Arts Home Calendar Every search and purchase you make from here supports WBUR    From the WBUR Newsroom Once Starving Artist Survives Cancer and the Streets BOSTON (September 19, 2008) Peter Phelps, an 82 year-old self-taught painter in Roxbury, remains prolific in the face of extremely hard times. Not long ago, Phelps didn't have a place to make his art or even a place to call home. A Kissable, Now Lickable Bette Davis BOSTON (September 18, 2008) Hollywood legend Bette Davis gets top billing Thursday -- on her own stamp. The U.S. Postal Service is releasing it in Boston. New Rep Artistic Director Steps Down WATERTOWN, Mass. (August 22, 2008) The New Repertory Theatre in Watertown is losing its long-time artistic director. Finale for BSO Brass BOSTON, Mass. (August 22, 2008) Three veteran brass players perform their final concert with the BSO this weekend. Their retirements open up a rare opportunity for turnover at the world-renowned orchestra. An Axe To Grind BOSTON, Mass. (August 12, 2008) Cutting words over the legacy of Lizzie Borden. As Salem is poised to open a new museum about the woman who "took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks," Fall River says the Witch City is poaching its most infamous character. Circus Smirkus is in Town BOSTON, Mass. - July 31, 2008 - A good clown is hard to find, according to this report. It takes us to Cirkus Smirkus, a touring training camp for aspiring pranksters, trapeze artists, and jugglers. The Bard is Back in Boston BOSTON, Mass. ( July 25, 2008) Last summer, the future of free Shakespeare's plays in Boston Common was uncertain in the wake of severe budget cuts and a dramatic reduction in the number of shows. But now the Bard is back on the outdoor stage in full force. WBUR's Andrea Shea reports. Bette Davis's Lowell Connection LOWELL, Mass. (July 16, 2008) As cinemas around the country celebrate the centennial of Bette Davis' birth, we report on what Lowell -- her birthplace -- is doing to honor the city's little-known connection to the Hollywood icon. New Chapter for Rare Books CONCORD, Mass. (July 15, 2008) The Internet opens a new chapter for rare and used book dealers, as more buyers leave the traditional stores in search of treasure. Small Music Club Celebrates 50 Years of Making a Big Impact CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (July 14, 2008) Cambridge's Club Passim celebrates 50 years of cultivating some of the biggest stars in folk music. Harvard Bells On Their Way Back to Russia CAMBRIDGE, Mass (July 09, 2008) A set of ancient Russian bells that have hung in a Harvard University dormitory since the 1930s are on their way back to Moscow. Boston Pops High School Sing Off BOSTON, Mass (July 03, 2008) The Boston Pops has picked the winner of its first High School Sing-Off Competition. Operation Filmmaker BOSTON, Mass (June 24, 2008) The new documentary "Operation Filmmaker" explores what happens when the filmmakers get too close to the subject, a struggling Iraqi filmmaker. Old MFA Door Makes New Entrance BOSTON, Mass (June 19, 2008) Today an entrance into the Museum of Fine Arts opens to the public for the first time in nearly 30 years. . The Bard in a Basement BOSTON, Mass (June 06, 2008) A rarely-produced Shakespeare play about greed and power is running in an unconventional space: a cathedral basement. We attend with an unlikely theater-goer. "STEP" into the Pops BOSTON, Mass (May 30, 2008) Young musicians from Project STEP, a program to increase diversity in orchestras perform with the Boston Pops. It's an opportunity first arranged by STEP's artistic director William Thomas, who is leaving the Hub. Anish Kapoor at the ICA BOSTON, Mass (May 30, 2008) We visit a new show at the Institute of Contemporary Art, where you can see massive sculptures made out of red vaseline, wax, and mirrored dishes. It's the first major U.S. exhibition, in 15 years, of works by Anish Kapoor. Martin Exits Huntington Stage BOSTON, Mass. (May 27, 2008) The departing artistic director of the Huntington Theatre Company reflects on his time