Art
North Vancouver couple covers street corner with art – North Shore News
One North Vancouver couple has turned their neighbourhood corner into an ever-changing street art project featuring messages of hope and encouragement for these strange times.
Since the COVID-19 crisis started, the duo has hit the sidewalk outside their home, tucked away on a quiet street near a central North Vancouver high school, to paint intricate designs alongside inspirational messages that often echo the words of B.C.’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
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The pandemic pushed them down this creative path, says Brenda, one of the artists, who uses the name Bren.Vancouver when making her creations.
“I want to shout from the rooftop that despite everything, beauty is still thriving,” she says. “My intention is to bring joy, inspiration and hope to everyone. With or without COVID-19, all sorts of people deal with stress and emotional turmoil. If I can take someone from a not so pleasant place and lift their spirits for a few moments, I am making a difference in this world.”
Bren focuses on chalk designs with inspirational messages – including some intricate two-metre-wide designs she has made in local parks to encourage proper physical distancing – while her partner Paul specializes in orcas and thunderbirds using watercolours. The ephemeral nature of their art is made clear every time it rains – the designs of chalk and watercolour wash away, leaving a blank slate to be filled once again.
“This impermanence reminds me of how delicate life is and the importance of embracing the now,” says Bren. “Rather than get lost in the details and strive for perfection (admittedly a guilty pleasure), the impermanent nature of the chalk frees me to take risks and try something new. If the art doesn’t work, it will be erased in a few days. When the art is good, and the rain washes it away, I honestly do get sad and go through a grieving process. I question if it was worth investing so much time on something that would not last. I reflect on the people I saw light up walking by my art and the exponential joy that was sure to follow for others … and so I begin again, to do my art, to do my part.”
The couple has filled their corner with art, but they aren’t interested in much fanfare – they were discovered when a reporter happened to walk by their work – and they don’t want to broadcast the exact location of their creations.
“We would rather people find us unintentionally,” says Bren. “To walk down a random street on a random day and have their heart spark joy when they come across some random art. An unexpected delight, a hidden treasure, something uplifting, a blissful moment, a welcome interruption from an intense thought. I think the unexpected element is what I love most about my backyard public art and why I am inspired to do more.”
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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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.
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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