Saskatoon artist Hugo Alvarado dead at 71, created art until 'almost his last breath' - Cochrane Times | Canada News Media
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Saskatoon artist Hugo Alvarado dead at 71, created art until 'almost his last breath' – Cochrane Times

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“True to form, he passed surrounded by love and creativity, and I’m confident that even though he couldn’t say it out loud, he knew wasn’t alone.”

Hugo Alvarado at his home studio in Saskatoon on February 7, 2018. Alvarado died on Saturday, May 23 at the age of 71.
Michelle Berg / Saskatoon StarPhoenix


Michelle Berg / Saskatoon StarPhoenix

A well-known Chilean-born artist from Saskatoon has died.

Hugo Alvarado died Saturday, his family shared on Facebook.

His daughter, Raquel, wrote in a post: “Hugo Alvarado (July 16, 1948 – May 23, 2020) wasn’t just a man. He was a giant, who lived a brilliant, epic, unbelievable life. He taught me everything I know and I am so proud to be his daughter, curious and stubborn and restless in every way just like he was. All of my politics and passions, anger and hope…it was all because of him.”

Alvarado arrived in Saskatoon and started his journey as an artist after he fled to Canada from Chile as a political exile in 1976 following a violent military coup in 1973. In her post, his daughter Raquel wrote, “He said he wished his parents could have seen the life he’d built when he left Chile in political exile and came to Canada alone all those years ago. He told us that he knew they would be proud, because ‘after all, I found peace and love far away.’ I’ll always remember that.”


Hugo Alvarado at his home studio in Saskatoon on February 7, 2018. Alvarado died Saturday, May 23 at the age of 71.Saskatoon StarPhoenix / Michelle Berg

Michelle Berg /

Saskatoon StarPhoenix

He built a career in Saskatoon as an artist known for his landscapes, cityscapes, still life, and nude portraits. He is also remembered as a philanthropist who helped co-found Artists Against Hunger (AAH), which has supported Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, the Saskatoon Crisis Nursery and CHEP Good Food Inc., through art auctions and events.

Alvarado’s son, Ricardo, wrote a poignant tribute to his dad on social media, noting the past few weeks have been rough, but that his father was consistent right to the end.

“This past few weeks his hospital room quickly became his art studio, and he was creating and sharing his gifts until almost his last breath. True to form, he passed surrounded by love and creativity, and I’m confident that even though he couldn’t say it out loud, he knew he wasn’t alone,” he wrote.


Ricardo Alvarado posted this photo in his Facebook tribute to his father, Hugo Alvarado, who died on Saturday. Hugo Alvarado was a Chilean-born artist known for his philanthropic work in Saskatoon.Credit: Ricardo AlvaradoDistributor: Facebook

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Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark spoke fondly of Alvarado in a social media post on Sunday.

“Sarah, Rachel and I visited Hugo and Julie in February and had a wonderful visit, even as he was struggling greatly with his lungs and waiting anxiously for word that he could get a transplant.”

Clark says even when circumstances were bleak, Alvarado saw the positive.

“In late April we got a message from Hugo in Edmonton where he was waiting for a surgery that really touched me, from his very challenging circumstances he always saw hope and opportunity,” remembers Clark. “He signed off by saying ‘I miss Saskatoon and our friends and our children. Please be safe you, and the kids….It is a good time for all of you to do fun things together.’ ”

Alvarado is remembered for his artistic and charitable contributions, but also for being a man who loved his family.

“And while there is never enough time with the ones we love, I know that he’ll live on forever in the stories we tell ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren,” wrote his daughter, Raquel.

dread@postmedia.com

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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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