Art

Northeastern arts leaders talk about changes they've had to make, to stay afloat and stay safe – CBC.ca

Published

4 years ago

October 1, 2020

When the province announced it was limiting public indoor gatherings, the performing arts took a hit. Symphonies, art galleries, theatres — all had to re-imagine how they were going to reach their audience. Keeping the arts afloat is a challenge, even in good years. But across northeastern Ontario, troupes are showing some resilience and imagination.

The Sudbury Theatre Centre is one of those groups changing with the times.
Artistic director John McHenry says they’re hanging on by the skin of their teeth, cancelling the entire 2020-21 season.
So they’ve turned to radio to keep the audience engaged.

McHenry and his team have just embarked on what he hopes will be a live weekly podcast. And he hopes it will help satisfy the theatre audience.

“It’s that live experience … I know it’s a cliche, but there’s nothing like a group of like-minded people coming into a theatre. And when those house lights go down to dark and the show begins and you’re just all there in that moment … and the show was different last night and it will be different tomorrow night,” he said.

“What you are seeing is just for you because who knows what’s going to happen because it’s live, right? And when you do a podcast or a radio show or even a TV show, you hope somebody is on the other end listening or viewing it on the TV.”

Over at the Art Gallery of Sudbury, exhibits are open, but it’s changed how people interact with the artwork. Big opening celebrations or group tours are gone. Instead, there are small, private tours for groups of six, as well as virtual visits of the art on display.

Curator Demetra Chistakos says it’s been a big adjustment.

“You miss that sense of people coming together in groups … meeting other people that you might not know and sharing an experience that’s larger than yourself,” she said.

Where the art gallery lives, at the Bell mansion, only seven people can fit into Gallery One.

“We have about a thousand square feet in each floor. And so, this experience of distance, I think, is people have adapted to it and they’ve done their best. You can do some coming together virtually. But they’re missing the human touch and that you can’t replace. It’s a period of distance.”

She said they’re doing their best to comply and accommodate and keep people safe.

“But it’s not the same as being able to freely assemble and to really share enthusiasm and questions and that in-person experience of art.”

In Timmins, their Symphony is planning to go live — but broadcast on Facebook.

“In terms of rehearsal, we’re having to adhere very strictly to everything that our local health unit, the province and the country, laid out,” said conductor Joshua Wood.

“We went out and we bought a bunch of protective equipment … we have masks, wipes, everything like that. Because of the strict guidelines that the government put out for wind and brass instruments, we ordered 15 or 20 custom-made plastic shields that fit over the stands. So they act as a barrier between the wind players and the rest of the ensemble in the audience. And we’ve had to obviously shrink the number of people on stage because they have to be double spaced, two meters apart.”

The live audience may not be present, Wood says that’s not stopping them from sharing the gift of music.

“We’re still we’re trucking along right now. We’ve got a few rehearsals and the orchestra has adapted really, really well.”

Morning North6:20How arts groups are coping during the pandemic

What’s it been like for art groups since the pandemic hit? It certainly hasn’t been easy. We checked in we a few arts organizations to find out how they’ve been adapting. 6:20

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Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Art

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

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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

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Art

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

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

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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