in the Boston theater scene. This Corporate Gig Rocks BOSTON, Mass (May 22, 2008) Some high-powered executives are finding harmony between art and commerce: They're taking their gigs out of the boardroom and into the rock club. WBUR's Andrea Shea reports. Review: "Cardenio" BOSTON, Mass. (May 16, 2008) To Shakespeare scholars, "Cardenio" is the stuff of legend. To WBUR critic Ed Siegel, the ART production of the Bard's revamped script is the stuff of some laughter. Green Roofs Grow in Boston BOSTON, Mass. (May 15, 2008) Amid increased interested in sustainable energy and design, Boston is seeing the sprouting of "green roofs." WBUR's Andrea Shea investigates the trend. Grading "The History Boys" BOSTON, Mass. (May 06, 2008) "The History Boys" has graduated from London to New York and now Boston. Our reviewer puts the play in a class of its own. Abu Ghraib Film BOSTON, Mass. (May 05, 2008) 'Standard Operating Procedure' tries to go behind the infamous photographs taken by American soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison. Anne Sofie von Otter Interview with Swedish mezzo soprano Anne Sofie von Otter. Her latest project is the CD "Terezin/Theresienstad," music from the Czechoslovakian concentration camp where members of the Jewish cultural elite were imprisoned by the Nazis during World War II. Lawsuits over Lennon Footage BOSTON, Mass. (April 30, 2008) John Lennon's legacy is at issue in a Boston court today, in a dispute between Yoko Ono and documentary makers over who owns footage of the legendary Beatle. El Greco to Velazquez to Lopez BOSTON, Mass. (April 24, 2008) The Museum of Fine Arts opens a big new exhibit of classical Spanish art alongside a first-ever American retrospective of a contemporary Spanish artist. But what have giant baby heads got to do with it all? Bigfoot Lends a Hand ROXBURY, Mass. (April 16, 2008) For a creative approach to creative writing, one student center in Roxbury calls itself the Greater Boston Bigfoot Research Institute. "Chess" Revival on Boston Stage BOSTON, Mass. (April 11, 2008) An '80s flop turned post-millennium cult musical is playing at the Boston Conservatory this weekend. We'll pull back the curtain on the "Chess" revival. Boston's Debt to James Brown BOSTON, Mass. (April 04, 2008) WBUR critic Ed Siegel reviews the new documentary, "The Night James Brown Saved Boston." It airs 40 years and a day after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Artists Count BOSTON, Mass. (April 02, 2008) A new "census" counts the number of working artists in Massachusetts and gauges their contributions to the state's economy. Film Club With a Difference BROOKLINE, Mass. (March 24, 2008) A local theater makes it easier for people who are hearing impaired to experience movies on the big screen. 'Shining City' Review BOSTON, MA (March 21, 2008) Conor McPherson's eerie 2004 play, "Shining City" is set in Ireland. Now it's just opened in Boston at the Huntington Theatre Company. Two Plays, Two Views WATERTOWN, Mass. (March 14, 2008) A local theater stages "My Name is Rachel Corrie" and "Pieces" -- both in the Middle East -- against the backdrop of controversy. Review: "John Adams" BOSTON, Mass. (March 13, 2008) WBUR's critic-at-large reviews the new HBO mini-series, "John Adams." Debunking Irish American Stereotypes BOSTON, Mass. (March 13, 2008) A conversation with a local filmmaker who debunks Irish American stereotypes...in the new movie, "On Broadway." Robert Frost Unplugged BOSTON, Mass. (March 07, 2008) Newly discovered tapes of Robert Frost's lectures at Dartmouth College in the 1940s capture the poet at a turning point in his career. Julius Caesar Evokes the 60s CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (February 15, 2008) A new production of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" evokes the 1960s and the assassination of JFK. A Pretty Fair Lady BOSTON, Mass. (February 11, 2008) "My Fair Lady" gets a pretty fair review from WBUR'S critic-at-large Ed Siegel. Choosing to Participate BOSTON - January 30, 2008 - A new exhibit that highlights people who've made a differenceopens at the Boston Public Library today. Arts & The 'Creative Economy' BOSTON - January 30, 2008 -We tally the impact of the "Creative Economy" in Massachusetts. 