Arts
Creative achievements in literature and the visual and performing arts
This 105-Year-Old Made Marilyn Monroe’s Earrings
Meet Sadie Mintz, a jewelry maker who saw her handiwork on the cover of LIFE magazine
October 09, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
It’s Definitive: Rose and Jack Could Both Have Survived in Titanic
Perhaps Jack was just dumb for not climbing onto the raft
October 09, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
You Don’t Know As Much As You Think You Do
Basically, most of what you think you know might be wrong
October 09, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Events October 9-11: Short Films, Chef Demonstrations and a Shanghai Quartet
This week at the Smithsonian, daily screenings, the best of American cuisine and new arrangements of Chinese folk songs
October 08, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Why Pencils Are Way Better Than Pens
Count Wolfgang, head of a huge pencil company, explains why pencils are wonderful
October 05, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
How Did the Pigskin Get Its Shape?
American football may have evolved from soccer and rugby, but it turns out that the football was never truly designed, it just sort of happened
October 05, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
As a Matter of Fact: Jockeys, Tartans and Cowboy Glam
The real stories behind some fashion fads and classics hold some surprising twists
October 05, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Sinfully Delicious Apples That You Should Never Try to Eat
Inspired by the work of Cornell scientists, Los Angeles-based Jessica Rath creates sculptures and photographs of the autumn fruit
October 05, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
George Washington and Abigail Adams Get an Extreme Makeover
Conservators at the National Gallery Art restored Gilbert Stuart portraits of our founding figures, making them look good as new
October 05, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
British Architects Plan to Build a House Entirely From Waste
England will soon begin construction on its first building built entirely from waste
October 04, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Predictions From The Father of Science Fiction
Hugo Gernsback's predictions give us a look at the most radical of technological utopianism from the 1920s
October 04, 2012 |
By Matt Novak
Share a Bit of Earth’s Majesty With Every Letter You Send
A new stamp collection pulls together beautiful top-down views of the Earth
October 04, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Events October 5-7: Mrs. Judo, Staring at the Sun and Chamber Society Music
This weekend, a 99-year old judo legend, a scientist who studies the sun and a season-opener with the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society.
October 04, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Why Polaroid Inspired Both Steve Jobs and Andy Warhol
Beloved by innovators and artists alike, the camera company dissolved into history once it lost its beloved CEO. Apple should take note
October 04, 2012 |
By Ryan R. Reed
David Blaine’s Going to Have 1 Million Volts of Electricity Shot at Him for 72 Hours
Magician David Blaine is taking pain to a new level for his newest stunt: standing atop a 20-foot high pillar for 72 hours while being subjected to a million volts of electricity
October 03, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Amazing Photographs of Water Droplets Colliding
See the results of 98-year-old Irving Olson's kitchen experiments
October 03, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Blind Photographer Paints With Light, Creating Stunning Images
Her photos are modeled after walks through the park or moments on the street that she experiences through sound and smell
October 03, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Snakes: The Good, the Bad and the Deadly
With venom so potent it can kill a person in just 30 minutes, the black mamba is a snake to avoid—while others are worth learning about before you cast your judgment
October 03, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Ai Weiwei Takes Over the Smithsonian: “According to What?” Opens at the Hirshhorn
The museum hosts the U.S. premier of a blockbuster show from the controversial artist
October 03, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Antonio’s World: The Life and Work of a Celebrated Fashion Illustrator
Antonio Lopez's electrifying art defined the style of the times, 1960s-'80s. Now, a gallery show and book call renewed attention to his accomplishments
October 02, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
