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Charlottetown’s Art in the Open went ahead despite rain and a pandemic

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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. —

At Confederation Landing Park in Charlottetown, a woman puts a pile of dirt back into a dump truck one bucket at a time.

Nearby on the Charlottetown waterfront, the sounds of dial tones, operator instructions and whale calls drift out from scattered radios.

These two exhibits at this year’s Art in the Open joined others that ranged from art in downtown shop windows to large fake tree-trunks in the former Mavor’s courtyard.

Three of the radios broadcasting operator instructions and ocean sounds overlook Peakes Quay as part of this year’s Art in the Open. – Michael Robar

Due to Saturday’s weather, some exhibits were moved or rescheduled, though most went forward as intended, including the giant crow puppet which replaced the March of the Crows, said Ghislaine Cormier, executive director of Fédération culturelle de l’ÎPÉ, which helps run the annual festival.

“It was the first time in 10 years, actually, that it rained for Art in the Open day, but you can’t win them all. That’s basically how we’re thinking about it.”

In Rochford Square, speakers were playing lullabies in over 40 languages. Titled Berceurs du temps, or Lulling Time, the exhibit featured a pop-up recording studio where people could add a recording of their own.

Dylan Goode went to Art in the Open to participate and decided to throw his voice into the mix.

“I sang a verse from You Are My Sunshine because it’s a pretty important one for me and my family.”

The song was one his mother used to sing to him and his sister, and he had little hesitation to record it.

“It’s something in the family, so why not share it?”

Guy Brun peels an onion as part of Valerie Salez’s Alone Together Together Alone, in which people perform the activity they did most in quarantine while isolating in painted rectangles at Victoria Park. Brun, who moved back to the Island during the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic made plenty of soup while he self-isolated after arriving. – Michael Robar

Though less interactive, Norma Jean MacLean’s Work was plenty active, as the Island artist monotonously moved dirt for hours at the Confederation Landing Park.

“It’s about the processes of doing and undoing on a day-to-day level and highlighting that kind of cycle we go through every day with multiple tasks,” she said.

Inspired by her father, who used to drive a similar truck, MacLean sees Art in the Open as an opportunity to show people the potential art has to connect with their every-day lives.

“I hope they see how art can make a connection to the day-to-day using things that are quite common but not necessarily traditional artistic mediums.”

Artist Norma Jean MacLean shovels dirt into a plastic bucket as part of her art instillation in Confederation Landing Park. Titled Work, the performance art piece was meant to comment on the amount of work people do and undo every day. – Michael Robar

That aspect of Art in the Open, to engage with people who might not otherwise care, is part of what keeps bringing Dianne Campbell and Paul Wansbrough back every year.

“Art is an obscure type of thing and, like so many things, it’s all in the eye of the beholder,” said Wansbrough.

That obscurity makes it hard for some people to take it seriously, said Campbell, but Art in the Open can address it.

“It makes people appreciate the fact that art is, and could be more, important to them if they paid attention more.”

Source:- TheChronicleHerald.ca

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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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