Art
he art split between Heard, Museum of the West
Phoenix supermarket magnate Eddie Basha loved his Native and Western art collection. After amassing an impressive collection of more than 2,000 pieces, he built a gallery to house it all and welcomed the public to see it free of charge.
Now that gallery is closing, and two metro Phoenix art museums will assume stewardship of the Eddie Basha Collection of American Indian and Western American fine art.
The Heard Museum will accept the Indigenous art, and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West will give Basha’s Western art collection a new home and a new wing to display it. The donation will be formalized Monday at the Basha Gallery, located at the Bashas’ Support Center in South Chandler.
Basha began collecting art in 1971 after his aunt suggested he get a hobby. Nadine Basha, Eddie’s widow, said his love of Western art came after becoming friends with painter John Clymer.
“Eddie would stay at John’s home in Wyoming,” Nadine said. “John sparked his collection of Western art.”
‘Every piece had a story’
Eddie Basha, who had a bachelor’s degree in history from Stanford, was particularly interested in the history behind each painting, kachina doll, basket or pot, Nadine Basha said.
“Every piece had a story,” she said. Basha also sought to know the stories of the artists who created the art. Although some pieces, like baskets, came to the collection with no artists’ names noted, Basha still loved every piece, as does Nadine.
Eventually, the collection grew to include art that spans three centuries, including rare and important examples of paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, kachina dolls and basketry from the Akimel O’odham, Tohono O’odham, Yavapai, Apache, Hopi and Navajo tribes, members of the Cowboy Artists of America and many other artists.
Basha forged relationships with several artists, including Clymer and Hopi carver Cecil Calnimptewa, Nadine said.
Basha also wanted the public to enjoy his collection and built the gallery to house his growing treasure trove of art. The gallery was always free to the public.
Basha even managed to keep the collection intact through the company’s 2009-2011 Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Basha died in 2013 at 75.
Art collection needed to move after company sale
In 2021, the Basha family sold the 113-store chain, which includes supermarkets in several tribal communities, to California-based Raley’s Holding Company.
When the family learned the building would no longer be occupied, Nadine Basha said they had to make a decision.
“What do you do with 2,000 pieces of art?” she said.
Soon, the Museum of the West approached the Bashas with an offer to house the Western art in a new home. The Heard followed suit.
The offer appealed to the family since the collection would still be intact and remain in Arizona.
“It’s what Eddie would have wanted,” Nadine Basha said.
Heard Museum CEO David M. Roche said the Basha family’s “extraordinary gift” would enhance its collection and help tell the story of a towering Arizona figure, Eddie Basha.” Every work in the collection tells a story of the community the art came from and showcases the contributions Native artists have made to the arts and culture of Arizona, he said.
“We look forward to sharing these works of Indigenous creation from the Basha Collection with visitors to the Heard Museum, in perpetuity,” Roche said, “and hope that the Arizona community will share in the pride we feel as stewards of these precious works of art.”
Todd Bankofier, CEO of the Scottsdale museum, cited Eddie Basha’s vision that “art is meant to be shared.”
“We are honored to be a custodian of that vision by exhibiting his collection as well as his legacy in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale,” Bankofier said.
Basha’s first purchase, a miniature bronze of a cowboy by sculptor Don Polland, remains in the collection and continues to remind Basha of his love for the West.
“Eddie’s collection was founded upon advice from his Aunt Zelma, ‘collect what you love,'” Bankofier said.
Nadine Basha said the two museums would work together on exhibits.
Though she knows the collection will have new homes and still be enjoyed by visitors, Nadine Basha said the move to donate the collection was bittersweet.
But, she said, “It’s the right thing to do.”
The gallery will be open through Nov. 30.
Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @debkrol.
Coverage of Indigenous issues at the intersection of climate, culture and commerce is supported by the Catena Foundation.
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.
[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
Source link
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.
Florida State asks judge to rule on parts of suit against ACC, hoping for resolution without trial
Australia’s Michael Matthews earns third win at Quebec cycling GP
Whitecaps loan Herdman to CPL’s Cavalry, sign two reserve players to first-team deals
12 Bizarre Things People Did Just To Make Social Media Content
AP source: Bears acquiring quarterback Nick Foles from Jaguars – Sportsnet.ca
dynaCERT Inc. Invites You to Join Us at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference | INN – Investing News Network
-
Sports22 hours agoLawyer says Chinese doping case handled ‘reasonably’ but calls WADA’s lack of action “curious”
-
Sports6 hours ago
Dolphins will bring in another quarterback, while Tagovailoa deals with concussion
-
News22 hours ago
RCMP say 3 dead, suspects at large in targeted attack at home in Lloydminster, Sask.
-
News21 hours ago
B.C. to scrap consumer carbon tax if federal government drops legal requirement: Eby
-
News22 hours ago
Ceiling high for Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ahmed: Canada coach
-
Sports8 hours ago
David Beckham among soccer dignitaries attending ex-England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
-
News20 hours ago
A linebacker at West Virginia State is fatally shot on the eve of a game against his old school
-
News22 hours ago
Ottawa loses bid to quash Israel advocates’ lawsuit calling for halt to UNRWA funding
