Art
Turn Your Trash Into Art – The New York Times
One question that you’ve most likely asked yourself thanks to spending so much time at home is, “How do I go through so many containers?” Hollie Velten-Lattrell, who runs a creative design studio in Maplewood, N.J., can’t exactly answer that. But she does have an innovative way to repurpose your empty cans, toilet paper rolls and old newspapers: by making a “junk vessel.”
Ms. Velten-Lattrell, her husband, who is an animator, and their two young children have made dozens of these vases from assorted trash that is papier-mâchéd and then colorfully painted. Her neighborhood, perhaps unwittingly, is also in on the act: On a recent walk, Ms. Velten-Lattrell, took a big, plastic detergent container from a neighbor’s bin and turned it into a junk vessel that she now uses to hold feathers.
In an interview, she called this craft “hyper-local” — since it means using readily available materials — and “high-touch.”
While these vases shouldn’t be exposed to water, they are perfect for holding dried flowers or pens, or can stand alone as statement pieces on your bookshelves. Follow these steps to turn your trash into your own artsy junk vessel.
Make your vessel’s form.
1. To start, you’ll need to comb through your trash and recyclables for the makings of a large, sturdy base — a plastic or cardboard box should do the trick. Tissue boxes, cans and oatmeal or bread crumb containers are good circular options. You may have to combine multiple items, like two plastic cups.
2. Then, look for a longer, tubular item — like an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll — to mimic the neck of a traditional vase. To attach this to the junk vessel’s base, use generous amounts of masking tape. Painter’s tape and duct tape also work, as would a hot glue gun.
3. To make your vessel’s form more elaborate, add handles, knobs or flaps by cutting out shapes from any leftover cardboard you might have. You can tape or glue these on.
Papier-mâché your structure.
1. You may remember these steps from making your coroñata. Cut or tear your newspaper into strips; make more strips than you think you’ll need.
2. Make your paste: Ms. Velten-Lattrell uses Mod Podge glue and she also recommends wallpaper glue, but most liquid glues should work. Whatever glue you decide to use, start with a ratio of two parts glue to one part water so that it’s viscous.
3. Dip your strips into your glue mixture. Pull the strip between your thumb and forefinger to remove excess globs of paste.
4. Layer the vessel with strips until it is fully covered and let dry completely.
5. Repeat so that your vessel has a minimum of two dried papier-mâché layers.
Paint and decorate.
1. Here’s the fun part. Using any paint you have around the house, transform your vessel into a colorful decoration. Ms. Velten-Lattrell, often uses chalk paint, a durable self-priming paint which adheres easily to most surfaces. She said when chalk paint dries, “it almost looks like a terracotta finish.” She has also used kid-friendly washable tempera. Start with a base coat of a color of your choice.
2. Let the first coat of paint dry completely and assess if it needs a second base coat.
3. Add patterns, stripes, blocks of color — anything your heart desires. And voilà, you’ve turned your trash into your own treasure.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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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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