The Steinway grand piano, gifted to FDR in 1938, features gold leaf decorations representing various American musical forms, including a New England barn dance and an Indian ceremonial dance. The piano has three mahogany legs carved as American eagles and has been located in the White House entrance hall since 1989, often played by the Marine Band during social events.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14661345/ivanka-son-theo-white-house-piano-donald-trump-video.htmlButcher Pezzino expressed disappointment with Bridgers' article for not highlighting the museum's adult-oriented tours and events, such as its annual Halloween party for people 21 and older. The museum allows adults to attend certain events on their own, including theatrical performances, staff-led tours by appointment, and a $125 ticketed fundraiser called the Imagination Ball. In contrast, Bridgers' article only briefly mentioned the Halloween party without providing further details or emphasizing its existence.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14661135/rule-children-museum-outrages-local-writer-portland-maine.htmlPhotographer Platon has captured portraits of numerous high-profile individuals, including Muhammad Ali, Stephen Hawking, and Heath Ledger, despite disagreeing with their policies. He prioritizes capturing authentic human moments over his subjects' public personas, believing that fame can lead to a disconnection from one's true self.
https://petapixel.com/2025/04/28/platon-describes-photographing-the-worlds-most-powerful-people/Interior designers can blend contemporary and traditional styles to create a cohesive look in homes, merging modern furniture with heritage elements to produce a unique space that reflects both the homeowner's personality and the property's history.
https://nerdbot.com/2025/04/28/when-is-it-time-to-get-help-with-your-homes-layout/The "Fierce Pussy" exhibition at a museum features a dense conceptual show with only one didactic element, a poster welcoming visitors to take it home, referencing Sister Sledge's "We Are Family." Curator Jo-ey Tang aimed to put the artists' solo practices in dialogue. The exhibition highlights the group's history and activism, including wheat-pasting posters around New York City and distributing materials. The artworks are not labeled, allowing viewers to appreciate them without knowing their creators, which amplifies the "Fierce Pussy" identity as a collective of friends, partners, and collaborators.
https://hyperallergic.com/1007330/a-collective-of-lesbian-activists-is-a-fierce-family/Lee's exhibition at the LaiSun Keane gallery in Boston features four 3D-printed pieces, including three Chun meiping vases from China's Song dynasty and one "Tetris"-inspired cong pottery piece. Lee grew up surrounded by traditional Chinese furniture and decor, fueling her interest in ceramics from this period, particularly the glaze innovations that occurred during the Song dynasty (960-1279).
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2025/04/29/raina-lees-artwork-from-tree-house-studio-to-high-end-galleries-appealingOdissi and Bharatanatyam are two classical dance forms from India, with Odissi originating from Odisha and Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu. Odissi is known for its graceful mudras and expressive storytelling, while Bharatanatyam is celebrated for its rhythmic footwork and themes. Kuchipudi, a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh, blends movements with strong narrative elements. Kathak, rooted in North India, is characterized by intricate footwork, spins, and storytelling. Manipuri, originating from Manipur, is a delicate and devotional dance form often associated with the tales of Radha and Krishna.
https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/international-dance-day-2025-history-significance-how-to-celebrate-and-indias-famous-dance-forms-and-their-exponents-aa-aa-9310475.htmlRob Pileckis, who has been the artistic guiding light at the Prairie Center in Schaumburg for over 35 years, is retiring after a successful stint as event coordinator and director of the Screen Test Local Fest. His departure was met with a challenge to find a suitable replacement, but ultimately, Eddie Sugarman, former executive artistic director of The Theatre of Western Springs, was chosen for the role. Pileckis' experience in theater and writing, supported by then-mayor Al Larson, has been instrumental in shaping the center's programs, including the Screen Test Student Fest and Summer Theatre program.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20250428/news/pileckis-retiring-after-35-years-as-artistic-north-star-of-schaumburgs-cultural-services/John Singer Sargent's "Self-Portrait" is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York until August 3, before traveling to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris from September 23, 2026 - January 11, 2026.
https://hyperallergic.com/1007219/the-tender-specificity-of-john-singer-sargent/