Art

Student art banners hung on Hwy 16 – Smithers Interior News

Published

4 years ago

June 17, 2020

“What the Elders Told Us” is the theme for an amazing art exhibition that will be easily seen throughout Smithers and Witset. It seems like the perfect time to show love and respect to the Wet’suwet’en people on whose territories we reside by hanging brilliant and creative works of art on lamp posts along Highway 16 and surrounding the Multi Plex in Witset. These works of art are related to the stories that Elders shared with students over the past year.

There are many aspects of this project that go beyond the purpose of gorgeous youth art banners. In part, this project was to honour the Elders and the wisdom they share with the ancient stories they carry. The project was to bring together Indigenous and non-indigenous students in order to share the experience of listening to Elders tell stories that have been shared for generations.

As well, for non-indigenous students to come to Witset and visit in the community.

Last, but not least, for students and teachers from each community to connect and express their creative selves though the shared experience of art.

Last spring, plans got underway to create a profound and colourful art/reconciliation project. Linda Stringfellow who works for Kyah Wiget Education Society created and presented a power point called “What the Elders Told Us” to the Witset Language Authority, the Town of Smithers and the Office of the Wet’suwet’en asking permission and direction on protocol regarding the idea of students from both Witset and Smithers, participating in listening to Elder’s stories and depicting those stories on banners, that would hang from lamp posts in both Witset and Smithers.

In following direction from the Office of the Wet’suwet’en a smoke feast hosted by Kyah Wiget Education Society was held in the small feast hall in Witset during which Elders were hired to tell stories. In November, a second feast was held in order to let the community know who was hired. This feast is called a Settlement Feast.

At the end of November, the first story telling session was attended by the Witset Elementary Grade 6/7 class and the Heartwood School, blended education program.

Our first Elder story teller was K’iliset (Vi Gellenback). She shared a beautiful story of the salmon in the canyon with a moral teaching about bullying.

A few days later both groups of students started painting their banners in the Centennial Hall illustrating the theme.

At the end of November, a second session of story telling happened with Witset ICount students and students from Bulkley Valley Christian School. They listened to stories from Smogelgem (Warner Naziel). Warner had the group engaged with his gifted story telling and Likhdilye (Russel Tiljoe) was able to attend an event that was held in the evening where he spoke a great deal about culture and the importance of the Wet’ suwet’en feast hall system.

Lastly, the Adult Ed programs in Witset and the Smithers Secondary Art students listened to Elder stories in January told by Hagwilnegh (Ron Mitchell) and Timberwolf (Mable Forsythe). Both Elders shared interesting personal stories and again students were glued to the sharing of history. In the end, we have 60-plus original works of art from students age five and up to display in our communities.

Many people made this project a reality. Aaron Burgess, the Executive Director of Kayh Wiget Education Society, The Witset Language Authority, The Office of the Wit’suwit’en, the Bridging Committee and the Town of Smithers. Teachers, Jonathan Boon, Perry Rath, Helene Flurry, Kathleen Morin, Derek Wilmot, Mark West, Hildegarde Scholtzl, Christine Jang, all the Kyah Wiget staff who helped with the feasts. Elder Betty Tait, Bernice Morris and Sheri Green for their Cultural guidance. Band Manager Lucy Gagnon for her support. To the student artists who showed respect and interest in this project; this couldn’t have happened without you. Many thanks and much gratitude to the Elders who attended the feast and participated with the story telling: Kloum Khum Alphonse Gagnon, K’ilset Vi Gellenback, Likhdilye Russel Tiljoe, Timberwolf Mable Forsythe, Lth’at’en Doris Rosso, Knadebeas Warner Williams, Misalos Helen Nikal, Hagwilnegh Ron Mitchell and Smogelgen Warner Naziel.

Please keep your eyes open and look up for these banners as they are hung this year, as a gift to celebrate Aboriginal Day 2020

Submitted

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One of the art banners painted Indigenous and non-indigenous students based on Wet’suwet’en Elders stories. (Contributed photo)

Indigenous and non-indigenous students paint banners based on Wet’suwet’en Elders stories. (Contributed photo)

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Art

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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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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