Art

Dundas Driving Park’s second public art installation progresses

Published

2 years ago

October 4, 2022

Five concrete bases or foundations have been poured along a path in Dundas Driving Park, the first step in completing the “Big Bounce” public art installation, originally planned for 2016. City staff say the project is still under budget despite delays.

City of Hamilton staff say the remaining $41,148 budget for a second Dundas Driving Park public art project will be enough to complete installation next year despite a six-year delay.

Five concrete bases for the long-planned “Big Bounce” were recently placed along a path in the middle of the park, each surrounded by orange fencing.

Public art manager Jeff Erbach’s update on the Dundas art installation, awarded to two British Columbia artists in 2015, to the city’s Arts Advisory Commission was postponed Sept. 27 when the committee meeting was cancelled due to technical issues with livestreaming. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 22.

City spokesperson Michelle Shantz said $103,952 of the $145,000 Driving Park project has been spent so far. Shantz did not say how much money is needed to complete remaining work and install it.

“No additional funds are being sought for the project,” Shantz said.

She said etching of images onto the artwork is still in progress, and once complete, the project can be installed. Staff are now targeting Spring 2023 for completion.

“The site plan is complete, and the foundation design and pouring of foundations is now finished in preparation for installation of the artwork,” Shantz said.

Originally scheduled for installation in 2016, “The Big Bounce” was proposed to feature five granite “balloons” that appear to be bouncing along the ground. Historic photos of the town of Dundas and the Dundas Driving Park were to be sandblasted into the granite.

Each of the five granite balloons were to be four feet high and six feet long, with two historic images on opposite sides of each balloon. They were each to be attached to two underground concrete foundations, measuring 36 by 36 inches and 24 by 24 inches.

A concept statement from artists Paul Slipper and Mary Ann Liu stated the goal was to create a sense of celebration and reflect on local history.

“Balloons are one of the most recognizable icons for celebrations in modern times,” the artists’ concept states. “They evoke memories of events such as sporting events, family picnics, parades, birthdays and happy occasions.”

Shantz said the city’s risk management staff participate in a technical review of permanent public art pieces at the adjudication stage to ensure they meet public safety concerns.

“At that early stage, before artwork is selected, artists have the ability to address any issues raised in the technical reviews,” she said.

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Art

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

Published

1 week 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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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

4 weeks 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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Art

Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

Published

4 weeks ago

August 15, 2024

Harry Miller

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.