In the not too distant past, perhaps a mere 150 to 200 years ago, most people earned a living on the farm, or in industries stemming from agriculture. While in today's rat-race society the rural lifestyle may seem simple and old-fashioned, the fruits of farming still account for a big piece of each state's economic pie, and the country's string of exuberant state fairs acknowledges, promotes and celebrates that. (continue...)
Contemporary urban art is a visceral and exhilarating movement that can no longer be ignored. Vilified by some, and championed by others, the evolution of the art-form has a storied past. In its infantile stage the art was a method for neighborhood gangs to mark their territories. "Tagging" was soon taken up by street artists and art-school students who enjoyed the notoriety and competition of seeing who could leave their mark in as many locations as possible. (continue...)
