Art
Penetang couple ‘saddened’ after complaint forces folk art removal
A Penetanguishene couple is saddened that someone has complained to the town about the folk art displayed on their lawn.
“We’re not happy,” says Jim Duguay, who along with his wife Elizabeth, sells and gives away pieces of repurposed painted furniture and wood that would likely otherwise end up in the landfill under their hobby business Dragonfly Unlimited.
Duguay tells MidlandToday that they’re actually recycling old furniture and pieces of board that people no longer want so it’s good for the environment by ensuring fewer things end up being thrown away as garbage.
“I barely cover my costs and a lot of what I do goes to charity,” Duguay says, noting local organizations will often ask for one of his pieces to feature in raffles and as auction items.
Besides art and repurposed furniture, Duguay also creates murals and barn quilts and also paints bureaus and other furniture with specific themes such as sports or in the case of one child, who loved Volkswagens and was in Sick Kids, a dresser and side table featuring car themes.
“Before COVID, we had our stuff out and there was not a problem,” says Duguay.
But that changed a few years ago as Duguay recalls how the town sent a “young lad” who told them there had been a couple of complaints about their lawn display.
“He told us, ‘you have to get this shit off the lawn,’” Duguay says. “It just sucks. We’re keeping a lot of stuff from going to the dump.”
According to the recent notice sent from municipal law enforcement officer Chris Smith, the Duguays are violating zoning bylaw 2022-17.
“Where a home occupation is permitted, the following provisions shall apply: No outdoor storage or display of materials, equipment, wares or merchandise is permitted,” the letter signed by Smith reads, adding that the Duguays have until May 3 to comply with the order.
After MidlandToday contacted the town for a further explanation, Penetanguishene communications and technology coordinator Sarah Marshall provided a response from the bylaw department that further reiterated what was written in Smith’s letter to the Duguays.
“We will not comment on how many complaints were received for a specific property,” the email from the town to MidlandToday reads.
“However, it only takes one to prompt action should an infraction be found.”
The house is actually zoned commercial-residential, according to Duguay, who notes its close proximity to the Main Street and the fact it housed other businesses in the past.
He also adds that other apparent ‘eyesores’ can be found throughout the town, something he notices while taking walks with his dog.
“I’m not picking on anyone, but there’s a ‘72 pickup truck sitting on blocks and three Ski-Doos that are not ever going to run again,” he says.
As well, he notes that their business draws people from out-of-town, who might stick around the area after picking up an item or two to have a meal at one of the local restaurants or shop at one of the town’s stores.
“We’ve had people come up all the way from St. Catharines,” he points out.
Duguay, who is 60 and on the Ontario Disability Support Program due to serious leg issues, says he’s always operated above-board and declares any income he receives from their venture to the government.
“We appreciate those who have supported us,” Duguay notes. “We had a good run for a non-business/hobby. Any future sales will have to be done online as we are no longer displaying our art.
“It saddens us deeply to have to change in this way. Unfortunately, we will no longer be in a position to donate any furniture, or signs to the local charities. This was never a business, just a glorified hobby. We did the best we could.”
And the couple has found support on their social media account.
“It was always a pleasure to see your art and what was new. So sad that it affected some Karen and felt the need to complain,” Sarah Deanne Tizzard writes.
“Eyesore… really? I can think of many other things that are eyesore way more than the beautiful colours of your beautiful creations.”
Adds Carol Pollock: “It’s disgusting what the town is doing to you guys. It’s infuriating actually. So sorry to hear about this.”
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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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