Art
Sunnyside celebrated Neighbour Day with a great combo: Plants and art – LiveWire Calgary
The community of Sunnyside brightened up even more for Neighbour Day with a plant exchange and an art crawl.
Neighbour Day is the third Saturday in June, celebrated to remember how Calgary came together during the 2013 floods.
This year, Neighbour Day took on a different meaning, both as a reminder of the flood, but also of the coronvirus. Communities have pulled together to help one another, but have also been distanced due to public health guidelines.
This city encouraged Calgarians to celebrated Neighbour Day virtually, or with public health guidelines in mind.
Building community through plants
Lisa Patterson is the president of the Permaculture Calgary Guild, who organized the plant exchange. She talked about the impact that the hailstorm last weekend had on Calgarians.
Many people not only lost siding and windows on their houses and cars, but it also impacted their gardens.
“A lot of our neighbors here in Calgary were hit with a devastating hail event,” she said.
“Their gardens were completely crushed under this huge, huge hail, like never been seen before really on this scale.”
She said because Calgarians are so good at giving, gardeners from around the city came together to donate plants. Those who were impacted by the storm could pick them up for free so they can replant them in their gardens.
“It’s the most neighbourly thing I can think of,” she said.
While they do hold events such as plant sales and exchanges and teaching people about permaculture, this one was significant because it was for people who lost their gardens to hail, and allowed them to collect various plants from a central location.
Pandemic a lift to local gardening
As well, Patterson has seen a boost in people interested in gardening due to COVID-19.
“The pandemic has actually increased people’s desire to come out and get together in a safe space,” she said.
“We found that people were really anxious to start growing food and helping each other out.”
She said gardening and growing one’s own food increases resiliency, builds community and is an activity you can do at a distance.
“Everyone really just enjoys getting together and working in the garden together,” she said.
“There’s nothing really like it.”
Community engagement through public art
Karen Scarlett is an artist in the community. She said when she first considered the mural, it was important to have something that would be part of the community.
She said they painted the mural at a corner that was the hub for people after the flood. Many people gathered there to get information, food, or other needs met.
“Because it was such a hub, I thought that a chalkboard made sense so that people could continue to gather messages for the community or just share some love.”
The chalkboard is surrounded by “I heart Sunnyside” – a slogan used during the 2013 flood. The mural is painted with dogs that have lived at the property.
“A couple of them are still alive and there’s a couple that have passed away. Another puppy is going to be added to the mural soon.”
Art crawl driving people into the neighbourhood
She said the idea for an art crawl on Neighbour Day is great because Calgary has an amazing collection of public art.
“We’ve got everything from really incredibly expensive fantastic public art to really engaging fun community pieces that are done on a shoestring,” she said.
“It makes the community much more magical.”
Scarlett said it was the first time she sat near her artwork and discussed it with residents and people participating in the art crawl for Neighbour Day.
“This is my first time celebrating it, so I’ll have to make it a regular thing,” she said.
Sunnyside’s art crawl includes various installations such as free libraries, the Sunnyside car, a Covid-19 theatre, murals, among others.
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
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.
[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
Source link
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.
Langford, Heim lead Rangers to wild 13-8 win over Blue Jays
Edler to sign one-day contract to retire as a Vancouver Canuck
Billie Jean King set to earn another honor with the Congressional Gold Medal
12 Bizarre Things People Did Just To Make Social Media Content
AP source: Bears acquiring quarterback Nick Foles from Jaguars – Sportsnet.ca
dynaCERT Inc. Invites You to Join Us at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference | INN – Investing News Network
-
News21 hours agoMK-ULTRA: Ottawa, health centre seek to dismiss Montreal brainwashing lawsuit
-
Sports20 hours agoFledgling Northern Super League adds four to front office ahead of April kickoff
-
Health21 hours agoHealth Canada approves updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
-
News20 hours agoRCMP warn of armed robbery suspects west of Edmonton
-
News21 hours agoOttawa threatens to pull funds for Chignecto Isthmus if N.B., N.S. don’t partner
-
Politics22 hours agoNDP beat Conservatives in federal byelection in Winnipeg
-
Economy21 hours agoEnergy stocks help lift S&P/TSX composite, U.S. stock markets also up
-
News22 hours agoCanadanewsmedia news September 17, 2024: Bloc wins Montreal Liberal stronghold
