Solstice, and the word “Solstice” comes from the Latin words, sol sistere – “sun stand still”.
• Significance: The summer solstice is often the time of the first harvest and hence a celebration of this bounty has been held for hundreds of years. The sun, Sol, brings life to growing crops in the field and warmth to the bones of the workers who harvested.
• Observances:  The day lasts long, so the gaiety lasts well into night, with dancing, food, mead, wine and merriment. One of the most enduring rituals of the Summer Solstice is were the Druids’ celebrate of the “wedding of Heaven and Earth”, that brought about our present day belief of a “lucky” wedding in June. When night approaches, the pagan fires will burn brightly in honor of the sun.
• Length: One day
• Date: It is conventionally on June 21st, but science says it is June 20 for 2012. The summer solstice moment occurs exactly when the axial tilt of a planet's semi-axis in a given hemisphere is most inclined towards the star that it orbits. Earth's maximum axial tilt to our star, the Sun, during a solstice is 23° 26'.
• Dress: Women will wear braided circlets of clover and flowers on their hair, wrists and ankles. Men will wear chaplets of oak leaves and flowers around their heads in honor of the Oak King.
• Interfaith Links: For Wiccans, Midsummer is one of the four “Lesser Sabbats” or “Low Holidays”. Some now call this day Litha, the day of the Lord of Light, the Oak King who sits solidly on a greenwood throne. Across the world, many pagans will throw off the hooded robes and bath skyclad under the sun while honoring Sol. Gypsies will also honor this day in similar abandon to their hard work during harvest and their respect for Gaia. So as the Chinese honor Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light.

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Did the Jewish Museum take on racism in Israel, but then back away?

HEEB MAGAZINE
By Amy Schiller

"Wiley Solomon" by Kehinde Wiley at Jewish Museum of NYC

NEW YORK --- The Jewish Museum, otherwise known as “that place you take Grandma when she visits,” now has the most cutting-edge artistic social commentary in the Jewish world. By an incredibly grand stroke of luck, Israel’s whole violence-against-African-refugees thing blew up right in the middle of their exhibit by Kehinde Wiley, composed exclusively of portraits of men of color in Israel. Now might be an auspicious time for the Jewish Museum to capitalize on its newfound, perhaps unprecedented, relevance. Alas, when asked whether the Museum would consider seizing the moment through expanded commentary or programming, their response was a firm disavowal: “We have done nothing of the sort, and it’s not something we have even considered.” [link]

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14,500 Pagans (and others) gather at Stonehenge for Summer Solstice

THE TELEGRAPH
By Donna Bowater

Archdruid of Glastonbury and Stonehenge conducts a Solstice celebration service

UNITED KINGDOM -- Around 14,500 people endured downpours this morning as they welcomed the sun during the dawn pagan tradition. Every year, thousands descend upon the prehistoric monument on the longest day of the year but the weather afforded no respite from the soggy start to the season. Drummers inside the ancient stone circle kept up their beat throughout the poor weather, with pagans dancing along to the rhythm in the rain. A spokesman for English Heritage said: "14,500 people gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice this year. [link]

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Director of NYC's Museum of Biblical Art is stepping down

USA TODAY
By David Van Biema

Photo of Heller courtesy of International Arts Movement

NEW YORK - Ena Heller, the founding director of the Museum of Biblical Art in New York. Heller will leave the museum after 15 years of service as it fights to secure funding and maintain the lease on its location near Lincoln Center.  Now, however, the future of one of the smaller and more eccentric pearls in the city's cultural crown looks less certain as Heller steps down in July, its main financial lifeline gets cut in 2015 and the museum is dogged by rumors that it will lose its $1-a-year lease on Broadway near Lincoln Center. The museum is a unique institution: the agnostic offspring of a missionary organization, founded in 1997 when the Bible Society decided to capitalize on its prime real estate with a gallery. It recruited Heller and accepted her main proviso: that the gallery operate free of any faith identification. [link]

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Southern Baptists elect Black Preacher as their counter to U.S. Civil Rights leadership

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
By Rueters

LOUISIANA - The largest U.S. Protestant denomination chose its first black president on Tuesday, an historic election for the predominately white religious group as it seeks to better reflect the diversity of the country and its membership. Fred Luter, a New Orleans pastor and civic leader, ran unopposed for the top post in the 167-year-old Southern Baptist Convention, which counts a growing number of minorities among its 16 million members. The convention was founded in 1845 after Southern Baptists split from the First Baptist Church in America in the pre-Civil War days over slave ownership. [link]

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Broadway's "Jesus Christ Superstar" may close next month without a miracle

LOS ANGELES TIMES
By Jamie Wetherbe

NEW YORK --- The producers of "Jesus Christ Superstar" announced that unless ticket sales improve, the Broadway musical will close July 1. The Gospel-based rock opera, which has an open-ended run at New York's Neil Simon Theatre, come July will have played 116 performances since its March 22 premiere. “Superstar" received two Tony nominations this year: for revival of a musical (the award went to the Gershwins' "Porgy and Bess") and for featured actor in a musical, Josh Young (who lost to Michael McGrath for "Nice Work If You Can Get It”). [link]

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Spainish Monastery Hosts 'Ages of Man' Religious Art Exhibit

THE PHILIPPINE STAR

PHILIPPINES --- Spain has been known for its rich culture, epic artistic history and Catholic faith. Today, one of the communities that keep these treasures alive is the San Salvador de Oña Monastery in Burgos. Owner of Europe’s largest collection of religious art, the Benedictine Monastery in Castile-Leon is marking its millennial foundation and as part of its celebrations, will host the 17th edition of the “Ages of Man” exhibit, one of the most important religious art exhibitions in Europe. This year’s exhibition is titled “Monacatus” which, when translated from its Greek derivative, means “alone.” “Monacatus” will run until Nov. 4. It will be held amid the stunning natural landscape of Oña, lending a mythical and magnificent backdrop to the exhibit of glorious history and art. [link]

