The most iconic buildings around the world serve as a testament to human innovation and capability. Ranging from ancient wonders that have withstood for centuries to modern architectural masterpieces that redefine city skylines, these iconic landmarks tell different stories of the civilizations that built them. Certain cities, especially New York City and Paris, have more than one iconic building or structure! We will explore some of the world's most iconic buildings and stru

Image by Pierre Goiffon/Unsplash One of the most outstanding trends we have seen over the past 30 years is the strides that women have made in many sectors, ranging from political to social rights. This progress also extends to the music industry. Now, a group of women could be on the brink of breaking the glass in one the most traditionally homogenous areas of music: the world of orchestral conducting. However, there has been resistance to the idea that a woman could hold th

Long before streaming platforms dominated the music industry, album cover's served as the visual gateways into the artist's universe. Covers for music albums have become a means to visualize what the music is about, where it comes from and why it matters. According to Billboard, cover art has been "a key piece of the puzzle, adding visual interest (and occasionally a physically interactive component) to a work of art." Some album covers are so iconic that they become just as

Image by Wix Numerous forms of art are forever associated with a particular place, whether it is because of abundant resources, a unique quirk or a distinctive landscape. It's incredible to see how these art forms have significantly impacted society, influencing not only local traditions but also future generations. This also reflects changes in society and pushes creative boundaries beyond limits. To gain insight into how certain places influenced certain art movements, here

Image by Wix The violin is one of the most important instruments in the world of music. It is renowned for its bright, resonant sound and its vital role in the traditional symphony orchestra, as well as solo performances and chamber ensembles. It is the highest-pitched instrument of the violin family, which includes the viola, cello and double bass. It is played by using a bow across the strings or by plucking them (called pizzicato) with the fingers. The big question is, how

Image by Sivani Bandaru/Unsplash At some point, many of us have played with action figures and dolls by making them move or talking to them. Or perhaps you have worn a mask, transforming into someone totally different from yourself? This distinctive art form is known as puppetry, which dates back to between 30,000 and 20,000 B.C.E. Because it defies fixed definitions, puppetry is an ever evolving art form that encompasses a wide variety of techniques, styles and cultural infl

Image by Lucia Macedo/Unsplash When thinking of string instruments, one instrument in particular often gets overlooked over the others. In other words, it does not receive as much star power compared to other string instruments. In orchestral music, the viola plays a crucial role by providing depth to the music. It was traditionally used to fill harmonies between violin and cello melodies, but this is no longer the case. Moreover, this instrument is often the subject of jokes

This is a continuation of the previous article about locating some of the most famous paintings in the world. As with the paintings mentioned in the first article, this can be a great addition to your bucket list and seeing these amazing works of art in person are definitely worth the travel. The Night Watch (true title: Milita Company of District II Under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq), Rembrandt van Rijn "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt van Rijn (oil on canvas) "

During my childhood, I remember watching bits and pieces of a particular TV series on Nickelodeon, "Avatar: The Last Airbender." In fact, many of us remember watching it as kids. It was not until recently that I started immersing and connecting myself into the series. "Avatar" was available to watch on Netflix, so I decided to take the opportunity to watch it for one to two episodes at a time each day. "Avatar: The Last Airbender" aired from Feb. 21, 2005 to July 19, 2008 in

Textiles are a beautiful way to display designs unique to each nation around the world. Often, these designs are fabrics containing intricate, colorful patterns and embellishments. Textiles are usually created for traditional wear - from Japanese kimonos to Scottish kilts - and for decorative pieces meant to be valued for their unique artistry. Here is a sample of some textiles from around the world that are rich in both beauty and history. Tartan (Scotland) One of the first

If you go to a pop or rock concert, you are guaranteed to see pops of color. However, when you go to a classical or orchestral concert, you might have noticed one thing the musicians have in common. No, I am not referring to the teamwork involved to create beautiful music. They are all dressed in black, so you might be wondering why that is the case. According to Classic FM, when orchestras used to play for noble households in the early 18th century, they wore a uniform consi

The scenic environment in The Woodlands, TX is surrounded by nature and gives you an opportunity to enjoy yourself. According to The Woodlands Arts Council, its main goal is to seek new opportunities to form strong partnerships with organizations in order to enrich the cultural fabric of The Woodlands community. Previously, I have written about how public art in The Woodlands enriches the cultural fabric of this beautiful community. You can read more by clicking here. However

At one point in your life, you might have seen a creative art form using cows. Of course, I am not talking about the real cows you see in green fields and farms. CowParade is the largest public event in the world and began in 1999. The concept began in 1998 by a sculptor in Zurich, where he made approximately 800 life-size fiberglass cows for local artists to get creative. After the colorful cows were placed all over the city, the event drew 1.5 million tourists to Zurich. Th

Art is not only presented in one or two dimensions. It can also be presented in three dimensions as well. For many years, sculptors have shaped marble, wood, bronze and other materials into incredible forms of art. This allows you to view sculptures from all different angles, unlike a painting. According to My Modern Met, sculptures have been an "important way to understand culture and society." Let's take a look at some of the world's famous sculptures and where you can find

Art history can be shown in countless forms of noteworthy works of art. Some of these works gain more attention than others, bringing audiences to museums and art galleries around the world. Let's go on a journey to locating some of the most famous paintings around the world. This journey can also be a great addition to your bucket list and seeing these amazing works of art in person are definitely worth it. Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci Arguably, the "Mona Lisa" is the most f

During my childhood, I would watch iconic Disney movies, especially the classic ones. I am talking about ones that were released between the 1930s and 1970s, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Bambi, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland and Robin Hood. Aside from the classic Mickey Mouse cartoon series, one particular classic series that I still enjoy watching to this day is the "Silly Symphony" series. I remember downloading almost every cartoon (and labeling the year each

When you go watch a performance of The Nutcracker, you observe the intricate stage sets, the beautiful and elaborate costumes, the recognizable music score and the warm sense of holiday cheer. Above all, the nutcracker doll itself is the most important component of this truly beautiful performance. According to German folklore, the nutcrackers were given as mementos to bring good luck to families. The folklore also said they would watch over the family to keep danger and evil

You can find art almost anywhere you go in Texas, including college and university campuses. Sam Houston State University in Huntsville is no exception. Pops of vivid colors blend in with the campus's green nature and brick buildings. "We have a lot of beautiful art for people to look at," Henderson said. "Forms and colors and shapes and things to make them think about art while they’re walking around, sort of like an outdoor museum," Michael Henderson, chair of the SHSU Depa

"The measure of a Life is its Service." ~ Sam Houston State University motto A sentimental piece of Sam Houston State University's unique history has been preserved. The special stained-glass window, named after the late fourth SHSU president Henry Carr Pritchett, was restored and is currently on display on the second floor of the Lowman Student Center. The Pritchett window was originally located in Old Main, which was one of SHSU'S most prominent buildings. Sadly, Old Main w

Public art provides a unique way to appreciate the cultural fabric of the beautiful community in The Woodlands, Texas. Throughout the community, outdoor sculptures provide a thought-provoking insight of the natural, forest-filled beauty of The Woodlands. These can be located throughout the community's villages and commercial centers. Spotlight on the Arts Gallery is on the second floor of The Woodlands Mall. This curated collection contains selected works from The Woodlands A