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Community group wants drill hall building for art space – GuelphToday

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A group advocating for a downtown community art space gathered at the historic Guelph drill hall building earlier this week to see what opportunities the vacant historic building has to offer.

It was the first time members from the Guelph Centre for Visual Art met, a group that envisions a dynamic and inclusive community artspace at 72 Farquhar St.

“It’s great to finally come together, to see the potential, and to see what possibilities await,” said Mike Salisbury, chair of the Guelph CVA working group.

“Since the very beginning when this group was first formed, it’s been all about visual arts. Artists need a space focused on that.”

In June, the city called for potential user groups to step forward with ideas for uses for the former drill hall building. The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is Sept. 26.

Salisbury says creation of a community art space is long overdue.

With the group’s Instagram now reaching over 1,000 followers, Salisbury says many community members are showing their support for a dynamic and inclusive community art space.  

“This is a community-driven initiative and a decades-old, pent-up need. Part of the problem we faced were people who had just lost hope saying that they are not going to bother getting excited about this anymore, people who had ‘dream fatigue’,” Salisbury said.

The drill hall was built in 1866 on the northeast corner of Wyndham and Farquhar streets. It was initially used as a training facility for Guelph’s voluntary militia, as well as to hold local agricultural shows. Through the years it has also operated as a general community hall and was occupied by a variety of industrial uses.

The designated heritage building has been vacant since 2006. 

Salisbury says the heritage building is a prime location that could potentially include accessible studio spaces and galleries.

“Starting with the obvious, it is large space. It is also a large wooden barn with no parking in the middle of the downtown. But it is a space that is immediately connected in all ways but the automobile. So, it kind of gives us an opportunity to be a real leader,” Salisbury said.

“As part of the downtown, this building taps into the whole cultural vibe that is downtown, which in turn, plugs onto all other things including other events as well as our coffee shops and restaurants.”

Once a Guelph city councillor, Salisbury says he is personally invested in seeing a community art space take shape in the city’s core.

“It was 10 years ago since I was part of the decision that required (former owner) Metrolinx to refurbish the old drill hall for community use. So, we took a stance as a heritage building, to preserve it and but turn it into something. Since then, it’s gone through some flips and flops,” he said.

“Also, I quit politics to move full-time into artistic practice. This building can contribute to artistic sustainability. We need to connect with others. This is about having a place that is for like-minded individuals, people moving in a creative direction.”

The Guelph Centre for Visual Art was established to respond to an opportunity to partner with the City of Guelph in the restoration and reuse of the drill hall in downtown Guelph.

The group envisions the space will offer accessible studio spaces, galleries, resources, and workshops to empower Guelph visual artists.

According to the Guelph Centre for Visual Art, the high ceilings, expansive open floor area, and natural lighting of this 14,000-sq.-ft. facility offers a “perfect environment” to contribute to the growth and sustainability of Guelph’s visual arts community

Janine Smith is an inspiring artist and member of the Guelph Centre for Visual Art.

“This is a perfect space for an art centre. There’s an opportunity to bring so many people together, artists, teachers, community leaders, increase the tourism in the city, make use of a structure that is here and has been empty for the last 30 years,” Smith said.

“It’s time for this building to have its new purpose.”

Victoria Coates from Guelph says she understands both sides of the fence.

“I understand why space is difficult to come by and I also understand the frustration from artists trying to acquire space,” Coates said.

“And also, this is deeply personal for me. My family has a history of working to beautify downtown Guelph. My mother was chair of the River Run building committee, my father did the design for the square. So, for me, the opportunity to bring all of those pieces together, I would regret not taking the opportunity to be a part of this.”

Coates says the drill hall is an incredibly desirable location. Being downtown and close to transit, it can offer a variety of tourism opportunities.

“To see this building and the potential for it as a tourist destination, it is absolutely awesome. And to see the way that the light moves through this space, this is an opportunity for people to come and see artists create here, and in a space that has so much history,” Coates said.

“To think how many different people have been here, from manufacturers, to militia, and to connect all of that into the future, what a legacy this can be for the community and for the city.”

After the proposals submission deadline, city staff will review ideas and “select or recommend to council the best applicant(s)” based on financial viability, community impact and overall feasibility of proposed concepts for use of the property.

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Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

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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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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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