PBS NewsHour - Art Beat

Mysteries and codes, religious rites and scientific formulas. That’s the world of Dan Brown’s thrillers, most famously "The Da Vinci Code," and his latest, "The Secret of Secrets." Secrets and codes are also part of Brown’s own life. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown discovered that during a visit to the author’s home in New Hampshire. It's for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In today’s pop music, vocals reign supreme. The charts are dominated by singers and rappers, but there’s an increasingly popular genre focused on more instrumental music. William Brangham catches up with Khruangbin, a Grammy-nominated Texas trio and one of the bands at the forefront of this movement. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The world of fashion has lost one of its greats. Italian designer Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91. He is credited with elevating a quintessentially Italian aesthetic in his clothes and making red carpet affairs cultural moments. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Robin Givhan, the Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic and former senior critic-at-large at The Washington Post. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

He’s a little guy with a huge following online. Tiny Chef, the Instagram sensation who also happens to be animated, has gained millions of fans of all ages while whipping up vegetarian meals with a side of heart. Stephanie Sy reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Since the nation’s founding, pets have played an essential role in the lives of many U.S. presidents. A new exhibition at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston tells the story of the pets that called the White House home. Special correspondent Jared Bowen takes us there for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

David Duchovny is known to audiences for his iconic roles in "Californication" and "The X-Files." He's now turning his attention to something more intimate: poems that wrestle with love, loss, memory and the passing of time. It’s a meditation on what it means to grow older, to look back and to wonder what still lies ahead. Geoff Bennett sat down with Duchovny to discuss his book, “About Time.” PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Cuts to the arts at the federal level have been in the news, but some states are also slashing their funding. In New Hampshire, the cultural sector generated some $3.5 billion in revenue in 2023, but arts groups there now face a potential double hit. Jeffrey Brown reports for the series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy, and our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The benefits of music education for children are well-documented. It can boost mental health, enhance creativity and improve cognitive functioning. A summer camp program in South Dakota and Minnesota aims to bring all that and more to Indigenous girls and gender-diverse kids — with a little rock star treatment thrown in. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

They’re called fantastic animals, brightly colored wooden creatures inspired by the world of Mexican magical realism. Giant versions of these animals are on a tour across the U.S., celebrating Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and promoting diplomacy during a contentious time. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown checked them out in San Francisco for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump described Smithsonian museums as “out of control” for emphasizing, in his view, “how bad slavery was.” It's part of a pattern by Trump in his second term to reframe historical narratives, in particular about racism and discrimination. Amna Nawaz spoke with historian Peniel Joseph for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In the first major biography of James Baldwin in over three decades, Nicholas Boggs presents an intimate portrait shaped by the people who inspired him. Boggs traces four of Baldwin's transformative relationships that depict him not just as a fearless social critic, but as an emotional, vulnerable man shaped by love. Geoff Bennett spoke with Boggs about his book, "Baldwin: A Love Story." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Nearly 60 years after his death, there is a renewed interest in the life and music of American folk icon and social activist Woody Guthrie. Last week, an album of songs and recordings of him talking was released, and Guthrie’s songs are showing up on the set lists of some of music’s biggest stars. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

She’s the preschool teacher to millions, though most of her students have never set foot in her classroom. Rachel Accurso, known as Ms. Rachel, is the creator of the wildly popular YouTube series "Songs for Littles," a lifeline for parents and a source of joy for toddlers. She sat down with Geoff Bennett to discuss how she's using her platform to call attention to the plight of children in Gaza. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Indigo Arts Alliance is an organization focused on supporting contemporary Black and Brown artists and opening doors to artists of color worldwide. It's doing all of this from its home in an unlikely place: Maine. Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In "Joy Goddess," journalist and historian A’Lelia Bundles brings to life a fascinating and misunderstood figure of the early 20th century. A’Lelia Walker was more than a glamorous socialite. She was a cultural catalyst whose salons and soirées became the vibrant center of the Harlem Renaissance. Geoff Bennett spoke with Bundles, who is Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, about her new book. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Harvey Milk’s name returned to headlines after the defense secretary ordered the name of the slain gay rights advocate, who served in the Navy, removed from a naval ship. But Milk’s legacy lives on in other ways, including in an opera that carries a powerful story of its own. Jeffrey Brown reports for our look at the intersection of art and health, part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. altered the course of history 80 years ago when it dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. It was an audacious move that ultimately led to the end of World War II. The motivation and secrecy surrounding its development and the devastating consequences of its use are the focus of a new oral history from Garrett Graff. He sat down with Amna Nawaz to discuss “The Devil Reached Toward the Sky.” PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For decades, legendary photographer Platon has been taking portraits of some of the world’s most prominent people. He recently started filming his photo shoots in which he gets his subject talking in a disarming way. We share Platon’s dialogue with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a Pakistani filmmaker and political activist who highlights gender inequality, for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The title of the musical “Maybe Happy Ending” might leave you guessing about the storyline, but there’s no doubt the show itself is getting its due. It recently won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown has a look for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Some 100 years after prohibition, a distillery in Providence is serving up local liquor. But it's not your run-of-the-mill alcohol, it’s both organic and oceanic. Pamela Watts of Rhode Island PBS Weekly reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The world of K-pop has fresh new faces: the band 1VERSE with a debut album and lead single, “Shattered.” The boy band has an improbable origin story that includes two North Korean defectors. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The work of artist Ruth Asawa, who died in 2013, is back in the spotlight with a major traveling exhibition. It’s a celebration of not only her work, but also an extraordinary life. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It’s been a successful few months for 40-year-old writer Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and his play, “Purpose,” which won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown spoke with him recently at Broadway’s Hayes Theater for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

