Contemporary - Pulitzer

The Pulitzer: Launch!

Our online exhibition catalogue for Portrait/Homage/Embodiment has officially launched!  And right in time for the holidays too.  So while you're sitting around by the fire, drinking eggnog, and eating millions of cookies, pull out your computer and check it out.  You can navigate through 360 views of the galleries, read background on each of the art works on view, and read quotes from the artists about their subjects, quotes from their subjects on their portraits, and more. You can also read the full interview with Keith Hollingworth (subject of a portrait by Chuck Close) that I teased you with in a previous post.  Consider it an early present from us to you.  Enjoy!

Speaking of the holidays, the blog will be on a mini-hiatus until January 2nd.  In the meantime you should take a look at the great blogs that are listed on our blogroll to the right.  Though the blog will be on hiatus, the Pulitzer won't be.  We'll be open for visitors on our normal open days throughout the holiday season -- Wednesdays from noon to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.  Happy Holidays!  (Rachel)

Contemporary: MESH

I spent much of my day today outlining our new issue of MESH. Our semi-annual magazine has become quite the production since it made its jump from newsletter to full-fledged 50ish page, full color, high gloss magazine. Yesterday, we had a large brainstorming meeting, talking about ideas we have, what pages we will be filling, and how to make the issue fun. I'll give you a little preview. . . the next issue is going to be the "green issue." Not only do we have several environmentally concerned and focused artists (and if you throw health consciousness into the mix, I think all three of our spring artists would qualify in this grouping), we also have this intriguing story about a green chair (meaning it's green, like Kermit. . . it's not specifically made out of organic, green products. . .it's just a normal chair). The chair is rumored to have been around since the 70s and has traveled through various spots of the museum and now will grace one of the pages of the upcoming magazine. There will be plenty of surprises. If you're familiar with our magazine, and want to suggest something fun to include - shoot me an email and we'll be glad to toss it around. And, in case, I haven't mentioned, our spring artists include: Andrea Bowers, Katie Holten, and Yuken Teruya. (Jennifer)

The Pulitzer: Teacher Blogs

As I've mentioned before, students and teachers from Shaw Elementary School are involved in an ongoing program with the Pulitzer.  This, along with programs with other schools, will be highlighted in a new (and forthcoming) section of our website within the Events and Programs category.  This section will include blog posts from teachers about the experience.

Here's a first blog post from one of the Shaw teachers, Lara, about starting the program:

What does it feel like to create a self-portrait? Especially when you’re nine…

As we embark on our new adventure with the Pulitzer Foundation we found that there is more to self-portrait then we initially thought. The students’ first project was to simply draw their own faces.

Was it difficult?

 Devlin: Yes, because you picture yourself differently. It’s important to use a mirror in order to get the picture right.

 Gabrielle: It’s weird because you don’t look like what you draw.

 Fourth-grader Scott commented that Van Gogh’s self-portrait is one of his favorites because “it looks as if Van Gogh rushed through it, but yet it really looks like him.”

 As we looked at ourselves over and over in the mirror we noticed things about our own faces that others never see.

 What stands out about your face?

 (Kathy): My eyebrows because they’re so thick and dark.

(Scott): My lips. My bottom is big and my top is flat.

(Gabby): My cheeks.

(Kiersti): My cheeks. They’re pudgy.

(Michon): Dark line across my nose.

(Lara): My long, skinny nose.

(Marvin): My nose. It’s short and small

(Arianna): Bumps. I’m starting to get them.

(Scout): Little freckles under my eyes.

(Devlin): A lot of freckles. Some between my eyebrow and eyelid!

(Telisa): There’s a dot in the middle of my forehead.

(Adaya): My right eye is smaller than my left.

And this is just the start.  I can't wait to read the many more blog entries that are yet to come!  (Rachel)

Contemporary: Bowling Shoes

After reading the Pulitzer's post yesterday, I realized that we need to update our Wikipedia entry. I had an intern put it up last year (thanks, Christina), and it needs a touch of more information, which I have yet to do! On our plates right now is preparing for the upcoming Jim Hodges and Andy Warhol exhibition. We have a lot of 'firsts' happening for this exhibition, including a bus wrap (imagine: a bright, pink camouflage bus driving through St. Louis) as well as a banner wrapping part of our building. Here's a preview of the banner.

Also right now, we at the Contemporary our dusting off our bowling shoes for our holiday party tonight (stop by if you want! We'll be at Pin-up Bowl in the Loop). (Jennifer)

The Pulitzer: Now Existing on Wikipedia

The photographer, Alec Soth, wrote a great blog post recently which included a letter from fellow photographer, Paul Shambroom, describing his fear of fading away from existence because he didn't have a Wikipedia entry.

