The Musée du Al, founded by Al Kreisel, has gained posthumous recognition for its unique art space. The museum's inaugural show features works by artists who exhibited at the American Gallery or frequented Al's Bar, including Gary Lloyd and Merwin Belin. Kreisel's own collection includes pieces like "Clavo" (1981), a pastel portrait of a Chicano youth by John Valadez, which was his first acquisition.
https://hyperallergic.com/1003959/los-angeles-musee-du-al-pays-homage-to-an-iconic-bar/The exhibition "Public Texts: A Californian Visual Language" at the University of California, Santa Barbara's Art, Design & Architecture Museum showcases how artists use text and image to represent different aspects of Californian culture. The show features works by artists such as Ozzie Juarez, who captures Southern California through airbrushed lettering in his piece "Paradise", while Emory Douglas' illustrations in the Black Panther Newspaper (1967-80) highlight Northern California's political scene. Eve Fowler's "This Always Comes to That" (2011-12), a letterpress poster printed at Colby Poster Printing Company, is also part of the exhibition.
https://hyperallergic.com/1004357/public-texts-california-visual-language-santa-barbara/The interior of a building in Waterville, Maine, features 70-year-old fresco murals created by artists in the 1950s, earning it comparisons to "Maine's Sistine Chapel." Colby College students have launched a website dedicated to the murals, sparking renewed interest. Professor Véronique Plesch, an art expert and board member of the historical society caring for the building, advocates for public display of frescoes rather than private institutions.
https://apnews.com/article/maine-easter-sistine-chapel-fresco-art-paintings-96efa17e1f3cae7a9fd05dfda30bad59Coldplay is set to perform a "Moon Music" pop-up at The Hyundai Seoul from Thursday as part of their "Music of the Spheres World Tour". The Korean leg of the tour has added another show date, with Twice collaborating on the song "We Pray", which was released as part of Coldplay's latest album "Moon Music" in 2024.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-18/entertainment/kpop/Coldplay-collaborates-with-Twice-on-new-Korean-version-of-We-Pray/2288275Gustavo Dudamel led the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Coachella, blending classical and pop music in a memorable performance. The orchestra featured guest artists Maren Morris, Laufey, Becky G, and Zedd, as well as a surprise rap collaboration with LL Cool J. Dudamel's mission is to unite different genres of music, which he believes is the identity of art. He aims to bring this ethos to his upcoming role at the New York Philharmonic in 2026-27.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/gustavo-dudamel-the-superstar-conductor-building-bridges-to-pop/article_dc2d952c-4c77-5bde-bea9-2df4e3d9dd0c.htmlThe Getty Museum has acquired a rare genre painting by Italian artist Bartolomeo Manfredi, previously attributed to Caravaggio, for an estimated $4m to $6m. The painting is now on view at the J. Paul Getty Museum.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/17/getty-museum-acquires-luis-de-morales-christ-crucifix-conservationLauren showcased his "Modern Romantics" aesthetic on the runway, featuring outfits that blended classic elements with modern twists. Models wore black trousers paired with high-necked ruffled shirts and aviator jackets, as well as a filmy white midi-dress with a thick black leather belt and tall black boots. Other looks included a black leather bustier with a long camel wool skirt and puffy brown cardigans with white lacy ruffled shirts.
https://apnews.com/article/fashion-ralph-lauren-fall-collection-2025-df39c0e2abef169be782c3a7079b5a8aMissoula Gives, a two-week fundraising initiative, aims to raise over $1 million for more than 200 local organizations, including the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium and the Missoula Children's Theatre. The event is crucial for these non-profits, such as the Butterfly House, which relies on donations to cover costs like the expensive upkeep of its butterfly exhibit. The Missoula Children's Theatre also benefits from Missoula Gives, using funds to support costume and set design for their productions, with a goal of raising $15,000 this year to continue offering youth series productions and summer camps.
https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/a-chance-to-give-through-missoula-givesIn Mongolia, a socially conservative country, LGBTQ youth face significant challenges in their pursuit of acceptance and equality. Influencer and pianist Anudari Daarya, who is one of the few openly transgender artists in the country, has experienced discrimination since coming out at her arts university. Despite facing rejection from peers and employers, including the State Conservatory, where she applied for a teaching position, Daarya's career took off after a viral video of her giving a private piano lesson. Comedian Kena, who performs with the comedy project "Big Sistas", aims to tell marginalized communities' stories through their experiences as a lesbian non-binary individual. However, the reality for many LGBTQ Mongolians remains bleak, with discrimination in education settings leading to limited career prospects and financial struggles. Activists like Tseveenravdan Tsogbat highlight the need for greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by sexual minorities in Mongolia.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/mongolian-lgbtq-youth-fight-for-recognition-through-music-comedy/article_f5410528-9803-5d94-b2c4-ca84eab038d1.html