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There are 8 gates of Jerusalem today; but the Bible promises 12 in the future

THE JERUSALEM POST
By Wayne Stiles

ISRAEL ---  The walls and gates of Jerusalem have expanded and contracted over the centuries like the breathing of a living being. The walls of the Old City of Jerusalem are such that we have to enter through the gates—just as people did for thousands of years. Gates were more than passageways. They served as places for personal business and civic affairs (see Ruth 4:1). Gates often took their names from the distant cities they faced, like Jaffa, Damascus, and Shechem. The 8 gates of Jerusalem have stood for centuries. But the Prophet Ezekiel predicted a day when the gates of Jerusalem would total 12—one for each of Israel’s tribes (Ezekiel 48:31-34). [link]

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(VIDEO) Rabbi Answers: Why Are There So Many Different Kinds of Jews?

JERUSALEM POST
By Rabbi Kenny Cohen

ISRAEL --- Judaism is full of choices, and Rabbi Kenny Cohen says that this is why there is so much diversity amongst the Jewish people. What is most surprising is that the Orthodox community has so many choices of lifestyles. One can be a "Chabadnik" or a Breslav Chassid or a Haredi Jew, strictly adhering to "Daas Torah." There are also national religious Jews with a passion for settling in the Land of Israel. One can also simply be labeled as "modern Orthodox". When a young man or woman decides that they would like to become more observant and study about their heritage, they are often lured to be converted into one of these labels. The important thing for anyone seeking truth is to find that group or philosophy that speaks to the person as something that (s)he can identify with. [link]

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Artists Lament Lack of Government Support After Anti-Artist Islamist Riots

AHRAM ONLINE

TUNISIA --- Tunisian artists, shaken over deadly riots by radical Islamists angered about artworks deemed blasphemous, say they feel abandoned by a culture minister who spoke out in defense of the protestersunisian artists lament lack of support after Islamist riots. "It is as if my hands have been cut off. I am so angry, so disappointed," said a painter whose canvas was slashed in a June 10 attack on a Tunis art gallery. "When I heard the government's position I felt like I was at a trial for freedom but unable to defend myself," the artist told AFP, requesting anonymity. Culture Minister Mehdi Mabrouk, while defending artistic creativity, stopped short of condemning the attack, believed to have been carried out by ultra-conservative Salafist Muslims. [link]

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Metropolitan Museum of Art's "Buddhism Along the Silk Road" Opens in NYC

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

NEW YORK --- Sculptures, paintings, and gold objects from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the western reaches of Central Asia comprise the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new installation "Buddhism Along the Silk Road: 5th-8th Century" (ends February 2013), which sheds light on a religious, economic and military history of the sixth century, marked by artistic exchanges across these vast regions and the Hun invasion. Drawn entirely from the holdings of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this one-room installation examines a network of interacting Buddhist communities from North India, Kashmir, and Northwest Pakistan (Gandhara and the Swat Valley). The installation includes the Head of a Buddha or Bodhisattva from Afghanistan and is accompanied by an animated map tracing trade routes of the Hun invation.

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Corporations Giving Less, Individuals Giving More Says New Report

RUETERS
By Michelle Nichols

NEW YORK --- Donations to charity rose to $298.42 billion last year, but were still $11 billion below a 2007 record as nonprofits battle through the sector's second-slowest recovery from recession in 40 years, a study released on Tuesday said. Giving by Americans increased 4 percent in 2011 compared with 2010, with individual donations accounting for nearly three-quarters, according to the 57th annual report by the Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Corporate donations remained flat at $14.5 billion last year, foundations made almost $42 billion in grants - an increase of 1.8 percent - while gifts from estates jumped more than 12 percent to $24.4 billion.  [link]

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Frederick J. Brown: The Life of Christ Altarpiece in Missouri

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest O. Britton

"The Castle of Marquis de Sade" (1983) by Mr. Brown.
Courtesy of Studio Museum of Harlem

MISSOURI --- Last week, the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art opened its summer exhibition, "A Tribute to Frederick J. Brown". Brown who passed last month on May 5th, played an important role in launch of this museum. In 1992 Frederick Brown offered to execute a large, multi-paneled altarpiece based on the life of Christ for the soon-to-open museum. Featured in this exhibition is the resulting Life of Christ Altarpiece, dedicated to artist Max Beckmann and premiered at MOCRA in 1995.

Museum of Contemporary Religious Art: "A Tribute to Frederick J. Brown," (Ends August 26), 3700 West Pine Mall Blvd. (a pedestrian mall) on the campus of Saint Louis University, (314) 977-7170 or slu.edu/mocra

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In Rome, Caravaggio Still Beckons Hoi Polloi

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Michael Kimmelman

ITALY -- On the steps of the Basilica di Sant’Agostino, a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona and the famous Caravaggios in the Church of San Francese, four men waited for handouts on a summery afternoon last week. To the left of the entrance Caravaggio’s “Madonna di Loreto ,” the Madonna of the Pilgrims as it’s called, hung in a narrow chapel. The pilgrims, a barefoot old man and an old woman, kneel before a sleepy Mary and the infant Jesus. Caravaggio’s models came from the Roman streets, after all.  That’s the beauty of the thing. Outside, squinting in the sun, I fished for coins to give the guys who were still on the church steps, although they were no longer asking for money. One of them, hunched but gazing intently at the sky, watching a pigeon fly by, had taken off his sneakers. He was barefoot. [link]

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