'A Pinter Duet' BOSTON- January 25, 2008 - Critic-at-large Ed Siegel reviews "A Pinter Duet," two plays from both ends of the playright's career. Boston's First Bard BOSTON - January 16, 2008 - Boston has chosen its first-ever Poet Laureate, Sam Cornish. We profile the Brighton poet, who aims to speak to people "where they live." Filming "A People's History" BOSTON - January 15, 2008 - Howard Zinn's classic tome, "A People's History of the United States" is being turned into a film. WBUR's Andrea Shea explains the turbulent history of this classic's film adaptation. Review: 'Third' BOSTON - January 11, 2008 - Wendy Wasserstein's last play "Third" takes a skeptical look at the women's movement. Year in Review: Arts & Culture BOSTON, Mass. (December 26, 2007) Taking stock of a busy year for arts and culture in Boston. Tapping Into "Urban Nutcracker" BOSTON, Mass. (December 14, 2007) In its seventh annual season, "Urban Nutcracker" delivers a few new twists and turns this year. We go front and center stage for the story. Review: "Silent Night of the Lambs" BOSTON, Mass. (December 12, 2007) We review a holiday show with a difference: "Silent Night of the Lambs." Huntington's New Artistic Director BOSTON, Mass. (December 12, 2007) Entering stage right: The Huntington Theatre Company's new Artistic Director, Peter DuBois. 'Once Upon A Time,' Debuts BOSTON, Mass. (December 10, 2007) In Boston Monday night, a 40-year-old play by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel will be staged for the first time ever. ICA Turns One BOSTON, Mass. (December 06, 2007) On the one year anniversary of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Andrea Shea reports on whether the museum is living up to expectations. This is Christopher Guest BOSTON, Mass. (November 30, 2007) Berklee College of Music bestows an honorary doctorate upon a master of the mockumentary -- Christopher Guest, who first rocked the house in "This is Spinal Tap" and turned folkie in "A Mighty Wind." Review: "No Child" BOSTON, Mass. (November 29, 2007) "No Child," now at the American Repertory Theatre, has left no award behind on Broadway. WBUR's critic at large Ed Siegel has our review. Boston's Master Violinmaker BOSTON, Mass. (November 20, 2007) Just steps away from the modern-day bustle of Back Bay, one man keeps alive the age-old traditions of making and restoring stringed instruments. We visit the Newbury Street workshop of Marco Coppiardi. New President's Vision for NEC BOSTON, Mass. (November 13, 2007) Tony Woodcock is settling in as the new President of the New England Conservatory of Music. We look at his agenda to make the school more competitive and its students more prepared for the cutthroat world of classical music. Holy Caped Creators BOSTON, Mass. (November 01, 2007) A bunch of Boston artists has banded together to transform themselves into Superheroes and save the Hub from dire disrespect in the arts world. Rainbow Gas Tank DORCHESTER, Mass. (October 26, 2007) Dorchester hosts its Artists' Open Studios House this weekend and this year, one of Boston's most visible pieces of public art will also be on show, the Rainbow Gas Tank. Review: "Sweeney Todd" BOSTON, Mass. (October 26, 2007) Actors double up as musicians in "Sweeney Todd" at the Colonial Theater in Boston. We'll review the production. Review: "Gone Baby Gone" BOSTON, Mass. (October 19, 2007) WBUR critic-at-large Ed Siegel reviews "Gone Baby Gone," Ben Affleck's adaptation of Dennis Lehane's crime novel, set in Boston. Embedded Artist BOSTON, Mass. - October 15, 2007 - A young photographer uses an old camera to capture present-day soldiers. MFA Exposes Japanese Erotic Art BOSTON, Mass. - October 08, 2007 - The musuem unveils a trove of erotic scrolls for the first time in a century. The Beat Goes On (Series) ON THE ROAD, USA - September 17, 2007 - This month