Art and Design

Misty Copeland Embarks on a New Chapter with a Renewed Sense of Self

SMGN November 5, 2025

The celebrated dancer reflects on transformation, legacy, and resilience Renowned ballerina Misty Copeland, who made history in classical dance, is embracing a period of personal and artistic renewal following her farewell from the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). After years away from the stage and becoming a mother, Copeland describes this

Picasso’s Hidden Portrait of Dora Maar Sells for $37 Million, Rekindling Global Interest in the Artist’s Emotional Legacy

SMGN October 25, 2025

A striking Picasso Dora Maar portrait sale has captivated the art world. A portrait by Pablo Picasso of his muse Dora Maar, kept out of public view for over eight decades, has sold for $37 million in Paris. This sale reignites global interest in the artist’s personal life and creative

Misty Copeland retires from American Ballet Theatre after a groundbreaking career

SMGN October 23, 2025

The first Black female principal dancer of the company concludes 25 years of achievements Misty Copeland took her final bow with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), ending a career that redefined representation and excellence in classical ballet. The farewell gala, held at Lincoln Center in New York City, celebrated both

New Louvre Heist Revives the Museum’s Long History of Thefts

SMGN October 21, 2025

A seven-minute operation exposes security vulnerabilities The Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed after a daring daylight robbery in which thieves stole priceless jewels. According to French authorities, two individuals used a lift mounted on a truck to enter the museum through a second-floor window leading to the Galerie

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter take on Waiting for Godot on Broadway

SMGN September 17, 2025

From film to stage: a long-lasting partnership Over three decades after starring together in the cult comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are reuniting for a new artistic challenge. The two actors are performing in a fresh adaptation of Waiting for Godot, the renowned play

Senators urge Smithsonian to uphold independence amid political pressure

SMGN September 5, 2025

Lawmakers stress congressional oversight of the institution Four Democratic senators addressed a letter to Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, urging the organization to resist external influence that could compromise its mission and values. The letter, signed by Senators Alex Padilla (California), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada), Gary Peters (Michigan), and

Founders Museum sparks debate on history and artificial intelligence

SMGN September 3, 2025

A new exhibit in Washington for the semiquincentennial The Founders Museum, located inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House, has been inaugurated as part of the events leading up to the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence. The initiative was developed by the White House Task Force

Stephen Nakagawa appointed as new dance programming director at the Kennedy Center

SMGN August 25, 2025

Leadership change in the dance department The Kennedy Center has appointed Stephen Nakagawa as its new director of dance programming, shortly after the dismissal of the department’s staff. Nakagawa, a choreographer and former dancer with The Washington Ballet, steps into the role during a significant transitional period for the institution.

Trump calls for broader review of U.S. museums

SMGN August 20, 2025

Expanding criticism beyond the Smithsonian Former President Donald Trump expanded his criticism of cultural institutions, moving beyond the Smithsonian Institution to include museums across the country. In a lengthy social media post, he described these spaces as holding onto what he views as “ideological narratives,” emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the

Parade Musical Opens at the Kennedy Center Amid Ongoing Debate on Antisemitism and History

SMGN August 19, 2025

Revisiting the Leo Frank Case on Stage The Tony Award-winning musical Parade ends its national tour in Washington with performances at the Kennedy Center. The production dramatizes the real-life case of Leo Frank, a Jewish man accused of murdering 13-year-old Mary Phagan in 1913 in Atlanta. The trial, conviction, and

Expert Tips to Navigate Flight Delays and Cancellations During Crisis

SMGN November 6, 2025

Widespread flight delays and cancellations are impacting major airports nationwide as the government shutdown, now the longest in history, continues to drag on. Air traffic controller shortages have caused issues at numerous airports for more than a month, creating ripple effects across the entire travel network. In response to the

Trump says government shutdown pressures Republicans and suggests ending the filibuster

SMGN November 6, 2025

Former president reflects on election results after record-long shutdown During a meeting with Republican senators, former President Donald Trump said the prolonged federal government shutdown negatively affected recent election results for his party. Trump stated that pollsters identified the shutdown as a major factor influencing voter sentiment against Republicans. “If

U.S. Government Revises SNAP Benefit Cuts, but Millions Still Face Major Reductions

SMGN November 6, 2025

USDA Adjusts Reduction Formula Amid Ongoing Legal and Technical Challenges The U.S. government has revised its plan for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announcing a smaller reduction in monthly food benefits. According to updated guidance from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), maximum allotments will now be cut by 35%