CHECK IT OUT

From fine art to architecture, landscape and interior design,

photography, music, dance, drama and film, the arts are alive in all

forms in the Newport Beach Public Library’s new Arts Collection.

The $100,000 compilation of 2,000 books, videos and CDs includes such

stunning overview volumes as ‘Art Past Art Present,’ an art history

survey emphasizing the continuum of human creativity and expression from

all of the world’s cultures. More than 700 illustrations complement the

chronological narrative covering historical, social and cultural

foundations for prehistoric through 20th century art. Architectural

topics are well represented, from volumes on specific structures to works

about significant movements.

Check out ‘The Library of Congress’ for a virtual tour of the recently

renovated Thomas Jefferson Building. Imagine stepping inside Henri

Matisse’s crowning achievement by opening ‘The Venice Chapel,’

chronicling the construction of one of the masterpieces of contemporary

religious art.

The history of buildings central to the world’s Jewish communities is

examined in ‘The Synagogue,’ a magnificent work, which traces the story

of the synagogue from its origins in Solomon’s Temple to the simplicity

of the modern building.

Background about another spiritual center is in ‘The World of Chartres,’

a dazzling volume that captures the radiance of one of the world’s

renowned cathedrals.

Works about topics closer to home include ‘Norman Rockwell’s America,’ a

nostalgic collection of paintings offering an affectionate view of 20th

century life. ‘A Legacy of Arctic Art’ features a spectrum of Eskimo

painting, graphic art, basketry and sculpture from 1866 to the present.

‘The Complete Book of Shaker Furniture’ combines commentary on the Shaker

tradition with superb photographs of representative pieces. Fine art

aficionados can view treasures from every school of Western art on nine

videos in the ‘Hermitage Masterpieces’ series. Beginning with the life

and times of Peter the Great, the series takes viewers on a tour of St

Petersburg’s Hermitage Palaces, featuring the works of such masters as

Rembrandt, Raphael, da Vinci, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse and Gauguin.

For classical music fans, the collection includes ‘The Story of the

Symphony,’ a six-video series featuring performances of works by Haydn,

Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich.

Devotees of more contemporary genres may prefer videos from ‘Rock &

Roll,’ featuring classic rock, soul, punk, reggae and rap songs, plus

interviews with the artists.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with

Sarah Rosenblum.