The Artful Corridor of Commerce

SPRING into artful action with short trips out to several galleries open to the public again. Social distancing, contact tracing, and clear signage of protocol for safe visits are visible onsite with more detail posted on websites. Several galleries continue to have options available for virtual viewing from the comfort of your home.

Arts & Cultural Events Celebrate History…

Along with ongoing exhibits or resources on artistic and cultural contributions from the Black Community, which continue to enrich our lives, there are podcasts, videos, and virtual shows on other people’s creative journeys and cultural backgrounds at museums and cultural centres.

Heritage Mississauga can tell you all about the Sugar Making Moon with videos and Kim Wheatley, Grandmother Kim. Heritage Mississauga explores the Anishinaabe teachings by following their lunar calendar, March being the second moon or Sugar Making Moon. You can watch here. Their partnership with The Ontario Black History Society allows ongoing access to their archival resources at their YouTube channel. Enjoy history, entertainment, museum tours, and community recognition profiles.

Beaux Arts Brampton - Candid Convos with Visual Artists Halton-Peel-Dufferin

Beaux Arts Gallery Follow the Candid Conversations that Regan Hayward, Director, had with Carrie Campbell, Kofi Frempong, and Sarah Terrill here. They are Black artists whose work may be seen in the current virtual exhibit; I KNOW WHY. On through March 31, Beaux Arts Gallery stands in solidarity with the Black Community, recognizing its uniqueness, complexity, struggles, and beauty.

Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) Halton-Peel-Dufferin

Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) current exhibit, Our Voices, Our Journeys, Black Communities in Peel, is an ongoing exhibit celebrating one of many black communities in the Peel Region. It highlights the personal journeys of leaders and mentors from the North Peel Community Church congregation. Their photos and objects illustrate stories of immigration and family life, and how they established a community of faith in Caledon.” .

Museum of Dufferin - "Solidarity in My Community" Halton-Peel-Dufferin

Museum of Dufferin partnered with the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association to invite artists and photographers from across Canada to submit their work. Our Jurors selected pieces to best represent … “Solidarity in My Community”. On through March 31.

Art Gallery of Burlington is open! Check out their new exhibitions. Meera Sethi is one of the exhibiting artists in the paired exhibition In Visible at the AGB’s Perry Gallery from January 15- April 3, 2021. This artist talk and show & tell is an ancillary program to the exhibition—image courtesy of the artist.

ArtTrendZ collective members continue to “make noise” and get the word out about what their artists are doing. Thaniath Siddiqui and Vibha Malhotra have each been interviewed and featured by Deepa Mahanti in her series ‘I AM.’ Deepa is an Author, Filmmaker, Advocate, Humanitarian, Educationist, Entrepreneur and much more! This series shares the feelings and experiences, struggles and positive influences in people’s lives.

CLASSES – WORKSHOPS – ACTIVITIES…

From the old March Break to the new Spring Break, young and old, everybody is ready for some action! While the slow opening up in various areas allows some arts organizations and artists to start their classes and workshops in person while following current health protocols, many groups continue to offer some or all of their courses and events virtually.

Rima Koleilat is excited about her Spring Break Art Camp for 6 to 12-year-olds! “We’ll be online creating fun and interesting artwork together. The best part is art supplies for the camp are included. Some spots to sign your children up are still available.” From the 2019 campers, Modigliani-inspired self-portraits.

Ann Randeraad is offering classes in pottery Halton-Peel-Dufferin

Ann Randeraad is offering classes in pottery again! Book your lessons now for daytime, evenings, or weekends. Scheduled, socially distanced, small class sizes, sanitized tools and equipment, and masks worn by all. Call 519-938-2092. A short jaunt northwest of Orangeville.

Cathy Disbrow of Woolly Doodles, textile artist and felter, offers Zoom workshops from $20 – 35.00, kits extra. From the winter scene of sheep in mid-March followed by violets and cute bunnies in later March, to the spring-themed classes on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday evenings, and Friday morning, you can keep up with those creative options with the Woolly Doodles newsletter.

topourwithlove - Deborah Powell Halton-Peel-Dufferin

topourwithlove offers Zoom individual or small group art instruction in the exciting practice of poured acrylic paintings. Onsite at your location is available as conditions allow with all current health protocols followed. Relax and explore with your creativity unfettered, then choose who gets that beautiful gift.

