This is a good day to plan an evening "in." So get yourself a cold drink and a bowl of popcorn, and tune in to your local PBS station for the first installment in a series called "The Power of Art." Hosted by Simon Schama, professor of history and art history at Columbia University, the series will look at "8 artists, 8 stories, 8 masterpieces"—exploring in each episode how one artist and one work changed the way we look at art. In tonight's episode, Schama explores the meaning and technique of Vincent van Gogh's Wheatfield With Crows, and its impact on the course of modern art. Other artists in the series include Picasso, Caravaggio, Bernini, Rembrandt, David, Turner and Rothko. Check your local listings! And if you watch, remember to come back here and share your comments!

A parent at my daughters’ school pointed out this Web site as a fun summertime activity for kids, but it’s a fun summertime activity for anyone! With the Great Pyramids of Egypt standing as the only remaining “Wonder of the World,” the New7Wonders Foundation (created in 2001) launched a global poll to select the New 7 Wonders of the World. Use your artist's eye, appreciation for creative work, and familiarty with artistic challenges to help the world select the most “wondrous” architectural achievements dating any time before the year 2000. A list of 21 nominated sites includes such marvels as The Taj Mahal (built in 1630 A.D.), The Acropolis of Athens (built between 450 and 330 B.C.), and The Great Wall of China (220 B.C and 1368 - 1644 A.D). Winners will be announced July 7, 2007, at the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, which means—today—there are 18 days left to vote!

Image of The Taj Mahal copyrighted by www.Historylink101.com and found at India Picture Gallery

There's a reason winning an award in an art competition feels good. I mean, who doesn't want to be recognized for having produced outstanding work?! Such affirmation of one's artistic output is both personally fulfilling and sometimes, career-making. As long as an artist avoids the dangerous path of creating work with an aim to please a juror, and not him- or herself, competition can be a healthy way to inspire productivity. Afer all, there is perhaps nothing more motivating than a deadline! If you could use a creative kickstart--an inspiring reason to start a painting, finish a painting or simply have photographed what you've already accomplished, here are two notable deadlines to get on your calendar:

1. The Pastel Society of America is currently accepting slide entries from pastel artists (members and non-members) for their 35th annual juried "Pastels Only" exhibition to take place at the National Arts Club in New York City September 7 to September 30. The cost is $25 for one entry; $35 for two entries; and $45 for three entries, which is the limit. The deadline for entry is July 10. For more information, view the prospectus on the PSA Web site.

2. The Pastel Journal is ready to receive entries for its ninth annual Pastel 100 competition. Five top award winners and five place-winners in five categories will win a combined $15,000 worth of prizes, including the $5,000 Jack Richeson/Unison Pastel Best of Show award. In addition, winners will have their work published in the April 2008 issue of the magazine, along with 70 honorable mentions. Slide and digital entries are both accepted at a cost of $12.50 per entry, and the entry deadline is September 4. For more information, see these guidelines.

Since a deadline can often go sour, becoming something that stifles rather than motivates your work, make sure that your commitment is to the creative process--not the deadline. And have fun!