Sacred Art Tour | Fall

Join us on our Summer/Fall schedule of Sacred Art Tours. Sit back and let us take care of the planning, hospitality, expertise and the driving. It's all in the Midwest. We'll also supply you with a short reading list to prepare for each tour. Each destination will include a tour of area museums, churches, temples and artist studios. For more information, contact us at email: tahlib@aol.com

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Getty Museum Sued Over Bible

The Getty Museum has been sued by an Armenian church in Southern California over pages from an ancient Bible that currently reside in the museum's collection. On Tuesday, the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America filed a $105-million civil lawsuit against the J. Paul Getty Museum, saying that the institution illegally bought the seven pages, which are known as the Canon Tables. The news was first reported in the Glendale News-Press. The church is demanding the return of the pages, saying that they were ripped from the Armenian Orthodox Church's Zeyt'un Gospels during the early part of the 20th century. (Read entire story)

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Discussing Art in Russia

The Russian Academy of Arts invites you to attend a panel discussion on the contemporary religious art that will take place on June 2-3, 2010 at 11 am in the White Hall of the Russian Academy of Arts, 21 Prechistenka street, Moscow, Russia.

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The Vaticans 1.0 for iPhone

ItalyGuides introduce’s The Vatican Museums 1.0, their new interactive travel guide for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Developed specifically to take advantage of the iPhone’s unique capabilities and touch interface, The Vatican Museums tells the story of what human ingenuity has created through the ages and features interactive maps, two hours of audio guides and over 170 breathtaking photos.

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Decisions About Uncle Sam

I went over to Aunt Kaye's last night--Uncle Sam was sitting in the office area, he had peed all over himself while Obie and I were outside.  Aunt Kaye was out getting dinner.  Obie and I cleaned him up and put fresh pants on him.  Aunt Kaye learned about this when she got home and said she really needs to start making some decisions about him!  Pray for her. - Mike

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"Untitled" for Pentecost Sunday by Tony Melendez

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS 
By Tahlib

"Untitled" (2009) by Tony Melendez

INDIANA---In 2009, Tony Melendez created 16 separate hangings for each of the holydays of his church, Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis. No individual titles, just one work for each holiday. All 16 banners are between 5 and 6 ft. long and maybe 2 and one 1/2 feet wide. Melendez was born December 27, 1938 at Beth David Hospital, E. 90th Street, Manhattan, New York. The Dove on fire engine red banner was created for Pentecost Sunday. He says his style is influenced by the dreamscape images of the French impressionist Henri Rousseau.

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Reading Rothko

READING ROTHKO

• James E. B. Breslin. Mark Rothko: A Biography (University of Chicago Press, 1993)
• Glenn Phillips and Thomas Crow, editors. Seeing Rothko: Issues and Debates (Getty Research Institute, 2005)
  
  
• Mark Rothko. Writings on Art (Yale University Press, 2006)
• Mark Rothko. The Artist’s Reality: Philosophies of Art. Edited by Christopher Rothko (Yale University Press, 2006)
• Marc Glimacher. The Art of Mark Rothko: Into an Unknown World (Clarkson N. Potter, 1991)
• Mark Rothko (Tate Gallery, 1987)
• Jeffrey Weiss. Mark Rothko. (National Gallery of Art/Yale University Press, 1998)
• Anna C. Chave. Mark Rothko: Subjects in Abstraction (Yale University Press, 1989)
• Contemplating Rothko: A Symposium on the Religious Nature of Mark Rothko’s Art (Yale Institute of Sacred Music, n.d.)

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Email from Tiffany: "No More"

Dear Family:  tbritton08@hotmail.com, britton.samuelo@gmail.com, brittonjason@hotmail.com, kbritt50@cinci.rr.com, oscarbritton@sbcglobal.net, joanbritton@sbcglobal.net, tbritton08@hotmail.com, kridenour66@yahoo.com, brittonky928@yahoo.com, verdell08@cinci.rr.com, lmbrit@aol.com, disneybritton@gmail.com

I am appealing to each of you and asking that we NOT fight, argue, gossip, or disparage each other individually or as family units any further. The idea regarding Mom Britton's house was out of a desire to perserve a part of our families history and nothing more. I did not intend to sell the property or "make a come up". So please, let us all move on.


