Festivities Mark the Official Grand Opening of the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives

BRAMPTON, ON – On Saturday, Nov.24, and Sunday, Nov. 25 the public is invited to celebrate the Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) grand opening. By attending, visitors can see new exhibitions and tour the art gallery and museum, including the newly opened tunnel connecting both buildings.

“We are very excited to welcome the public to our official grand opening,” said Claire Loughheed, Manager, PAMA. “The renovations to the museum have been completed and the new space is absolutely stunning. There will be free activities and events over the weekend for all members of the family.”

Weekend highlights include:

Hands-on activities for all ages

-Step back in time and pretend you’re a judge, a prisoner, or the sheriff in our historic courthouse
-Imagine what early settlers packed for their voyage to Peel Region
-Create watercolour “fossils”
-Hugh and Mary Manning Square – a family-friendly gathering space including an interactive map on a new state-of-the-art touchtable
-Meet the Architects – a chance to speak with members of award-winning Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd. Architects (GBCA) who designed the new PAMA buildings

Special Performances by Panamanian dancers

Diablicos Sucios

Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m.

Tamborito

Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.
Sunday. Nov. 25 at 3 p.m.

Exhibitions

-Welcome to Peel: A celebration of our people and our stories
-We Remember: Stories of service and sacrifice
-Connections Gallery: Drawing with Scissors: Molas from the Kuna Yala: Molas are traditional blouses or shirts created with an appliqué technique by Kuna women and often feature realistic and abstract birds, fish, and flowers
-Cover: A new unveiling by artist Lyn Carter
-Colourful Roots: An unveiling in the tunnel
-Passages: Curated by Christine Boyanoski for PAMA, this photo-based exhibition brings together artists of different cultural backgrounds whose work looks at personal and family history

After being closed for two years, the renovation and expansion of PAMA is complete thanks to the generous support from the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and the Region of Peel.

The grand opening is the second phase in the opening of PAMA. The Art Gallery opened on Sept. 30 and the final phase will happen on Family Day, Feb. 18, 2013 when the entire facility will be open.

PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel’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 family-friendly activities and a variety of workshops and programs for all ages. Operated by the Region of Peel, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington St. E. in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca for more information.