Monster Mash: Breaking news and headlines

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-- Eli Broad shops for bargains at the New York auctions, picking up Ed Ruscha’s 1969 ‘Desire’ for $2.4 million, 40% below the $4-million low estimate. Separately, artwork of sponges stuck on a canvas sold for more than $21 million.

--The National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is scheduled to open in Washington, D.C., in 2015, is already looking for Obama items for its collection.

--Hundreds of schoolchildren will join artist Martin Kersels tonight at the Santa Monica Museum of Art as he unveils ‘Wall Works: The United States of Love,’ an installation featuring the works of 500 local students.

--Frank Gehry’s plans for the controversial King Alfred leisure center on England’s Brighton coast has been officially dropped due to funding problems.

-- The musical ‘Vanities,’ which had its premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse in August, will open on Broadway on Feb. 26 at the Lyceum Theatre.

--Italy investigates Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero on suspicion of tax evasion.

--A new AIA survey shows gains in compensation for architects.

--A Beatrix Potter watercolor of a rabbit is is sold at auction for more than $23,000.

--The Ojai Music Festival will include chamber ensemble Tin Hat, Berlin recorder quartet QNG, American pianist Jeremy Denk, composer Steven Mackey and actor-singer Rinde Eckert. The festival, in its 63rd season, takes place June 11 to 14.

--Lisa Fung