Art
Fort McMurray group activates art in campaign against gender-based violence
A non-profit organization in Fort McMurray is aiming to raise awareness about gender-based violence by taking part in an international campaign called 16 Days of Activism.
The annual campaign kicks off on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Sundas Shamshad, interim executive director of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, said 16 Days teaches girls about self-respect and confidence, and how to see themselves reflected in positive role models.
There will be two workshops in Fort McMurray — one about defining gender-based violence and another about supporting survivors and creating awareness about the issue.
“Sometimes people think it’s normal to, for example, being catcalled when you’re walking down the street … just to be mindful of those things and say, ‘No, that’s not acceptable,'” Shamshad said.
The campaign includes an art exhibit that will be shown in the front entrance to MacDonald Island Park, and a radio campaign to tell people about 16 Days of Activism.
Several submissions for the art exhibit have already been received. Shamshad emphasized that the exhibit is not only for children, and she wants to encourage adults to participate as well.
“The idea is to just spark a conversation,” Shamshad said. She said she wants women to feel empowered to recognize when a situation isn’t right or safe.
Holly Hashimi, a volunteer with Girls Inc., was one of the keynote speakers for 16 Days of Activism in 2021.
She said that when she was working in Fort McMurray years ago, she was attacked in a public washroom. A man came in and attacked her, punching and kicking, she said. She started screaming as loud as she could.
“Unfortunately no one heard me, but it was enough to scare him away,” Hashimi said. The man was never caught.
She used her experience to help others, volunteering for victim’s services and Girls Inc.
She wanted to share her experience with young people so they can protect themselves and understand what victims go through.
When she was attacked, she didn’t know anyone else who had gone through anything similar.
“I wanted them to know … it could happen to anyone. It does happen,” Hashimi said. She shared tips on how to support someone who has gone through a traumatic experience.
“The programming is so important for young girls to understand their worth,” she said.
Her presentation last year was the first time she spoke publicly about being attacked.
“It was part of my healing process,” Hashimi said. “I started as a victim just in the darkest part of my life and I didn’t see any way out. And now I can talk about it. I can use it to help others.”
Gabriella Tobin, 8, is one of the artists sharing her work in the exhibition. She made a mixed-media picture to highlight the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
She’s excited to have her artwork displayed at MacDonald Island, where thousands of people will get to see it.
“I just wanted to just do a little to show everyone what I can do, because I really like drawing,” Gabriella said.
“I’m hoping to see everyone … just look at it and think for a little bit. For a moment.”
She said she wants her art to make people to stop and think about violence affecting Indigenous women and girls.
Gabriella — who is Indigenous — said she thinks about how she would feel if anything happened to her mom or siblings.
The art exhibition will launch on Nov. 25, with submissions accepted until Nov. 18.
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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.
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.
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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