We may not be the closest family, but I truly believe that each one of us have seeds of love that have been planted as a result of our parents, aunts, uncles, and kinship. Let our hearts not be hardened.

With love,
Tiffany Christine Lelia Britton

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Bridget O'Rourke | Ireland

IRISHTIMES - Less is more in Bridget O’Rourke’s finely tuned abstract paintings. Expanses of oil pigment are progressively applied and scraped away. The painter was brought up as an Irish Catholic in the US, and religious art is an acknowledged influence, though not in an iconic way. (Read All)

Molesworth Gallery, 16 Molesworth St, Dublin  Tues- Fri 10.30am-5.30pm, Sat 11am-2pm Until Jun 25 01-6791548

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Jose Ramirez | E. Los Angeles

Virgen De Guadelupe 

Jose Ramirez (Hispanic American, born 1967)
C. 2000. Mural: Paint on wall. 


José B. Ramírez was born and raised in East Los Angeles. He attended the University of California, Berkeley where he earned his B.F.A. in 1990 and his M.F.A. in 1993. Ramírez received his teaching credentials from California State University, Los Angeles in 1995 and has worked as an elementary school teacher for nearly a decade. He has exhibited widely throughout the country including a one-person exhibition at UFA Gallery in New York, and his work can be found in many private collections. In addition to gallery exhibitions, Ramírez has completed numerous public art projects including murals for the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, Dolores Mission Church, and Ascot Avenue Elementary School.

Links for Artist:

• Email: joseram@aol.com
• Web.me.com/tonalunasol
• http://www.ramirezart.com/
• http://www.inmotionmagazine.com/jr/joseram1.html
• http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127019188

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Ann Arbor Art Fair | July 21

Michigan's annual Ann Arbor Art Fair is an exciting event for local residents, artist and art lovers from all over, including those interested in religious and spiritual art. The Fair runs from July 21 thru July 24 and was established in 1960. The website reads,"the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the Original of the now four award winning Ann Arbor Art Fairs, which together attract over 500,000 attendees from across the nation. The Original fair has received many accolades including the Number One Art Fair in the country (October 2004) and a Top Ten Art Fair (October 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008) by the readers of American Style Magazine." A special treat for attendees will be the art of Sister Corita at the university museum of art.

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Draft Letters to Jason from Renee

Jason:
I disagree with what you are saying. If Moms home was that much of a concern it would not be in the shape it is in now. There is another reason behind all this, all of a sudden this property and Britton togetherness is important. That home is not who I am.... Mom is. Mom and my Father are in my heart thats were they will always be. Uncle Sam and Aunt Kayes home has been the home that we all gather at now. I think this is a bunch of crap if your family feels like you all need to have this property then say so, don't try to make it out to be a family community thing.
My brother and I were the first grandkids and I trully think that if anyone would want to save this property it would be us. None of the brothers have wanted to save the house? Your father is the only one that wants it for real. Now Is Tiffany the only one that can save this property? we will never know because she is the only one willing to put money into a home that a lot of us have let go of years ago. Our legacy is the Britton name not Madisonville. And yes there is something to get out of this......some one will have a home!!!

Love your cousin Renee

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America's Outdoor Passion Play

America's #1 attended outdoor drama recreates the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The Great Passion Play has been enjoyed by almost 6 million visitors. (Read All)

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PNC Bank Assessment on 5306

To "deborah.tolliver@pnc.com"
,Fm: Gina Britton 
cc: Kaye Britton
Re: Property: 5306 Kenwood Rd

Dear Ms. Tolliver-

I am sending this e-mail with regards to the property located at 5306 Kenwood Rd Cincinnati, Ohio 45227. It is owned by members of the Britton family, who are at this time deciding the future of this property. 

If possible, could you please contact Kaye Britton to set up a meeting with all of the family members to discuss what impact the new economic development will have on the area where the property is located. Kaye Britton's phone number is: (513) 628-3259 or e-mail: brittonky928@yahoo.com.

