Art

Art breathes new life in empty store in Vernon – Vernon Morning Star

Published

5 years ago

March 3, 2020

A vacant storefront at the Village Green Shopping Centre was given a temporary facelift as members of the Okanagan Artists of Canada Society (OACS) hung their paintings along the display wall for the month of March.

The former Bentley store will serve as a temporary art gallery for the non-profit society for the next four weeks.

“The Village Green is a really community-centred mall,” organizer Sharon Bettesworth said.

That community-focused mindset aligns well with the organization’s own motto: “Artists helping artists,” she noted.

Showcasing the works of art at the mall is a new endeavour for the society, which is celebrating their 75th anniversary, and the mall has already guaranteed space for another showcase to be held in June.

The OACS is comprised of 75 talented artists from Vernon and surrounding areas, and another 20 waiting patiently on the waitlist. It is one of the oldest art associations in the province and many of its alumni have become well known across the country.

Formed in 1945 as the Vernon Artist Association, the organization was registered under the Societies Act in 1968. After a few more name changes, it became the Okanagan Artists of Canada Society in 2017.

The society’s president, Sharon Isaaks said it’s a great group of artists.

“We have five directors,” she said. “It’s a fun group.”

Artists will be available to speak to potential buyers and art aficionados at the mall Fridays, between 6-8 p.m., and weekends from 12-2 p.m.

Media spokeswoman Diana Gritten said this isn’t the only show in the works for the society.

To mark the important anniversary, a show will be held at the Gallery Vertigo for the month of May.

Artists will showcase their works celebrating “the place where we live,” at the Three Cheers for 75 Years show. The opening reception is slated for May 9, from 6-8 p.m.

OACS is also preparing for its artist’s retreat in Sorrento this fall. There, artists will take in a three-day workshop learning from some of the best, including Roberta Combs, Louise Decharime and Gale Woodhouse.

OACS is also planning ahead to its popular annual art show and sale, which takes place in October at Paddlewheel Park.

“It’s a really popular event,” Gritten said. “Last year, we had to hire a parking attendant.”

Isaaks said last year saw more than 800 people visit and more than $13,000 worth of paintings sold. Food donations were also collected on behalf of the food bank.

For more information on the society visit okanaganartistsofcanada.ca.

@caitleerach
Caitlin.clow@vernonmorningstar.com
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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

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Art

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

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

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

Published

4 weeks ago

August 15, 2024

Harry Miller

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.