Like Mr. Shambroom, the Pulitzer also has not existed in the land of Wikipedia.  That is, until now!  Take a look here.  Also, if anyone has any feedback about how to post images into a thumbnail, please let me know, I would love to add more photos of the building.  Thanks!  (Rachel)

Contemporary: Cleaning Files? (Boring, I know)

Do you really want the behind-the-scenes information today? Even if it includes details about filing? Our internet, email, and server were down on Wednesday from the start of the day until it was time to close. That makes for a lot . At first we were thrilled (what a perfect excuse to do the filing that has been piling up!) and as the day went on, well, the piles on the floor grew - they didn't get smaller (due to our reorganizing nature). Ah well. Now I have more filing than ever to go through and an extra day's worth of work to do.

I could also tell you about how this mysterious flu-like thing has been going around, and almost everyone has taken at least one sick day this week. This must be a reason to not have an open, shared office space. . .

Other updates (perhaps more interesting?): we're still searching for an exhibitions manager and an assistant curator. If you're interested, please visit our website to see the required qualifications and how to apply. Also, 'tis the season for interns to leave - today was one of our curatorial intern's last day.  Fortunately, we have one curatorial intern returning in January. Rachel, the one returning, is working on the Warhol screen tests that we will have in our Teaching Gallery.  Museum visitors can get their 15 minutes of fame by being recorded as a screen test, and then these will loop in the teaching gallery throughout the exhibition. Also is the works in our Hodges' wallpaper preview paper at Design Within Reach.  That will be in January, and if you're interested in design or getting a sneak peek at this artist edition, please join us on the 18th in Maryland Plaza. I think that's about it. Have a great weekend and best wishes on getting your Christmas shopping done (and if you need ideas, please do visit our gift shop - we have items for all ages, and believe me, they are definitely unusual). (Jennifer)

The Pulitzer: More Concerts

As regular blog readers know, we are constantly updating sections of our new website with material.  One of the most recent sections to be expanded is our concert section, which contains all sorts of background on our collaboration with the Saint Louis Symphony.

Well, lucky for you, the next two concerts have just been updated with new information. Check out January's concert here, and the mid-February performance here.  We have musician bios, composer info, program details, and interviews with David Robertson (SLSO Music Director) about all the pieces being performed.  Soon we'll also have interviews with the participating musicians and not long after that, we will have actual audio from the concerts. 

And speaking of concerts, the performance in mid-February will feature a work called Different Trains by Steve Reich.  Recently the online music site Pitchfork interviewed Reich about turning 70, his career, and what he's up to next. Check it out here.  (Rachel)

Contemporary: Technical Difficulties

This is Rachel from the Pulitzer writing on behalf of the Contemporary....

I just got a call from Jennifer.  They're having some technical difficulties next door and can't get online to post today's blog.  So please check back later in the week for their post. Thanks!  (Rachel)

The Pulitzer: Holiday Presents

With the holidays right around the corner, now is a time full of office holiday parties and festivities.  Instead of exchanging presents like fruitcakes and snazzy staple removers with our co-workers, each year the staff at the Pulitzer participates in the Post-Dispatch's 100 Neediest Cases program. 

As an institution, we "adopt" a St. Louis family that needs help during the holiday season.  Each staff member adopts a specific member of the family and purchases clothes, toys, or whatever is needed.  Then all the gifts are put together taken to the drop-off location to be given to the family in time for the holidays.  It's a wonderful program and I am really happy that we are able to participate.  If you're interested, click here to read more information on the program and how to contribute.  (Rachel)

Contemporary: Ending the Year

December brings a lull in some of programming (although I think we've been quite busy) and many often take off for the holidays. . . but we're all managing to bring a number of things together.  I just wrapped up our last Select Nights of the season.  I looked over our records - and we've had close to 6,500 visits to the museum through Select Nights, which I think is just amazing. Not only have we had the pleasure of introducing our museum to a number of new faces, we've also been able to welcome many new organizations - as well as old friends - to partner with us - from clubs and bars all over St. Louis to other non-profits, including cultural performance groups like Capoiera Brasil in St. Louis. So, all my thanks to all who partnered, supported, and had a great time at Select Nights (and special thanks, of course, to Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis Magazine, Playback Magazine, Wolfgang Puck, and KDHX 88.1), and my best wishes for the new year. Over the next several weeks, I'll try to highlight what others in the building are working on - I'm personally twisting Erinn's arm to share highlights with us regarding ArtBasel:Miami, and hopefully, she'll post about that on Wednesday. (Jennifer)

The Pulitzer: Steam Flashback

With the recent onslaught of cold weather in St. Louis, an effect we saw last year is happening again on the Pulitzer's watercourt. 

