A&E

Excavation of ruins confirm Rome myth

ROME -- Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of Mars, the god of war, who were suckled as infants by a she-wolf in the woods.

Grammys flow to Ray Charles

LOS ANGELES -- Ray Charles had a legendary career that defied categorization and influenced generations of artists, but he never had one of those blockbuster albums that many lesser artists have enjoyed.

HORROR

Friday night rolls around and you are at the local movie theater with a friend watching the latest horror movie. On screen is the image of a slaughtered victim lying on the ground, brains oozing from her head in a pool of blood. Glancing over at your friend, you see her nervously bouncing her knee up and down. Her palms are sweaty. Her mouth gapes open.

Jury of peers tough to find

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Attorneys in Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial are turning to the tough job of finding jurors who can judge the pop star not as a legend but as a defendant. Finding a jury of peers is a daunting task when the defendant lives in a storybook mansion with its own amusement park.

Central Park Opens 'Gates' to public

NEW YORK -- The biggest art project in New York City's history debuted Saturday in Central Park with the unfurling of saffron-colored fabric banners suspended in 16-foot-high frames, providing a splash of sunrise 26 years in the making.

Actor Ossie Davis remembered by stars, friends

NEW YORK -- The stars of Hollywood joined the people of Harlem to bid farewell Saturday to actor and activist Ossie Davis, filling a Manhattan church with laughter and tears as a parade of admirers recalled his integrity, courage and devotion to family. Friends, fans and family members crowded into the Riverside Church for the funeral, gazing at a video screen bearing his picture that was hung above an altar.

Umbrellas offer mode of expression, function

The art of the umbrella takes on many forms within the boundaries of a college campus. When the storm clouds congregate across the Hoosier horizon -- as is predicted several days this week -- students use many tactics for sheltering themselves and belongings from spring precipitation. Some students equip themselves with "practical" umbrellas built to last through several storms; other students adore "fashion" umbrellas designed to highlight their rainstorm outfit.

Panel explores enigma of creative process

The question might have evaded the two musicians, two writers and a visual artist had they not been sitting side by side comparing mediums. Instead, the strangers came together to dispel an enigma -- the enigma of the creative process.

Chicago hip-hop finds its stars in the underground scene

CHICAGO -- Before Kanye West and Twista shot to the top of the charts last year, their hometown's hip-hop scene was an unknown underground of artists with huge local followings but no quick route to the national stage.

Chicago playwright brings the 'HEAT'

Community members seeking shelter from the freezing winter chill can hibernate underneath the yellow-orange glow and warmth of stage lights. In celebration of Black History Month, the Bloomington Playwrights Project is performing the play "HEAT," written by Chicago-native Marsha Estell and directed by New York resident Anita Gonzalez, at 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, until Feb. 26 at the BPP, 312 S. Washington St..

Velvet, rich color dominate runways, capture fall 2005

Artist plans to meet American for dinner

NEW YORK -- A phone message to the nation: Please call 510-872-7326, Marc Horowitz wants to meet you for dinner. Go ahead dial it. If he doesn't answer, just leave him a message. That's what thousands of people have done after seeing his number scrawled on a dry-erase board in a Crate & Barrel catalog photo last fall.

Around The Arts

Jim Donovan, who rose to national prominence as a founding member and drummer for the multi-platinum band Rusted Root, will hold a special drumming event from 1 to 5 p.m.

Painters trade marketing skills in real world

Five years ago, Brown County resident Linda Meyer-Wright decided she needed a change. After spending years immersed in the depths of the business world as a social administrator, she needed a break and found her release in painting. After taking a few beginning classes from the John Waldron Arts Center, she said she ventured out on her own to start a new career.

A galaxy of art

In intricately detailed and other-worldly images, photographers are capturing star constellations and far-away galaxies. Labeled astrophotography, this craft seeks to study and create art while photographing the night sky.

Alexis Carter concert benefits Community Kitchen

Singer-songwriter Alexis Joi Carter is ready. She's always been ready. It was God, she said, who told her to slow down. Nearly 200 people congregated Saturday night at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., for "'Joi' to the World: A Personal Serenade to Thee," a benefit concert and CD release. The buzz emanating from the crowd showed -- they were ready, too.

Dancers compete for cash in weekend showcase competition

Senior Sarah Wilkins found herself $1,000 richer Sunday after dancing the afternoon away. Wilkins competed in Bloomington's first Showcase of the Arts Competition in Contemporary Dance this weekend in the dance studio at the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. The competition is part of the Showcase of the Arts series, which will award more than $15,000 to performers this year alone in the areas of visual arts, dance, drama, literature, music and musical theater.

Student designer shows off creations

To the background of birches, Individualized Major Program senior Katherine BonDurant reinvigorated timeless pieces in her fashion show "Winter in Red Square" Feb 5 at the Bloomington Convention Center. By contrasting stiff equestrian styles and fabrics with satin and silk in addition to delicate nuances, BonDurant softened her otherwise traditional line.

A model consumer

Concert to honor Black History Month

Composed of 80 or more members, mostly nonmusic majors, the African American Choral Ensemble has vast performance experience. Opening for performers like The Blind Boys of Alabama and Ray Charles and performing throughout the area, the ensemble is much in demand.