Boston Globe

For many years Carl Siembab brought a serious focus on photography to his Boston gallery on Newbury Street. He paid the price for being ahead of his time when the business failed. But the legacy of his effort was enormous as conveyed here by his friend and exhibiting artist and historian Carl Chiarenza.

More response to the collection of essays "Critical Mess: Art critics and the state of their practice." And a reply to a Peter Plagens piece on critical writing in the February, 2007 issue of Art in America.

In a collection of essays by leading art critics the eroding influence of their work is discussed. While the arguments and issues are urgent they also seem quite ancient.

Overcome by ennui at the prospect of coming up with that annual best and worst list.

In 1989 in Chicago Mary Sherman founded the TransCultural Exchange. During April it will host a "Conference on International Opportunities in the Arts" in Boston. Recently we met for a beer and burger.

Ric Harlow has commuted to rural Colombia where he participates in rituals which influence his paintings. Barry Goldstein has spent time on Army bases interviewing and photographing soldiers involved in the Near East conflicts.

Performer and playwright, Annna Deavere Smith, read from her new book "Letters to a Young Artist" during the 100th Anniversary convocation of Suffolk University.