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What we’re reading this week: Artists to watch, stolen art & more

New Kennedy Center leader Deborah Rutter blazed trail in Seattle

“Deborah F. Rutter was executive director of Seattle Symphony for 11 years, when Benaroya Hall was built.

The head of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was named the next president of the Kennedy Center on Tuesday and will become the first woman to lead the performing arts center since it opened in 1971.”. –  Brett Zongker, Seattle Times | December 12, 2013

Mortal Combat: LaToya Ruby Frazier, Levi’s, and Fierce Photography

art-570“People love to shoot movies and ads in Braddock, Pennsylvania. From a certain angle, it is the perfect postapocalyptic backdrop. It’s where the new Christian Bale movie Out of the Furnace was shot, as well as parts of The Road. It’s the setting for the 2010 Levi’s “Go Forth to Work” campaign, featuring real residents in black-and-white photographs with the tagline “Everybody’s Work Is Equally Important.” For burnishing Braddock’s image and attracting new workers from “creative industries” to rehab old houses and buildings, the town’s Harvard-educated mayor, John Fetterman, has become a pop star. Held as an exemplar in many art and media circles, he wears a tattoo of his adopted town’s zip code on his arm. In Out of the Furnace, Christian Bale wears a tattoo in tribute to Fetterman’s tattoo. Fetterman also gets a tattoo every time somebody is murdered in Braddock while he’s mayor.” – Jen Graves, The Stranger | December 18, 2013 | Photo provided by Seattle Art Museum

Amy Tan in Seattle: ‘Identity is everything’

“Everything I’ve written is about identity,” author Amy Tan said while promoting her latest book at University Temple United Methodist Church in Seattle’s University District on December 5.

Tan, who gained international acclaim for The Joy Luck Club, said her the biggest influence on her identity comes from her mother—the inspiration behind her latest endeavor, The Valley of Amazement.”

– Daniel Jeon, The International Examiner | December 13, 2013

5 Seattle artists to watch

“These five artists are emerging on Seattle’s visual arts scene. Here’s where you can see (and purchase) their work this holiday season.

If you find yourself with naked walls or fussy folks on your holiday gift list, salvation can always be found in art. And these five locals have a lot to offer.”

-Florangela Davila, Crosscut | December 17, 2013

Paintings by Seattle artist Whiting Tennis missing after truck theft

aaaawhiting

“Seven paintings by noted Seattle artist Whiting Tennis are missing after a rental truck containing the artwork was stolen last week in North Seattle, police said.

The Budget rental truck, which was stolen Thursday, was recovered yesterday in West Seattle, police said. However, the artwork was not in the truck.”

– John de Leon, Seattle Times | December 16, 2013 | Photo by Seattle Police Department, shows one of the stolen pieces

 

Stolen Art Part 2: All of Rodrigo Valenzuela’s Equipment, Footage, and Papers

“Here’s Stranger Genius Rodrigo Valenzuela, describing being robbed while sleeping in Costa Rica, where he’s shooting a project called Maria TV. He emailed the full sorry and scary story—sorry because of the art and equipment loss (I’d really like to see Maria TV completed), scary because he’s stranded. ”

– Jen Graves, The Stranger Slog | December 16, 2013

Selected upcoming events around Seattle

December 20-21 | Indie Book Fair | A/NT Gallery

December 18-23 | That Perfect Gift | Alki Arts at the Harbor Steps

Through December 22 | HAM for the Holidays | ACT Theatre

Through December 22 | A Christmas Carol | Seattle Musical Theatre

December 17-22 | Hedwig and the Angry Inch | The Moore Theatre

For great gift ideas check out our Holiday Gift Guide!

 *Links are provided as a matter of public service and the views of authors may not reflect those of the city of Seattle.