Art

A Toronto charity teaching music and art to low-income kids for over 40 years is at risk of closing

Published

1 year ago

June 8, 2023

A charity that offers music and art instruction to children from low-income neighbourhoods in Toronto is in danger of closing because of a drop in donations and a hike in rent following the pandemic.

The Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre has taught thousands of children music and art at a group and individual level for more than 40 years. It provides instruction to more than 150 children annually from St. James Town, Regent Park and Moss Park on a budget of under $200,000.

But now the centre is asking for financial help to keep its doors open.

Glen Loucks, its executive director, says the centre has made a difference to the lives of children whose families may not have been able to afford such classes.

“Music enhances every aspect of a child’s life. Even if they don’t go on to become musicians, it improves their cognition, academic performance, social skills. It teaches them to cope with stress. It just benefits all aspects of growing up,” he said.

“We really believe that music is important, is essential, in children’s lives and we want to continue to be here to provide that. The payoff, if you will, is these students become better citizens when they grow up.”

Glen Loucks - Executive Director, The Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre — Glen Loucks, executive director of the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre, says: ‘We really believe that music is important, is essential, in children’s lives and we want to continue to be here to provide that.’ (Talia Ricci/CBC)

The centre was started in 1979 by four jazz musicians to provide “affordable, accessible” music lessons to children of low-income families. That has been the centre’s mission ever since, he said.

“We have a sliding scale of fees based on income, but quite frankly, nobody is turned away because of lack of funds. We remain accessible to everybody,” he said.

‘A real family’

At times it has offered drama and karate classes, but now offers an arts and crafts class and various music lessons. Those include piano, guitar, violin, percussion and vocal.

The centre has studios for private lessons and practice, a visual arts space and a large performance area with a stage. It also has recitals twice a year for children to showcase their talents to their parents.

Over the years, the centre has provided a sense of community to the students who have attended its lessons and classes, he said.

“Because we’ve been in existence so long, we have children that have started to come here in the 70s and 80s and they have grown up, have had children of their own who have come here. We’ve had students who have gone on to teach here. It is a real family. There is a great sense of community, especially among the St. James Town residents.”

But when the pandemic hit, the centre was in lockdown for a year. Its programs continued remotely, but it lost half of its enrolment. It also lost some major donors. In the fall of 2021, it resumed limited in-person lessons, and by fall 2022, all of its programs were back in full swing. Its enrolment has slowly started to recover but the donors never came back.

Then, this past spring, the centre was hit with a 10 per cent rent increase.

‘I really hope it stays open’

Claire Wang, 12, an alumni of the centre, said the centre helped her to explore her love of music. She was about six when she started taking lessons there and she said it taught her about music theory.

“I feel like everyone is so kind but they push you and they challenge you to learn new things,” she said. “I hope that kids can still come here and learn a lot of things like I did. I really hope it stays open.”

Wang said the centre nurtured her passion for music.

“Right now, I’m attending the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy and I am the youngest cellist in the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra,” she said. “The theory I learned here really benefited my playing.”

She said of her teachers: “They taught me a lot of things I’ll keep with me the rest of my life.”

Ava Smirknob, 6, makes art at the centre while waiting for her violin lessons. She said doing art makes her feel creative.

“After… I do the violin. And the song we’re playing is Mary Had A Little Lamb. I only know some parts of it, but I am practising how to sing the whole song!”

The centre has set up a GoFundMe page to help it raise the funds it needs to stay open.

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Art

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

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Art

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

1 month 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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