Oh, great Robert James Waller who sold 12 million copies of an extremely trite story about a National Geographic photographer finding love in Iowa has now signed a “seven-figure deal for two new novels.”

Please tell me it isn't for a sequel to that atrocious novella, The Bridges of Madison County.

Reuters reports that Richard Avedon, 81, the famous fashion photographer, has suffered a stroke.

Avedon's photos, usually intimate, intense studies against a white backdrop, are often powerful statements of a person's persona. Among his most famous photos are portraits of Andy Warhol, Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, the Duchess of Windsor and Truman Capote.

By some strange coincidence, I have sitting at home a documentary on Richard Avedon produced by PBS for their American Masters series. Also, here is Photo District News' gallery of Avedon's work from the 1960s. On my shopping list is a book on Avedon's technique. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a genuine master of his art. He found himself at the right place and at the right time and he worked very hard.

Pray!

Via Laura Taflinger

Project IMPACT, Philadelphia, is proud to present its first South Asian literary event, In Ink: A Celebration of South Asian Writing on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at The School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, Meyerson Hall 210 South 34th Street, Philadelphia. PA.

Keynote Speaker: Shashi Tharoor at 9:00 a.m.

In Ink promises to create a dynamic forum in which participants can engage in discussions with a diverse group of extraordinary South Asian writers. Participants will interact through panel discussions and book readings highlighting Diaspora literature. This all day event begins at 9:00 a.m. The registration fee is $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for students. This includes access to the keynote address, all panels and readings, and a full lunch. Go here.

Participating Authors:

Meena Alexander
Asra Nomani
Samina Ali
Vijay Prashad
Anjana Appachana
Shona Ramaya
Carmit Delman
Bapsi Sidhwa
Zia Jaffrey
Rajini Srikanth
S. Mitra Kalita
Tahira Naqvi
Shashi Tharoor
Pireeni Sundaralingam
Maryann Mohanraj
Indu Sundaresen

For more information, please contact Anita Thakkar at (215) 545-5039 and or Julie Rajan at (215) 266-8022.

Via here.

Are you surviving or thriving as a visual artist? Have you been spending too much time exposed to turpentine and not to the general public? Are you ready for your first…or 21st show? Have you been cultivating relationships with the media? Are you curious about grants?

On Saturday, October 30th, the Cambridge Center for Adult Education hosts a conference for visual artists featuring a keynote address by Susan Hartnett, current director of Boston's Office of Arts & Cultural Development.

The day-long conference will consist of a series of panels and workshops allowing participants to talk directly with a diverse group of authorities – including curators, reporters, grantmakers, and other visual artists – discussing everything from recent trends in art to creating a personal website.

Participants will also have the opportunity to address specific questions and concerns during “10 Minute Dates” – a one-on-one session featuring a variety of arts professionals from organizations such as the Fuller Craft Museum, the Mills Gallery at the BCA, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Via PR Newswire

The Corcoran College of Art & Design and the Smithsonian Associates are offering for the first time a two-year Master of Arts program in Decorative Arts.

“Completing this master's degree in the history of decorative arts provides students with the scholastic and connoisseurship skills that open expansive career opportunities to them as a museum curator, historic site director, auction house representative, author, educator and more,” said Cynthia Williams, Director of the Masters Program.

Alfred Stieglitz, Walker Evans, Man Ray, Paul Strand and Ansel Adams will have permanent galleries at the National Gallery of Art.

Not the hotel, the real thing – Taj Mahal – celebrates its 350th birthday. Happy Birthday to you.

Via Adithya Sambamurthy

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