We located your contact info from the Madisonville Economic Development Council website.

Thank you,
Gina Britton


 From: deborah.tolliver@pnc.com
Date: May 20, 2010 11:58 AM
Subject: Re: Property: 5306 Kenwood Rd
To: Gina Britton
CC: Kaye Britton ; deborah@madisonvillebd.org

Gina,
I apologize getting back today. I wear many hats and was away from my office for several days.The economic development in this area is presently focusing on the Madison Road corridor. This is the reason you see some building coming down for future business development.

Interesting you should mention this. I was visiting the Stratford Retirement Complex the other day. That is a beautiful facility that individuals can come to live and retire. With that building right up the road from you,I can't believe that it will enhance your property value!

I looked at the house you listed. It is a quaint brick building built in 1875. The picture looked a little grainy and I couldn't tell anything definite from looking at the picture.

I also see that it appears to be listed as heir property. Five individuals listed. From a banking position that could be a problem if a loan was to be taken out on the property. All five would have to qualify for a loan. I ran into a situation like that last month here in Madisonville and I couldn't assist the family because of the way it was titled.

Anyway, I would be most interested in further discussion. Please call me.

Thank-you
Deborah C.Tolliver
Business and Economic Chair/ Madisonville
(513)271-3046

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Sacred Spaces: Scottish Rite Cathedral | Indianapolis

AOA NEWS
By Ernest Britton

INDIANA - When I first saw the gigantic Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis, I thought I'd found my home for daily noon mass. Greg soon corrected me. It's a social center and home of the Masons, a brotherhood established on Christian principles (Both George Washington and my Dad were Masons). This Tudor cathedral with its over the-top Gothic ornamentation was completed in 1929. It's a very well archived and proud tradition, and the elderly mason who gave me the tour even showed me the photo of his father's induction class of 1930. The building is rich with german made art glass windows, carved stone and one of the most ornate theaters I've seen in the United States, all of curly Russian white oak.

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Scottish Rite Cathedral | Indianapolis

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton

INDIANA---When I first saw the gigantic Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis, I thought I'd found my home for daily noon mass. Greg soon corrected me. It's a social center and home of the Masons, a brotherhood established on Christian principles (Both George Washington and my Dad were Masons). This Tudor cathedral with its over the-top Gothic ornamentation was completed in 1929. It's a very well archived and proud tradition, and the elderly mason who gave me the tour even showed me the photo of his father's induction class of 1930. The building is rich with german made art glass windows, carved stone and one of the most ornate theaters I've seen in the United States, all of curly Russian white oak.

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Haring's Last Work | Pisa, Italy

In June 1989, on the rear wall of the convent of the Church of Sant' Antonio in Pisa, he painted the last public work of his life, the mural "Tuttomondo."  The town, located in central Italy is best known for the Tower of Pisa and being the birthplace of Galileo.

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Note from Renee, re: 5306 Kenwood Road

I am the first granddaughter why is the property being given to Tiffany? I don't want it but to be asked would have been nice since I had kids the Brittons have excluded me and my girls in a lot of things.

---

From: "Tahlib@aol.com"
To: Vibritton@aol.com; rjohnso12345@yahoo.com
Cc: mdbourke@yahoo.com; brittonky928@yahoo.com; Phonepoleclmbr@aol.com
Sent: Mon, May 17, 2010 7:40:47 AM
Subject: Fwd: Fw: Today's meeting

FYI...the final nasty conflict over Kenwood property is now playing out. No action from you is required, just an FYI.

Ern

---

From: gbritton06@yahoo.com
To: tahlib@aol.com, phonepoleclmbr@aol.com
Sent: 5/15/2010 5:48:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Fw: Today's meeting

Guess Jason knows now...

