Art Gallery of Peterborough Releases Event Lineup To Celebrate Its 50th Anniversary

To celebrate the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s (AGP) 50th anniversary, they have launched their event lineup to commemorate the gallery’s founding in 1974.

director Celeste Scopelites marvels at the piece, “Comfort, Eyes That Speak” by Don Kwan. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

“This is a chance for us to recognize and thank our community, our artists, our volunteers, our talented staff and our partners at the City of Peterborough who have been supporting the Art Gallery of Peterborough for 50 years,” said Debbie Keating of AGP Board of Directors. “The Art Gallery of Peterborough Board sees this year as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the future of the gallery.”

“A gallery is a pretty major establishment for the continuance of the culture from the perspective that it operates all throughout the year consistently,” said Celeste Scopelites, AGP director. “It becomes a hub for people to come and participate in various things for other kinds of events to be connected with it or an education stream for all ages. It becomes a place of engagement.”

On March 15, 1974, the AGP received its Letters Patent from the Province of Ontario, incorporating the AGP as a not-for-profit charitable organization.

In 1977, the AGP’s Board expanded on these aims and objectives.

“This gallery recognizes that, in a changing environment, its role is not static, but must be open to change; that it must reach out to its community; that it must be both a permanent institution and a ‘museum without walls’,” according to a press release statement.

The following are the announced events to celebrate AGP’s 50th anniversary:

Current Exhibitions: Seams and Strata

Nov. 23, 2013 – March 17

Reflecting on the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s 50th Anniversary in 2024, this juried exhibition invited artists to submit original works of art that resonate with themes of legacy, archives, nostalgia, ghosts, memory, survival and growth.

For Posterity: works from the Permanent Collection

Feb. 17 – March 24

Gathering works from the gallery’s early acquisitions, For Posterity reflects important gifts from key supporters and past exhibitions of the Art Gallery of Peterborough. The works from these early acquisitions chart the path of a nascent and savvy institution, driven primarily by women, dedicated to the creation of something strong and stable. It is a gift to future generations.

Galleria Extravaganza: The Best Sale of the Last (Half) Century

Opening Event: April 5, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Sale Continues: April 6 – 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This weekend event is inspired by a fundraising sale hosted annually by the dedicated group of volunteers who supported the Art Gallery of Peterborough through its first decades. In celebration of the gallery’s 50th anniversary, this sale will offer a collection of artful items donated by members and volunteers, making it a great opportunity to find some treasures.

A selection of special items will be available through an Online Auction which begins March 22. Bidding closes April 7 at 9 p.m. during the opening event. Browse the selection in the AGP’s Main Gallery all weekend as the in-person sale continues: April 6 – 7, from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Proceeds from this sale will be directed to the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Acquisition Fund from which artwork is purchased for the Permanent Collection. The AGP presents changing exhibitions curated from the Permanent Collection in dialogue with current exhibits each year.

50th Anniversary Celebration

August 20

McDonnel Street Community Centre

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is celebrating 50 years of accomplishments and is hosting a gathering at the McDonnel Street Community Centre. Gallery Director Celeste Scopelites invites the public to join AGP as they indulge in reminiscence and look towards thier future.

Special guests will include founders and key members of our community who have made significant contributions the gallery and its ongoing successes.

It’s All About ART Fundraising Auction

Oct. 26, 7:00 p.m.

The Venue

The Art Gallery of Peterborough's annual fundraising auction, It’s All About ART, is an initiative of the Board of Directors. Each year, they raise funds to support the gallery’s outstanding exhibitions and education programs. In honour of the decade of the gallery’s origin, they will be celebrating with a 70s theme.

Upcoming Exhibitions: Exhibitions during the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s 50th anniversary are rooted in intergenerational dialogue, reflecting the AGP’s 50 years of commitment to contemporary artists and emerging practices. This Spring, the AGP will present work by two Peterborough-based artists. Antoine Mountain’s Ets’ehchi’I: Traditional Dene Burial Practices opens with a special event on March 23rd from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Stan Olthius’ Interconnected includes large-scale kinetic sculpture with dance performance and sound to explore relationality, duality and exchange.

Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour – 40th Anniversary

Sept. 28 – 29

The Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour is a two-day event that offers the public a unique opportunity to connect with local artists and makers from Peterborough and the Kawarthas and to learn about their artistic practice with a behind-the-scenes look into the artist’s studio.

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Hometown PTBO: Anne Shirley Theatre Company's 'Catch Me If You Can' Production at Market Hall For March 8-23

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with some of the cast and crew of the Anne Shirley Theatre Company and their upcoming production, 'Catch Me If You Can' at Market Hall from March 8 to 23.

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City of Peterborough Selects Artist For Miskin Law Community Complex Public Art Installation

First Nations artist Vanessa Dion Fletcher has been awarded a commission to create artwork for the Miskin Law Community Complex including a twin-pad arena and a library branch.

Dion Fletcher is a Lenape and Potawatomi neurodiverse artist; her family is from Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiitt (displaced from Lenapawking) and European settlers. She graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2016) with a Master of Fine Arts in performance and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University (2009). Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Dion Fletcher will create the focal point for the impressive two-storey atrium, featuring an east-facing, floor-to-ceiling window at the main entrance to the Miskin Law Community Complex at Lansdowne and Park streets.

The artwork will build on the City’s commitment to create awareness of Indigenous cultures, peoples, and heritage. The commissioned work will provide insight into First Nations teachings, ethos and spirit of sport and the role sport plays in building relations. 

