Art
Art therapist crafts creative way to connect during pandemic (3 photos) – TimminsToday
Art therapist Erika DuChene has found a way to stay creative and connected with the community by hosting online craft sessions.
DuChene runs The Art of Healing program offered by the Mushkegowuk Council’s youth department. A big part of her job involves travelling around the Cochrane-Timmins area and to the James Bay communities holding presentations and group sessions using art as a form of therapeutic healing.
When the provincial orders restricting travelling due to COVID-19 were put in place, it became challenging to reach the coastal communities, DuChene said, so she decided to launch the Big Comfy Couch series of videos on Facebook showing how to make easy craft items.
“It’s to be able to create something that’s meditative, so still bringing that therapeutic component in,” she explained.
Using natural materials that can be easily found around home, such as old magazines, glue and dish towels, DuChene guides the viewers through the process step-by-step.
So far, she made videos on how to create a nature mandala, stuffed animals, jar lid magnets and cardboard roses. DuChene uploads videos at least once a week.
“Often when you say the word ‘art,’ there is such an expectation that there has to be fine art material like it can’t be something from outside or that’s close to you. And you might not think of it as a way of viewing certain things within your home differently.”
DuChene said she plans to keep making videos until the pandemic is over although she could possibly continue doing it after the restrictions are lifted.
“Hopefully, it keeps growing and it becomes something that would eventually be a regular Tuesday tune-in type of thing.”
She said she finds inspiration and new ideas online or from previous training experience with her art therapy program. DuChene praised the communities saying there’s so much creativity it was “mind-boggling” for her when she first started working for the program.
“Just to find that positive of being in your home and having a healthy hobby to express yourself and do something creative and give gifts. You can mail things out, you can go drive down the street and leave it on someone’s porch,” DuChene said about what she hopes the viewers will take away from her sessions.
Another idea she has is to use old clothing, such as jeans, to make an apron. She also said she hopes to make a cooking-based video as well as more education-based sessions such as creative writing activities once the school is done.
“I don’t want the activities right now to take too much time away from home … That way the kids can focus on doing something like that,” DuChene said.
The Art of Healing Mushkegowuk Council Facebook page can be found here.
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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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