Women of Note
Interior Department Issues Final Rule to Support Hydraulic Fracturing Activities on Public and Tribal Lands
"Current federal well-drilling regulations are more than 30 years old and they simply have not kept pace with the technical complexities of today’s hydraulic fracturing operations," Secretary Jewell said. "This updated and strengthened rule provides a framework of safeguards and disclosure protocols that will allow for the continued responsible development of our federal oil and gas resources. As we continue to offer millions of acres of public lands for conventional and renewable energy production, it is absolutely critical the public have confidence that transparent and effective safety and environmental protections are in place." more »
Two From PEM: Discovering the Furniture of Nathaniel Gould and Audacious, The Fine Art of Wood
"Until the discovery of Nathaniel Gould's 18th century account books at the Massachusetts Historical Society in 2009, many of his pieces were mis-attributed, or listed as 'unknown cabinetmaker, Salem.' Now, over 20 pieces have been firmly attributed to Gould’s shop. Audacious features the Montalto Bohlen Collection with alluring surfaces and textures made from familiar and exotic woods some displayed in vessels, bowls and vases while others are completely abstract, emphasizing form over function. more »
"A Painter Built On the Substructure of An Engineer": Portraits in Design, Beatrix Farrand as Mentor at the National Building Museum
"Beatrix Farrand was America’s finest landscape garden designer. Her most extensive project, Dumbarton Oaks, in Washington, DC, has been described as ranking with 'the greatest gardens in the world.' Her career and her work continue to be an inspiration today. She has long been a role model for many women in the landscape design field who have followed her." more »
Have You Been to Kykuit? Nelson Rockefeller’s Picasso Tapestries Commissioned for the Family Estate On View in San Antonio
Commissioned by Rockefeller between 1958 and 1975, the tapestries were woven entirely by hand by Madame J. de la Baume Dürrbach at her studio in southern France. Enormous in scale — some as large as 9 ft. x 12 ft. — these woven works of art took between three and six months to complete. more »