Art

10 outdoor art spaces, parks, and landscapes that have reopened or are reopening soon – The Architect's Newspaper

Published

4 years ago

July 14, 2020

As many Americans tentatively ease back into their museum- and park-going routines, numerous cultural institutions and public spaces are slowly coming back to life on a limited/adjusted basis after months of hibernation to greet them, with coronavirus precautions firmly in place. Meanwhile, large, indoor gallery-centered museums continue to plot their eventual returns. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, for example, plans to reopen in late August while the Getty Center in Los Angeles has still not announced its phased re-opening dates.

In many locales, a trickle of small but positive re-openings has taken place in recent weeks and/or are slated for mid-to-late July. With an eye toward public landscapes, open-air museums, and multifaceted art spaces with room to spread out, here’s a small sampling of places across the country that have reopened or expanded public access or are due to allow visitors in the very near future.

We will add to this list accordingly.

The Chicago Riverwalk

Closed to the public in March, the bustling Chicago Riverwalk reopened in June. It’s open to mask-wearing, socially-distancing visitors from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Vendors and recreational opportunities are being brought back in phases, so plan ahead. Elsewhere in Chicago, the 606 reopened to foot and bicycle traffic on June 22.

Crystal Bridges American Museum of Art and The Momentary — Bentonville, Arkansas

Crystal Bridges and its contemporary art-focused new sibling, the Momentary, have both reopened with limited capacity. Free, timed-entry tickets are available (along with limited walk-up tickets) for both institutions. Enhanced safety measures are also in effect including the mandatory donning of face coverings and enforced social distancing practices. Certain areas/amenities will also remain closed, limited, or altered for the timing being including a shuttle between the two spaces, which remains suspended. The expansive trails and grounds of Crystal Bridges also remain open for socially distant public enjoyment.

Glenstone — Potomac, Maryland

The bucolic grounds of Glenstone, a private contemporary art museum just outside of Washington, D.C., is currently open to the public from Thursdays through Sundays. (Hard-to-come by advance free tickets are released in three-month increments on the first day of each month.) Ticket-holding guests must adhere to an established schedule to avoid crowds while the museum operates at a reduced capacity. Masks and social distancing are required. On July 23, the museum’s indoor pavilions will reopen with additional safety precautions in place.

Governors Island — New York City

Governors Island, a sprawling and laid-back 172-acre retreat in the Middle of New York Harbor with a West 8-designed back half, but also a National Park Service-administered National Monument site in its northern section, is reopening for an abbreviated season on July 15. Indoor public programming remains postponed while tours and historic sites are canceled/closed until further notice. Outdoor event and athletic field permits are also canceled through at least July 31. Various other amenities and activities will not be available, so plan ahead for recreation of the passive variety like long waterfront walks. Ferries to the island will also run on an adjusted, reservation-only schedule to limit the number of visitors on the island at once. Ferry service from Brooklyn has also been moved from Pier 6 to Atlantic Basin in Red Hook.

Grounds for Sculpture — Hamilton, New Jersey

New Jersey’s Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture park, arboretum, and museum near Trenton, reopens to members via a timed reservation system on July 16 for the “purpose of solitary recreation.” (Those who want to visit are encouraged to purchase memberships.) Masks wearing is required when social distancing is not possible and buildings/indoor spaces will remain closed aside from public restrooms. Water fountains and food service is also unavailable although the upscale Rat’s Restaurant is open for reservation-only al fresco dining.

The High Line — New York City

For New Yorkers longing to experience The High Line sans the oppressive crush of tourists, now is the time. The park opens on July 16 with limited new hours (noon through 8 p.m.) and a timed-entry reservation system. The only access point to the High Line, for now, is at Gansevoort Street. Visitors who manage to score a batch-released entry pass must wear a face covering and observe social distancing protocols.

The Huntington — San Marino, California

While the library and art museum remain closed until further notice as California retightens its response to the coronavirus, the Huntington’s famed botanical gardens are now open to visitors. Both members and non-members must buy/reserve tickets in advance to gain entry. An abundance of hand-sanitizing stations will be a new fixture on the grounds, and the wearing of face coverings and socially distancing will be strictly enforced. Both visitors and staff must also take and pass a symptom screening and temperature check before gaining entry to the 120-acre horticultural wonderland just east of Los Angeles.

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art — North Adams, Massachusetts

After a lengthy, COVID-19-induced slumber, Mass MoCA reopened on July 11 to guests in possession of advance, timed tickets. Along with hand sanitizer available in “general supply,” the sprawling museum’s admission area has been moved outdoors and social distancing between parties is requested. Windows and doors will also be open whenever possible to improve indoor air circulation. All tours have been suspended until further notice and all performances/live events will take place outdoors.

St. Pete Pier — St. Petersburg, Florida

Offering a lot more than just a very long pier with an overpriced seafood restaurant and gift shop at the end of it, St. Petersburg’s years-in-the-making revamping of the city’s municipal pier, now the public art-studded offshore centerpiece of a 26-are waterfront recreational and entertainment district, is open to the public after being delayed by the coronavirus. (The Pier and district quietly opened last week at reduced capacity.) Mask-wearing and social distancing are strongly encouraged on the pier and environs; in areas, including inside restaurants, where social distancing is difficult, masks/face coverings are required. All amenities and businesses at St. Pete Pier will continue to adhere to CDC guidelines and follow any and all municipal, state, and county orders during the course of the pandemic.

Storm King Art Center — New Windsor, New York

Located just north of New York City at the foot of the Hudson Highlands, Storm King, a 500-acre open-air museum boasting a sizable collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures, is reopening on July 15 with a first-come, first-served advance ticketing system in place. Indoor amenities/galleries remain closed for the time being; bike rentals, food offerings, and tram service are also suspended. And although there’s plenty of room to spread out, face coverings are required when the six-foot social distancing standards are not possible.

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Art

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

Published

4 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

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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