Last year (actually almost to the day!), I wrote about the swirling steam in the watercourt.  The cold air against the heated water in the reflecting pool causes the steam to glide across the water's surface.  It's a sight we saw for the first time last year since it was the first winter that we had a heated watercourt.  Previously, the water had to be drained each winter so it wouldn't freeze and potentially damage the sides of the pool.  In addition, I just learned, that the rising steam also actually protects the windows from thermic stress and potential cracking.  The steam was a nice surprise last year, and a welcome sight again this one.  So pick an extra cold day to visit and see if the steam is in full effect!  (Rachel)

Contemporary: Log Fonts

received an invitation on my desk today for a New Year's Eve party.  Matt Strauss, one of the winners of the 2006 Great Rivers Biennial, recently opened a nonprofit alternative art space, White Flag Projects, on Manchester in St. Louis.  He's been showing a variety of artists - including past staffer Brandon Anschultz (who happens to be participating in a panel discussion at White Flag tonight - and now is hosting The Kim Humphries New Year's Eve Hot Tub Party.  Kim Humphries was a winner of the 2004 Great Rivers Biennial.  So, there you have it. Two Great Rivers artists collaborating and putting on a party, not to be missed. You'll understand why when you hear the details - which include - the opportunity to take a dip in the hot tub, watch NYC's first "YouTube" DJ Shawn Ranch spin live from the balcony, a ride on one of the thrift store sofa swings, a live musical performance, a midnight balloon drop, games with an Arkansas performance artist, and punk rock haircuts.  Wow. That's quite a line-up! And the ticket price - only $20. I suggest going - and supporting local artist.  Go. And you ask, what about the log font?  Well, Bruce Burton designed the invitation and just told me that yes, he has three log fonts and he's extremely tickled that he was able to use one. . .his favorite. (Jennifer)

The Pulitzer: Slow News = Web Highlights

On slow news days at the Pulitzer, I thought it might be fun to highlight certain sections of the website (though fun is a relative term I suppose).  As today is one of those days, here's a 'lil highlight for your web browsing pleasure:

Wondering where you can check out the arts in our Grand Center neighborhood?  Well, you are in luck!  Check out our Urban Context Section!

www.pulitzerarts.org/urban-context/

Within this section, you have the ability to scroll over a map of the area and see photos and links to different arts institutions in our neck of the woods.  It's pretty incredible when you see the amount and range of organizations that are here.  Take a look!  Then print this map, and come and see it all for yourself in person!  (I promise I'll have more to write about soon...)   (Rachel)

Contemporary: Miami

Today has been a weirdly quiet day.  Much of the staff is traveling to Miami for ArtBasel and the rest of us are trying to continue working on projects with half the staff gone missing!  But, I have to say, it's pleasant to have a quiet afternoon. However, it won't be so peaceful in a couple days. We have our final Select Night of the year - featuring Randall Roberts (who I must say is very excited to be here again).  He sent an email round sharing he has new, funky records that he's been itching to play - so, there you have it.  Come on by. In the meanwhile, check out a great feature we received in the Post regarding Select Nights and our young friends group ArtLink - it ran in the paper last week. (Jennifer)

The Pulitzer: New Buildings

On December 10th, the new Institute of Contemporary Art will open in Boston.  The press preview was this past weekend, and so far, it seems to be getting rave reviews.  Take a look at some great photos of the building here.

Also, check out fellow blogger Geoff Edgers of the Boston Globe, giving us a sneak peek of the museum and interviews with it's director and architect on New England Cable News. 

Geoff said something on his TV spot that I found interesting--this is Boston's first new museum in 100 years.  It's quite an important addition!  It made me think about the timeline of St. Louis's own museums.  We've been lucky enough to have had two openings in the past 5 years -- the Pulitzer in 2001 and the Contemporary in 2003.  Most recently, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum on Wash U's campus just received a brand new building.  Like Boston, St. Louis is a city with a rich history (the Saint Louis Art Museum opened in 1879) and with these new institutions, both cities are fast becoming places where contemporary and modern art can be found within exciting new architecture.  I think in Geoff's interview, ICA Director Jill Medvedow said it nicely, "I think that Boston is becoming revolutionary again with the ICA.  I have a great respect for our history, but I think its time to make a little history with the new ICA." (Rachel)

Contemporary: Apologies

I have to offer my sincere apologies for not posting the Contemporary's blog yesterday.  We had a bit of a crazy afternoon with the rain, ice and snow - when St. Louis gets snow, the city shuts down! So, in addition to events being canceled left and right - along with childcare and the museum closing early, the blog fell of my to-do list. This morning though was pleasant. The drive in was beautiful - although there are quite a few trees down due to the heavy ice. Jason is out shoveling and salting our front walkway and we're ready to welcome St. Louis into our doors today!  Unfortunately, in addition to canceling last night's lecture with Visiting Curator Franklin Sirmans, we will also need to cancel this evening's Annual Distinguished Speaker program with Curator Jeff Rosenheim.  Mr. Rosenheim's flight last night was canceled - as well as any potential flights this morning, so please enjoy yourselves in the warm and safe comfort of your home this evening.   (Jennifer)