A Long Standing Brampton Institution is Celebrating An Anniversary
Published October 31, 2018 at 3:54 pm
The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives is a place to explore and learn about Peel Region’s culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinati
The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives is a place to explore and learn about Peel Region’s culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community.
Throughout the year, PAMA offers a variety of workshops and programs for all ages, families and adults. With so many different programs to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. What makes PAMA unique is its cultural evolution from serving a small farming community to serving a multicultural region.
PAMA is operated by the Region of Peel and is located at 9 Wellington Street East in Brampton…and this weekend they are doing something rather special.
On Saturday, November 3, PAMA will be celebrating their 50th anniversary as “a vibrant arts and heritage centre” with appearances by dignitaries and artists, special exhibitions, family-friendly activities and free open house events all day long.
“PAMA is a special community cultural hub,” notes manager Marty Brent. “Our exhibitions and collections represent the evolution of the creative sector and the people that call the Region of Peel home.”
Here’s what’s happening at PAMA this Saturday.
Art at PAMA: 50 Years of Collecting
This will feature a selection of 50 artworks drawn from its vast collection of over 5,500 pieces of art by Canadian artists, such as George Agnew Reid, David Milne, Jack Bush, Joyce Wieland, Michael Snow, Rita Letendre, Annie Pootoogook and Michael Awad to impressive pieces from international artists such as Dutch Karel Appel, Andy Warhol and Robert Motherwell to name only a select few reveals the wealth of the art collection.
This dynamic exhibition has been carefully crafted by Curator Sharona Adamowicz-Clements and flows into six major categories: The Landscape, Abstract Art, Inuit Art, Sense of Place, Portraiture and the Human Face and The Figure and the Nude. “I wanted to create an exhibition which would highlight the richness and diversity of PAMA’s art collection and acknowledge the generosity of donors to the institution.” says Adamowicz-Clements.
William G. Davis (former Ontario Premier) and Thomas Symons at the opening in 1968. They are using a candle to burn/cut the ribbon at the opening
PAMA Museum Collects: Spotlight on Stories
This highlights recent donations from it collection of over 13,000 artifacts, and the unique stories that came with them. “Stories bring us together as a community,” notes Museum Senior Curator Anne-Marie Hagan. “Our stories are global stories; they are treasures for us to keep and share with future generations.”
In 1967, communities across Canada were inspired to learn more about their own local histories following Canada’s Centennial celebrations. In 1968 the County of Peel Museum and Art Gallery opened its doors thanks to the hard work of volunteers from the Peel County Historical Society and the Women’s Institute branches of Peel County. The institution grew to include an archival facility 10 years later.
The events will run from 10 am to 4:30 pm. It is all free admission day but here’s PAMA’s itinerary for the day:
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Meet artist Murray Laufer and view his exhibition More Than Skin Deep (1 pm)
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Conversations with the Curators Art at PAMA: 50 Years of Collecting (1 to 4:30 pm)
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Celebration cupcakes from Cristina’s Tortina Shop (1:30 pm, while quantities last)
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Get Inked with Henna Artist, Sofia between (2 to 4 pm)
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Historic Courthouse tours (each half hour starting at 1:30 pm)
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Where We’ve Been. Where We’re Going, one-day-only Museum exhibit (drop-in all day)
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Archives behind-the-scenes tours and 50th celebration displays (drop-in all day)
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Family fun, creative clay activity (drop-in all day)
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Time capsule activity (drop-in all day)
Other anniversary themed events throughout the month of November include:
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Family Fun Day on November 17 from 10 am to 4:30 pm
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PAMA Thursday: Retro Rewind on November 22 from 6 to 10 pm
Will you be attending PAMA’s 50th anniversary and celebrating its rich history in Brampton and Peel?