I recently purchased a $117 raffle ticket with the hope of winning a Picasso painting valued at $1 million. It’s all for a charitable cause, I assure you. Although I’ve never once won a prize, I can’t stop imagining how splendid the Picasso would appear on my living room wall and how modestly I’d respond when guests inquire about it. It seems I’ve invested more in the dream than anything else.
Bay Area art collector and entrepreneur Sonya Yu, however, is likely someone who could acquire a Picasso without relying on a raffle. She has generously covered three years of entry fees for MoMA PS1 in Queens, New York, granting free access to the museum for all visitors. Such generosity is commendable.
On a less positive note, faculty members at the New School in Manhattan are facing tough times, with 40% having received buyout or early retirement offers. This week, they took to the cold streets in protest of this decision. According to the school, these measures are unavoidable due to a $48 million deficit.
In brighter news, Jennifer Samet’s well-loved column, Beer With a Painter, has made a return. This series features detailed interviews with painters about their work. This month, Jennifer converses with artist Melissa Joseph, whose intimate felt paintings are pushing the boundaries of the medium.
As we approach the year’s end, we reflect on the art, literature, and memes that characterized 2025. We hope you enjoy these recaps and possibly recognize yourself within them. Happy Hanukkah to those celebrating, and may 2026 bring light to everyone. Have a wonderful weekend!
