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Fredericton's Beaverbrook Art Gallery is a step closer to getting a new look – CBC.ca

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Fredericton’s planning advisory committee approved a variance at Wednesday night’s meeting that will allow a new entryway and pavilion for the Beaverbrook Art Gallery to be built much closer to the street.

“It’s right at the sidewalk,” said Tom Smart, the gallery’s director.

The corners of the building will reach the sidewalk but it will concave toward the centre, setting the doorway back from the sidewalk and up a set of stairs. Smart likened the stairs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York — a place for people to congregate and a chance to bring them into the gallery.

“It’s certainly going to change the nature of that end of Queen Street,” said Coun. John MacDermid. 

A rendering of the side and front of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery after its expansion. (Beaverbrook Art Gallery)

Shirley Blumberg of KPMB Architects was hired to design the new expansion. Smart said the street’s surroundings were taken into consideration in talks with Blumberg. 

“We wanted to pick up on some of the architectural vocabulary in the neighbourhood behind the legislature, the porticos and the porches the rhythms down here in the historic district. We’ve picked up some motifs and wanted this architecture to reflect that,” he said. 

Although PAC passed the variance with no objection, there was some apprehension from the public. 

Local architect Ann Scovil, who was at the meeting for another matter, questioned the building’s proximity to the street. 

A rendering of the front entrance to the gallery. (Beaverbrook Art Gallery)

“This is a very public front, basically it creates a new frontage for the art gallery,” said Scovil. “It’s a very dramatic, long image to be introducing on Queen Street in my opinion … It’s going to be very dominant.” 

The new construction will house a cafe, a gift shop and gallery space.

“There will be a glass wall that people can see into and through and there will be art and projections. It just opens up many many more possibilities for the exhibition of art and for visitor services and amenities,” said Smart. 

But Smart said the old will not be erased. 

“What we’re doing is enclosing the front facade in this new building to reflect our respect not only for Lord Beaverbrook and what he did for the community and for art in Canada but we  want people to move through the sense of history into the new space by appreciating that great classical facade which is going to be a very important part of the interior space.”

This is a rendering of what the Beaverbrook Art Gallery would look like inside the front entrance after its expansion. (Beaverbrook Art Gallery)

Construction is expected to begin in the late spring, after flooding season. 

In an announcement last fall, the federal government committed $1 million from the Department of Canadian Heritage and $500,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to the project. Smart did not disclose how much the project would cost overall, but that budgeting was still being worked out.

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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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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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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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