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Art exhibit in Vancouver's Chinatown spotlights Downtown Eastside street artists and their work – CBC.ca

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A one-day art show at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens in Vancouver’s Chinatown is spotlighting street art along with the artists behind them.

The show, called Nch’ú7mut lam or [comm] UNITY, meaning “unity to be in one house”, features the paintings and artwork of Downtown Eastside street artists Smokey Devil, BOY, Ken Foster and Edgar Rossetti.

Jamie Hardy, also known as Smokey Devil or Smokey D, told CBC’s On The Coast Friday he’s been doing street art — visual art created in public locations — in the neighbourhood for more than 20 years.

He said he’s noticed a change in the past few years, with younger artists tagging their names on buildings and other pieces of public art.

“Chinatown is a place we should take of, we shouldn’t be wrecking it,” he told host Bal Brach.

A colourful mural that says "Respect Chinatown" graces the front of a barber shop.
A mural by artist Jamie Hardy, also known as Smokey D, is pictured here in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood. Hardy says seeing positive reactions to his work is one of the best parts about creating it. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

The event takes place amid continuing struggles for residents and small businesses in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside (DTES), including issues of homelessness, the toxic drug crisis, and the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes.

At the event was Sarah Blyth, co-founder of Vancouver’s Overdose Prevention Society, who said it was an opportunity for the Chinatown and DTES communities to work together as the area experiences difficult times.

“Both communities deserve love and respect and kindness and compassion,” she said. 

The artwork

The event was hosted by High Hopes, an organization that works to support underrepresented Downtown Eastside street artists by showcasing their art through exhibits.

Gala Vega, art curator for High Hopes, says she’s been working over the past two years to bring more attention to the artists’ work. She says it’s nice to see the artists respected, as some people downplay their legitimacy based on where they live.

“It is so wonderful to see them celebrated,” she said.

LISTEN | Vancouver street artist Smokey D on street art

On The Coast7:14DTES Artist Smokey D

Street art and graffiti tend to get a bad rep these days, especially in downtown Vancouver. Local street artist organization, High Hopes aims to change that.

Apart from smaller pieces on display at the art show, people can find Hardy’s public artwork around Chinatown and the DTES.

He’s painted several murals honouring people, using the tag “Respect Chinatown” as a callout to other street artists to stop tagging murals and buildings in the neighbourhood.

He has dedicated a mural to Yucho Chow, Vancouver’s first Chinese-Canadian professional photographer who worked in the neighbourhood during the early 20th century, painted on the side of a building near Main and Keefer streets.

He also painted one for Jack Chow, a businessman known for his contributions to Chinatown, off of East Pender street.

Earlier this week, Hardy and fellow artist Trey Helten worked on a new mural on the side of Leo Fine Hair Salon near Gore Street and East Hastings Street. 

It features the “Respect Chinatown” tag and the universal symbol for a barbershop: a pole with white, blue and red stripes. 

Kim Wong, who has worked as a barber at the shop for more than 10 years, says he likes how the artists used Chinese characters in the piece.

“Everybody likes the picture,” Wong said.

Hardy says seeing Wong’s positive reaction to the artwork is one of the reasons he loves to do these murals.

“That’s the best part,” he said at the art show. “I like to make people happy.”

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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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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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