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Arts Council Wood Buffalo launches virtual art exhibit – Toronto Star

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Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) has launched an online exhibition of artworks created through the Art of Conversation program.

In partnership with St. Aidan’s Society, ACWB connected local seniors with artists in the community. Seniors and artists were paired together and talked over the phone. Artists then created a piece of art based on their conversation. The program was called the Art of Conversation.

Liana Wheeldon, executive director of ACWB, said the arts council was hoping to host an in-person exhibit for pieces made during the program, but COVID-19 health restrictions has pushed everything online.

“One of the biggest concerns for our local artists is the lack of opportunity to showcase their work,” said Wheeldon. “The artists need to have an audience.”

There are 29 art pieces that can be viewed on ACWB’s website and Wheeldon said there are more artworks to be posted.

Finished pieces include songs, paintings, poems and even a balloon sculpture.

For Wheeldon, one of the most surprising pieces was a song written by Cory Huber about the senior he was paired with, Rudy Loy. Huber, usually creating experimental hip-hop tracks, was inspired to write a country folk song. It’s called “Rudy’s Song,” after his conversation with Loy.

“It was quite a departure for him,” Wheeldon said about Huber’s contribution. “It was a lovely story that he had to tell about the senior he worked with.”

Other than the initial awkwardness of being on the phone with a stranger, Wheeldon said artists and seniors built strong connections with each other.

Some artists have formed lasting friendships with the seniors they met. Wheeldon said one artist is taking a watercolour painting class with the senior she met.

“Some of our seniors are really isolated and don’t have family here, or are in a small community and they’re in lockdown,” said Wheeldon. “It’s been really nice to give them someone new to meet over the phone or virtually.”

In 2021, ACWB is planning to put out a second call out for artists and seniors to participate in the Art of Conversation. Suncor will continue funding the program and Wheeldon is excited to see what local artists will create next.

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“Artists are uniquely wired to express emotions,” said Wheeldon. “We feel isolated and we feel like we’re the only ones that are having these troubles but when you connect with art you see that you’re not alone.”

swilliscraft@postmedia.com

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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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