1. We’re getting more news about the situation in Puerto Rico where Hurricane Maria took a devastating toll on the island. Thanks to artnet news for its continued coverage of effects of natural disasters on museums and cultural institutions.

Amid Relentless Hurricanes, Puerto Rican Art Spaces Report Dire Damage | artnet News

The unusually devastating 2017 Atlantic hurricane season rages on with Hurricane Maria now the worst storm to have hit Puerto Rico since 1928. Reports from the island’s art institutions have been few and far between due to island-wide power outages, but the early reports suggest that artists, museums, and galleries-like the rest of the island-have a long road to recovery ahead.

2. More updates are also being shared about the after effects of the powerful earthquakes that shook the Mexico City region earlier this month.

After Earthquake, Mexico City’s Art Community Takes Stock of the Damage

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MEXICO CITY – Just over a week after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck on September 19 – the anniversary of a quake that killed thousands in 1985 – sending this city reeling into chaos, buildings tumbling to the ground, and killing hundreds, the damage to the art community is beginning to come into focus.

3. Museums around the country are contributing to relief efforts. In Chicago, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and National Museum of Mexican Art are partnering with various groups in the region to help victims of the natural disasters in Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Chicago’s Mexican, Puerto Rican communities unite to help disaster victims

Efforts are underway in Chicago to help victims of both Hurricane Maria and the earthquake in Mexico. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture hosted a gala Thursday in Humboldt Park. The annual event raised more than $26,000 for hurricane victims as many in the area mobilize to help.

4. Happy first birthday to the National Museum of African American History and Culture! This amazing museum has welcomed more than 3 million visitors in its first year. “This has become more than a museum. This has become a pilgrimage site,” said Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the museum.

National Museum Of African American History And Culture Celebrates 1 Year

It’s been one year since bells tolled along the East Coast, welcoming the newest Smithsonian to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Since then, the museum has attracted more than 3 million people of all races, colors and creed from across the nation and around the world – averaging about 8,000 visitors daily.

5. Wrapping up the Roundup with a review of a visual recognition app for art identification. Google Goggles has been promising this reality for a while, but within its search-centered user interface. Has anyone used this Smartify tool? Is it as magical as this author paints it?

The Shazam For Art Is Like Having A Docent On Your Smartphone

I want to tell you about a magical future. In this future, whenever you come across a piece of art you know nothing about, all you have to do is aim your phone at it and you’ll get its name, a short blurb, and perhaps even an audio criticism to listen to.

Have a great weekend!