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Twillingate yarn artist opens outside art gallery – The Telegram

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Nicholas Mercer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For others, Main Street in Twillingate is just the main access point to the heart of the community.

Artist Nina Elliott sees something different. Rather, it is Elliott’s yarn-bombing alter ego, the Rock Vandal, who sees the street as an open canvas waiting for that splash of colour.

Starting this week, the Rock Vandal has been stapling pieces of her yarn artwork — she always gets permission before placing them — to various clapboard siding buildings on Main Street in what she believes is Newfoundland’s first open air art gallery.

“I am considering this my first show,” she said.

The plan is to showcase eight or nine of her freehand crochet creations on various buildings along the street, just as would be done in an art gallery. Each piece will stay up for two weeks.

She will unveil some new pieces during the street art exhibition, while also reworking some of her old favourites, like the Waldo piece she moved around the region last summer.

“Overall, the theme of this is uplifting art, and the characters that I am bringing back will be reimagined with some form of coronavirus takeaway,” she said.

It was a project the Rock Vandal had planned to put together over the summer, but the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans. She had the idea of helping attract tourists to the Twillingate region through her street art.

However, instead of trying to draw people to the area, the exhibit will now serve to offer some positivity to her neighbours.

“Given what is going on, it just felt like this was the right time to launch it,” said the Rock Vandal. “It is a little bit for me, but also just for the community.

“It is one thing to roll out the red carpet for the tourists, but we have to look out for each other right now.”

To help promote the idea and her work, the Rock Vandal contacted the Town of Twillingate and its recreation director, Jeff Blackler.

He was only too happy to help with the project any way he could. It has mostly been on the town’s Facebook page, and Blackler said each post he makes is followed by a big response from followers.

“In these times, anything that can get people out and active and something to look forward to is a bonus in our town,” said Blackler.

Speaking of getting people out, the exhibit will be laid out in a way that the residents of Twillingate will be able to enjoy it from their cars or on their evening walks, with a focus on maintaining physical distancing.

The Rock Vandal wants people to use her work to help break the monotony of the times.

“It is really about bringing colour and positivity to the community,” she said.

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, silver linings are starting to appear. These linings come in the form of music, artisanship and food.

More and more people are starting to showcase themselves and their talents on social media as a way combat the cabin fever that grips them through the physical distancing regulations.

The Rock Vandal found her lining and she is encouraging others to do the same.

“My hope is that everyone can try to be considerate to one another during this time and figure out what you can do to make your community a positive place,” she said. “Find a silver lining for you and maybe how you can share it.”

Nicholas Mercer is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering Central Newfoundland for Saltwire Network.

nicholas.mercer@thecentralvoice.ca

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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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