When Ash Hart lived on Windsor’s streets, she picked up garbage and transformed it into works of art.
Now, the 39-year-old artist’s creations are on display in a Walkerville gallery alongside pieces by dozens of others who have experienced homelessness.
The Colours of Resilience Exhibition at Artspeak Gallery is the brainchild of Batool Yahya, a local artist who has worked with people experiencing homelessness for several years. Using a grant from the City of Windsor’s Arts Culture and Heritage Fund, Yahya rented the gallery space, gathered supplies, and held workshops to showcase some of the city’s talent.
The goal, Yahya said, is to show the artists that their creative endeavours are worth pursuing.
“If they had the same opportunities as I did as someone who isn’t actively experiencing homelessness, they would thrive,” she said.
In addition to experiencing homelessness, Cody Farrugia, 25, spent more than two years in a prison near Kingston after committing a string of robberies at Mac’s convenience stores. He wrote and illustrated a comic book about the incidents, as well as an album of music to go with it, under the name Robber Mac.
“I’ve changed my life around now. I’m not that person. Now I’m just writing about it and making music about it,” Farrugia said.
Farrugia said he isn’t using his art to brag about his past. He’s using it to tell his version of the story, which was covered by local media.
“I’m trying to make up for what I did. I don’t want to be one of those rappers out there bragging — I was a bad guy who’s trying to become a good guy.”
Rachel Edgerton, whose artist name is Ma’iingan, said seeing her art on display felt “new” to her.
“We need more things like this in Windsor because it gives an opportunity for people to see the people who need help, and not associate them with trends like substance abuse,” she said. “Instead, associate them with drawings and paintings. We’re all people, right?”
Edgerton, 26, was homeless for six years and now lives in an apartment. She’s been making art since she was a child as a way to escape reality, she said.
“You can’t put everybody under the same title and expect them to have the same problems. At the end of the day, we’re all different and we all go through things differently.
“I feel like, if people can create art like this, then they’re not all bad, right?”
Funds from the highest bidders on each piece will go directly to the artists. Any money collected for pieces with unknown or volunteer artists will go towards artist workshops.
The bidding response so far has been “insane,” Yahya said.
“You’re supporting actual legitimate artists. You’re not just supporting people because they’re experiencing homelessness. You’re giving artists a chance to make it.”
All of Hart’s art on display at the exhibition has sold.
“It’s wild. I want to continue — I don’t want it to be just for this. I want to show other people that they can rise above,” Hart said.
“I hope this would also give people awareness that we’re human. People are not out to be terrible.
The Colours of Resilience exhibition runs until Sunday. Bidding on art closes at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Artspeak Gallery will be open to showcase the exhibition’s final days on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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.
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.
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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