Bulletin of Arts and Cultural Events for Dufferin-Peel-Halton -

Artful Corridors of Commerce by Connie Munson

And now, for the season of spring, showers that usher in our flowers! Social distancing outside includes being careful when out enjoying those cherry trees in bloom. There continue to be other resources with fascinating collections and virtual experiences from area libraries, museums, and several arts organizations.

Bolded Arts & Cultural Events Celebrate History…

The richness of cultural diversity continues with several choices from regional and municipal galleries and cultural hubs. Current exhibits or resources are from the Black Community, Indigenous Anishinaabe peoples, and the Indian diaspora, all of which continue to enrich our lives. Explore and enjoy these creative journeys.

Museum of Dufferin recently partnered with Climate Action in Dufferin for this remarkable digital exhibition, Before Your Eyes, about climate change which had an extended run through the end of April. “Heat Waves. Flooding. Snowstorms. Drought. People are drawn to extreme events. Still more wonder how climate change will impact them. Many still believe that it is not real. 2019 was the hottest year on record!” The link is still live, and the exhibit is fascinating.

While we wait to see what weather is headed our way this summer, there are three Featured Collections to virtually visit the MoD.

There is the George E. Brown collection of photographs, some dating back into the mid-1860s of area businesses, places, and people; and the most extensive public collection of Corn Flower Glass in the world, arising from the successful Dufferin-born artisan, William John Hughes; and finally, an impressive display of Quilts, many dating back to late 1800’s up through the 20th century along with more contemporary pieces.

CreativeHub 1352 invites you to view their “The Lost Museum” now! After all, who knows what might get discovered, lost, forgotten, or remembered at InSitu 2021? This year-long multi-arts festival is virtual programming from the CreativeHub 1352, which operates at the Small Arms Inspection Building, owned and operated by the City of Mississauga.

Arts and Cultural Events for Dufferin-Peel-Halton

Explore and enjoy the links in Lost Rituals for “Ritual to Thank the Trees” and “Tea Ceremony.” Contact them at info@creativehub1352.ca for more information.

Heritage Mississauga continues the Sugar Making Moon with videos and Kim Wheatley, Grandmother Kim, by exploring the Anishinaabe teachings which follow the lunar calendar. Heritage Mississauga’s partnership with The Ontario Black History Society gives access to their YouTube channel of museum tours, entertainment, and community recognition profiles.

Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) is the regional treasure for Peel, with much to discover in their collections.

Be sure and check their calendar for activities that will take you through to the end of Spring Break! Then continue exploring their archival exhibits and learn about the contributions of some amazing women. “Stories of inspiring women are found in all three of the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives’ collections. … Whether an artist, a postal worker, an entrepreneur, or a United Nations diplomat, each woman has shaped our community. This is just the beginning. There are many stories to share, and this exhibition will grow over time.”

Art Gallery of Burlington, while closed to the public for viewing and in-person workshops, “sold out” with their Spring Break activity kits. And for people who missed the virtual presentation of Monira Al Qadiri in conversation with Amin Alsaden, Ocula Magazine has you covered! Click the button below to read their article and official transcript here.

CLASSES – WORKSHOPS – ACTIVITIES…

We all are in this together – keeping each other safe and engaged with positive, secure options. Look no further than these local and regional arts and cultural organizations and artists have some exciting opportunities, too.

ArtTrendZ collective members have entered several pieces to Canadian Community Arts Initiative as part of an outdoor exhibition that celebrates the essential workers in our healthcare system. More to come in the next few weeks on how the “Flowing Waters and Lotus of Thanks” exhibition and event will be celebrated.

Cathy Disbrow of Woolly Doodles, textile artist and felter, offers Gift Certificates, an Online Felt Party with friends, or even Private Lessons. Themed Zoom workshops range in length and pricing depending on project complexity. While her workshop schedule is finished, for now, sign up for the Woolly Doodles newsletter and consider buying some of the kits, like the Gnome or Bunnies.

topourwithlove will offer individual or small group Zoom or Onsite small group art instruction in the exciting practice of poured acrylic paintings. Materials list supplied for all classes. Whether onsite at your location [when allowed and all public health guidelines followed] or doing a Zoom at home, explore your creativity unfettered! Consider a gift certificate for that special someone to make it a shared experience and create a memory together!

Fruit Preserves: A Study of Glass by ecmunson

Visual Arts Brampton has a VAB Learn Video series with instructional art videos produced in their studio and made available free to the public for educational purposes. Check out that Lego Portrait Selfie, Summer Sailboat Collage, or Still Life Drawing just for starters! Or you could spring into action with a try-it Paint Nights and adult Zoom programming. Painting with watercolour, oils, acrylic, or soft pastels, digital photography, and drawing – the choices are inspiring. Don’t miss out on the Snail Mail World Postcard Art Show. And finally, the adult class, Capturing Glistening Glass in Soft Pastels, which started Monday evening, April 26, still has single class registration available and runs through May 17 with instructor Filomena Kandola.