-- Sent from my Verizon Palm Pre Plus

---

From: verdell08@cinci.rr.com
Date: May 15, 2010 5:31 PM
Subject: Today's meeting
To: Kaye Britton ; Jason Charles Britton ; Luke Britton ; Gina Britton ; Kaye Britton ; Rev Charles Britton ; Verdell Britton ; Kaye Britton ; Kaye Britton

FYI

We are having a meeting on Saturday, May 15th,2010 regarding the transfer of the property to Tiffany Britton to 5306 Kenwood Road

I wanted you to be aware of the distribution of funds in the 5322 transaction.

Kaye M. Saunders- Britton
Realtor
Prudential One Realtors
9328 Union Centre Blvd.
West Chester, Ohio 45069
Office: 513-755-4400
prudentialonecincinnati.com/ksaundersbritton

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "disneybritton@gmail.com"
To: Aunt Kaye
Cc: disneybritton@gmail.com; mdbourke@yahoo.com
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 12:52:10 AM
Subject: Loan to Oscar Britton
Just over 20 years ago, Oscar  approached me about making him a loan. While the size of the loan was significant; the exact amount is no longer important.

What is still important is that Oscar made a promise to pay. He made that promise in advance of accepting the loan from me. Once he received the loan, he repaid nothing. He left me to make good on his loan with the bank.

I double checked with Mike, and this is our memory about the loan chronology:

1. Oscar & Joan needed cash to prevent "foreclosure" of their home in Michigan.

2. Mike & I agreed to take ownership of 5222 Kenwood and to secure a loan on their behalf based on the homes equity. At the time, we lived downtown.

3. The Brothers/spouses all signed a Quit Claim Deed over to me so that I might secure a home equity loan.

4. Oscar & Joan signed an agreement to pay off their loan by making a monthly payments of $500 interest free.
5. Once Oscar and Joan received their loan money, we  don't recall they ever made a single payment.

6. Instead of a payment, Mike & I received a certified letter from their attorney indicating that the loan was to be included in Oscar & Joan's Bankruptcy. 

7. 20+ years later, they've never mentioned the loan and neither have I (Mike did of course).
###
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

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Bible Auctioned for $79,000

An auction at William Bunch Auctions’ in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania ended with a $79,000 winning bid for a Holy Bible printed in Philadelphia by Robert Aitken during the American Revolution. To read the article on the auction, click [link]:

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Oscar Letter Version #2 (Long/Public)

Oscar,

Yesterday afternoon's exchange was sad but funny at the same time. You are like an old bully who has been hurt and must flail around striking in any direction regardless of the truth. You even brought my mom into it, and that was the most laughable. You emailed so many things that were untrue as you deliberately tried to mislead people into supporting your warped point of view. It's sad. For instance, you gave the impression that Gina gave money towards the $3,000 but she didn't. You say that Gina is using Aunt Kaye as a realtor but she isn't. You are too old for all these deceptions. I am too grown for it. If it weren't so laughable, it would be sad.

Let's assume for a moment, that you didn't sign anything agreeing to repay the loan 20 years ago (that's what you've said). Also, let's assume that it was for only $7,000. What kind of idiot would hand over $7000 without a written agreement?  Not me and not you. You say you never signed anything but then declare bankruptcy anyway? What sense does that make? It's just one lie after another to the point of being ridiculous. Mom Britton used to excuse you by saying, he's a bully but he means no harm. She let you get away with it. She said that even after you struck me and knocked me down for being Gay. As I lay there on the grass, it didn't feel like "no harm" to me. How could I trust you after that? I trusted you because my Dad urged it, but afterwards he regretted it.

How could anyone believe the man who would sneak into his just deceased mother's home at night when no one knew, and load up furnishings into their car to take back to Michigan. My Dad didn't know. Uncle Sam didn't know. You stole those things. You even stole the salt-n-pepper shakers Mom Britton promised to my sister. Lies and deception over and over again to get what you want. Thirty years later, the son you've denied for his entire life reappears and you create stories to legitimize your actions. It's pitiful.

