The phenomenon known as MOOC (massive online open online course) has inevitably spread its reach into the arts. Could this be the dawning of the age of no more pencils, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks? We’re guessing not, but it’s an intriguing complement to in-person learning. As the debate evolves, you might want to check out a MOOC class for yourself. For … [Read more...]
Trends
Can’t Blow Off This STEAM
The movement to turn STEM into STEAM made a splash in DC last month when a new Congressional STEAM Caucus announced its membership. The bipartisan caucus is dedicated to furthering the incorporation of art and design into STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). A video of the congressional briefing hosted by the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – leaders in … [Read more...]
Artists as Independent Contractors in MA
In Kenji Nakayama's terrific letter stream (above), art meets commerce quite literally - in a storefront window. But art and commerce can, at times, be uneasy partners. There was an interesting post recently in the (always-interesting) Grub Street Daily by John Weeks, a democratic strategist, political consultant, and Grub Street writer. Like many writers, Weeks works on a … [Read more...]
Stormy Skies: a Round-Up
As New England braces for Frankenstorm Sandy, we thought we'd round up some of the other things we're bracing for in the upcoming days and weeks (but in a good way). Big Red Forum The recently reinvigorated Big Red & Shiny is hosting a spirited conversation on art & community moderated by Katherine French, Director of the Danforth Museum, with panelists Louisa … [Read more...]
Of Slams, Fruitlands, and Shiny Things
A quick round-up of some of the interesting things happening in the Massachusetts art-o-sphere... Big Red & Shiny Big Red & Shiny is back! This region's art scene is shiny indeed, and it deserves the thorough - and idiosyncratic (see video art, above) - exploration this online journal/blog is known for. A little background: until 2010, Big Red & Shiny was a … [Read more...]