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Icy Art Warms the Heart of a Calgary Community – Calgary Herald

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While some folks view snow shovelling as a chore, to Paul Carruthers it presents an opportunity to add a bit of temporary artwork to his neighbourhood.

When the snow falls and the Elbow River behind his home solidly freezes over, Carruthers takes shovel in hand to deftly clear the ice and create delightful pictures.

“It brings a little bit of happiness to people,” says Carruthers. “One of the biggest benefits is there’s a lot more people coming out to enjoy it.

“Neighbours you wouldn’t necessarily have seen before . . . come by to take a look or ask if they can skate here,” he says. “It’s nice to see people stop by.”

Skaters enjoy the artistic ice surface Paul Carruthers created on the Elbow River this winter. Lee Henderson photo.

Carruthers and wife Cristina originally decided to clear the river ice behind their condo (just south of the city’s centre) to provide a place for their daughters — Steph aged 10 and AJ aged 8 — to learn to skate. But it quickly became a draw for others in the neighbourhood.

Neighbours say the display adds a wonderful sparkle to their community, especially appreciated during these times of the pandemic.

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“When my three- and five-year-old granddaughters spend the night, we sit on the floor from my second-floor room with blankets and a warm drink and just stare out in the quiet night at the sights Paul has created, dreaming and imagining,” says neighbour Tara Klemke. “Tis a quiet playful oasis in the middle of the city.”

Past designs of this ice river art project have included this maple leaf. Paul Carruthers photo.

Carruthers said he started the artistic endeavour a few years ago while shovelling snow around the condo; he decided to just keep going and do a little bit more, extending his snow removal efforts onto the river.

A dolphin design he did was freehand, but he’s used a computer image, some simple measurements and a bit of grid work on the ice to create other images such as a turtle and maple leaf. A toboggan track across the river and Christmas light displays along the shore add to the overall effect.

It’s vital to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, especially during a time of COVID restrictions, says Carruthers.

With spring now almost upon us, this year’s icy artwork is all but gone. But a new plan is being hatched for next year.

“The last couple of years, we’ve been getting more creative,” he says. “We’ve got a couple of ideas for next year.”

Christmas lights add to the winter wonderland atmosphere of the ice art Paul Carruthers creates on the Elbow River each year. Sarah Raiss photo.
A photo of the 2020 maple leave Paul Carruthers created on the Elbow River. Paul Carruthers photo.

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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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