Art

Liane Faulder: Rebirth for arts scene in 2020 as Churchill Square and library come to life again

Published

5 years ago

December 30, 2019

Edmonton Arts Council’s Sanjay Shahani see bright arts future for the city

It’s easy to feel gloomy about prospects for the quality of life in Edmonton and Alberta in light of dramatic provincial budget cuts, threatened job losses, talk of separation and ongoing squabbles between Premier Jason Kenney and Ottawa.

But as 2020 approaches, take comfort in the arts scene in Edmonton — a spectacular bonus of living in our beloved, far-flung northern outpost.

Even as Alberta artists are poised to feel the provincial pinch — the Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and the Status of Women will lose 27 per cent of funding over the next three years and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts lost five per cent for 2019/20 — the city of Edmonton’s commitment to the arts remains strong, with additional investments planned over the next three years.

That positive perspective comes care of Sanjay Shahani, the executive director of the Edmonton Arts Council.

“The city values arts and culture in a different way than other cities,” said Shahani in a wide-ranging year-end conversation about the arts scene in River City.

As he points out, Edmonton is second only to Vancouver in municipal arts funding per capita nation-wide. While many other municipalities have art departments within their bureaucracy, Edmonton funnels all arts and culture funding through the Edmonton Arts Council, an arm’s length non-profit with its own board of directors.

With an operating budget of $14 million per year, the council helps support some 160 arts organizations, including key players such as The Citadel, the Art Gallery of Alberta, and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra — each of which receive roughly one million dollars a year.

The council is transparent about grants; the 2018 annual report lists which groups and individuals received city dollars, giving Edmontonians a good picture of how their taxes contribute to the city’s quality of life.

On top of its operating budget, Edmonton’s city council has pledged an additional $5 million to the EAC, distributed between 2019 and 2022, to fund its 10-year-plan to transform arts and heritage in Edmonton. The plan, which kicked off last year after broad consultation with the arts community and the public, aims to turn Edmonton into a “hub for extraordinary creation,” said Shahani.

Part of the plan’s thrust will see more local creativity in neighbourhoods, through free events such as this weekend’s Swing and Skate. Taking place at Ottewell community hall and arena on Jan. 4, and at city hall on Jan. 5, each of these events pairs live music by Edmonton bands with dance lessons by Sugar Swing Ballroom. There are free skates at each location for those who like to have their fun out-of-doors. (For more details, go to edmontonarts.ca and click on the picture of Winston Churchill.)

“We want to get people talking about art in a non-intimidating way,” said Shahani, referring to Swing and Skate and its equally popular summer counterpart, the Public Art Picnic. “It pushes art into the neighbourhoods. People say they want to have art in unexpected places.”

Well, not everybody says that. When the council, which is responsible for administering the city’s public art program, put a new, million-dollar sculpture by Berlin artist Thorsten Goldberg on top of the new city transit garage on Fort Road earlier this year, there was major pushback from city council members and community members alike. People thought the sculpture, called 53°30’N and representing abstract topography at the same latitude as Edmonton from around the world, should be in a traditional location, like a city park or prominent square.

But I like the piece where it is. Ideally, art should surround us as we live and work everywhere in the urban landscape; a glimpse of beauty during a commute can provide hope on a dreary day.

Asked what he’s looking forward to in 2020, Shahani points to the re-emergence of Churchill Square as a centre for summer festivals including the Street Performers Festival and Taste of Edmonton. Tix on the Square is expanding to offer a larger shop at Churchill Square, and more opportunities for local artists to sell tickets for a small administrative cost. The refurbished Stanley A. Milner library is to be unveiled this spring, when the public will see the newly restored, 50-year-old Norman Yates mural, brought back to its original splendour by the EAC’s conservation team (the only municipal team in the country).

Shahani, who came to Edmonton from Toronto three-and-a-half years ago to run the EAC, says he continues to be impressed with the city’s artistic perspective.

“It’s a city which is very warm, welcoming and friendly for anyone who wants to make room for themselves. It’s also bold and fearless in how it sees itself in its relationship with the world,” he reflects. “Edmonton has found a way to get noticed without having to brand itself as something it is not.”

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Art

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

Published

20 hours 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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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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