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Calgary mall showcases Indigenous art to inspire reconciliation | CTV News – CTV News Calgary

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Calgary’s Southcentre Mall is showcasing a variety of colourful works from Indigenous artists focusing on their history, culture and heritage.

Colouring It Forward (CIF) Reconciliation Society partnered with the mall for the timely exhibit, which launched in the weeks leading up until the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“The fact that a mall is willing to collaborate with an Indigenous social enterprise is a really good step forward for Truth and Reconciliation,” CIF board chair Diana Frost said. “It shows that you can collaborate with a commercial entity and achieve social goals.

“Truth and Reconciliation is something that we all should care about,” said Frost. “It’s not just an Indigenous problem, when you know a large portion of our population is suffering, we should all care about that.”

This year marks Keevin Rider’s second being involved with the art installation.

His painting is of a mountain scene similar to where he grew up.

He says he consulted with one of his spiritual adivsors about what animals to include.

“I started with the tatonka – the Buffalo –  and then from there it went out and then the animals appeared like the eagle, the wolf and the bear.”

Rider says his culture believes that all things have a spirt and when he gets closer to those spirits it helps him heal.

“My parents were residential so it affected me, it’s actually affected my grandchildren,” said Rider. “So you know we have our spirit and we always call our spirit back.”

Flora Johnson, a sixties scoop survivor, was split up from her brothers who were sent to residential schools.

“I may not be completely healed,” said Johnson. “But this is a part of my healing, when I paint, I feel loved, vibrant, I feel it’s just my passion.”

Paintings by eight Calgary Indigenous artists are featured at Southcentre Mall’s centre court in honour of Truth and Reconciliation. Kalum Teke Dan’s painting style is popular with pieces commissioned all over Calgary, but he says it wasn’t always that way.

“30 years ago I couldn’t sell very many pieces,” he said. “People just didn’t understand or didn’t want to know, or they wanted us to be pushed into the corner and not thought about or cared about, so we’re showing them we’re strong, we’re resilient, we’re powerful, we’re here and we’re proud.”

Frost says that since 2017, CIF Reconciliation Society has led the effort to provide opportunities for Indigenous peoples by delivering art-based workshops and events that educate the community and promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

“I’m seeing more and more people interested in finding out about Truth and Reconciliation and supporting Orange Shirt Day by wearing orange shirts,” she said. “It’s nice to see people from all walks of life wanting to contribute.”

Paintings by eight Calgary Indigenous artists are featured at Southcentre Mall’s centre court in honour of Truth and Reconciliation. The works of art are supported by a double-sided activation wall. One side features information about the CIF Reconciliation Society and on the opposite is a canvas for visitors to express their own ideas and visions of reconciliation.

In addition to viewing the art, people can learn about a number of reconciliACTIONS.

Alexandra Velosa is the mall’s marketing manager. She says the actions are practical tips to help foster reconciliation. The signage is placed around the upper balcony on the second level that overlooks centre court and the art installation.

“ReconciliACTION is a key component of our initiative,” said Velosa. “As a community connector, we want people to come here and learn about how they can be a part of the reconciliation, how can they make a difference.”

To learn more about the Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society you can visit the organization’s website.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com

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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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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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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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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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