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Vulnerable local women urged to 'flirt with art' during pandemic – OrilliaMatters

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Local artists are finding ways to stay busy, stay creative and support vulnerable residents at the same time.

Meg Leslie is putting a new twist on her Flirting with the Arts program in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s calling it Flirting with the Arts — Lighthouse Edition.

Leslie, Emily Dilecce and Steph Whalen are the artists who have so far come on board. They will be sending materials and instructions to the women being housed in hotels by the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter.

In response to the pandemic, the Lighthouse, which typically only houses men, recently opened a women’s shelter at a local hotel.

“I was thinking of the people in the shelter and how hard that must be. They’re in hotel rooms and they’re bored,” said Leslie. “Being creative is healing and it’s a great way to pass the time.”

The artists need the community’s help to make the program a success. Leslie has started a GoFundMe account, which can be found here, with the goal of raising $1,000. That would cover the cost of five workshops for 15 people.

“Every $200 basically pays for an artist and 15 kits,” she explained.

As of Tuesday afternoon, $275 had been raised.

Tax receipts can be issued to those who donate to the effort.

Some artists are donating the material, but not everyone is in a position to do the same, as the pandemic has hit their sector hard.

“I want to pay the artists because I know a lot of them are struggling,” Leslie said. “The beautiful thing is it is helping artists to find creative, new ways to still be working and doing what they love and helping people.”

Dilecce’s workshop will focus on needlepoint. Whalen will have the shelter guests work on watercolours. Leslie will have them make ceramics.

Each artist will provide materials and one sheet of handwritten instructions for guests to follow.

For Leslie’s workshop, the guests will make small pots out of clay. When they are finished, Leslie will glaze the pots and fire them in her kiln and return them to the women with a candle in them.

While the goal is to raise $1,000, Leslie is ready to take it further if enough support is generated.

“If we keep raising money, we can expand it,” she said.

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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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