Art

Artist helps seniors capture precious memories in works of art: ‘They bring their life experiences’

Published

9 months ago

December 15, 2023

For many aging seniors, memories are precious and fleeting. Now, one Canadian artist is helping some of them capture their favorite scenes in lasting works of art.

Erin Finley is an award-winning artist who teaches at OCAD University in Canada. She’s the creator of Memory Drawing, a program that helps older adults tap into their memories and express them in vibrant color.

Each month, Finley visits a large long-term care facility in Toronto, where she guides residents through the process of creating unique pieces through drawing, coloring and painting.

The residents range from intrepid, seasoned artists to beginners who are a bit nervous at first, Finley told Fox News Digital in a video interview.

Regardless of their skill level, there’s a lot to gain from the sessions, she said.

Finley is pictured with one of the artists she works with at the long-term care center. Each week, she visits a long-term care facility in Toronto, where she guides residents through the process of creating their own unique pieces. (Erin Finley)

“I love that they all bring their own life experiences and their own bodies of work that they develop through memory drawing activities,” she said.

Finley first got the idea for Memory Drawing during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she saw “heartbreaking images” of people in long-term care facilities who couldn’t be with their loved ones.

“I thought, ‘What can I do? I’m not in health care, but I want to do something,'” she said.

The artist started contacting local facilities pitching her idea — and the program was born.

‘Self-guided and eager’

For each session, Finley brings some prompts for those who need a little more direction — but she pointed out that some of the seniors are “very self-guided and eager to tap into their own imaginations.”

Seasonal elements are a popular prompt. In the fall, for example, Finley encourages the seniors to think about the crinkly sound of leaves, the changing colors and the trees moving in the wind.

In spring, they might create art based on their favorite flowers.

One of the artists at the senior center shows off her artwork at left. At right, Finley is pictured in her art studio. (Erin Finley)

As they draw and paint, the group talks about the memories that inspired their work, which often involve favorite people, places and things, Finley said. Sometimes an artist brings a photo of a beloved person or object to recreate.

One of the artists is a Corvette enthusiast, for example — so he creates art inspired by the memories of cars he drove and loved as a young man.

For residents with cognitive decline, Finley said the art sessions can help spark and sharpen memories, particularly when the seniors focus on texture or touch.

For one of the artists, Finley usually starts the drawing and lets him finish.

“I love that they all bring their own life experiences and their own bodies of work that they develop through memory drawing activities,” Finley said. She’s shown here working with a group of artists. (Erin Finley)

“I’ll draw half of a maple leaf and he draws the other half,” she said. “It adds an interactive component.”

Overall, she said she tries to “be nimble” and “give the residents what they need and what brings them joy.”

‘So inspired’

Finley said she is constantly inspired by the creativity the seniors exhibit.

“One of the artists takes watercolor paint, which is a dry medium, adds water to it and paints with his thumb,” she said. “The end result looks like a beautiful oil painting.”

“It’s uplifting for me. It makes me feel like I’m making a difference and helping in some regard.”

“The ingenuity is just mind-boggling, and I’m so inspired by it every time I visit.”

As each piece is completed, Finley presents it to the group and celebrates the accomplishment.

“I might lift up the work and say, ‘This is what Lester has done today.’ And then we have a kind of cool gallery moment and we celebrate.”

One of the residents is deaf, Finley said, and so the individual communicates only through drawing.

“She’ll pass me an image and I’ll pass one back — it’s beautiful.”

The finished pieces are sometimes displayed in the nursing home or given to loved ones.

“Sometimes they are kind of understood to be legacy pieces, so when a family member passes on, they become the prized belongings of the adult children and the remaining family,” Finley told Fox News Digital.

Finley is shown in her art studio displaying one of her creations. An award-winning artist, she teaches at OCAD University in Canada. (Erin Finley)

“This can be a difficult time for some of the adult children of the seniors I work with, but I get to go in and help them access these memories and create something wonderful for them to enjoy.”

Beyond helping the seniors tap into their own memories, Finley said she herself has also benefited.

“It’s uplifting for me,” she said. “It makes me feel like I’m making a difference and helping in some regard.”

“Engaging in artistic activities stimulates certain areas of the brain, helping to keep the mind sharp and active.”

Creating art can also trigger memories and stimulate storytelling, he said, “aiding in the recall of past events and strengthening memory pathways.”

The activity also builds the ability to focus, Whyte said.

“Art projects require attention to detail and concentration, which can enhance these cognitive abilities in seniors.”

Finley is pictured in her art studio. “The ingenuity is just mind-boggling, and I’m so inspired by it every time I visit,” she said of her Memory Drawing project. (Erin Finley)

The very act of recalling and capturing memories can have an array of benefits, even if those recollections aren’t always accurate, Whyte pointed out.

“This activity can be a powerful tool for reminiscence therapy, helping seniors with memory loss to connect with forgotten experiences,” he said.

“Reflecting on personal history through art also helps seniors maintain a sense of self and personal identity, which can be particularly important in battling conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.”

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Art

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

Published

6 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

1 month 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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