Art
Animal art coming to Queen's Park in New West – The Record (New Westminster)
Things are going to get a little wild around the Queen’s Park Sportsplex.
New Westminster city council recently endorsed the selection of an artist who will complete a public art project at the Queen’s Park Sportsplex. A staff report says the artwork is composed of a series of deconstructed animal figures fabricated in steel by an artist who has experience in industrial design, graphic design and public art.
Trending Stories
“The sculptures reference a specific history of the park, namely the Queen’s Park Zoo that once existed on the site,” said the report. “The sculptural components are segmented. At an angle they read as abstract sculptures, but as the viewer circulates around each piece, the full animal figures come into focus. The final works, which will range from 2.4 feet to 7.2 feet, will be situated in various locations in the raised planters installed around the Sportsplex plaza.”
The public art advisory committee supported the proposal by Vancouver-based artist Nathan Lee of Contexture Design. City council authorized staff to contract the artist and to commission the final art work.
According to the report, council approved a $100,000 budget for the Queen’s Park Sportsplex public art project, with funds coming out of the public art reserve fund. The project includes $85,000 for the commissioned work, including artist fees, studio overhead, contractor fees, artwork fabrication, site preparation, installation and liability insurance, as well as a $15,000 contingency.
The $5.9-milllion Sportsplex replaces the Queen’s Park Arenex, which was destroyed after its roof collapsed in December 2016. It will accommodate programs that were located in the Arenex, including gymnastics, trampoline, ball hockey, badminton, volleyball and the Motoring Munchkins drop-in, but it’s also been designed to accommodate pickleball, lacrosse, basketball, soccer and other activities.
“Construction of the Sportsplex is currently on schedule to be completed in mid-September,” said Jay Young, the city’s manager of recreation services. “We are eager to open the facility to the public and anticipate a soft opening in late September.”
Like other civic facilities, programming will depend on what COVID-19 restrictions are in place at that time.
“We hope initial programming will include modified versions of gymnastics, trampoline, sports and parent and tot programs, (i.e. Motoring Munchkins), with registered gymnastics and trampoline programs resuming after Thanksgiving,” Young said. “We are very excited to finally have a home for the programs that formerly took place at the Queen’s Park Arenex, but recognize COVID will likely ensure our opening will be more slow and gradual than we would have preferred.”
Art
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com
[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
Source link
Art
Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed
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.
Art
Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone
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.
-
News9 hours ago
B.C. to scrap consumer carbon tax if federal government drops legal requirement: Eby
-
News9 hours ago
A linebacker at West Virginia State is fatally shot on the eve of a game against his old school
-
Sports10 hours ago
Lawyer says Chinese doping case handled ‘reasonably’ but calls WADA’s lack of action “curious”
-
News20 hours ago
Reggie Bush was at his LA-area home when 3 male suspects attempted to break in
-
News11 hours ago
RCMP say 3 dead, suspects at large in targeted attack at home in Lloydminster, Sask.
-
Sports4 hours ago
Canada’s Marina Stakusic advances to quarterfinals at Guadalajara Open
-
News9 hours ago
Hall of Famer Joe Schmidt, who helped Detroit Lions win 2 NFL titles, dies at 92
-
News11 hours ago
Bad weather and boat modifications led to capsizing off Haida Gwaii, TSB says