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Brock University ensures future of Rodman Hall art collection – ThoroldNews.com

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NEWS RELEASE
BROCK UNIVERSITY
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Brock University and Rodman Hall Art Centre (RHAC) Inc., a community not-for-profit citizens group, have finalized plans to ensure the art collection within Rodman Hall will remain a community asset with a sustainable future. The initiative will see the art collection return to community ownership under the stewardship of the RHAC Inc. The Rodman Hall property itself has been acquired by a new community-based owner.

Securing reliable community ownership for the art has been a goal of the University since it stepped forward to save the collection and Rodman Hall in 2003, at a time when its future was in serious doubt.

Under the agreement, the University will transfer ownership of the art collection to RHAC Inc., a group that has worked with Brock on a strategy to ensure proper management and presentation of the collection. The art collection comprises approximately 1,000 objects, including paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures by Canadian, American and European artists from the past three centuries.

Brock will also provide RHAC Inc. with seed funding to help the organization establish a new community location, while the City of St. Catharines will work with RHAC Inc. to help identify potential locations to house the collection.

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik said the new agreement represents a strategic and sustainable solution for ensuring the future of the artwork.

“This is a positive move forward in creating a space in which people can experience and explore visual public art in St. Catharines,” said Sendzik. “The City looks forward to working with RHAC Inc. and Brock to find a suitable, accessible location for this important art collection.” 

“We are thankful to RHAC Inc.’s community members for stepping forward, and to Brock University for its considerable investments over the years to safeguard and steward the collection and the site.”

In a parallel arrangement, the Rodman Hall property in west St. Catharines is being purchased by a local group headed by Nino Donatelli, who has an established reputation for heritage building restoration and conversion and property redevelopment. Previous projects include the commercial core in Old Port Dalhousie, and the former Domtar/CN rail lands in Merritton that include the Keg Restaurant and the Stone Mill Inn Plaza.

“I am excited by the opportunity to explore the potential for refashioning this iconic property for additional residential uses while preserving the historic home and gardens,” said Donatelli.

University President Gervan Fearon said Brock and RHAC Inc. have worked together to ensure the art collection continues to be a community-owned asset with a sustainable future.

Fearon said protecting this seminal archive of local artwork was a key reason why Brock first agreed to assume responsibility for the collection and Rodman Hall 17 years ago, when the future of both was in question. During that span, the University has spent more than $7-million maintaining the collection and the site.

“Brock is a community partner, and one of our core priorities is a commitment to support the vitality of the Niagara community,” said Fearon.

“It has been a privilege to partner with these community leaders and the RHAC Inc. Each shares a common goal to protect the integrity of the art collection, which is a unique and irreplaceable community asset. The new plan ensures that the community will be able to enjoy and access the collection, and indeed will be the rightful owner of it.”

Lynn Wells, the University’s provost and vice-president, Academic, said Brock is delighted that RHAC Inc. is taking on this role.

“Brock has had a strong connection with the local arts community, especially through the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, and we’re delighted that the art will remain in Niagara and in a new location,” said Wells. “It is crucial to protect the future for this important collection.”

RHAC inc. is a not-for-profit, community-based corporation established in 2019 to operate a public art gallery for the Niagara community. Its chair Jean Bridge said the collection is an important community asset that must be protected and appreciated.

“RHAC inc. welcomes the opportunity provided by Brock University to ensure that Rodman Hall’s very fine art collection is well maintained, its archives fully catalogued and key elements of the collection digitized,” said Bridge. “We look forward to ongoing collaboration with Brock and the City of St. Catharines in planning for the future of our community public art gallery.”

RHAC member Ken Lucyshyn said the group is pleased to be taking on a central role in the plan.

“The University has enabled RHAC Inc. to take on management of the RHAC permanent art collection,” said Lucyshyn, who is executive vice-president, Aggregates and Construction at Walker Industries Holdings. “RHAC Inc. is set to engage a professional museum registrar who will be responsible for the day-to-day work of maintaining the condition, records and use of the collection.”

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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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