Visual Arts Brampton has sprung into action with their ‘Try It Paint Nights’ and adult programming. From beginners to experienced artists, we offer a range of art classes for adults to explore in a fun and supportive studio environment. Working with skilled artists and instructors, students will learn their medium of choice through demonstration, exploration, and creation. You don’t want to miss their exciting international Snail Mail World Postcard Art Show or the exciting options with their Spring Break Camps. ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY!

Burlington Public Library has a plethora of FREE virtual activities and cultural delights to sample. While some require pre-registration, others do not. Family Storytime, Puppet Shows, Opera, Writing Classes, Bookclubs, Art Activities, and more! Or, what about that exciting Teen Writing Contest – poetry, comics, or short stories and a deadline of April 16.

Visual Arts Mississauga features virtual courses for adults and youth. Expand your artistry with VAM’s fantastic mix of Online and At-VAM Studio Fine Arts Courses for Adults. SPRING Break activities to check out, too!

Museum of Dufferin’s Learning Hub is a treasure trove of resources! With Social Studies, Language Arts, and Games & Activities, it’s time to DISCOVER, EDUCATE, and SHARE with the MOD! And don’t forget to explore the exciting collections they have – from the Archival Collection, to the Artifact Collection, and the Education Collection.

EXHIBITIONS HERE & AFAR…

Janice Ykema - Freedom of Expression Halton-Peel-Dufferin

Arts On The Credit (AOTC) offers an artful ‘escape to the country’ with whimsical four-legged critters to meet, their charming human characteristics courtesy of Janice Ykema, AOTC’s featured artist for March. Freedom of Expression is in the virtual gallery through March 31. It combines Ykema’s three loves – art, storytelling, and seeing people laugh. A much-celebrated Canadian artist, she was one of the youngest entrants accepted at OCAD University. However, her formal training was completed decades later. Ykema counts amongst her many prestigious awards, being chosen to do the poster in 2015 for the Royal Winter Fair.

Art Gallery of Mississauga’s new exhibit, The Qi of Water, is extended to April 12 and explores the very stuff of life, Yin or the quiet energy of water. Immerse yourself in this poignant experience with renowned artist Xiaojing Yan and two award-winning Canadian artists, Laura Beaton and Huan Chen. Both Beaton and Chen are members of Arts on the Credit.

Headwaters Arts Gallery can help you “wrap up those gifts” for Easter, Mother’s Day, graduations and more with their Artful Giving show from March 10 – April 18. Their gallery is NOW OPEN to the public, with all health protocols in place and guidelines carefully monitored. An excellent and unique collection of artful treasures await you. Consider a short trip into the scenic Caledon hills and enjoy browsing at the Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1402 Queen Street, Suite 100, Alton. Enjoy a virtual preview of ReLaunch 2021 before it moves into the gallery on April 21.

Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) is pleased to announce Friend of a Friend, an exhibition by VAM’s Creative Residents, Amanda Kung, Breanne Jeethan, James Legaspi, Karim Machado-Aman, and Madelyn Rotella, online to view here. VAM’s Creative Residency 3 is generously supported by the Community Foundation of Mississauga.

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre Sibyl Rampen, artist and proprietor of this beautiful heritage site, shares that… “Art From the Heart 2021” is possibly the most important exhibition to date. It is not about artists but about hope and healing for all challenged people. It is about teaching and inspiring people to find their artist Within.” Open Wednesdays – Sundays from 1-4 pm, located on Burnhamthorpe Road on the eastern border of Oakville and Mississauga.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS…

Halton Hills has just started its Spring 2021 cohort for Artrepreneur Halton Hills, a program for creative entrepreneurs. This is the second cohort of enterprising creatives who will explore the basics of marketing, business plans, and effective promotion. Far from the idealized notion of long peaceful days in the studio or roaming the countryside looking for ponds covered with lily pads to paint, artists and artisans, musicians and sculptors, are all managing their own businesses.

Mississauga Arts Council continues to present their members and the larger community with an impressive range of virtual programming. There is the TD Culture Lab for the artist-entrepreneurs: webinar series for community enjoyment, musicians and writers. There are also virtual venues such as Mac Arts Café, an online Open Mic and the Sauga Music Series in conjunction with various partners.

Central Counties Tourism continues to offer workshops, research, and guidance for the reopening of their members and communities in the Headwaters Region, which includes Caledon, Erin, Orangeville, and many destination areas.

E.Connie Munson – Local writer, photographer, and artist covers the arts and cultural scene so others may share the passion and joy of the creatives and makers. ellie73m@gmail.com.

Reference Links: A MARQUEE Bulletin of Arts and Cultural Events for Halton-Peel-Dufferin – The Artful Corridor of Commerce

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