Art

Guelph's rich art scene struggles to perform during the pandemic – GuelphToday

Published

4 years ago

September 3, 2020

It has been a difficult time for art during the pandemic as local artists and art organizations have struggled to keep their craft alive.

In the artistic Royal City, the pandemic not only put a stop to live performances, live galleries, and festivals — something artists thrive on to survive — but it has also made it difficult for artistic community spaces to cater to these artists.

“A lot of us are struggling and it’s a scary time to look t the future and not really see a clear cut end,” said Scarlett Raczycki, executive director of Silence which provides a space for artists to showcase their work on Essex Street.

She said since the closure of Silence in March, approximately 100 artists have been affected.

“Because our venue is small, it is difficult to make sure that everyone is safe when they’re in there in a bigger capacity and we have to take into consideration how we can fit artists if we can only fit 10 people,” said Raczycki. She also added that the venue is now available for rent for small events.

Raczycki said while the organization has been very fortunate to receive government funding — $15,000 from the Canadian Council of Arts — a lot of them are beginning to wrap up.

“Right now we’re just looking to find new ways to support musicians and artists and still be able to connect audiences to them as well,” said Raczycki.

She said there has been an intense call to perform virtually, but that that option is difficult to monetize.

“Folks are so used to having free access to a lot of content online so I’ve noticed a great many of online live streams and performances musicians are offering are free which has been super uplifting for audiences online but doesn’t help contribute to the lack of funding musicians have had,” said Raczycki.

And needless to say, a virtual performance does not offer the same experience a live performance does.

“You want that human contact. I would classify myself as an entertainer rather than a musician. You need that connection,” said James Gordon, a well known Guelph musician and City of Guelph councillor.

Gordon performed his last concert in February.

“That’s a long time to be without any income, a long time to not be connected to your fans,” said Gordon who had a solo concert tour scheduled to perform in 20 cities in Western Canada right when COVID-19 hit.

“In one day, I lost about $20,000,” said Gordon. “I can’t think of many other vocations that are 100 per cent out of business, but we are.”

He said the pandemic helped shine a light on an already struggling business for local artists where no one buys CDs.

“It’s going to catch up with us eventually because if recording artists can’t generate revenue from the recordings they make, then they cant do it and those people that are getting it for free won’t get anything,” said Gordon.

“Something’s got to change.”

A survey about COVID-19 impacts on arts and culture which surveyed over 800 respondents across Canada found that over $20 million in income was lost due to COVID-19 as of April 12. The estimated economic impact from lost revenue in arts and culture across Canada is $1.5 to $1.9 billion. The income loss per artist is estimated to be approximately $22,000 per person.

Patti Broughton, executive director of the Guelph Arts Council — who caters to a range of artists such as performance artists, theatre artists, musicians, visual artists and writers among more — said the impact on livelihood is very significant because artists are losing numerous paid gigs.

“Notice that artists aren’t the most paid of workers, you can easily see the impact,” said Broughton.

“There’s so much about the arts that have in the past happened in person so the live performing arts have been pretty devastated by this.”

During the months the Art Gallery of Guelph was closed as a result of provincial regulations, the gallery had to reinvent itself, go online and support alternative forms of learning and public engagement.

“It was a particularly challenging period for the Art Gallery of Guelph and yet one full of new insight and opportunities as well,” said Shauna McCabe, executive director of the Art Gallery of Guelph.

“With the declaration of states of emergency around the world and the shutdowns that resulted, artists globally have been faced both a lack of spaces and stages to share their work and the elimination of sources of financial support,” said McCabe.

McCabe said despite financial insecurity, she has seen the struggles of artists paralleled by immense generosity from artists and performers to assist and support their community.

“If we think about how important creative expression has been to all of our lives throughout this period, it is clear that the arts provide us with both a sense of context and community,” said McCabe.

Raczycki said many can agree that the world turned to art to help cope with the pandemic whether it’s been binge-watching Netflix, revisiting an old vinyl collection or tuning in to music live streams.

“There’s been a lot of community togetherness being led by musicians and artists putting together different digital projects,” said Raczycki.

She said it’s important for the community to remember that if they want something to be there at the other end, they have to check-in.

“We’re in it for the long haul. We want to survive through it but it’s a matter of having that community buy-in and being able to come together after. This is going to be a really magical moment,” said Raczycki.

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

Published

5 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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