Art in the American Outback: News Roundup

THE SOUTH
Preschoolers get an early taste of the arts
"Grow Up Great is the PNC Financial Services Group's $100 million, 10-year investment in school readiness. As the largest initiative of its kind in the country, Grow Up Great focuses on the cognitive, social and emotional growth of young children"by training preschool teachers to incorporate the creative arts.
(Thanks to Jennifer Marie Zeberkiewicz of the Wilmington (Del.) News Journal)

A History Lesson in Hate
As early as the late 1800s, Berlin was a bustling liberal city. It boasted numerous gay clubs and drag bars. Organized gay groups were common. Shows featuring female impersonators had become almost passé.
(Thanks to Deanna Sheffield of Orlando Weekly)

Art classes may become mandatory
"Drama class might go from being an elective to a requirement for graduation. Superintendent Bill Harrison has suggested that every high school student should have to take an art class, starting with the freshmen entering in 2008. He plans to formally ask the Board of Education to approve the measure this summer."
(Thanks to Andrew C. Martel of the Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer)

More mandatory arts in school finding a lot of support
"The [Louisiana] state Legislature is on its way to approving increased arts education in elementary and middle schools in an effort to improve student performance and the nation's perception of the state's education system. . . . SB 299 would specifically require art education rather than allow for it to be an optional part of the curriculum and would change the way in which art is currently combined with other activities such as physical education."
Thanks to Amy Giglio of the Shreveport (La.) Times)

SPECIAL FLYOVER "SEX IN THE SOUTH" SUPPLEMENT
Art or Porn?
What Edward Bobb calls artistic expression, a Florida jury calls a crime.
(Thanks to Rob Jordan of the Miami New Times)

Tennessee Arts Commission Silences Sexuality
They decline to show artist Cindy Rehm's "suggestive" videos.
(Thanks to John Pitcher of the Nashville Scene)

Judge to Strippers: Fondle at Will
Part of Orange County's adult entertainment code is declared unconstitutional.
(Thanks to Jeffrey C. Billman of the Orlando Weekly)

THE NORTHEAST
Choosing Icons
"This is a Frank Lloyd Wright story of Buffalo. The great architect came back to visit one of his early works and was enraged that it hadn't been kept precisely as he'd designed it. Seeing the Graycliff estate near Buffalo as an old man of 91, a few months before his death, Wright was annoyed..."
(Thanks to Bruce Fisher of Artvoice, Buffalo, NY)

On the Corner: Newest local art gallery occupies one highly visible corner of an up-and-coming area
"Housed on the corner of Lanvale and Charles streets one block north of Penn Station, it is hard not to envy the premium real estate this gallery now occupies. Even though large parts of the Station North Arts and Entertainment District are still considered fringy by some standards, there is a very active few blocks radiating out from the 1700 block of North Charles Street. Here you can find all the essentials--lively bars, after-hours clubs, theaters, restaurants, and now finally an unthreatening exhibition/performance space."
(Thanks to Jason Hughes of Baltimore City Paper)

Simple Gifts
Marc Awodey reviews "Diane Gabriel: Seldom Seen" at 215 College Street Artists' Cooperative in Burlington, Vermont.
(Thanks to Marc Awodey of Seven Days, Burlington, Vermont)