The Cultural Institute Inhotim is part botanical park, and part contemporary art installation. The brain child, and passion of a Brazilian mining magnate, Bernardo Paz, Inhotim is a dialogue between art and nature. The setting is an extensive and original botanical collection of rare tropical species covering 240 acres. The galleries host a vast collection of contemporary art from Brazilian and international artists from the 60′s on.

Source: Treehugger

Cobalt pigment applied to white clay has resulted in the most recognizable examples of ceramics through the ages. Today’s ceramicists continue the tradition of implementing this colour scheme into contemporary expressions of this aesthetic. At right, Work 0808 is a modern ceramic sculpture by Japanese artist Harumi Nakashima currently on show at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. New Blue and White is an exhibition featuring artists from all over the world, and runs through July 14, 2013.

The Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach, California recently got a new and irreverent pet. The 28-foot-tall Labrador marking its territory is entitled “Bad Dog” and was built by Richard Jackson as part of his exhibition Richard Jackson: Ain’t Painting a Pain. The outdoor installation was achieved by using 52 digitally cut pieces of fiber glass and composite materials that were assembled on-site.

Source: Freshome

Leap into 41 museums in San Diego this February. Presented by Macy’s, this popular event allows participants to enjoy half-off entry fees at 40 San Diego Museum Council membership museums. The savings encourages locals and visitors to explore a variety of arts, culture and science-oriented destinations. From Oceanside Museum of Art down to the Tijuana Estuary, there are ample opportunities for edutainment, creating memories and fun for the whole family.

Museum Month Passes may be picked up starting February 1, 2013 at any of Macy’s fourteen locations in the San Diego Area, Temecula and Imperial Valley. The passes are free to obtain while supplies last. With a pass, up to four visitors can gain admission to any of the 40 participating museums for half-price. Plus, you can use the pass all month long!

SuttonBeresCuller are a trio of artists (John Sutton, Ben Beres and Zac Culler) who created the Small Moons installation at the Land of Tomorrow gallery in Louisville, Kentucky.

Source: Contemporist

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Steven Holl Architects and the Architectural Design Institute of Nanjing University collaborated on the design of the Nanjing Sifang Art Museum in China’s Jiangsu Province, which pays homage to the vanishing-point perspectives seen in the country’s traditional paintings.

We were pleased to furnish the VIP room at the 2012 Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony & Silent Auction. The premier architecture and design event was held on 10.11.12 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla.

The Magnum Sofa by Mobital, Domani Ottomans by Sunpan and Carbon Chairs by Zuo caused a splash in the Coast Room, where VIP guests enjoyed martinis and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Read more …

‘Bridging Home’ is an outdoor installation by Korean artist Do Ho Suh, currently part of Roundtable: 9th Gwangui Biennale at the Tate Modern. Made of a steel structural frame and finished with marine plywood, ‘Bridging Home’ was installed at an angle to highlight the sense of tension between the traditional Korean architecture of the miniature house and the more British architecture of its neighbors. ‘Bridging Home’ touches upon the tension that can arise between neighbors of different cultures in big cities.

Source: Web Urbanist

Not Tom was approached by British bone china maker Buttercup China to create a stand at the Spring Fair 2012. Lining the wall with over 800 plates to create a giant scalloped pattern, Not Tom was able to demonstrate how simple, quality products can create a dramatic impact. The display won the best stand in show prize, too.

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The annual EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. Each year, the EarthFair draws around 70,000 visitors.

Produced by 400 volunteers, EarthFair features more than 350 exhibitors, special theme areas, a Food Pavilion, a special Kids’ Activity Area, three entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery art show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse. For more information visit www.EarthDayWeb.org.