Portraits with a Purpose: Police sketch artist Jason Harvey is bringing his work, usually only seen on the “Wanted” posters that plaster street poles and bulletin boards, off the street and into a gallery. He is currently exhibiting his hyperrealistic drawings for the first time at a gallery in New York. Harvey has worked for the past ten years as a forensic sketch artist for the NYPD, teaming with detectives and witnesses to assist in the arrest of alleged criminals. He explains how his job is less of a creative process, as is usually the case in the production of portraits, and more of a skill that involves significant interpersonal work: “You have to be a good listener, and have a certain candor when working with an eyewitness.” For the show, Harvey has created what he calls “Fantasy Composites”–forensic sketches of imagined criminals. Harvey’s new exhibition helps to show how art can be both intriguingly practical yet beautifully imaginative–police sketch artists are, after all, artists.

Behind the Music…of Window Displays: Department store Barneys in New York City is known for extremely extravagant Christmas windows during the holiday season–but who writes the intriguing music you hear as you peer in? This year, Barneys has commissioned original music compositions for each of its four installations. Two of these are the work of composer Hannis Brown. Brown has extensive experience writing for films, multimedia projects, and concert halls. Commissions like Browns help to bring together these impressive installations while providing a personal touch to each unique display. The talent of these behind-the-scenes composers helps to ensure these window displays delight and inspire countless passersby during the holiday season. You can see photos and video of Barneys impressive Christmas windows here.

Unqualified Ballet Teachers a Danger to Young Students: Research is continuing to indicate that unqualified ballet teachers can actually cause physical damage to students, especially young children. The Royal Academy of Dance chief executive Luke Rittner warns that such teachers “lack important training in anatomy and physiology” and can unknowingly ruin careers and damage bodies. By encouraging young students to go “en point” too early or forcing “turnout,” these teachers can push young bodies too far. “Baby ballet,” which can start before even the age of two, can be especially dangerous if not handled by qualified professionals. Rittner emphasizes in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today program that unqualified teachers are a danger in other styles of dance as well. While it is certainly great that young children are showing interest in and dedication to dance, and ballet in particular, it is clearly important to remember that bodies are fragile and complex and require informed instruction and guidance.

The Force is Strong with Fan Artists: With the recent premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” fan art is in full swing. The Huffington Post has compiled a sampling of some of the best Star Wars-themed fan art, which can be seen here. Even in this sampling, the range of media and styles is fascinating. From a mock movie poster featuring Leia and Boba Fett to clay portraitures of main characters, these works show the admiration these artists have for the Star Wars franchise. Interviews with some fan artists reveal a combination of appreciation for the films but also purposeful individual approaches to art. A great example of art inspiring art!