With summer in full swing, you may be wondering what books to take along on vacation or enjoy right at home. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown has answers to that question from two of our regulars, Ann Patchett and Maureen Corrigan. It's for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Broadcast TV’s highest-rated late-night talk show, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," is being cancelled. Paramount called it a financial decision, but the timing is raising questions. Stephanie Sy discussed the cancellation of the show with NPR television critic Eric Deggans. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Congress is moving toward revoking a billion dollars in already approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the entity that steers funds to public media stations. William Brangham discussed the potential impact on PBS with one of the network's most acclaimed filmmakers, Ken Burns. His documentaries covered subjects like the Civil War, baseball, Vietnam, country music and more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Ten years ago, marriage equality became the law of the land when the Supreme Court ruled in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional. A symphony piece now honors the love story of Jim Obergefell and husband John, and how the fight to prevent an overturn of the case continues. Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Comedy has long been a way to bring a different, lighter lens to heavy topics. That holds true for Palestinian American comedian Sammy Obeid, who has taken to the stage to spotlight the pain of the war in Gaza. Amna Nawaz sat down with Obeid for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Superman, one of the summer’s most eagerly anticipated blockbusters, delivered with a big opening weekend. Jeffrey Brown sat down with a pair of film critics to share their top picks on the big releases, comedies and some lesser-known choices. It’s part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Presidential advisor and former News Hour contributor David Gergen died at 83 after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Throughout his career, Gergen served four presidents, both Democrats and Republicans, and he spent many Friday nights offering his insights and analysis here on the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. Geoff Bennett has this remembrance. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

At an Omaha, Nebraska, festival this summer, new work explores the intersection of art, disability and technology, asking questions like "who has a voice?" and "who gets to be heard?" Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports on this unusual undertaking for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

From college stardom at Iowa to shattering attendance records and becoming a top financial driver for the WNBA, Caitlin Clark’s rise has also come with its fair share of controversy. Clark is in many ways just getting started and a new book takes a deeper look at how she got there. Amna Nawaz spoke with Christine Brennan about “On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager and Isaac Arnsdorf are out with a new book unpacking the twists and turns of the 2024 presidential election. Drawing on hundreds of interviews with insiders, the book offers a revealing look at the circumstances that led to Trump’s return. Amna Nawaz spoke with the writers about “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America.” PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

An artist who was once uprooted from her homeland has spent decades transforming works of nature into works of art. Michelle San Miguel of Rhode Island PBS Weekly has the story from the woods of New England for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Virgil Abloh was a boundary-breaking designer who made streetwear luxurious and luxury feel accessible. Abloh was the first Black artistic director at Louis Vuitton and the visionary behind Off-White. Beyond the runways, he built bridges between worlds that rarely touched. Geoff Bennett sat down with Robin Givhan, who traces the deeper meaning behind Abloh’s work in the new book, "Make It Ours." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Sean “Diddy" Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges, but found guilty of prostitution offenses. The mixed verdict brings an end to one of the most closely watched trials in the country. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Moira Penza, a former assistant U.S. attorney who led the prosecution that resulted in the sex trafficking conviction of NXIVM leader Keith Raniere. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Tuesday, jurors in the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs reached a verdict on four of the five counts and will return for deliberations, 165 international charities and aid organizations are calling for a shutdown of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that has been plagued by violence and USAID was officially closed and absorbed into the State Department. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Colum McCann's Narrative 4 organization is bringing the power of story to students in a time of division. The project helps young people around the world share their stories and bridge divides in politics and culture. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy, as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Growing up in South Africa, internationally celebrated opera singer Pretty Yende hadn’t even heard of opera until she was almost out of high school. Now, she’s hailed as one of her generation’s most accomplished coloratura sopranos. Ciaran Jenkins of Independent Television News reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Arthur Sze, one of the most acclaimed poets of our time, is celebrated for exploring the natural world, the human condition and connections between cultures. A second-generation Chinese American based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sze’s work invites readers to deepen their sense of place and reflect on the world around them. Jeffrey Brown spoke with Sze for our Arts and Culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Millions of Americans are expected to go on a European vacation this summer. Many of those going for the first time are likely to be following the advice of travel writer Rick Steves, host of “Rick Steves’ Europe” on PBS stations. John Yang sits down with him for our Weekend Spotlight series. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders