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New art series will focus on Edmonton's heritage homes – CBC.ca

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An Edmonton artist is turning her appreciation for unique old homes into a pandemic-inspired project.

When COVID-19 led to closures of businesses in March, Aeris Osborne started walking through mature neighbourhoods, which inspired her new art project.

She’ll be working on the series YEG old houses over the next year, which includes creating 12 paintings of Edmonton homes based in Old Strathcona, Alberta Avenue, Glenora, Westmount and Highlands neighbourhoods.

“I just love walking in the mature neighbourhoods and I just enjoy everything. I think it’s because of where I come from,” Osborne said.

She grew up in Hong Kong, where high rise condo buildings and skyscrapers tower over the city. Single unit homes are more of a rarity there, Osborne said.

When she walked through the Highlands neighbourhood in the early spring, the unique details of the homes she came across stopped her in her tracks and led her to taking photos.

She was struck by the creativity and the influence of different architecture styles ranging from Victorian to Scottish and Dutch influences.

She started to rough sketch and paint the homes on canvas based on her photos.

“It started with the Victorian Highlands houses, and then I started a whole series,” she said.

Aeris Osborne holds a painting of her YEG old houses series in the studio of the historic McLuhan House. (Scott Neufeld/CBC)

Osborne’s style is described as bold impressionist. Many of the details of the home are painted as they look, but the landscape details and the skies are exaggerated and expressive.

“I capture the soul of the architecture and then it’s interpreted by my own feelings,” she said.

In September, she was announced as Arts Habitat Edmonton’s newest studio resident, which includes a year of free studio space in the historic McLuhan House.

Osborne also researches the history of the homes as well.

“I just wanted to show that the houses can tell their own stories, from the former owner to the new owner, it changes,” she said.

A piece of the YEG Old Houses series hangs on the wall of the the studio Aeris Osborne will be working in until Sept. 2021. (Scott Neufeld/CBC)

Susan Whitford lives about 10 blocks from Osborne’s current studio. Over a month ago, she had heard that the artist had painted her home, and bought it.

The home is 20 years old, which not as old as many of the other houses Osborne will be painting. Whitford likes the version created by the impressionist.

“We’ll have this painting of our new house that’s kind of like someone’s interpretation of what our house looks like to them,” she said.

Whitford can relate to Osborne’s appreciation for the homes and neighbourhoods of Edmonton, which has been a result of getting outside more during the pandemic.

“We’re going on all these river valley walks to these areas we didn’t even know existed, even though we lived here most of our lives,” Whitford said.

“So it’s good it’s good to see someone’s vision on something that those of us that live in these historic neighbourhoods. That’s why we stay here. That’s why we don’t move far away.”

An exhibit of YEG old houses is expected to be on display when Osborne finishes her Arts Habitat Residency.

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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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