A Traveler's Calendar
Nova Scotia (2007) by Stefan Kürten
May 7, London, England
Mirror of the Times / The paintings of Stefan Kürten, always absent of human figures, portray a melancholic side of modern life. Kürten’s latest exhibition, Black Mirror, takes its title from a track by the band Arcade Fire and also is a reference to Kürten’s method of preparing his canvas prior to painting. The pieces—based on Kürten’s own photographs rather than the professional sources he usually uses—are oil and pigmented gesso on canvas and linen; many investigate the virtual invisibility of scuptures in cemeteries, schools, parks, and other public spaces. At Thomas Dane Gallery through May 31. For more information, visit thomasdane.com or call 44-20-7925-2505.
Photography / Vivienne Flesher
May 3, San Francisco, CA
Alfred Nose Best / Vivienne Flesher’s children’s book
Alfred’s Nose tells a tale of an unhappy bulldog
who thinks he can improve his life by changing his
nose. Everything turns out happily in the end, with
a surprise bedtime treat. Readers can get their own treat when they attend Flesher’s book signing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at George (Tel: 415-441-0564), a cozy pet store. Signings also will take place at the George in Berkeley (Tel: 510-644-1033) on May 10 and the George in Santa Monica (Tel: 310-393-8737) on May 31. alfredthebulldog.com
May 1, Tokyo, Japan
History in the Making: A Retrospective of the Turner Prize / The Turner Prize celebrates British contemporary art—both conventional media, such as painting and sculpture, and diverse forms of expression. This exhibition is a retrospective of prizewinners. Through July 13 at the Mori Art Museum. Tel: 81-3-5777-8600 or mori.art.museum
May 2, Chicago, IL
Looptopia: Chicago’s White Night / Inspired by White Night (AKA Nuit Blanche) events in Rome, Paris, and Madrid, this celebration of arts and culture transforms the Loop district into a sensory playground. The all-night extravaganza features art, music, dance, and theater in 100 venues. Tel: 312-782-9160 or looptopia.com
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Children’s Museum Opens New Facility / A dynamic new downtown building doubles the space of the Children’s Museum. This interactive arts destination encourages children to think, play, and create with innovative hands-on art opportunities, classes, and exhibitions. Tel: 619-233-8792 or sdchildrensmuseum.org
May 14, Cannes, France
Festival de Cannes / Now in its 61st year, this world-renowned film festival has acquired fame for its balance between the artistic quality of the films and their commercial impact. In addition to film, the festival features forums, master classes, and exhibits. Through May 25. Tel: 33-1-53-59-61-00 or festival-cannes.com
May 16, Monterey, CA
Cooking for Solutions / Indulge your passion for fine dining and environmentally sustainable living in a celebration that includes gourmet dishes by celebrity chefs, food and wine adventures, and cooking demonstrations that feature sustainable seafood. Through May 17 at the Monterey Aquarium. Tel: 831-647-6886 or cookingforsolutions.org
May 21, New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience / A celebration of gustatory delights, this festival offers Grand Tastings, which pair offerings from New Orleans’ finest chefs with wines from around the world, and the Royal Street Stroll, with art galleries, wine, and live jazz. Through May 25. Tel: 504-529-9463 or nowfe.com
May 21, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco International Arts Festival / Twenty-five San Francisco arts organizations present 40 performances and three major visual arts exhibits. The lineup includes world premieres, U.S. debuts, and international collaborations in dance, music, opera, theater, and visual arts. Through June 8. Tel: 800-838-3006 or sfiaf.org
May 23, Santa Fe, NM
Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams: Natural Affinities / O’Keeffe and Adams met in Taos, New Mexico,
in 1929 and had a lifelong friendship. This exhibit brings together the work of two of the best-known U.S. artists. Through September 7 at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Tel: 505-946-1000 or okeeffemuseum.org
May 30, Victoria, Canada
Warhol: Larger Than Life / Andy Warhol was a sophisticated arbiter and purveyor of popular culture.
This exhibit features 150 paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and films spanning the artist’s career. Through August 24 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Tel: 250-384-4101 or aggv.bc.ca
Rendering / DRAGONE
June 6, Québec City, Canada
Cultivating Creativity / Rippling water, a friendly boatman, a talking well, and a lush, colorful garden conjure up an ode to life at the Musée de la Civilization. Master gardener Franco Dragone used water, light, and plants as installation materials to transform the roofs and façade of the museum and create a gathering place for all visitors. The Visionaries Garden also features shows, conferences, movies, creative workshops, demonstrations, tastings, and more. Through October 13. Tel: 418-643-2158 or mcq.org
June 8, Jamaica
Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival / In its 18th year, this event features performers from Europe, the
U.S., and the Caribbean, joining renowned Jamaican jazz artists. The festivities—including a youth program
and free concerts—take place all over the island. Through June 15. Tel: 323-857-5358 or ochoriosjazz.com
June 14, Zaragoza, Spain
Expo Zaragoza / One hundred countries participate in this exposition with the theme of “Water and Sustainable Development.” The event includes exhibits, country pavilions, large-scale productions, and 3,400 acts from more than 350 companies and artists. Through September 14. Tel: 34-976-70-20-08 or www.expozaragoza2008.es
June 27, Corning, NY
Glass of the Alchemists: Lead Crystal—Gold Ruby, 1650–1750 / This exhibition explores Northern European glass of the Baroque period and examines the technical advances in glassmaking made by alchemists during that time. At The Corning Museum of Glass through January 4. Tel: 607-937-5371 or cmog.org
July
July 10, Montréal, Canada
Just for Laughs / For 25 years, this comedy festival has featured some of the top comics in the world,
including Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Dane Cook, John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson, and Tim Allen. Through July 20. Tel: 514-845-2322 or hahaha.com
July 11, Florence, Italy
Painting Light: Hidden Techniques of the Impressionists / Microscopes and infrared and ultraviolet light reveal the secrets of 60 masterpieces by Matisse, van Gogh, Signac, Sisley, Berthe Morisot, and Renoir.
Through September 28 at Palazzo Strozzi. Tel: 39-055-2776-461 or www.fondazionepalazzostrozzi.it
July 18, Watkins Glen, NY
Finger Lakes Wine Festival / The largest showcase of New York state wines in the country, this fest features 600 New York wines, 80 wineries, local farm products, gourmet foods, culinary classes, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and live entertainment. Through July 20. Tel: 866-461-7223 or flwinefest.com/ticketprices_fest.html
August
August 1, Jamestown and Yorktown, VA
Pastimes of Colonial Virginia / Experience the music, games, storytelling, and other diversions of 17th- and 18th-century Virginia. Visitors can play corncob darts, ninepins, quoits, mancala, and nine-men’s morris. Through August 31 at the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. Tel: 757-253-4838 or historyisfun.org
August 9, Memphis, TN
Elvis Week / If you’re into Elvis, or simply fascinated by people who are, this celebration is for you. It’s a week
of being all shook up by music, dance, and social events celebrating the king of rock ’n’ roll. Through August 17 at various locations around Memphis. Tel: 901-332-3322 or elvis.com
August 9, Hong Kong, China
Olympic Equestrian Events / Three hundred horses compete in dressage, cross country, and show-jumping events at the Hong Kong Sports Institute and Penfold Park in Sha Tin and at Beas River Country Club and part
of the adjacent Hong Kong Golf Club. Through August 21. Tel: 852-2107-9900 or www.equestrian2008.org
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