The character and values of the American Midwest have exerted a profound influence on the way our nation views itself. Illusions of Eden: Visions of the American Heartland, on view at the Columbus Museum of Art February 18-April 30, brings four contemporary installations together with art from the 1920s through the 1940s to explore the cultural identity of the region. The Midwest was recognized as a distinct cultural and geographic entity in the early part of the 20th century. Artists in the 1920s who lived or worked in the Midwest were the first to visually interpret the region, creating images that remain icons of our society. Illusions of Eden features historical works that have seldom been viewed together, alongside innovative installations created by four contemporary artists with strong ties to the Midwest. The exhibition is structured around five essential motifs of American and Midwestern culture:

• Journey - history, time, transition, travel.
• Garden - earth, topography, nature.
• Home - family, society, culture.
• Word - myth, memory, belief.
• Work - labor and the creation of goods.

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The U.S. House and Senate have passed an appropriations bill for federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts. After much negotiation between the White House and Congress, the NEA ended up with $98 million for FY2000, the same funding it received in FY1999.

Earlier, the Senate approved an increase of $5 million for the NEA, and the president put it on his list of requirements for a negotiated appropriations package. However, opposition from long-time NEA foes in the House blocked any chance of an increase.

The same funding measure provided $115.7 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities, a $5 million increase over current year funding. An additional $1 million was appropriated for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, for a total of $24.4 million.

Before final enactment of the appropriations legislation, Congress approved an across-the-board cut of 0.38 percent in all programs. The NEA stands to lose $370,000 as a result.