Kennedy Center name removed and Oliver Tree's sudden death
Digest Newsletter
·
Jun 16, 2026
Kennedy Center name removed and Oliver Tree's sudden death
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A weekend of high drama and tender craft: institutions and icons are being reshaped, from a public name change in D.C. to heartfelt tributes for a touring artist gone too soon. Meanwhile, makers are reminding the world that hands-on creativity — whether in stop-motion or street art — still steals the show.
The arts
Kennedy Center name removed; major deaths and museum moments
The familiar plaque is gone — Kennedy Center officially removed the name Donald J. [P]Trump, a moment that drew applause and late-night jokes and signals how cultural institutions are re-evaluating legacy. The arts world also mourns: indie star Oliver Tree died in a helicopter crash in Brazil, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, while major portraiture and exhibitions — including Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s official Obama portraits — are anchoring new museum narratives in Chicago.
Art
Handmade wins: stop‑motion, Haring and a custom Pokémon card
I Am Frankelda and the Ambriz brothers are championing stop‑motion as the antithesis of AI-driven art, reminding viewers that tactile craft still captivates on Netflix. [P]A fan-made Pokémon card honoring Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski shows how personal craft can turn a sports moment into collectible art and viral joy, while a new Keith Haring book and Crystal Bridges show reframe his lines as public choreography rather than gallery quietude for shared space.