Art
Mawi' Art and New Brunswick Arts board sign agreement to collaborate with Indigenous artists – The Aquinian
Mawi’ Art signed an agreement with the New Brunswick Arts Board to increase collaboration with Indigenous artists and provide opportunities like workshops and grants.
Mawi’ Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective started as a project-based Indigenous organization, writing grant proposals for Indigenous artists. They were founded in 2013 and incorporated in 2016.
One of the tasks Mawi’ will take on is running Petapen, the bi-annual gathering of around
150 Indigenous artists in Atlantic Canada. Shawn Dalton, acting-executive director of Mawi’ Art, said the arts boards thinks there’s a need to support Indigenous artists. Now, with Mawi’ Art, that role is filled.
“[They said] there isn’t an organization that emerged from the Indigenous community to fill that need,” said Dalton. “We’ve matured far enough as an organization that we felt comfortable taking on the role of organizing Petapen.”
Dalton said this agreement is a way to formalize the collaboration between Mawi’ Art and the N.B. arts board.
The COVID-19 pandemic hurt businesses and events, but Dalton said they weren’t hit dramatically by it because they transitioned from a project-based organization to a program-based organization.
“We didn’t have a whole bunch of events planned we didn’t have to re-group on,” said Dalton.
Dalton said one of the biggest problems for emerging and Indigenous artists is mentorship. One of the things Mawi’ Art did last year to help was a 12-week training and entrepreneurship program. The program had a 100 per cent completion rate where 24 people learned skills like beading, quilt-work and paddle-carving. They also learned other skills to promote their work like photography and web-design before the program came to an end.
“Mentorship is a huge issue. It comes up in every meeting,” said Dalton. “Now we got these artists that are like ‘that was fun. Now what do we do?’”
Joss Richer has been the executive director of Arts NB for four years. He said each province’s arts boards in Atlantic Canada organized Petapen and it’s now up to somebody else to organize the event.
“It’s up to somebody else to do it, and preferably it would be nice if there was an Indigenous organization [that] would take it over,” said Richer. “Mawi’ Art stepped up to the plate.”
One aspect of Arts NB collaborating with Indigenous artists is going to Indigenous communities and working with artists. That’s where Corrina Merasty comes in. She’s the Indigenous outreach officer for Arts NB and travels to Indigenous communities to work with artists.
Merasty is also an interdisciplinary artist, working in music, film and painting. She said that her wide background and interest in art helps her with her role.
“My role is to engage, boots on the ground … I can’t be behind a desk,” said Merasty. “If you’re an artist yourself, you have a better understanding.”
While some work a typical nine-to-five job, Merasty said she doesn’t stop. She said that she tells the artists she works with to call her anytime, even at night.
“I’m pretty much 24-7. Like I work all weekend, all evening or all day,” said Merasty. “It doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like my work is my personal life and my personal life is my work.”
Richer said it would be good if there was an organization that advocated on behalf of Indigenous Peoples given that there’s already strong advocacy from Francophone and Anglophone artists in New Brunswick. He said Arts NB has always had a good relationship with Indigenous Peoples and put out programs before, including the Equinox program, which provides support for Indigenous artists in the province.
“New partnership with Mawi’ Art is basically the next step in this evolution,” said Richer.
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.
[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
Source link
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.
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
My Boy Prince to race against older horses in $1-million Woodbine Mile
Former world No. 1 Sharapova wins fan vote for International Tennis Hall of Fame
12 Bizarre Things People Did Just To Make Social Media Content
AP source: Bears acquiring quarterback Nick Foles from Jaguars – Sportsnet.ca
dynaCERT Inc. Invites You to Join Us at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference | INN – Investing News Network
-
Sports18 hours agoLawyer says Chinese doping case handled ‘reasonably’ but calls WADA’s lack of action “curious”
-
Sports3 hours agoDolphins will bring in another quarterback, while Tagovailoa deals with concussion
-
News17 hours agoB.C. to scrap consumer carbon tax if federal government drops legal requirement: Eby
-
News18 hours agoRCMP say 3 dead, suspects at large in targeted attack at home in Lloydminster, Sask.
-
News18 hours agoCeiling high for Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ahmed: Canada coach
-
Sports4 hours agoDavid Beckham among soccer dignitaries attending ex-England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
-
News17 hours agoA linebacker at West Virginia State is fatally shot on the eve of a game against his old school
-
News18 hours agoShapovalov, Auger-Aliassime lift Canada over Finland 3-0 in Davis Cup tie