No one but your own children trusts you, and that is sad. Uncle Sam stopped, and my Dad was so disappointed in you, he told me it hurt him. They both blamed Aunt Joan but it was always you. My Dad wanted to trust you so I never told him the horrible things you said about his new bride's character on their wedding day. The awful, nasty things you said that day about our Step Mother had my sister and I in tears but no more. You are an old bully, a braggart, a bad liar, (an awful typist) but a darn good curser. I can still hear you yelling over the phone, 20 years ago, "I want my fuckin $20,000." Back then you told everyone it was to save a house, which you lost anyway, and now 20 years later you say it was $7,000 for Tiffany's tuition. If you are going to lie, at least stick to the same lie.

What did hurt me back then was that you never apologized.

You never tried to explain but I am glad I held up my end of the bargain. Mike and I got you the money when you couldn't get, and then you reneged on the loan we made to you. Just for the record, with my Dad's counsel, Mike and I repaid to the bank the portion of the 5222 Kenwood equity loan that we added on top of your request. He said it was the right thing to do, and we did it. Also, just for the record, we didn't need that money to buy the house that's currently for sale in Hyde Park. That was bought 10 years later! It just shows that you will talk, talk, lie, lie, disappoint and lie to get what you want.

My only regret today is that you've cost me Tiffany and Jason, but hell, you need somebody to love you.

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Oscar Letter Version #1 (short/private)

Dear Oscar:

Thanks for revealing your true colors yesterday. It was a brilliant display of lies, attacks and misinformation. I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to read it. It's finally out in the open and we will see whose argument wins support. I'd offer a wager but I know that when you lose you'll declare bankruptcy anyway.


If you think you need to continue, I am more than happy to bring more people into the ring of Emails to watch your tantrum. Maybe some will even join in. Everyone knows you are a blustering, delusional former bully, emphasis on "former". You won no one over to your side but I am grateful to you for prompting the Emails of support I received after your tirade. Thank you.

I warn you though that I will not be such a gentleman the next time. I will no longer communicate as if I respect my Elders. Next time, I will not Email you privately. The next time, you act an ass, I will rain down on your delusional life like a tornado. You've shown your ass but it's your face we all have seen. If you try it again, I will pull off the rest of your clothes.

Honestly,

Ern

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Catholic Museum’s Angels Fail to Save It

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

New York City's Catholic Museum of Art & History officially closed this week.

The museum opened in 1995, occupying temporary space in several Manhattan office buildings. In 1998 it moved to East Harlem, where it began leasing and renovating the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, a rundown building that private donations, government grants and donated labor from unions helped transform into a state-of-the-art exhibition space. The museum’s Web site, nmcah.org, values the renovations at $15 million, though Ms. Cox said the cost may have been less.

To read the entire NYT article, click [link]. 

As posted last week, I tried to make contact with the museum's director Christina Cox last year. Maybe I could have helped and maybe not, but it's too bad to see its doors officially closed. RIP NMCAH.

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Book: The First 3,000 Yrs

In Diarmaid MacCulloch's new book, "Christianity: the first 3,000 years," he examines the many issues that split the church and helped it to grow, including, according to NPR: the language Jesus spoke, how churches and Christian communities spread after his death, the unpredictability of Rome becoming the center of the Christian world, and why some countries remain resistant to Christianity while their neighbors embrace it. Sounds like perfect noontime reading.


Christianity, the First 3,000 Years
By Diarmaid MacCulloch
Hardcover, 1,184 pages
Viking
List price: $40

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5306 Kenwood Road Debate

Just over 20 years ago, Oscar approached me about making him a loan. While the size of the loan was significant; the exact amount is no longer important.What is still important is that Oscar made a promise to pay. He made that promise in advance of accepting the loan from me. Once he received the loan, he repaid nothing. He left me to make good on his loan with the bank.

I double checked with Mike, and this is our memory about the loan chronology:

1. Oscar & Joan needed cash to prevent "foreclosure" of their home in Michigan.
   
2. Mike & I agreed to take ownership of 5222 Kenwood and to secure a loan on their behalf based on the homes equity. At the time, we lived downtown.
   
