BEST?

Artist Released from Cuban Prison – The artist Tania Bruguera was released from jail after being detained by Cuban authorities for taking part in a sit-in organized to protest new government regulations that would stifle artistic expression.

Thanks a ($40) Million – The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts received an anonymous donation—an Asher B. Durand painting worth a fortune, the most valuable donation in the museum’s history.

Middle Market, Major Sales – At Miami Art Week’s NADA satellite fair, dealers who run so-called “midsize” galleries reflected on the appetite for works, despite shuttering brick-and-mortar outposts.

Art of the Sting – An enterprising art collective helped to identify Neo-Nazi protesters who took part in rallies earlier this year.

Behind the Scenes – We asked Barbara and Aaron Levine how they amassed the major collection of conceptual art they’ve promised to the Hirshhorn Museum.

Merry Museum Going – To help you choose some inspiring art excursions over the holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of must-see shows in New York and around the country.

Stocking Stuffers at Museum Shops – We also put together a list of the quirkiest, coolest, and most absurd art-themed gifts that will please any art lover for the holidays.

Museums Taking a Stand Against Partisanship – Is art different in red states versus blue states? artnet News’s Rachel Corbett spoke to curators from around the country about how they reckon with the politicization of culture.

WORST?

A French Shooting Thwarts Exhibition – A deadly shooting at a Christmas market in France has led organizers to postpone the inaugural Strasbourg Biennale.

Mind the (Gender) Gap – A new study shows women still earn far less than their male counterparts in the UK’s arts and cultural sector

Bonk Like an Egyptian – A Danish photographer posted a sexy selfie on top of the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Egypt is not pleased.

Tip of the Iceberg – Art star Olafur Eliasson wants you to feel the effects of climate change in his new London art installation, consisting of lots of icebergs.

A Vandalism Rampage at a Museum’s “Stampede” Show – A teenager went on a vandalism spree inside the Denver Art Museum’s current exhibition tracing the history of animals in art.

Solomon’s Decision? – A judge ordered a divorcing billionaire couple’s $700 million art collection to be divided and sold, according to court filings.

Politics Invade the Whitney Museum – Activists swarmed the Whitney Museum, burning sage to symbolize the tear gas used against migrants at the United States-Mexico border.