SHOW STOPPER: The Amon Carter Museum’s new show The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision offers one of those “never before, never again” opportunities – a chance to see the giant five-painting series  The Course of Empire by Thomas Cole.   The pieces were painted in the 1830s, but they grapple with questions still occupying us: Are great cultures destined to decline? Can we control our environment? You can preview images here, but know that nothing beats seeing them in person. I’m going back for another look this weekend.

WHAT A HEEL: When did you get your first pair of heels? Which shoes make you happy; which have embarrassed you? Almost every woman has a story to tell about at least one pair of flats or pumps.  Soul Sisters, a documentary in progress by Cynthia Mondell, is bringing those stories to light.  And now you can share your shoe story, possibly make it into the film, AND win a chocolate shoe – glamorous and tasty! Details here.

THAT’S A WRAP: Christo is coming to the Nasher Sunday to speak for the Dallas Design Symposium. Peter Simek has a lengthy interview with the artist on Front Row.

CONGRATS: Kudos to Kitchen Dog Theater and designer Rob Wilson/Sullivan Perkins. They won a Silver Addy award from the Dallas Ad League for the design of their 2010-2011 season brochure.