3. The Brothers/spouses all signed a Quit Claim Deed over to me so that I might secure a home equity loan.
   
4. Oscar & Joan signed an agreement to pay off their loan by making a monthly payments of $500 interest free.
   
5. Once Oscar and Joan received their loan money, we  don't recall they ever made a single payment.
   
6. Instead of a payment, Mike & I received a certified letter from their attorney indicating that the loan was to be included in Oscar & Joan's Bankruptcy.
   
7. 20+ years later, they've never mentioned the loan and neither have I (Mike did of course). 

###

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Comedy Central is Giving Christ a Show

Comedy Central says it has a comedy series about Jesus Christ in development. I say, "why not?" What ever promotes the dialogue is better than being ignored. South Park already has a Jesus Christ figure as a recurring character (see image).

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Haring's Last Work | Italy

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

In June 1989, Keith Haring painted the last public work of his life, the mural "Tuttomondo," on the rear wall of the convent of the Church of Sant'Antonio in Pisa City. Located in central Italy on the Arno River, Pisa is probably best known for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is also the birthplace of Galileo.

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Diocesan Museum of Religious Art | Bilbao, Spain

HELIUM - Situated just off of the Plaza de la Encarnacion in Bilbao is the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art. Known locally as the Mueso Diocesano de Arte Sacro, the religious Art Museum is by far from being the largest of museums, but is annually classed as one of the city’s most popular attractions. (Read All)

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Unity Temple in Chicago on a Very Hot Sunday Morning

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Greg Disney-Britton

Poster of the Unity Temple designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908

ILLINOIS---Celebrating 101 years, Unity Temple of Oak Park, IL is a congregation in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. They are not Christians. They are no Jews, and symbolism is not part of their tradition but this all-stone Prarie architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, aptly reflects the denomination's values of "compassion, peace, justice, and respect for the earth." Pastor Alan Taylor said, if he were to design a church symbol, it would be "the earth". Ernest, Quinton, and I worshipped there on a very hot Sunday (no air-conditioning), but as Quinton said afterwards, the experience was still very "cool."

Unity Temple of Oak Park, IL by James Caulfield

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Unity Temple | Chicago

Celebrating 101 years, Unity Temple of Oak Park, IL is a congregation in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Symbolism is not part of their tradition but this all-stone Prarie architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, aptly reflects the denomination's values of "compassion, peace, justice, and respect for the earth." Pastor Alan Taylor said, if he were to design a church symbol, it would be "the earth".

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Book: Good Man Jesus and Scoundrel Christ

Aetheist Robert Pullman writes a new book about Jesus Christ, which he claims is "just a story" about two brothers: a preacher/carpenter named "Jesus" and his ambitious, less moral twin, "Christ." To read/or listen Lynn Neary's review on NPR, click [Link].

The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ

By Philip Pullman

Hardcover, 256 pages

Canongate U.S.

List price: $24

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Hagia Sophia | Turkey

Built in the sixth century, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey was once the worlds largest cathedral, then a mosque and since 1934 a government museum. This past week, Ed Rothenstein (NYT) wrote of his visit to Turkey's sacred-secular museum: "If you stand in the center of the Hagia Sophia here and gaze upward at what is one of the world's tallest domes, you can be staggered by the overlapping layers of ruination and grandeur in this Church of Holy Wisdom. And I don't mean the scaffolding promising overdue restorations, the haunting mosaics disclosed under layers of plaster." (Read full article, click [link])

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Rothko Chapel | Houston

Founded by John and Dominique de Menil in 1971 , the Rothko Chapel is an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief.

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Warhol's Last Supper for $2M

"Details of the Last Supper" (1986) by Andy Warhol

City Review:

Art/Auctions
November 12, 2003:

Despite a recent controversy based on an article in the November 2003 issue of Vanity Fair involving The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc.'s handling of authentications of works by Andy Warhol, his works continue to pop up all the time in contemporary art auctions. Lot 37, "Details of the Last Supper," is numbered PA822.017 by the foundation. A silkscreen on canvas, it measures 113 by 228 inches and was executed in 1986. Because of its scale and bold image, it should be interesting to see how it fares. It has an estimate of $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 and is one of the artist's strongest works. It sold for $2,248,000. Aby Rosen, the New York City real estate entrepreneur was the underbidder on this lot and two other Warhol lots. 