marks the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Jack Kerouac's On The Road, the novel that defined the Beat Generation. Charles Sennott follows Kerouac's footsteps. Museum v Artist SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 21, 2007) The art world goes to court in Springfield today to settle a dispute between Mass MoCA and a conceptual artist over his massive, unfinished display about democracy. Art Dispute's Ripple Effect BOSTON, Mass. (September 21, 2007) How is the dispute between Mass MoCA and a Swiss artist resonating among artists in Massachusetts? Ghosts Haunt 'Streetcar' WATERTOWN, Mass. (September 20, 2007) The ghosts of Marlon Brando's Stanley and Vivien Leigh's Blanche loom large over a local stage revival of 'A Streetcar Named Desire.' Summer Theater Wrap-Up BOSTON, Mass. (August 31, 2007) The summer may be coming to an end, but summer theater is still going strong on stages all over Massachusetts. Parent Rockers BOSTON (August 24, 2007) Rock and Roll and Punk Rock have always symbolized rebellion gainst convention, conformity and adulthood. That appears to be changing. A crop of successful Boston rockers who rose to fame in the 90s are suddenly parents, and now they're balancing tour dates with play dates. WBUR's Andrea Shea has more on why it's OK for today's parents to rock out. Beethoven Scores, Big Time BOSTON, Mass. (August 17, 2007) The BSO's Tanglewood season ends on a high note this Sunday: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The wild-haired composer is always a hit with musicians, fans, and the box office. Lights, Camera, Boston! BOSTON, Mass. (August 09, 2007) Massachusetts is using tax credits to lure Hollywood filmmakers to the Bay State. But what's in it for the local independents? Thinking Through Art BOSTON, Mass. (July 19, 2007) Thinking Through Art: The Gardner Museum partners with local schools to teach a new way of looking at art. Studies show it also leads to better critical thinking and higher test scores. Review: Coward & Sondheim BOSTON, Mass. - July 19, 2007 - Ed Siegel reviews Noel Coward's "A Marvelous Party" at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge and "Side by Side By Sondheim" at the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown. Hopper's Gloucester BOSTON, Mass. - July 06, 2007 - The work that first put Hopper on the map is a watercolor of an elegant, light-drenched home in Gloucester in the 1920s. Andrea Shea tours Hopper's Gloucester. Review: Barrington & Wellfleet BOSTON, Mass. - July 02, 2007 - Now we venture out of Boston to visit two adventurous theater companies - Barrington Stage in the Berkshires and the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater on Cape Cod. "On The Road's" Bumpy Journey LOWELL, Mass. - June 22, 2007 - This September marks 50 years since Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" hit bookshelves, stirred controversy, and spoke in a new voice. Get A Load Of This BRIGHTON, Mass. (June 14, 2007) In Brighton, actors put a new spin on an old play and come up with a real-life soap opera. Project Trains Young Minority Musicians BOSTON, Mass. - June 08, 2007 - Project Step is trying to give first-class musical instruction to low income minority students in and around Boston. Virtual Dancers take the Stage BOSTON, Mass. - June 01, 2007 - This week the Snappy Dance Theatre of Boston premieres a work titled 'String Beings' that digitizes performers with a computer program called 'The Scribbler.' Romantic Tales Diverge BOSTON - June 01, 2007 - You couldn't have two more different takes on romantic love than those in a pair of recently opened productions in Boston: the Tony-winning musical "The Light in the Piazza" at the Colonial Theater and Noel Coward's classic comedy "Present Laughter" at the Huntington Theatre Company. Reunion in "No Man's Land" at ART CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - May 18, 2007 - The American Repertory Theatre is hosting a reunion of sorts with its new production of Harold Pinter's "No Man's Land."				Sponsor