Art

OPINION: Cornwall needs more events like Art Walk – Cornwall Seaway News

Published

4 years ago

September 6, 2020

The second Cornwall Art Walk was held this past Friday, and not only was beautiful art on display, but so was a beautiful community.
The event was held in Cornwall’s downtown from Third St. down to Water St.

My girlfriend and I went out for dinner that evening at one of Cornwall’s great downtown restaurants. We sat outside, and I’m very glad we did. We were treated to great food, we could hear live music from local artists, and could see pieces of art all around us. The real treat however, were all of the friends and familiar faces we saw pass us on the street.

Well over a half dozen different people stopped at our table as they walked by to talk to us and catch up. Rather than an inconvenience of having to pause in our meal ever few minutes, this was in fact my favourite part of the evening and the event.

I don’t think our experience on Friday night was unique to us. I think that the COVID-19 pandemic, the social distancing, the self-isolation has worn on all of us. This pandemic has separated us through computer screens and cancelled nearly all events.

This event created an opportunity to finally re-establish some long dormant connections. It was refreshing and invigorating.

To me, it highlighted the importance that events like these are to communities like Cornwall.

Not only were artists on display, but it finally got people together for the first time in months.

Of course, the spread of COVID-19 is always a concern. At time of writing, there are two active cases of COVID-19 in Cornwall, and three in the United Counties of SD&G. I was surprised and impressed to see the number of people who were walking along the street, in public and outdoors, but still wearing masks. It was good to see how seriously residents are taking public health. I guess all of those anti-maskers I see on our social media aren’t going too far from their keyboards.
I think that Cornwall could use more outdoor events, while the good weather lasts, and I believe that this past Friday’s Art Walk laid down the template for a successful event.

This event effectively used the space of Cornwall’s downtown. There was live music in Pommier Square, visual artists setup along Pitt St. near the restaurants, and the pop-up shops by the Cornwall Square were all being used, as was the space around them. There were theatrical activities taking place at the end of Pitt St. in front of the United Counties building. From top to bottom, this event used space, a lot of space, effectively.

One thing that I believe really helped this event was the pop-up patios and outside seating. As I explained above, enjoying my dinner outside literally on the sidewalk, added a different and much welcomed new dimension to Art Walk.

In some ways, this event reminded me of Beyond 21’s annual Food Fest, which takes place in the same space every August, except this one.

Something that I think Food Fest has always done right that events like Art Walk could copy would be closing Pitt St. from Third to Water. This will allow more free movement for event goers and would make it easier to maintain that all important social distancing.

I think that businesses along that part of Pitt St. that didn’t participate or weren’t open really missed out on Friday. The sidewalks had more pedestrians on them than I had ever seen save for a few other events.

Art Walk on Friday, and similar such events, are also a boon for Tourism. They start with local residents coming out, filling the streets, and enjoying the event. Once those pictures and that news is disseminated through the media, it will attract visitors who want to come and see what Cornwall has to offer as well.

My hat goes off to Mandy Prevost and the Art Walk organizing committee. I hope that they continue their great work, and that others are inspired and step up to hold similar festival style events.

Events like these don’t need to be limited to the downtown either, I have long believed that Le Village needs a neighbourhood festival as well, like Art Walk, like Food Fest.

What events would you like to see happen this fall in Cornwall’s two downtowns? What ideas would you have for the winter? Email me your Letter to the Editor to nseebruch@seawaynews.media

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

Published

4 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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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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