Art

Creating art and community: Dundee Doodle Art Studio – KitchenerToday.com

Published

5 years ago

February 26, 2020

For Jill Bossence, it feels like art is part of her DNA. “I’ve always loved painting and drawing, even when I was really little,” she says. When it came time to make a career choice, Jill knew that art was the path she needed to follow. “I always liked working with kids, but I also had my passion for art,” she says. “The art was pulling me much more, so I just had to go with it.” While many of her friends were pursuing more traditional career paths, Jill was accepted into the Interpretive Illustration program at Sheridan College. While she was there, she began to be commissioned to create paintings. Eventually she entered one of her pieces into a juried art show in Brampton, and to her surprise she won. It was that win that made her feel validated as an artist.

After graduation Jill launched her first business called Scrambled Arts which she describes as a ‘little bit of everything’ – primarily commissioned water colour and acrylic paintings. However, the work wasn’t enough to pay the bills, so eventually she took on other jobs. She continued with her art on the side, doing commission pieces and leading art classes for kids and adults. Jill married, had a son, and eventually she and her family moved to New Dundee. It was during an evening walk through the town that the vision for a new artist dream seemed to appear in front of her.

“I saw this building that I’d never really noticed before,” she explains. “It was for rent, so I went back home and told my husband about it.” Jill had family members who had been encouraging her to start her own art studio; and this building seemed to call to her. A few weeks later on another walk, Jill noticed the building was still for rent. This time, the lights were on and the owner was there. She knocked on the door and asked if she could see inside. “I took one look, and thought ‘Oh my gosh – this is perfect!’

Excited, she went back home to tell her husband about the space, and the rental cost. His response? “He said ‘Jill, this is a no-brainer. You’ve got to try it.’ ” And with that, Dundee Doodle Art Studio was born.

Everything came together very quickly. Jill says she didn’t really have a plan, but things just seemed to fall into place. “I just kind of dove in, and it evolved.”

Dundee Doodle offers Morning Doodle and After School sessions for kids in grades 1 through 7. There are also full day camps available during PD days, March Break and during the summer. Jill (or Miss Jill as the kids call her) has also been able to provide day camps during the recent strike days, providing a place for the kids to work on their projects, play, and have fun. The day camps offered at Dundee Doodle provide a full day for the kids, where they’ll do four different art projects throughout the day – everything from painting and drawing, to creating objects with air-dry clay and even learning how to weave. In a day and age where technology encourages kids to multitask and do things quickly, Jill says art teaches them to slow down and focus. “Sometimes I have to remind them that art is not a ‘race’ – I tell them to slow down, and take their time. They learn to relax – and, they end up with a better end result when they take their time.” And for times during the day when the kids are full of energy, Jill takes them outdoors to a nearby park where they can burn off steam.

Dundee Doodle also offers Social Paint Nights, where adults get a chance to let their inner artist out. Jill also offers corporate Team Building sessions, where participants are put into groups and need to work together to create a piece of art. And twice a week, she leads art classes for dementia patients at Highview Residences in Kitchener – work that she says is very fulfilling.

While she admits being in business for yourself can be hectic, Jill says she loves what she’s doing. “How many people can say they love their job? I get excited about the work I do here: when I first started the studio I wasn’t sleeping at night – not because I was stressed, but because I was so excited planning what I was going to be doing next!” She also realizes she’s a role model for the young, aspiring artists who come to Dundee Doodle. “I never thought I could do this – open a studio and have a business. I just thought I could be an artist,” she says. “I think it’s good for the kids to see a woman doing this – having her own business and enjoying it. They’ve actually asked me if I get paid to do this: I think because it’s so much fun here, they forget this is really a business!”

Spaces are still available for the studio’s upcoming March Break art camps. For more information, contact Dundee Doodle.

Dundee Doodle Art Studio
1454 Bridge Street, New Dundee
https://dundeedoodle2.wixsite.com/studio

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Art

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

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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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

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

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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