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Newmarket artist transforming Bell box into public art – NewmarketToday.ca

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Newmarket artist Kim Egan is adding muralist to her resume after taking part in Aurora’s Bell box project

The project is a partnership between the Aurora Cultural Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) that will see nine ordinary Bell boxes in the town transformed into a public art pieces. 

Egan heard about it through CMHA and decided to apply. 

“The thing I’ve done the most is drawing, but I’ve done all kinds of creative things throughout my life,” she said. 

In the past that has included jewelry making and sidewalk chalk art, however, painting is something she said she struggles with. 

“I’d like to get better at it. I’d like more time at it,” Egan said. “Painting is so much different than drawing. Like you have so much precision with a pencil that you don’t have with a paintbrush.” 

The Bell box project, which involves painting, has helped her do just that. Her particular box is on Yonge Street, just south of Murray Drive. The theme of the painting is the natural elements working together in harmony. It features dragonflies, leaves and flowers, a frog, and a large bird.

“There couldn’t be a better theme for me than the nature because I loved nature. And that’s often what I pick if I’m going to draw, you know, flowers, leaves, greenery, things like that. I just really drawn to nature,” Egan said. 

The theme of harmony carries on into the process, with each box assigned to two artists, one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous. Egan said the person she is paired with, Jennifer Messon, comes from Toronto to work on the project, so they often aren’t at the box at the same time, but none-the-less are transforming it together. 

Egan said it has been a really great opportunity for her work to be seen in public and for people to enjoy. Typically, she only shares her artwork on social media. 

“I feel very proud that there’s something that’s going be there for a while that people can look at and maybe it will make them feel happy. A pop of colour I think makes people feel happy, let alone anything else, you know. I feel really good about it,” she said. 

She has already received positive feedback from Aurora residents who have seen it. 

“The common comment that I got from people as they were walking by was ‘beautiful, it’s beautiful.’ And it was really nice to keep hearing that. Yeah, you feel good,” she said. 

As a Newmarket resident. she said she would be interested in seeing a similar project taking place in this town and would want to take part in it again. 

The Bell box mural project has been an ongoing initiative since 2009 that has seen more than 450 murals painted in communities. 

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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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