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Museum: "Baptism in Kansas" | Manhattan

Baptism in Kansas
C. 1928, Oil on Canvas, 40 x 50 in. 
John Curry (b. Kansas, 1897-1946)
Collection of the Whitney Museum of Art.




WIKI - Curry was best known for his oil paintings and mural cycles. In August 1928 Curry painted Baptism in Kansas, which was exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C.. The painting was praised by the New York Times and earned Curry the attention of Mrs. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. In 1931 Mrs. Vanderbilt Whitney purchased the painting for the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, thus establishing him as a major artist. Baptism in Kansas reflected the fanatic religious sects that held open-air baptisms. These popular religious groups were part of the scene of rural life that Curry saw in Kansas. Traditional religious scenes are depicted by Curry with all the reverence one would expect from such a subject. No well known Baptismal representations by old world masters employ the unique compositional layout that Curry favors. Curry's painting was a shock to Easterners who would have never associated a baptism with full immersion or with a barn yard setting, but Curry painted what he was familiar with, as Lawrence Shmeckebrier said he "saw this scene as conceived and executed with sincere reverence and understanding of one who had lived it."^[3] Curry's religious painting is therefore an observance rather than a satire on religious fundamentalism.

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The Religiousity of Andy Warhol

Was Andy Warhol a religious artist? That and other questions about Warhol's last decade (died at 58) will be explored in an exhibition coming to the Brooklyn Museum entitled, "Andy Warhol: The Last Decade." The show originated in Milwaukee and will open in Brooklyn on June 18.

One of the many surprises shared by the Rueter's reporter, Simon Walker in his article on the show is Warhol's religiousity:

"Only his closest confidants knew he was a religious person and frequently went to Mass," said Sharon Matt Atkins, coordinating curator of the Brooklyn Museum exhibit "Andy Warhol: The Last Decade," which opens on June 18.Little known is that Warhol attended church in the plush, Upper East Side of Manhattan, a world away from his famed downtown Factory studio complex, frequented by the eccentric and outlandish, In his middle age, he began exploring religious themes in his art."After Warhol turned 50, he began a reassessment of his career," Atkins said. "We also start to see Warhol reflecting on the inevitability of his own death."In the year before he died -- at age 58 in 1987 -- Warhol created more than 100 works that were offshoots of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" fresco in Milan. (Read All)

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$100 Million for Warhol Painting

The highest price ever paid for a Warhol painting is $100 million for a 1963 canvas titled Eight Elvises. The private transaction was reported in a 2009 article in The Economist, which described Warhol as the "bellwether of the art market." $100 million is a benchmark price that only Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Gustav Klimt and Willem de Kooning have achieved.

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Sacred Spaces: Christ Church Cathedral | Indianapolis

AOA NEWS
By Ernest Britton

INDIANA - Built in 1857, Christ Church is the cathedral for the Episcopal diocese of Indianapolis. While it looks squeezed into Monument Circle, the Early Gothic Revival church is simply the oldest remaining church on the circle. The stone facility has dark wood gingerbread arches, large stained glass window of Saints by Tiffany's, and a set of small delicately carved and uniquely painted crucifixes.

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Christ Church Cathedral | Indy

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton

  INDIANA---Built in 1857, Christ Church is the cathedral for the Episcopal diocese of Indianapolis. While it looks squeezed into Monument Circle, the Early Gothic Revival church is simply the oldest remaining church on the circle. The stone facility has dark wood gingerbread arches, large stained glass window of Saints by Tiffany's, and a set of small delicately carved and uniquely painted crucifixes.

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US museum of Catholic art and history

The Museum of Catholic Art and History in New York City, founded in 1995, promises to be an uplifting experience for anyone who can get inside. The doors were locked when I visited. I've tried the phone. I've even had an Email exchange with the founder Christina Cox, but I've never been inside. The CathNews India praises the website: http://www.nmcah.org/. I was intrigued by the website too, but even more by the promise of what I might find inside. Maybe one day, I'll get inside to find out.

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