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Twenty-six years ago Mark Perry raised his hand at his son’s soccer practice and volunteered to fill in for the head coach the odd weekend — here and there — when needed.
Twenty-six years ago Mark Perry raised his hand at his son’s soccer practice and volunteered to fill in for the head coach the odd weekend — here and there — when needed.
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On Sunday, Perry accepted the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Owen Sound Arts, Culture and Volunteer Awards inside the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.
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“It’s funny how things can evolve,” Perry said.
Owen Sound Minor Soccer registered more than 1,000 kids last summer, and even though Perry’s children have grown up he’s still the backbone and president of the steadily run organization, his nominators said.
Perry is the Rogers TV Grey County station manager and said his day job constantly reminds him of how important volunteers are to Owen Sound.
“I see it every day,” he said.
The Owen Sound Arts, Culture and Volunteer Awards celebrate excellence in the arts, culture and heritage in the greater Owen Sound area. This year, the celebration event included awards for Volunteer, Youth Volunteer, and Senior Volunteer of the Year.
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Local poet, filmmaker and climate activist Elizabeth (Liz) Zetlin won the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of work promoting the arts and climate action in the region.
“Lifetime kind of sounds a little bit like you’re done, but I’ve still got a few years left,” said Zetlin, who used part of her acceptance speech to promote and recruit volunteers for her new venture Pollinate Owen Sound, in partnership with the OPEN team consisting of the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library, Billy Bishop Museum, Waterfront Heritage Centre and the art gallery.
Zetlin helped create the city’s poet laureate position and the Words Aloud festival. More recently, she produced, directed and edited the documentary Resilience
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Neyaashiinigmiing’s J.D. Crosstown earned the Emerging Artist award with a $500 cash prize. The singer/songwriter grew up in the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation with Cree and Ojibwe heritage. His music has roots in folk, country and blues and he’s fresh off a tour in Germany supporting local musician Matt Epp.
Raquell Yang won the Outstanding Individual Award. Originally from Taiwan, Yang is now a mainstay in the Owen Sound arts community where she mixes eastern and western styles in her brush paintings. She also supports the community with pop-up workshops and gallery events. Her best-known work is likely the impressive mural painted on the side of the Grey Gallery in downtown Owen Sound entitled Transformation.
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The Georgian Bay School for the Arts won the Cultural Catalyst Award and Dean McLellan earned the Cultural Heritage Award for work restoring the Saugeen Amphitheater.
Sweetwater Music Festival won the award for Outstanding Group. The Emancipation Festival won the award for Outstanding Event, and the Owen Sound Memoir Series won the Most Promising New Event award.
Sandy Stevenson won Senior Volunteer of the Year while Junior Optimist Shayla Adamson won Youth Volunteer of the Year.
Musicians Magenta and Simon Dawes provided musical interludes throughout the ceremony.
More than 100 people attended the ceremony inside the TOM’s North Gallery. MPP Rick Byers, Mayor Ian Boddy and several city councillors attended.
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Diana Meder from Grey-Bruce’s Bounce Radio was host for the ceremony. Performers from the Roxy Star Company opened the event.
To be eligible for an award, nominees had to live in the greater Owen Sound area and make a significant local contribution or a national/international impact.
Full-time city employees and elected officials are not eligible to be nominated, nor are posthumous nominations accepted.
The award’s jury is made up of previous event winners.
PAST WINNERS:
2022 winners:
Cultural Catalyst – Christy Eaglesham (Taylor)
Cultural Heritage – Potters Field Monument Volunteer Steering Committee
Outstanding Event – Georgian Bay Symphony Virtual Sessions
Outstanding Group – Reconciliation Garden Project
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Outstanding Individual – Tyler Boyle, Spirit Artist
Emerging Artist – Paige Warner
Most Promising New Event – Earth Day Grey Bruce
Lifetime Achievement – Shirley John
2020 winners:
Cultural Catalyst – Community Foundation Grey-Bruce
Cultural Heritage – Wiidosendiwag+Walking Together+Marchons Ensemble Tour
Outstanding Event – Scenic City Film Festival
Outstanding Group – Lookup Theatre
Outstanding Individual – Stephanie Fowler
Emerging Artist – Kevin Griffin
Most Promising New Event – Owen Sound Art Walk
Lifetime Achievement – Wilmer Nadjiwon
2018 winners:
Cultural Catalyst – R. Michael Warren
Cultural Heritage – Maryann Thomas
Outstanding Event – 42nd Annual Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival
Outstanding Group – Georgian Bay Symphony
Outstanding Individual – Steve Ritchie
Emerging Artist – Chris Morton
Most Promising New Event – Awesome Sydenham Riverfest Extravaganza
Lifetime Achievement – Stephen J. Hogbin
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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.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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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.
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.
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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