Omaha guitar exhibit blends science and sound

‘Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World’ is a touring exhibition of The National GUITAR Museum. Image courtesy of the Durham Museum

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – The Durham Museum opened its latest exhibit last Saturday, and with temperatures barely breaking into the double digits, it was the perfect day to spend indoors exploring the world of the guitar.Continue reading

Muralists find higher calling decorating church interiors 

Following the completion of the artwork by Murals by Jericho, St. Mark Church was designated a shrine Italian Renaissance artist Fra Angelico by Bishop Daniel Jenky in 2004. Image by Murals by Jericho

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) – No matter how intricate the art or meaningful the message, Andrew Hattermann says his studio’s work comes down to one simple thing: Beauty.

“We try to make a church more beautiful than it’s ever been,” the Peoria resident says. “That’s our goal.”

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Swann Galleries’ first WPA artists auction sets 4 records

John Vachon, a select group of 38 vintage photographs, silver prints, circa 1937-42. Sold for $37,500, a record for the grouping. Swann Galleries image

NEW YORK—The Artists of the WPA were on display in Swann Galleries’ auction on Feb. 4. The multi-departmental sale featured paintings, prints, photographs, posters and related ephemera by artists whose careers were sustained by the Works Progress Administration and other agencies of the Depression-era’s New Deal. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Political memorabilia collectors back Abraham Lincoln

Portrait of the beardless Abraham Lincoln as he appeared in June 1860, by John C. Wolfe, oil on board in a period wooden frame, circa 1860s. Price realized: $40,000 in October 2018. Image courtesy Swann Auction Galleries

NEW YORK – Abraham Lincoln stands tall in American history as he did in life, viewed as second only to George Washington in the pantheon of presidents. You can reasonably argue that Lincoln should rank first; Washington made the United States a reality, but Lincoln kept it together despite the dire threat of splintering.

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Kamelot Auctions to toast modern design Feb. 23 & 25

Jean Michel Frank designed these armchairs originally for the Llao Llao hotel in Argentina in 1939. Estimate: $2,500-$4,000. Kamelot Auctions image

PHILADELPHIA – Kamelot Auctions will conduct a modern design sale featuring furniture, lighting and decorative arts on Tuesday, Feb. 23, and a mid-mod sale on Thursday, Feb. 25. This auction is full of unique, groundbreaking designs by the likes of Paolo Buffa, Audoux Minet and Gae Aulenti. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers to acquire your next statement piece in this eclectic collection of artifacts dating from the 1930s to the 1980s.

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George’s and Martha’s hair front-runners in RR auction Feb. 18

Shadowbox containing locks of George and Martha Washingtons’ hair. Estimate: $75,000-$100,000. RR Auction image

BOSTON – RR Auction‘s presidential online auction, which will conclude Feb. 18, honors America’s esteemed commanders-in-chief. From the nation’s founding to modern times, these are the leaders who have guided the United States through times of war and peace. Their lives and legacies are embodied in these nearly 300 items. View the fully illustrated catalog on LiveAuctioneers.

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Hindman Palm Beach fine jewelry auction tops $540K

Nicholas Varney, multigem Bird of Paradise brooch. Price realized: $28,125. Hindman image

PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Hindman Palm Beach Fine Jewelry auction on Feb. 9 realized over $540,000 in 116 lots with international bidders showing fantastic engagement on a range of bold and eye-catching designs. The auction included stunning diamond pieces and a range of bright statement jewelry from renowned designers such as Tony Duquette, Christopher Walling, Nicholas Varney, de Grisogono, Evelyn Clothier and Angela Pintaldi. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

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