Art
‘Soft Shore’ public art installation at Parksville city hall more expensive than planned – Parksville Qualicum Beach News
The installation of a temporary piece of public art in the Parksville Forum is going to be more expensive than anticipated, according to a Parksville city staff verbal report at the Feb. 3 council meeting.
Council had approved a $3,500 budget for the installation of the piece in 2020, in honour of the city’s 75th birthday, and directed staff to seek seek approval from the building owners at 100 Jensen Ave. at the Oct. 17, 2019 council meeting.
Now city staff are saying that the project will cost considerably more than that.
The public art in question is the centerpiece from the McMillan Arts Centre’s Soft Shore exhibit.
The piece is a glass herring ball made by Robert Held surrounded by steel bull kelp made by Nelson Shaw with glass salmon by Christopher Smith.
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Parksville city director of operations Vaughn Figueira says staff have met with the artists as well as the owners of the building to speak logistics.
“It’s a bit more of a complicated issue than initially thought,” said Figueira.
Part of the installation involves suspending 750 pounds of glass from the ceiling, which would be lit from above and below.
Because of this, Figueira said there are structural, logistic, electrical, liability and public safety issues to consider.
The installation will also require a metal fence to be constructed around it to keep children from climbing on it. This will also mean that holes have to be drilled into the floor.
Location was another main issue. The only place that could be agreed upon with building owners was the sunken area near the finance wickets.
“There would be an impact on the taxpayer time, when the public is lined up in that area. We’d have to sort of redirect them, and figure out a way to do it. We could accommodate them, but that would have to be sorted out,” said Figueira.
Of the $3,500 allocated, $1,000 of which was originally earmarked to cover staff time. Chief administrative officer Keeva Kehler says they’ve already spent more than that.
“We have to look at some permanent holes in the floor essentially to put the railings in, and some permanent structural changes to allow the 750 pounds to be hung from the trusses. I’m thinking we’re not going to be able to get that done for 10 times the price of what we’re originally thinking,” said Kehler.
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Kehler also said that the city could not purchase the art without going through a competitive open bidding process and considering other pieces from the community as well as abroad.
Coun. Al Greir and Mayor Ed Mayne both voiced opposition to the project.
“The location that they want to put it in, in my view is not even secondary, it’s way out there as far as what it would look like. It would look like hell, sitting over there in my mind,” said Mayne.
“I could find better use for the money that we’re going to spend to put it up. Then we’re going to have the holes in the floors when it’s all over, then we’re going to have a fence … The problems seem to get more and more and more. … Let’s just call it a day and say it was a great idea, it’s just not going to work rather than keep on going on it.”
Coun. Mark O’Brien proposed several ideas but ultimately agreed that the money spent would probably not be worth it for a temporary installation.
Coun. Marilyn Wilson gave notice that she would propose a motion at the next council meeting that staff meet with the artists to discuss the issue further.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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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.
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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