May is Museum Month and the Region of Peel’s Museum has a number of exhibitions and events planned to mark the occasion.
The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) recently launched a new exhibition: Kimutsik, which means “dog team”. The exhibition is being hosted in partnership with the CONTACT Photography Festival and it’s by Glenn Gear.
Gear’s artwork portrays untethered dogs running freely and returning as spirits, set against a kaleidoscopic backdrop of beadwork crafted and photographed by the artist, according to a Region of Peel media release.
It adds the artwork is based on a time in the mid-twentieth century when the Canadian government enforced laws that caused the demise of Inuit-owned dogs as a way to push Inuit into settlements.
Beginning May 25, the “Oh My Dog!” exhibit will be opening at PAMA. According to the release, this exhibit will showcase a variety of historical and contemporary artwork, from artists of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds who have focused on the dog as a symbol. PAMA adds the exhibit will consider a variety of perspectives on dogs’ relationships with humans.
From 7 to 9 p.m. on May 24, there will be an opening exhibition for “Oh My Dog!” at PAMA. There, guest curator Chris Finn will preview the exhibition, and there will be light refreshments served. The event is free, though those wanting to attend must reserve a spot by emailing pamaeventrsvp@peelregion.ca by May 20.
From 7:30 to 9 p.m. on May 2, the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) and PAMA will host a paint night. At the event, PAMA staff will lead attendees in creating canvas art inspired by Indo-Tibetan artist Rohan James’ poetry collection, “Pink Moon”.
The event is for individuals ages 14 and up and costs $25. More information is available online at pama.peelregion.ca.
On May 4, PAMA is hosting an event that will put young local artists in the spotlight. From 1 to 4 p.m. Peel Perspectives: A Youth Art Showcase will take place at the PAMA.
The event is being run by PAMA’s youth council, whose goal is to provide a platform for young artists in Peel to be inspired, express themselves, and develop leadership skills.
From 7 to 8:30 p.m. on May 9, the Brampton Folk Club will be hosting a music night at PAMA.
Led by Leah Holtom, Jamie Reilly and Sally Campbell, the night is called “Finding the Creative Spark” and will feature songs and stories about the creative process.
From 1 to 3 p.m. on May 12, PAMA will host a Mother’s Day Tea with sweets, finger sandwiches and, of course, tea. The event will be paired with an art workshop and is for anyone aged 10 and up. This event costs $50, or $45 for PAMA members.
For more information about these and all PAMA events, those interested can visit pama.peelregion.ca.
PAMA is located at 9 Wellington St. East in Brampton.
Zachary Roman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Caledon Citizen