Art Gallery of Burlington … Take a Snack Break “Introducing ARTSNACKS: a bite-sized video series that will help you learn and create at home! We’ll be launching a new video each week on our blog where a featured artist will reveal why they do what they do & how they do it!” They are starting with visual artist Jega Delisca. Click here to get started!

Burlington Public Library has a plethora of FREE virtual activities and cultural delights to sample. Check out their Spring Health Challenges and form a virtual team with another household for the 14-day challenges. From the Fitness Fix to the Mental Top Up and finally, the Nourishing Nature challenge, join in the daily fun of accomplishing your mission.

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.

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…

Arts on The Credit welcomes artist member Christine Montague with her show, People, Pets, and Polar Bears, on through May. Enjoy these poignant images and marvel at our bonds with these magnificent beasts, the people close to us, and our pets which Montague captures so well. Online viewing and purchasing with curbside deliveries or pickups available. In a recent SpotlightON, Montague commented… “Every once in a while, it is good to shake things up as an artist. For example, if one usually paints small, with tiny brushes, it’s a great exercise to switch to large brushes and larger substrate. The other day, I came across my acrylic paints. They are water soluble, dry quickly and are quite different to use than my medium of choice, oil. Next thing I knew, the palette knife was out and voila – some different little paintings!”

Beaux Arts Gallery In partnership with Downtown Brampton BIA and in keeping with spring and renewal, continues their virtual show, Everything Beaux. “Every one of us has a world of beauty inside, and the ability to find beauty in the world outside.” Enjoy the interpretation of all that is beautiful by these artists from across southern Ontario with the virtual exhibition on through May 15. A gem of a gallery in the historic Four Corners district of Brampton. And do follow their blog for candid conversations with artists and much more!

Art Gallery of Mississauga‘s new exhibit, All I’s on Me, runs from April 12 – June 12, 2021, and showcases the work of Visual Artist Pepe Bratanov and Luxury Artist Max Jamali.

Visual Arts Mississauga is now virtually showing A Day in May from May 3 – May 16 here. This is a members-only themed show focusing on what that perfect day in May would look and feel like to them. You can ask yourself if it’s about discovering a red trillium, apple blossoms blowing in the breeze, a road trip on backcountry roads, or looking at a canoe ready for an evening paddle. Features in the gallery allow you to magnify your views of a piece and read the bio info on each artist and work.

Headwaters Arts Gallery, the current virtual exhibit of ReLaunch 2021, may be viewed and payments accepted through our online shop with curbside pickup at the Alton Mill Arts Centre. A vital, dynamic, and energizing exhibition runs through May 24 with sculptures, wood-carved items decorative and practical, and fine art pieces in several media. It is a beautiful cross-section of Headwaters Arts’ member artists’ work in classical and traditional styles juxtaposed with the abstract and minimalist. NOTE: The annual HA scholarship applications are available on the website. These are for area secondary school students pursuing careers in the arts field.

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre Sibyl Rampen, artist and proprietor of this remarkable 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.” View virtually while closed.

The Falls Gallery in the Alton Mill Arts Centre is currently showing NATURE RE-DESIGNED, Elemental & Earthy, through May 10. Using beeswax, moss, and bold pigments, Karen Brown, an encaustic mixed-media artist, and Steve Sestic, an artist and practicing architect who explores natural and manufactured environments, have curated a show that exhilarates and grounds you with their interpretation of nature. Curbside pickup or delivery is available. Both Brown and Septic are Headwaters Arts members with their studios at the Mill. Respectively, you may view their work on Brown’s website and Sestic’s here.

Taking Care of Business…

Halton Hills is busy keeping their creatives connected and networking with their Arts & Culture Meetups on the last Monday of the month. Pearl Schachter, Cultural Program Producer, Economic Development, Innovation and Culture for Town of Halton Hills, convenes these meetups along with Artrepreneur Halton Hills, a 10-week long program for creative entrepreneurs Wednesday evenings. Kim Kool of the Beehive Encaustic Studio at the Alton Mill Arts Centre presented and then guided a rich discussion on networking, partnerships, and healthy dynamics of working relationships on May 5.

Mississauga Arts Council presents their members and the larger community with an impressive range of virtual programming. For the artist-entrepreneurs, there is the TD Culture Lab: Webinar series. For community enjoyment, musicians and writers, there are virtual venues such as Mac Arts Café, an online Open Mic and the Sauga Music Series in conjunction with various partners. Their MACtivities newsletter is a great weekly read of all things arts and culture in Mississauga!

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

Connie Munson (ecmunson)

Involved with several arts organizations in the area, such as Beaux Arts Gallery, Credit Valley
Artisans, and Headwaters Arts, ecmunson sits on the HA board and is honoured to have work
accepted in the DVSA’s prestigious event. A regular contributor to arts newsletters and local
media with arts and cultural related columns, she recently launched her website, Studio By
Design© with its subscriber-based Artful Pics BULLETIN.

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