Welland task force taking lead on public art inventory | Canada News Media
Connect with us

Art

Welland task force taking lead on public art inventory

Published

 on

 

There are close to 70 pieces of public art in Welland, half of them in the downtown area.

James Takeo, a member of the city’s arts and culture committee and tattoo artist by trade, is taking the lead on a recently struck task force that will collect an inventory of the city’s outdoor art displays.

There were close to 30 murals created during an arts festival in the late 1980s and early 1990s, some of which have been removed or painted over for various reasons. Many are also in poor condition.

There are canoes and sculptures on municipal property, but also many other pieces Takeo is adding to his list, “regardless of ownership,” he said.

They can be on private property in “fully accessible public view,” he said.

Takeo has created a map of where all the public art pieces are located.

In the city’s arts and culture policy, there is mention of a public art review team, but a task force is more appropriate because it’s “more about action,” he said.

The Festival of Arts murals have been a hot topic in Welland over the past month, a conversation ignited by the “Towpaths” mural on the side of a now-demolished former hotel on Niagara Street. The local arts community pushed for it to be saved when the building was to be razed, but a plan did not materialize after the city said it would be too costly to relocate or preserve.

 

An exhibit of the city’s murals at Welland Museum started earlier this month and continues until the end of the year.

One example of public art that was created recently is a graffiti wall in an alley next to the former RBC building on East Main Street.

“That entire wall has been painted, and I’m not sure everyone realizes that,” Takeo said.

Bell utility box murals are also making the list, as is a beaver sculpture at the downtown transit terminal.

One observation Takeo has made while compiling the list is that there has been a historical trend with public art — in that it’s not done as a “one off” and that there are many projects involving “multiple versions,” he said, referring to the murals, Bell boxes and canoes.

“We have a lot of public art in the city,” said Takeo.

“It shows the community has a lot of passion for its own culture and heritage.”

Takeo expects his report, when complete, will be brought to the committee, and make its way to municipal staff and then city council.

He said “any and all options should be considered” when considering next steps about the existing art.

Takeo also hopes his report and the work of the task force will address years to come.

 

“I want to ensure any future projects are properly planned for such maintenance and legacy measures,” he said.

Source link

Continue Reading

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

 on


[unable to retrieve full-text content]

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



Source link

Continue Reading

Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

 on

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.

Source link

Continue Reading

Art

Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

Published

 on

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.

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version