BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

Charter adds new channels

Charter Communications Inc. added seven new channels in high definition today throughout Glendale and Burbank as part of a company-wide effort to increase its HD breadth, cable officials said Monday.

The new HD channels include Home & Garden Television, History channel, Food Network, Learning Channel, TBS, Smithsonian channel and American Movie Classics.

For more information, call (888) 438-2427 or visit www.charter.com.

Public art tour at Brand Library

Opening reception for this year’s “Open Studio Tour” will be at the Brand Library Art Galleries from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 13.

The fifth annual event kicks off citywide the following day, Sunday, at noon with artists and art organizations opening their studios to the public for free, self-guided tours.

Students of all ages may also participate in a one- to two-page essay contest about their experience and the value of art in society.

The essays will be judged by the Arts & Culture Commission, which will officially recognize the winner.

An exhibition featuring one piece from all participating artists in the “Open Studio Tour” will also be held at the Brand Library Art Galleries, 1601 W. Mountain St., from Sept. 9 through Sept. 19.

For more information, call (818) 548-2780.