Art
ARTS AROUND: Workshops offer plenty of opportunity for hands-on art – Alberni Valley News
BY MELISSA MARTIN
Special to the AV News
The Rollin Art Centre has a number of artistic spring workshops scheduled for the next few months. Register at the Rollin Art Centre by calling 250-724-3412. Numbers are limited, so register today.
– Introduction to Fibre Arts (April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Island College) — Beginners to advanced artists are welcome as we discover and work with different techniques in the fibre arts. Workshop fee is $125 and supply fee is $40, to be paid to the instructor.
– Shibori and Indigo Dyeing (April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Island College) — Using kimono cotton and indigo, we will design and dye a wall hanging, as well as several sample pieces, using Shibori techniques.Workshop fee is $95 and supply fee is $50, to be paid to the instructor.
– Two-day Batik Workshop (April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Island College) — Batik is a centuries-old method of using wax as a resist to create patterns and then layer dye. Create several samples and one major piece that can be used as a wall hanging or a pillow front cover. Workshop fee is $175 and supply fee is $50, to be paid to the instructor.
– Two-day Silk Painting Workshop (April 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and April 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at North Island College) — A simple introduction to silk painting, followed by building our stretcher frames for our silk scarf. This class is designed for beginners to advanced. Workshop fee is $175 and supply fee is $50, to be paid to the instructor.
– Two-day Watercolour Workshop (June 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rollin Art Centre) — Learn the basics of colour theory and pigments from accomplished artist Ionne McCauley. Workshop fee is $150 and supply fee is $20, to be paid to the instructor.
CURRENT ART EXHIBIT
The current art exhibit at the Rollin Art Centre features local fibre artist Ruth Jeffery. The exhibit, titled, “Under Over and Beyond,” is a collection of woven wall hangings and emu egg creations.
The exhibit runs March 30 to April 22. Join us in the gallery for refreshments on Saturday, April 2 from 1-3 p.m. to meet Ruth and be inspired.
SPRING EXHIBIT
The Rollin Art Centre will be holding a unique spring-inspired art exhibit from May 25 to June 18 and we are inviting all local artists to submit up to three pieces (size depending) that depicts their own rendition of spring. All mediums are welcome.
The exhibit is titled “SPRING -Seasonal Imagery” and will reflect the gentle changes of the season, creating a unique mood and feeling associated with spring based on your interpersonal reflections.
Application forms are available at the Rollin Art Centre. The fee is $10 per submission. The deadline is April 30.
DONATIONS WANTED
The Rollin Art Centre is accepting all your gently used books and puzzles for our annual Giant Book Sale taking place May 6 and 7 at the Alberni Athletic Hall.
We are very grateful for all your books, but cannot take any textbooks, magazines, National Geographic, encyclopedias or Reader’s Digest. Please do not donate old and torn books.
Drop off your donations at the Rollin Art Centre, inside the main door just under the staircase in the big wooden box. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are located at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Argyle Street.
LOOKING FOR ARTISTS
Our annual Solstice Arts Festival is back, after two years of hiatus due to COVID-19.
Join us Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rollin Art Centre. Spaces are available for artists and artisans on our terrace or in our two gardens. There is lots of room to spread out and is a picture-perfect spot to set up an easel or demos of the artwork you create. Let’s make this a huge community event, enticing everyone to come out to our free annual arts festival.
If you are interested in displaying at this year’s event, call the Rollin Art Centre at 250-724-3412 for more info. Spaces are $25 for the day.
SUMMER TEAS
Teas on the Terrace are back at the Rollin Art Centre this summer. Join us on the terrace, under the canopy of the trees, sipping tea, listening to local musicians and sampling a selection of scrumptious snacks or decadent strawberry shortcake.
The first show of the season will take place on July 7, with a musical guest to be announced.
Tickets are now on sale. Strawberry Teas are $20 and High Teas (served on a two-tiered plate) are $25.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
April 8 – Intro to Fibre Arts Workshop
April 12 – Shibori and Indigo Dyeing Workshop
April 18-19 – Two-day Batik Workshop
April 25-26 – Two-day Silk Painting Workshop
April 27 to May 20 – New Exhibit – Early Childhood Educators of B.C.’s Port Alberni Branch – “Moments in Time” – A collaboration of children’s art.
May 25 to June 18 – Open art exhibit inspired by spring – artists must register.
June 1-2 – Watercolour Workshop
June 18 – Solstice Arts Festival – Spaces available for artisans
June 22 to July 22 – “Women’s Work” group exhibit – featuring Sue Thomas, Jillian Mayne, Colleen Clancy, and Ann McIvor.
July and August – Teas on the Terrace – Tickets available now.
Melissa Martin is the Arts Administrator for the Community Arts Council, at the Rollin Art Centre and writes for the Alberni Valley News. Call 250-724-3412. Email: communityarts@shawcable.com.
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.
Art
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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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.
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