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Guam – The Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency or CAHA held a special presentation Thursday to acknowledge the master selected to conduct folk and traditional arts apprenticeships. CAHA has selected master weaver Phil Sablan, …

The Renaissance (literally rebirth ) is a transitional period in European history between medieval and modern times marked by one of the classics inspired flowering of the arts and humanities. Important developments in this period …

When Vasily Kandinsky and Franz Marc formed Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) group in late 1911, the artists predicted a watershed in the arts, a große Umwälzung (great upheaval) that would radically challenge traditional artistic …

Interested in a career in graphic arts? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most graphic design jobs require a bachelor’s degree. So if you’re already busy with family commitments, a full-time job, or a long commute that makes attending traditional classes impractical, then look through the following questions to figure out whether a graphic arts school online could be right for you.

Five Questions to Ask Yourself About Online Graphic Arts Schools

1. Can you work well independently? Those who are interested in online graphic arts schools should be self-motivated and disciplined. The freedom and flexibility of online graphic arts schools means that there will be no one checking to make sure you completed your homework, listened to the lecture, or are even progressing toward the end of your coursework. If you don’t think you’ll handle the freedom well, online graphic art schools may not be for you.

2. Do you thrive on community? If you are the type of person who enjoys face-to-face interactions, you might do better in a traditional graphic arts classroom. If you enjoy working with others but are still interested in online graphic arts courses, then look for an online school that offers plenty of opportunities for discussion and feedback, which could include online discussion boards, peer reviews, and plenty of correspondence with the instructor.

3. Do you know where to find scholarships? According to the New York Times, most online schools charge tuition similar to that of traditional schools. So even if you’re saving money on commuting gas, room and board, or by working at the same time that you’re studying, finding scholarships can save you even more money. Look at the College Board Web site and Fastweb.com; these are two free Web sites that can help you get started.

4. Is your online graphic arts school accredited? Buyer beware: there are online schools out there that offer diplomas at a price, but aren’t actually accredited. If you want to make sure your degree actually means something, check the accreditation status of your online graphic arts school at the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

5. Does your school’s graphic arts program mesh with your career goals? If you’re just looking for basic training in graphic design, you may not need to be as picky about what graphic arts school you attend. If, however, you are interested specifically in graphic design with an emphasis in advertising, magazine layout, or art direction, make sure the online graphic arts school you enroll in offers courses, if not an emphasis, in your secondary field.

If you have done the research, know your career goals, and know your learning style, then you are probably ready to attend an online school for graphic arts. Keep working hard and don’t let yourself get sidetracked, and you should be well on your way to a career in graphic arts.

A blog to accompany my other art blogs featuring the art and artists labelled as Pre Raphaelite. Though I’m sure it will wander into William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. …

Martial arts date back to hundreds of years ago. This form of fighting originated in different parts of Asia, mainly in China, Japan, and Korea. If you are planning on taking up a self defense program, it would be a great idea to study the different forms rooted from these countries so you can make an informed choice. Remember, every type has its own unique set of qualities and style that you would want to know more about before you take up self defense classes.

Korean Martial Arts

In Korea, the most popular fighting styles are taekwondo and hapkido. Both are effective self-defense forms, although it’s the former that flourished in the United States and in different western countries. Taekwondo became famous not only for its high kicks and defensive strategies but also for the teachings and philosophy surrounding it. Taekwondo and hapkido were first introduced in the United States after the Korean War. Today, taekwondo is a recognized competitive sport in the Olympics. Training in this martial art would require use of breaking boards and fast action kicks. You need to complete each training grade to be able to earn a belt. Hapkido, meanwhile, involves less kicking and more wrist locking and throwing.

Japanese Martial Arts

There are five different classifications of Japanese martial arts: karate, aikido, judo, kendo, and jujitsu. All of these fighting styles came from medieval Japan and were practiced by Samurai warriors. Soon, these fighting techniques became famous all over the world. In the United States, all these forms of fighting are taught and practiced in martial arts classes. What makes Japanese fighting style stand out is the straight line attack that it incorporates in its movements.

Chinese Martial Arts

If you ask people about Chinese martial arts, you’ll often hear the words, kung fu and Bruce Lee. That’s because kung fu is the most widely known Chinese martial arts fighting style and Bruce Lee is the most famous kung fu fighter whom even the generation of today knows about. Chinese martial arts began in 12th century and since then have branched out to several forms, with kung fu maintaining as the most famous form. The oldest forms started in Shaolin monasteries. Kung fu also has various styles and moves but it focuses on acrobatic moves and fighting techniques. Chinese fighting style emphasize on strength, balance, and weapon proficiency. Modern kung fu styles have emerged over the recent years. Some of which you’ll find in Hollywood movies starring Jacky Chan and Jet Li.

Self defense training is a complicated feat, which is why right from the start you need to make the right decision on which particular type of fighting form to undertake. After you’ve decided, you can buy self defense videos or go to martial arts training classes to pursue your aspiration. Make sure you choose a class or video that will give you the best kind of training. You may go online to check your choices on self defense videos or go around your location to find a worthy martial arts training school. Good luck!

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This film follows students, staff and parents through the first four years of the High School for Contemporary Arts, an experimental “small school” housed within one of the most dangerous schools in the Bronx…. More >>

Small Steps: Creating the High School for Contemporary Arts

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts in Charleston, SC, will host a lecture entitled, Painted Bodies, Moving Canvases, by Amy Mackie, Director of Visual Art at the Contemporary Arts …

Once again its August and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is back on. Every year in August Edinburgh is host to the worlds largest arts festival. Performers from all over the globe come to act, dance, play and show off their talent.

Take a stroll through Edinburgh during the festival and you will find the cafes and bars are filled with hopeful actors, directors, producers and tv stars in waiting many hoping for a break that will make their career. In August every year Edinburgh becomes the biggest shop window for new talent. Each year new shows get their premier at the festival, as a visitor you get to see it first before it becomes famous. Get your bragging rights to impress your friends with all the shows you saw first in Edinburgh.

Its also so much great fun for the audience, Edinburgh streets are full of performers and acts trying to get attention for their shows and they know how to get your attention. Many acts have arrived on a shoestring budget and vie for their audiences so that they can pay their fair home. If you like comedy, plays, dance then Edinburgh in August is the place for you. Set in the medieval charm of the old city centre, the royal mile is the central spot for festival goers, leading from the Castle to Holyrood palace its lined with pubs and restaurants. It becomes an area live with performance and energy as the acts try to attract new visitors and visitors try to get something to eat and drink.

Its advisable to take at least a week to experience the full excitement of the festival. Many come for a weekend and end up missing so much. A week is about the right amount of time.

Another highlight of the Edinburgh festival is the Military tattoo that takes place in from of Edinburgh castle. Its on the last weekend in August and attracts visitors from all over the the UK and beyond. Some visitors come just for the tattoo and leave the festival out but I don’t advise it, if you do make the trip to Edinburgh its worth getting as much as possible in.

As you might imagine its busy as the world comes to visit the city so accommodation can be hard to come by. Don’t get disappointed because there are still some Edinburgh hotels left to book, try to book soon as it always sells out. Have a great time at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Look for a local hotel booking agency with a good selection of central hotels. I usually need a good website with a simplified map plenty of hotel reviews, loads of photos and descriptions to make selecting an Edinburgh hotel that much easier. If you need any help finding accommodation it might be worth giving the travel company a call as they can sometimes come up with a cancellation or rooms that have become available at the last minute.