A&E

Grade the last dance

Audiences resisted the urge to get up and dance at the A-221 and African American Dance Company final exam. The soulful and rhythmic vibe filled the Willkie Auditorium on Tuesday night. The program opened with A-221 students performing "Lamba," which "illustrates the journey of Mansa Musa across the desert on a pilgrimage to Mecca," according to the program. The second dance was choreographed by Iris Rosa, associate professor and the dance company's director. She said the song by Spanky Wilson had a 1970s feel and inspired the choreography she created for the dance company's performance in "Potpourri of Arts." "It made me want to dance," said Colleen Welch, a modern dance major in the audience. She said was interested in taking one of the courses in the future. Brynne Mitchell, also a modern dance major, agreed that it was hard to resist the urge to get up and dance. She said that she recognized a lot of modern dance in the performance. "I had the jiggle leg," she said. "It's hard to be a dancer and come and not dance."

Union Board presents '80s films to the max

The words "Baby Ruth," "Bueller!" and "I would have expected a little more from a varsity letterman" will echo through the newly renovated Whittenberger Auditorium inside the Indiana Memorial Union for the next three nights.

Jewelry, art sale offers unique finds

Hand-crafted jewelry and other objects are for sale today and Friday and up for auction Friday night at the School of Fine Arts Gallery.

'Trickle Down Effect' promises to deliver

There is only one student group that guarantees to "make you trickle down your pants." That group is called "Trickle Down Effect" and it will be performing tonight on the second floor of the Indiana Memorial Union in the State Room East.

IU Music school professor shares money from award

Mary Wennerstrom was struck by an odd sensation upon receiving her latest academic commendation. "It's a little like reading your own obituary," she said with her characteristic laugh.

3-act Spanish play brings culture to life

Local Spanish speakers -- from those with mediocre skills in the language to native speakers -- will have the opportunity this weekend to enjoy authentic Spanish-language theater. A group of Spanish-speaking actors and actresses will perform a three-act play at 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday at the John Waldron Arts Center Auditorium.

James Wood named J. Paul Getty Trust chief

Former Art Institute of Chicago President James N. Wood will take over as chief of the J. Paul Getty Trust with a quest to strengthen the Getty Museum's reputation and put its looted-treasures scandal behind it. Wood, selected by Getty trustees after a search that began in May, takes over leadership of the Getty Trust in February from Getty Foundation director Deborah Marrow, the interim president since February 2006.

IU Art Museum studies controversial ownership history of paintings

Going once, going twice -- halt? On Nov. 8, despite a favorable verdict from U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, Christie's auction house in London stopped the auction of the Picasso painting, "Portrait de Angel Fernandez de Soto," that was expected to sell for $40 million to $60 million. In a news release, the judge said he needed to decide whether the Nazis forced the painting's former Jewish owner to sell it during World War II. Though he found no evidence to support the claim, the case caused much controversy and the sale was halted. This issue of ownership affects almost every facet of the art world, and the topic is being explored on campus at the IU Art Museum with its "provenance project."

Newly-formed group to perform at White House

When the Jewish a cappella group Hooshir formed this semester, it had only one date on its concert schedule -- its Dec. 18 performance for the President of the United States.

Singing Hoosiers' annual show features songs from new CD

From American popular music to jazz to Broadway favorites, IU's Singing Hoosiers do it all, leaving even the least musically inclined audience in awe.

Judy Gold jokes about her life as a gay, Jewish mother

Offensive does not even begin to describe Judy Gold's humor. Between cracks about everyone from her kids to homosexuals to Jews, it was impossible for any particular group to feel singled-out during her show Monday night in Whittenberger Auditorium.

Help Me, Harlan!

Students stage final project today

While many students study for final exams or prepare final projects, the African American Dance Company students will perform their final collaborations on stage at 7:30 p.m. today in the Willkie Auditorium. Admission is $3.

One Book, One Bloomington expands, now taking votes

In 2007, One Book, One Bloomington will turn into the Big Read: One Book, One Bloomington, expanding its name and opportunities to unite the city and the surrounding area by promoting popular literary fiction.

Artists' works raise safe sex awareness

ondoms. They come lubricated, ultra-thin, flavored and ribbed for her pleasure, and Friday they filled the Indiana Memorial Union Solarium by the thousands, with the simple intention of promoting safe sex.

Downtown galleries showcase local art pieces at 9 venues

Bloomington celebrated the works of local artists Friday with the Downtown Gallery Walk from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at nine art galleries.

Comedian Judy Gold tackles taboo topics in free show

Toward the end of the semester, everyone is in need of a bit of comic relief. But instead of sitcom reruns, tonight there is a different show to watch.

'Tis the season for frankincense, myrrh and bubble-hem dresses

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la. 'Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la. Don we now our gay apparel ... Yes, don we now our pleather pants and black mesh thongs this holiday season.

Chicago Field Museum launches adopt-an-artifact program to benefit $290 million endowment fund

CHICAGO -- A T-Rex skull, two stuffed elephants and a meteorite from Australia are among the more than 20 popular exhibits included in an adopt-an-artifact program started this month by Chicago's Field Museum.

Tea, art served up at IUAM

If you're into art, music and tea -- or your significant other no longer considers having a beer and sitting on the couch with you a date -- come to the IU Art Museum Friday. The museum will stay open until 7 p.m. for Teahouse Night to celebrate its current exhibition, "Conspiring With Tradition: Contemporary Painting From the Guilin Chinese Painting Academy." The exhibit features a variety of contemporary Chinese art, said Judy Stubbs, Pamela Buell Curator of Asian art.