Embark on a journey with us into the captivating world of Kumartuli, where skilled artisans mold sacred clay into the divine forms of Goddess Durga. Our guest writer Naveen Kishore will guide us through this artistic expedition, delving into every aspect of this enchanting journey. From the arrival of the raw materials to the departure of the adorned idols after worship, we will explore the essence of this vibrant tapestry of cultural richness, divine creativity, and the cyclical rebirth of tradition.

In this Native American Heritage Month, I'm compelled to highlight the ongoing struggle of the Lakota Nation against the United States, as depicted in the film "Lakota Nation vs. United States." Amidst the nationwide protests of 2020, President Trump's unannounced visit to Mount Rushmore exacerbated tensions with the Lakota people, who legally own the land.

The documentary exposes the lack of communication and heavy-handed response by law enforcement, leading to arrests of peaceful protesters. Reflecting on these events, my optimism wanes, and I ponder the grim possibility that the Lakota may never reclaim their rightful land.

Curation is the heartbeat of any thriving museum, an intricate dance of specialist, educator, and exhibit-maker, serving as the guardian of art's essence. The responsibilities may vary, but the core elements remain consistent – from nurturing collections, conducting research, to the meticulous crafting of exhibitions. For many curators, it's a solo endeavor, juggling budgets, loan agreements, and marketing. The art world would be incomplete without the tireless work of these creative guardians.

This blog post provides insights into the author's christy roberts berkowitz perspective and academic journey, setting the stage for the "Witches and Witch Hunts" college course by outlining its objectives and teaching methods.