Blog No. 269: Robert Rauschenberg, Buddhist Monks Again, John Prine Playlist

February 15, 2026

**The underlined words and many of the images in the newsletter are linked to more in depth information so don’t hesitate to click…**

Robert Rauschenberg Exhibition

Click image to see a 5 minute film on his work

You still have time to get to Houston and see the Robert Rauschenberg show at the Menil Collection. It closes on March 1st. I wish I could go! Since most of us won't make it there, I thought I would include some photos of the exhibition, which centers on his love of fabric.

Rauschenberg is definitely one of my first and most important influences. I loved his use of bold color, and how he mixed different media and wasn't afraid of unconventional materials. He described his work as "a juxtoposition of images that are hopefully non-logical."

One of my most favorite paintings growing up (and I still love it) incorporated a real log cabin quilt. It is not included in this show but I saw it at the Museum of Modern Art when I was a kid and it will always be engraved in my mind...

Robert Rauschenberg, Bed, Museum of Modern Art

Buddhist Monks Revisited

Photo courtesy Travis Long—click image for his instagram

I just had to not let this moment go by without writing one more time about the Buddhist Monks and their Walk for Peace. Their remarkable 2300 mile, fifteen week journey came to an end this week when they reached their destination of Washington DC from Fort Worth, Texas…These monks carry a message that is especially important right now at a time when our country is in such turmoil. We have so much to learn from them and their way of life. I share with you their valuable advice through a couple of the speeches they delivered upon their arrival.

American University Speech

High Point, North Carolina Speech

Meditation from the Lincoln Memorial

John Prine Playlist

Click to read about a book about John Prine by Tom Piazza

Seldom has there been a songwriter who was so beloved, who has produced so many amazing songs and has been covered by so many musicians over the years. I share with you a two hour playlist of John Prine’s favorite hits for your listening pleasure. If you don't have two full hours, Here are a few performances that jump out at me:

Souvenirs

Hello In There

"That's the Way the World Goes Round--Tribute to John Prine with Stephen Colbert

Long Monday

Clay Pigeons (written by Blaze Foley but I just love the way John Prine sings it)

CBS Sunday Morning: At Home with John Prine

Just realized that John Prine was born, like me, on October 10th! We are both libras! And coincidentally, I just read on instagram an entry from astrologer @marcus_vale_that after studying astrology for decades, one sign consistently stands out for bringing together the most positive qualities. According to this guy, Libra balances everything naturally. They are ambitious without being ruthless, social without being fake and confident without arrogance. Known as the diplomat and peacemaker, they make others feel valued and heard. Their charm is genuine, their style effortless, and their presence uplifting…Relationships stay balanced because they understand give and take better than anyone... Their only weakness is avoiding conflict and sometimes sacrificing their own needs to keep the peace…The sign described is Libra, often considered the most balanced and harmonious sign of the zodiac.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow. Flower Power Series: Earth. mixed media on canvas 44” x 90”

Charity of the Week:
ACLU

Book of the Week

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.

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