Art
Local decoupage artist looking to retrieve lost works of art
An Orillia artist who has spent decades perfecting her craft is looking to enlist the public’s help in retrieving some of her lost artwork.
Peggy Little, 83, began her lifelong decoupage hobby nearly 50 years ago, fashioning realistic birds, plants, and natural scenery out of little more than paper, and transforming desks, dinner plates, and more into impressive works of art with influences from around the globe.
For the uninitiated, the art of decoupage involves using paper cutouts, paint, and even gold leaf to transform ordinary objects into artwork – all of which Little has incorporated into her work.
Over the years, Little has created countless pieces, often with great sentimental value. Her living room, for example, is currently adorned with a piece she created out of a relative’s antique desk, and a heron crafted from a photo taken near her home.
Several years ago, however, Little lost a number of pieces that she loved.
When she and her husband were looking to downsize from their Washago home to their current condo in Orillia, Little fell ill and had to be hospitalized.
Although she had planned on downsizing her decoupage collection, as well, Little said auctioneers sold off a large portion of her work during that time without consulting her.
“These are personal things that I’ve worked on for years, and they should have been boxed and brought to me,” she told OrilliaMatters.
Beyond her artwork, Little also lost the Langman family bible that had been in her family for generations.
“It had been in the family for years and years – generations – and it’s gone. Now why would somebody want to buy somebody’s Bible? It should have been returned to me,” she said.
Her hope is that if anyone has a piece of her art that’s missing (most of her artwork is dated and signed, she said), she would be willing to buy it back at the price they paid for it.
“If people had it in their hearts and knew what it meant to me, I would be willing to pay whatever they paid for it and buy it back,” she said. “It’s not like a piece of furniture. When people bought these things, they knew what they were buying.”
Little described decoupaging as a “passion” of hers, and said many of her pieces involve extensive work – the birds she crafts can take several weeks to complete, and other pieces have dozens of layers of varnish, which is then finely sanded, to produce the effect she desires.
“Your heart goes into it. It’s like somebody that does woodworking and finishes things off, and they take great pride in doing that sort of thing,” she said. “The birds and the frames … that takes probably a couple of weeks to do the feathering.”
She has travelled to the United States numerous times to learn new techniques from members of her decoupage guild, and taught numerous classes in Scarborough, Markham, and Maple over the years to anyone looking to learn the craft.
Even today, Little has numerous decoupage projects planned for the summer, and although she has retired from formal teaching, she said she is still open to sharing information about the craft with others.
Some of what Little lost during her hospital stay is as follows:
- A varnished cat, 10 inches high, with pure gold leaf;
- Two music boxes, one with a black background and “oriental” design, and another with a green background and floral design;
- A glass plate designed with flowers in a hexagon frame;
- A fire screen with three panels, with a green background and an oriental design on the front;
- A glass lamp with small red flowers and black paint transitioning to green at the top;
- A tilt top black tea table with a gold top;
- Numerous Fabrege Ostrich and Rhea eggs;
- The Langman family bible; and more
Should anyone have one of Little’s pieces of art, and would like to return it or resell it, OrilliaMatters can put them in contact with Little.
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
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
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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
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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