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Arts community moving carefully – Prince George Citizen

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There is a certain excitement about the lifting of restrictions or what the government calls Phase 2. A bit of a misnomer, yes? 

Phase 1 seems to have been a prevention plan and not part of this recovery plan. Phase 1, Phase 2, The Giant Purple Pegasus, call it what you like. It is still a lifting of the restrictions that have kept us all apart for far too long. I don’t know about you but a social distancing, not more than six people (close family is best) BBQ celebration is in order! Yes, there is light at the end of this pandemic-induced tunnel for small gatherings, restaurants, pubs, schools (albeit voluntary attendance), retail stores (including local art supply stores!), theatres and galleries. According to one report, movie theatres are in Phase 3 while it appears live theatres seem to be included in Phase 2. For some, such as Theatre NorthWest, the season is over, and I assume they will be continuing the search for an artistic director. 

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Here is to the hope we can see Bill, Judy and the family Russell get back to doing what they do best. Things in the theatre may not move as fast as one might assume. Rehearsal halls and rehearsals themselves make it difficult for social distancing, the players become a close-knit family of sorts, there is a bond formed during a production, a closeness that would be difficult to maintain during restrictions. It would certainly be evident during performances. 

The production staff need to share tools, they touch the same lights and set pieces, working together in close proximity. The wardrobe fittings, the shared props, and what may be the most consequential, playing to an audience required to distance themselves in the seats. The cast and crew feed off the audience energy. It can be felt by the backstage crew as well. The audience is, after all, why they do what they do. 

Galleries are opening again. As I said on my radio shows The Blues Road and The Jazz Café, it was nice seeing new and different art, virtually but there is nothing like being a few feet, even inches away from great art. Large or small, art deserves an audience. I was speaking with Lisa Redpath about the timeframe for opening Studio 2880. Lisa is hoping for a June 1 re-opening. I received a statement from Carolyn Holmes at Two Rivers Gallery that says they are taking a phased approach to the eventual opening of the gallery while relying on the provincial government and BC Museum Association for guidance.

These are still hard times for artists and especially arts groups. Sean Farrell of the Community Arts Council of Prince George and Region has said that there are tough decisions to be made and some consultation with the tenants and users of the facility will need to take place before and decisions can be made around opening the facility for those tenants and user groups. Safety is uppermost in both Sean and Lisa’s minds.

Artrepeneur Kim Hayhurst, who is renovating a space to open The Makerie, is still shooting for a July 1 grand opening. There is no Canada Day in the park this year so, why not head down to the Makerie, in a social distancing sort of way, and help Kim celebrate? What is the Makerie? Check out the Arts North podcast or visit her on Facebook. 

Christina Watts, owner of Watts Art Academy, is offering a more personalized shopping experience and feels the pieces are still shifting. The art supply chain is a bit tenuous and the safety of staff and patrons are too important for a full opening today. The situation is fluid.

It will be different for everyone. 

The only thing one can depend as a certainty is the return of three-hour parking limit for downtown.

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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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