New curator at Thunder Bay Art Gallery hopes to build on changing arts scene | Canada News Media
Connect with us

Art

New curator at Thunder Bay Art Gallery hopes to build on changing arts scene

Published

 on

The new curator of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery hopes to capitalize on the city’s changing arts scene, and the opportunity to learn about northwestern Ontario as she plans how to set up the gallery’s collection for the years to come.

Penelope Smart, who started her work at the gallery less than two weeks ago, said she gets a genuine sense the people who work at the gallery respect art and are “wanting to do right by art and the region.”

The gallery’s focus, she said, is on contemporary Indigenous art.

Smart is originally from Red Lake, but has worked at the Art Gallery of Ontario, as well as at other galleries in Toronto and St. John’s, Newfoundland.

“Part of the reason why I came is because the people I’ve been talking to are really excited about it, and see the city changing, and see it as a place of exciting opportunity and close knit connection.”

“I see it as an incredible time to be working with artists and the people who make it, and the places it comes from in northwestern Ontario with so much positive opportunity and changes coming to the gallery.”

Smart said the fact the gallery will move into a new location on the waterfront, was also a factor in taking the position.

“To be part of something, to be able to have kind of a say in shaping a new story of art in the region I grew up in. That’s so exciting to me.”

“The opportunity to collectively, as a gallery, and more largely as a community, to build something new together, I think that what I’m hearing again from people who live here, it’s time to celebrate and write new stories about art, primarily for contemporary Indigenous art.”

Smart said while opening up the new space will be exciting, she is aware it will also come with many challenges, and will not be an easy feat.

“To be part of that, the transition in a place that’s familiar to me, but as a curator to be part of writing a new story and personally be able to question some old stories that I have of my home region, and what I grew up with, you don’t always get an opportunity to build something from the ground up, in the place where I grew up.”

Source: – CBC.ca

Source link

Continue Reading

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

 on


[unable to retrieve full-text content]

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



Source link

Continue Reading

Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

 on

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.

Source link

Continue Reading

Art

Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

Published

 on

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.

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version