Library of Congress Celebrates 'Leaves of Grass'
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On May 16 the Library of Congress opened an exhibit devoted to "Leaves of Grass," Walt Whitman's most important work and now 150 years old. The show is called "Revising Himself." Whitman added to, revised and generally fussed with the book for nearly 40 years. It grew from 12 to more than 400 poems.

NYC Gets Museum of Biblical Art
NEW YORK -- The Museum of Biblical Art, one of the few in America to explore the theme, opened May 12th with a striking show of works on scriptural motifs by self-taught, Southern folk artists. Located near Columbus Circle in Manhattan, the museum is a $3 million expansion and spinoff from a gallery the American Bible Society operated since 1997. Its initial offering features 95 pieces titled "Coming Home! Self-Taught Artists, the Bible and the American South." University of Memphis art historian Carol Crown assembled the show, on display through July 24, which was previously seen at her campus and Florida State University. Crown also edited an accompanying book.

Artwork Sparks Dispute on Immigration
BALDWIN PARK, Calif. -- Members of a group that opposes illegal immigration protested a piece of public art with inscriptions they claim are anti-American, sparking heated exchanges with residents of this heavily Hispanic city. Police in riot helmets separated the 40 members of Save Our State and scores of residents during the rally. The artwork, called "Danza Indigenas," has a 20-foot-high arch with inscriptions that read, "It was better before they came" and "This land was Mexican once, was Indian always and is, and will be again."

Arts Group Chooses Director
ORLANDO, FL -- The Downtown Arts District has hired Cassy Turiczek as executive director. The Downtown Arts District is a private, nonprofit group working to further the arts in downtown Orlando.

The Cleveland Orchestra and Miami Performing Arts Center announce 10-year agreement for annual residency appearances
CLEVELAND, OH -- The Cleveland Orchestra and Miami Performing Arts Center announced an initial 10-year agreement, commencing with the Center's 2006-07 Inaugural Season. Beginning in January 2007, The Cleveland Orchestra will devote three weeks each winter to performances at the new Miami Performing Arts Center, which opens in late 2006.

Miami Performing Arts Center Trust Welcomes Three New Members To Board of Directors
MIAMI, FL -- The Board of Directors of the Miami Performing Arts Center Trust, Chairman Parker Thomson announced the appointment of three new members. They are businessman William J. Armstrong, City of Miami Gardens Councilman Oscar J. Braynon, II, and Evelyn Greer, Board member of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.