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ArtBits

Stolen Rembrandt Painting Recovered
STOCKHOLM - Four men arrested in Copenhagen for allegedly trying to sell a stolen Rembrandt painting were to be remanded in custody in Sweden, prosecutors said, as the masterpiece went back on display in time for a major exhibit. The men, all Swedish nationals, were arrested in a Copenhagen hotel as they were allegedly trying to sell the painting, a Rembrandt self-portrait valued at some 37 million dollars (30.2 million euros), for a mere 200,000 dollars.The work was stolen along with two paintings by the French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir in a spectacular armed heist at Sweden's National Museum in December 2000. The Rembrandt was the last of the three paintings to be recovered.

T.S. Eliot letters, the basis for 'Cats,' sell for $82,300
LONDON — A collection of letters from poet T.S. Eliot to a beloved godson sold at auction for $82,300. The 50 letters to Thomas Faber, a member of the Faber and Faber publishing family, includes poems and illustrations that formed the basis of Eliot's 1939 children's book, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," which was dedicated to Faber. It inspired the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Cats."

Paintings attributed to Rembrandt
AMSTERDAM - Rembrandt experts unveiled four paintings previously attributed to his students that they now believe came from the brush of the 17th century Dutch master himself. They were identified as being by the artist during the preparatory work on an exhibition at the Rembrandthuis. The works, which were thought to have been painted by Rembrandt's pupils, have been put on show at the Amsterdam museum dedicated to the artist. The paintings are detailed faces or half-figures showing light striking from unusual angles, leading the experts to conclude that Rembrandt made such studies in preparation for larger historical or biblical compositions. Ernst van de Wetering, chairman of the Rembrandt Research Project, said he could reattribute the works to Rembrandt based on the subtlety of the lighting and brush work and the materials that were used.

Orlando Museum of Art's Council of 101 Receives "Excellence in Fundraising" Award from the Central Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
ORLANDO — The Orlando Museum of Art's (OMA's) Council of 101 volunteer support group was recently selected by the Central Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to receive the "Excellence in Fundraising by a Nonprofit Organization Award" for National Philanthropy Day 2005.

PR Specialist Suzette Espinosa Joins Miami Performing Arts Center as Publicist
MIAMI — Miami Performing Arts Center has announced the appointment of Suzette Espinosa as the Center’s publicist, effective immediately. Working closely with MPAC Chief Marketing Officer Gail Eaton and Communications Manager Luis Palomares, Espinosa will be responsible for carrying out the media relations components of the Center’s strategic marketing plan. Her role will include managing media requests, publicizing performances and programs presented by the Center prior to and after its opening, organizing press events, and all other activities required to execute the Center’s comprehensive public relations program.

ArtServe & Rainforest Design Partner to Benefit Artists
FORT LAUDERDALE — ArtServe and Rainforest Design have announced a new collaborative partnership that will offer individual artist members of ArtServe the opportunity to exhibit their works at the Rainforest Design Gallery. Participating artists will receive an exclusive exhibit with marketing support and an opening reception in their honor. A competitive application process will determine how the artists will be chosen to participate in a monthly exhibit.

Orlando Opera Announces Appointment of Director of Development and Marketing
ORLANDO -- Mr. David Anderson is appointed as Director of Development and Marketing at Orlando Opera. He assumed the position beginning September 12, 2005. Mr. Anderson has an extensive background in executive leadership, including fund raising, marketing, and strategic planning with a number of non-profit organizations across the country. Most recently, and for five years, he was the vice president for Development at the Public Broadcasting Station WJCT-TV/FM, in Jacksonville. He holds a Masters Degree in Business and Communications from Florida State University. Mr. Anderson’s main objectives are to continue to build a strong financial base for Orlando Opera.