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Slow Art Day coming to Melfort April 10 – Prince Albert Daily Herald

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Slow Art Day is coming to the Northern Lights Gallery in Melfort on Saturday, April 10. The piece in Deschambault Lake Rocks by Melfort artist robert Billings/Facebook photo

Northern Lights Gallery, located on Main Street in Melfort is bringing Slow Art Day to the community on Saturday, April 10. The worldwide event is coming to Melfort for the first time as a chance to appreciate the art that is made in the area. According to gallery owner Sandra Dancey, in the times we are in, an event like this is beneficial.

This is the eleventh year for the event internationally. It’s designed as a day to slow down and appreciate art.

“It makes more sense than ever now given the current circumstances globally speaking that everyone is isolated,” Dancey said.

“Get out and go see art, and you don’t even have to go indoors if you don’t want to. But there are events all over the world and the point of this, the message is slow down and actually look at and appreciate art,” Dancey said.

The five artists contributing works include Monica Whenham-Daschuk, Linsey Levendall, Beth Bentz, Jim Mason and Al Jardine.

“These are all incredibly talented artists and they all live in this part of the world and that’s what is so nice about it. You can promote artists from all over the planet but I like to promote people from this neighbourhood,” she said.

She described the area as deep in talent in the visual arts. Slow Art Day will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 10 and everyone is encouraged to come to the gallery and view the work of the five artists taking part.

Dancey described the concept as relaxed and basic. Come down to the gallery, wearing a mask and if you don’t want to come in you can look through the window.

“But because it is going on all day it will be very low key and you can just wander through and look at the art. It’s limited to just five artists and just one piece each. I think Beth Bentz might have a collective of three small pieces that basically represents one.

“The point is to actually look at a piece, not just glance and walk by, not pull out your phone and take a picture of it but stand there and look at it and try to fully appreciate what the artist is doing, what message they are getting across, what you can find in it,” Dancey said.

“We are of an age of everyone moves really fast and snaps a picture with their phone and keeps moving. And this is to encourage you to not do that, to just actually stand there and look at it. And that is why it is good if you bring a friend with you, you can look at it together and discuss it. You can discuss it there in the gallery or you can go somewhere else for a cup of coffee afterwards and talk about it there,” she explained.

According to Dancey, there is no common thread or theme among the five pieces and you can choose to look however few or many you want. Some work will have a writeup by the artist, some will have questions from the artist to start a conversation about the piece.

“Pick a piece or two and really truly look at them and you can decide which one you like the best that way and beyond that no obligation. We just want you to actually appreciate the fact that everyone is surrounded by art, it’s everywhere and especially in the case now of when people aren’t inside so much they are outdoors and you are starting to notice more things like murals,” Dancey said.

She gave an example of seeing art everywhere like on trains as you are stopped by them.

“It’s things like that that force you to actually stop and look at the art and then you start to appreciate it,” Dancey said.

People are also encouraged to make a day out of it as there is also a show at the Sherven-Smith Art Gallery in the Kerry Vickar Centre. The Melfort Arts Council and OSAC are hosting the display Accidental Utopia by Sylvia Ziemann from April 1 to 23.

“I’m encouraging people to tie it all together. A nice way to get out and appreciate art around town not just in my shop but at the Sherven-Smith Gallery as well,” Dancey said.

For more information Dancey, encourages people to look up Slow Art Day on the internet.

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Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

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In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com

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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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