Championing Change Through Creativity: The PRINT Citizen Design Awards Spotlight Social Justice Endeavors in Art and Design

Design is not just an art form but a powerful tool for social change. The PRINT Awards have introduced a Citizen Design category that zeros in on projects committed to addressing social, cultural, and environmental issues. This special category aims to foreground design works that not only raise awareness but also spur action toward a more equitable and just world. Citizen Design is a beacon for projects ranging from social media graphics to interactive experiences, all crafted to foster empathy and provoke action. Whether it’s through a public campaign or a mobile app, each submission … Read more

Art Theft Ring Trial Temporarily Halted as Jury Adjourns Deliberations

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The trial concerning an alleged sophisticated art theft ring has reached a critical juncture, with jury deliberations temporarily on hold. The case involves accusations of multi-million dollar artworks being slyly removed from several high-profile galleries and private collections across Europe and the United States. Prosecutors presented an extensive case, based on nearly three years of investigations linking the accused parties to multiple burglaries of rare and valuable artworks, including pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso and Matisse. According to court documents, the stolen art has propelled an underground market thriving on … Read more

Downtown Parkersburg Set for Cultural Revamp with Proposed Public Art Mural at Judge Black Annex

Parkersburg, W.Va. — Public art in downtown Parkersburg could soon be getting a vibrant expansion with a proposed mural initiative aiming to beautify and narrate the history of the area. Officials gathered Monday morning to discuss the prospective artwork planned for the exterior wall of the Judge Black Annex in Wood County. Senta Goudy, WVU Parkersburg’s Director of Civic Engagement, spearheaded the proposal during the Wood County Commission meeting, emphasizing the mural’s potential to enhance community engagement and celebrate local heritage. She proposed partnering with the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley to ensure the … Read more

Miami Artist Withdraws from Exhibition Over Mandatory Anti-BDS Clause, Highlights Rising Censorship in Art Contracts

Pembroke Pines, FL — In a recent turn of events, Les Gomez-Gonzalez, a Miami-based artist, withdrew from the upcoming exhibition “Ebb & Flow: Exploring the Womanhood Continuum” at the Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery. The decision came after discovering a clause in the vendor registration form that required adherence to Florida’s anti-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) policy involving Israel. This clause, part of Florida Statute 287.135, mandates that vendors do not engage in any boycott activities against Israel. Gomez-Gonzalez, expressing solidarity with Palestine, chose to publicize the issue and exit the event, the only artist … Read more