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St. Marys offers public art to picnic on – The Beacon Herald

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St. Marys has made some colourful additions to the public picnic tables the town is using to encourage outdoor dining this summer, but in many cases there’s more to them than meets the eye.

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Local artist Bonnie Richardson’s table at Milt Dunnell Field was designed as a surprise for a couple of her grandkids after their family faced multiple COVID-19 infections. It’s based on the Eye Spy books Richardson has been reading to them for years and includes about 16 hidden things to find within its multi-coloured pattern.

“It was a tough month,” Richardson said, adding everyone has recovered. “I just worked feverishly on it for a whole week. They helped me pick a design and as I worked through it I just thought, ‘this is for them.’”

Hidden in this picnic table designed and painted by St Marys artist Bonnie Richardson is an “I Spy” game she thought would cheer up her grandchildren after they recovered from COVID-19. Richardson is one of 10 local artists who took part in town-wide project to add some colour to public picnic tables in St. Marys earlier this year. Chris Montanini/Stratford Beacon Herald

Not far from that one, Laura McAsh’s table doubles as a simple board game featuring a number of St. Marys landmarks.

“Whoever gets to the end first wins, but honestly it’s the fun you have along the way,” she said with a smile. “I really (wanted) to do something that’s not only nice to look at but something that you can interact with.”

Over in the Quarry’s picnic area, Missy Little’s table features a monkey named Gunther. She’s encouraging anyone who has lunch “on Gunther” to tag her on social media for a chance to win a prize.

There are 10 tables in total, six at the south end of Milt Dunnell Field, two near town hall and the cenotaph, and two at the near the Quarry. St. Marys commissioned the public art with the help of a grant from the Annie and Isabelle Chesterfield Fund, held within the Stratford Perth Community Foundation.

“You just don’t know how much it lifted my heart to see people sitting on my table,” Richardson said, adding that she enjoyed the community-building aspect of the project.

“It got us out of our heads, it got us out of our houses and it gave us another burst of hope, I really believe. It was something to do, (something) productive and bright to look forward to.”

cmontanini@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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