Art
Antigonish art gallery keeping up with trends – TheChronicleHerald.ca
Elaine Rhynold knows a thing or two about art.
As co-owner of a downtown Antigonish gallery, Rhynold has invested almost 24 years of her life in the business, and during that time has watched the industry evolve before her very eyes.
In fact, she credits that evolution for the longevity and success of her studio.
“I think our secret is that it’s constantly morphing, it’s constantly changing and keeping up with trends and the times of what people are looking for,” she says.
Rhynold co-owns Down to Earth Art Gallery with Gerard Mason. The business has been a staple in the downtown core for a long time, situated in the same location at 240 Main St., since first opening its doors in 1996.
The studio walls are adorned with several paintings from local and world-renowned artists – many who fetch a pretty penny for their works.
Down to Earth is hosting Quebec impressionist Pierre Nadeau Aug. 27, 28 and 29. It will be Naudeau’s first show since exhibiting at the Grand Palais in Paris last February. Following COVID-19 guidelines, Nadeau will have self-isolated in Nova Scotia for the mandatory 14-day period prior to his show.
“We’re unbelievably excited,” Rhynold said of the show. “We’re the only show he’s had in Canada this year after coming back from Paris, so that’s a huge accolade for us to be chosen for that.”
The works of renowned marine artist J. Franklin Wright, of Port Hawkesbury, also grace the studio space, along with titles from Aboriginal artists Norval Morrisseau and Alan Syliboy, of Millbrook, Colchester County, whose work is inspired by ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs.
“We’ve carried Alan the longest of any artist we’ve had, and we carried him from just a month or so after we opened,” said Rhynold.
“His colours are vibrant, and we ship his stuff as far away as New Zealand and all over Europe.”
The price tag on some paintings at Rhynold’s studio might make the common man’s eyes pop and jaw drop, including pieces by Morrisseau and Wright that are in the $25,000 to $28,000 range. However, many collectors are willing to absorb the cost if it means adding premium pieces to their collections.
“You are paying for the artist and the notoriety and the value of that artist, and we have a number of artists whose pieces are only going one way as far as value goes – Alan’s being one of them, Pierre’s and Frank’s – all of these artists’ prices and values have increased over the years,” said Rhynold.
Antigonish artists such as Bill Rogers and Kate Georgallas also have their paintings displayed at Down to Earth. Supporting local artists and having their work in her studio is important, says Rhynold, as they add community pieces that people in the region can relate to.
“These guys, even though they’re local, they are getting some notoriety as well.”
Rhynold grew up in Guysborough County, but has spent the past 40 years in Antigonish. She calls the art industry a “be-happy business” and says there are others locally, who, like herself, have a real passion for art and understand the value of having galleries in small communities.
“It’s one of those things no matter how often people come in, and locally, things change regularly, so they’re always looking at new pieces and they look at it with new eyes too every time they come,” she said. “You learn things, you find out you liked a piece of art that you never thought you would like, so it’s well-received and it becomes an experience for people and a good experience.”
Did you know?
Down to Earth also offers a custom framing service, and has framed 30,000 pieces over the years – everything from paintings, to hockey jerseys, to graduation photos and a whole lot more.
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
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.
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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.
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