Arts

Arts give us a way to explore our lives and the lives of others, whether it's on canvas, on-stage or on a page.

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The Metropolitan Opera was established more than 100 years ago and hosts more than 200 performances each season. Find out how the Met got its start, and how technology has kept the performing arts alive.

By Christopher Neiger

It's not the oldest professional musical organization in America, or the largest, or even the first symphony orchestra to be based in the nation's capital. But the National Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of America's orchestral composing and performing arts scene.

By Lawrence Schumacher

For the past 70 years, the American Ballet Theatre has brought the best in dance theater to people around the world. What's the storied (and sometimes stormy) history of the ABT?

By Martha Barksdale

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Lion tamers have a habit of putting their heads inside lions' mouths, which are made to crush the spines of bulls. So you can imagine what those jaws could do to a person's skull.

By Debra Ronca

Every weekend, the antique hunters come out. They prowl the aisles of shows, scrutinize the offerings at sales and occasionally even wave cards at an auction. But what makes an antique an antique? And why are they so expensive?

By Heather Kolich

Making stained glass is the ancient art of creating colored glass to use in decorative ways. Although the first colored glass may have been used as jewelry or even currency, you probably see stained glass predominantly in windows today.

By Sara Elliott

Your favorite plays go off without a hitch because of a hard-working stage manager. Read this article to learn more about the responsibilities of a stage manager.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

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The practice of blowing glass may seem hip and modern if you've recently hit up an art exhibition by Dale Chihuly or Harvey Littleton. But the history of glassblowing is actually long and rich, dating back to the Roman Empire.

By Jessika Toothman

Not all art heists are worthy of the silver screen, but some stand out for their ingenuity -- or bravado. So how do thieves walk away with near-priceless works?

By Julia Layton & Matt Cunningham

Do you ever have the feeling you're being watched? The eyes in many paintings seem to follow you around the room. How do artists make it happen?

By Josh Clark

Web comics aren't your typical Sunday newspaper funnies -- they're surreal, gritty, philosophical and completely uncensored. Spare your fingers the ink stains and explore the infinite canvas of Web comics.

By Jonathan Strickland

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In a lot of ways, Bruce Wayne's legacy has overshadowed the work of his parents. But before their untimely deaths Thomas and Martha Wayne were just as important to the economy and well-being of Gotham City as their son was.

By Matt Hunt

For years, citizens of Gotham City have relied on the masked avenger known as Batman to protect them from the schemes of numerous madmen. Is it possible that Gotham's greatest champion, like so many of the inmates he's sent to Arkham Asylum, is a sociopath as well?

By Matt Hunt

Some mornings it seems to take superhuman strength just to haul yourself out of bed. So how did adrenaline help these folks bench-press a Camaro or fight off a polar bear with their bare hands?

By Josh Clark

Many people and institutions throughout the years have banned books for their 'questionable content.' Many of these books became even more popular because of the controversy they caused. See our list of 9 surprising banned books.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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Intentional or not, these authors gave their books names that will make readers laugh or cringe. These creative book titles show that there is no topic out there that someone won't write a book about. Check out our list of 17 unusual book titles.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The novelists on this list all overcame rejection after rejection after rejection. Check out these classic stories about authors persevered despite the doubts of publishers, and went on to earn wide acclaim.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

You won't come across names like Mr. Sloppy, Wopsle, Sweedlepipe, Bumble and Scrooge in real life. No, these names were purely the product of Charles Dickens' unique imagination.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. & Denise Harrison

According to sci-fi lore, if you've read the "Necronomicon," then you might just be teetering on the brink of insanity. Featured in popular culture in TV, film and comics, the book is a fictional creation of author H.P. Lovecraft. Learn more about the mystery behind the "Necronomicon."

By Jonathan Strickland

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He awaits the time when he will arise from his watery city to wreak havoc. Cthulhu made his first official appearance in the short story "The Call of Cthulhu," written by H.P. Lovecraft in 1926. Read all about the legendary monster known as the Old One.

By Jonathan Strickland

Claude Monet's paintings from 1914 to 1926 submerged the viewer into paintings of a larger size. See some of Monet's final Impressionist paintings.

By Debra N. Mancoff

Claude Monet was one of the most prolific painters of all time. Many knew him as the founder of Impressionism but most people recognize his Water Lilies.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Vincent van Gogh rejuvenated his life and his art while he was Paris, one of the most sophisticated and cosmopolitan art communities in the world. Explore this article to learn about and admire the paintings that van Gogh completed in Paris.

By Debra N. Mancoff

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Living in Arles inspired Vincent van Gogh to experiment with new colors and innovative techniques. Explore van Gogh's Arles paintings in this article.

By Debra N. Mancoff

Claude Monet was one of the most prominent Impressionist painters, influencing generations to come. Discover Monet's paintings from 1873 to 1878.

By Debra N. Mancoff