When she was a little girl, Marjorie Beaucage’s grandmother taught her a lesson that would set her on a decades-long path of art, activism and social change.
Art
Two-spirit Elder Marjorie Beaucage shares stories from decades of art and activism
Those values led Beaucage to become a teacher, a community organizer, a filmmaker, an artist and a founder of Indigenous art spaces like the Aboriginal Film and Video Art Alliance.
Now in her 70s, Beaucage carries on her grandmother’s teachings as a two-spirit Métis Elder, serving as Elder for OUTSaskatoon, Elder-in-Residence for the University of Saskatchewan Students Union, and Grandmother for Walking With Our Sisters.
In her new book, ‘Leave some for the birds: Movements for justice,’ she shares stories and insights with the next generation of activists.
At first, she hadn’t intended to write a book — at a residency in New Mexico, she was exploring ideas for art projects using the journals she had kept from childhood through her 60s.
“Journaling was my survival when I was younger,” she said. “I had no place to put my feelings, and it was mostly anger and rage on those pages — but I didn’t want to carry it around. So it saved my life, really.”
“People were always asking me, ‘Are you writing your memoirs?’” she said. “And I said ‘No, memoirs are just lies you tell yourself about who you were.’ So I burnt them all, and I made a label for the jar of ashes — ‘Memoirs.’ But that jar wasn’t big enough. I had to go and buy a pail from Canadian Tire.”
Since then, Beaucage says she mostly left her journaling behind.
“I have a voice now,” she said. “I don’t need my journals in the same way.”
But even with the original pages gone, the ideas and lessons remained, and when she returned home, Beaucage decided to put them into a book: Not to tell stories about herself, but to offer a resource to others.
“There were some pretty good things I could pass on to future activists. And I didn’t realize there was so much poetry in my journals, either,” she says.
For two-spirit writer, speaker and advocate Prestin Thōtin-awāsis, “Marjorie came into my life when I needed her most.” He says Beaucage’s new book offers readers a chance to learn from her in a new way.
“What I love about this book is that I was able to open it to any page, and was able to read it and feel inspired with every poem and every sharing,” Thōtin-awāsis said. “Movements for justice, I think, is the true definition of Marjorie’s life.”
In revisiting her early writing, Beaucage saw how she had spent her life — “since the day I was born” — questioning everything.
In her book and in her conversations with young activists, Beaucage shares her hard-won lessons about balance — finding the right blend of action and reflection, which she wishes someone had been there to advise her on when she was younger.
“I burnt out so many times,” she said. “Everybody was ‘do, do, do.’ We were human doings, not human beings. And I wish somebody had said — sit down, have a cup of tea, slow down. It was a burning passion and I couldn’t quit. I remember sometimes, I was so 100 per cent ‘on it’ all the time that when I walked into a room, people didn’t want to make eye contact because they knew I was probably going to go into a rant. That wasn’t a good feeling.”
“That’s mostly where I balance myself out — picking berries, working on my garden, the water walks,” she said. “All those things help.”
And, fresh off her book launch, Beaucage seeks balance by continuing her water walk along the South Saskatchewan River.
This summer, she and a small group of water walkers will complete their three-year journey to walk and pray along the length of the river.
“It’s a ceremony for the water,” Beaucage explains. “When we go on pilgrimage or when we walk, we’re carrying the water to keep it flowing and keep it healthy — because the river is really sick, right now. It only has three feet of water in it. …
“It’s not a political act. It’s a ceremony. It’s not a protest. It’s helping the water get well. It’s just another expression of my love for the land.”
“It’s beautiful, being out there doing only one thing and being present in the moment all the time,” she said. “That’s the best part of it. Nothing else matters; just the water. We’re doing it for the water, and every step is a prayer.”
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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.
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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.
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