Art
Magazzino Italian Art: A Unique Museum Tucked In The Hudson Valley
Magazzino Italian Art is located in the historic village of Cold Spring, New York, across the Hudson River from West Point.
This unique museum—the only one of its kind in the United States—specializes exclusively in postwar and contemporary Italian art. As such, it offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of Italian art and culture close to home.
The museum’s impressive holdings include works of art from the 1950s to the present by Giovanni Anselmo, Alighiero Boetti, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Luciano Fabro, Jannis Kounellis, Mario Merz, Marisa Merz, Giulio Paolini, Pino Pascali, Giuseppe, Penone, Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Gilberto Zorio.
When one visits the museum, one can’t help but wonder how this gem ever came to be sited on five acres of farmland in the Hudson Valley countryside.
The Patrons
The husband-wife team of Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu, passionate art collectors, slowly began acquiring art that appealed to their senses, building a priceless private collection over three decades. They began exhibiting their work in 2000 at the Museum of Arts and Design in Manhattan, sharing their distinctive Murano glass collection in an exhibition titled “Venetian Glass: 20th-Century Italian Glass From the Olnick Spanu Collection.”
After visiting Castello di Rivoli, the contemporary art museum in Turin, Italy, they became interested in the avant-garde Arte Povera (“poor art” in Italian) movement, which extended from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s.
This rebellious genre of artists used everyday objects and materials to create paintings, sculptures, and photographs, an approach that challenged their contemporaries to break with rigid art traditions. Broadening their collection, the couple acquired many large-scale pieces that were simply too large to keep in their home.
From Private to Public
Olnick and Spanu recognized that art is meant to be shared. So, in 2017, they created this museum, which they view as an extension of their home and family.
Their ambitious goals for what grew into the non-profit Magazzino Italian Art included the following:
- Raising the profile of Italian art in the U.S.,
- Promoting Italian artists,
- Advancing research and scholarship focused on Italian art, and
- Inspiring future generations of art lovers.
In 2023, the museum opened its library and research center to promote scholarship on Italian art, architecture, and design. The Germano Celant Research Center at Magazzino is named after the art critic and historian who coined the term Arte Povera.
The library holds over 5,000 publications, including rare books and archival materials. Each year, the center awards a visiting fellowship to a recent PhD graduate interested in pursuing postwar and contemporary Italian art studies while working with the museum team.
An Engaging Space
The museum’s two architecturally stunning buildings include a renovated dairy warehouse (in Italian, magazzino means warehouse) and a new contemporary building designed by Spanish architect Miguel Quismondo and his mentor, award-winning architect Alberto Campo Baeza.
High ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows flood the galleries with natural light and showcase the exquisitely landscaped surroundings.
The museum’s galleries, occupying over 33,000 square feet, allow enough space for intimacy and reflection. Instead of labels and words, the museum allows each visitor to subjectively interpret what they are viewing.
Warm and knowledgeable staff, many of whom are art students from nearby educational institutions, are always nearby to answer questions and share their expertise with visitors.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum’s expansion to the second building, the Robert Olnick Pavilion (named after Nancy’s father and opened in 2023), has allowed it to host rotating exhibitions of Italian art from different artists.
Linking Art and Community
From the beginning, the museum’s co-founders recognized the vital importance of building strong ties with the international art community, their neighbors in Cold Spring, and the surrounding communities in Putnam County.
The museum sponsors educational programs and events for the public throughout the year, which include lectures, workshops, guided tours, film screenings, concerts, and artist talks.
This year marked the opening of Cafe Silvia, the museum’s restaurant in the new building, envisioned as a social hub for lively interaction among locals, other visitors, and the museum team.
This Italian-style coffee bar and trattoria is helmed by talented Italian chef Luca Galli, born and raised in northern Italy, near Milan. The chef has a unique background. He’s worked at Harry’s Bar in London and interned at San Domenico in New York City, but for most of his career, he found a niche cooking exclusively for Italian museums and patrons of art and fashion. Diners at the trattoria can’t help but feel like they’ve landed somewhere special in the Bel Paese.
Chef Galli’s seasonal, farm-to-table menu features inventive cuisine that reimagines traditional Italian recipes. Whenever possible, food products are sourced locally from Hudson Valley farmers or flown in from Italy. The amiable chef often comes out of the kitchen to chat with diners, many of whom become regulars. He also can be seen tending to his herb and vegetable garden outside the glass dining room doors, which lead to a stable of Sardinian donkeys.
As part of its community outreach, the museum hosts a special lunch series at Cafe Silvia titled “Viaggio con Luca: The History of Regional Italian Culture.” Each Friday throughout the summer, Chef Galli prepares a specialty dish showcasing the diversity of Italian regional cuisine. Diners are able to taste the dish over a relaxing lunch and learn about its history and traditions. Tickets, priced at $50 each, are available online and include free admission to the museum.
Looking To The Future
Each year, this museum has grown in size, number of visitors, breadth of its holdings, and prestige in the international art community. In no small part, this has been due to its visionary founders’ expertise and commitment.
When Valentino recently opened its Madison Avenue Flagship store, Magazzino Italian Art was asked to curate an in-store exhibition of the work of Italian painter Mario Schifano (now on exhibit at the museum through August 9, 2024). Following the exhibition, the Valentino Foundation awarded the museum a significant grant.
Although Olnick and Spanu have set up a trust to ensure the museum’s viability after they have gone, the continued expansion of this one-of-a-kind museum will depend on future grants and donations.
The couple who started it all remain humble. “We’re novices,” says Giorgio Spanu. “The museum has already grown well beyond our greatest expectations.”
IF YOU GO
The Magazzino Italian Art museum in Cold Spring, New York, is open Friday through Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12.
Museum members receive discounts on tickets, free shuttle service between the museum and the Metro North train station in Cold Spring, and other perks, as well as the opportunity to support the continued growth of Italian art and culture.
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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