The new work, entitled Analogous Harmony (working title), is composed of three hoops or rings, painted with the visual texture, pattern and colour of quillwork. The rings are abstract forms that invite the viewer to see their experience with sport. The circular form evokes balls, tracks, hoop dancing, and the earth.

“I began by engaging with lacrosse sticks, hoop dancers, and canoes as forms of inspiration. I related these images to the feelings of movement that are evoked by my two-dimensional quillworks…,” said Dion Fletcher. “I now see my quillwork as an invitation to look and see what is within one's own heart and spirit.”

The artwork unveiling will coincide with the grand opening of the community complex this fall.

“Whether it was learning to ride a bike, paddle across a lake, run cross country or playing soccer, for me, sport is a conversation with oneself, the environment, and the creator,” said Dion Fletcher.

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Holy Cross Secondary School Brings Literature to Life With Production of 'Shakespeare In Love The Play' For Three Shows

The students of Holy Cross Secondary School in grades 9 to 12 are putting on the production of 'Shakespeare In Love The Play' for three dates on Feb. 28, 29 and March 1.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The play is based on the screenplay by Marc Norman, and Tom Stoppard was adapted for theatre by Lee Hall.

It is being produced by Holy Cross teacher Serena McKenna as it is her 24th production.

“There are a number of staff members and students involved behind the scenes which speaks to the supportive relationships that exist at Holy Cross,” she said. “Shakespeare said a good heart never changes and I see this in the staff and students here. We can always count on each other.”

Ella Doris is taking the female lead in playing the role of Viola DeLesseps.

 “Having been involved in the previous productions at Holy Cross, I am very excited to see how this show is evolving and being involved in a performance of this size is an overwhelmingly tremendous experience,” she explained. “I am looking forward to opening night and feel proud and grateful of the work that has been put in by the cast and crew.  This has been a great experience to have in my Senior year.”

Only one Grade 9 student has an acting role in the production as this play is Xy Pascual's first-ever time taking the stage.

“Being the only Grade 9 in this play is a bit stressful but thankfully I have formed a new relationship with my castmates and I have been made more comfortable in stepping out of my comfort zone,” she said “I am already excited to be involved in the next Holy Cross Production.”

The play is open for the public to watch for all three dates with ticket prices at $20 for adults and $15 for students at the door.

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Hometown PTBO: Jason Wilkins On His Historic Projects and Upcoming Work With the Peterborough Memorial Centre

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with artist Jason Wilkins about some of the big projects he's done throughout the years, seeking input for a new mural at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and his business, the Jason Wilkins Factory.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announced December Production 'The Enchanted Bookshop' For Eight Shows

Peterborough Theatre Guild is putting on a production of Todd Wallinger’s famed story of ‘The Enchanted Bookshop’ slated for eight dates in December.

Photo courtesy of Colton DeKnock and PeterborougH Theatre Guild.

Four matinee shows at 2 p.m. and evening shows at 7:30 p.m. are running throughout the first two weeks of December.

Show dates run on the follow dates: Dec. 1, 2*, 3*, 5, 7, 8, 9* and 10*.

*denotes matinee performances

The production is about the used bookstore ‘A Likely Story’ where characters inside the books come alive at night. Famed characters such as Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi and Tom Sawyer help Margie, the scatterbrained owner, save her struggling store. The come-to-life characters cannot leave the building or be seen by human eyes. A pair of smugglers comes looking for a stolen necklace hidden inside one of the books putting the characters in a dilemma.

The show features additional appearances that include Queen of Hearts, Long John Silver and Doctor Dolittle.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling (705) 745-4211 or visiting Peterborough Theatre Guild’s website.

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Market Hall Is Back To Provide Uplift Spirits With "Cancer Takedown" For Cancer Care

Market Hall is back for the second Annual Cancer Takedown as a 'spirit-raiser' for anyone touched by cancer for Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

The night shines a light on the mental burden of cancer and unites people through song, story and solidarity. All proceeds go to Cancer Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Performances will be done by Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, Linda Kash, Megan Murphy, Anthony Bastianon, Rob Phillips and Pol Coussée. It also includes people sharing their cancer stories.

Husband and wife team Rick and Amy Kemp founded the event. Rick has been a patient of PRHC since 2019 when he was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer. In May 2021, his battle doubled as he was diagnosed with a second primary cancer, CNS lymphoma.

“The mental battle of cancer is as tough as the physical battle. Some days, even tougher,” said Rick. “Let's find more ways to help more people get through the mental part.”

Donations can be made at the event or online.

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Missy Knott Becomes First Curve Lake First Nation Resident Appointed to Ontario’s Art Council

Missy Knott has become the first person from Curve Lake First Nation to be appointed to Ontario’s Art Council (OAC) announced on Monday.

It has been more than fifty years since there was an appointee from the riding of Peterborough-Kawartha, with Missy Knott being the first ever from Curve Lake Frist Nation. Photo courtesy of MPP Dave Smith.

The OAC is the province’s primary funding body for professional artists and art organizations, made up of a 12-member volunteer Board of Directors according to a press release. They are community leaders with a variety of expertise in the arts, all appointed throughout the province. They foster the arts – both in creation and production- to enrich Ontarians' lives, communities and economy. The OAC's grants and services to professional, Ontario-based artists and arts organizations support arts education, Indigenous arts, community arts, crafts, dance, Francophone arts, literature, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, theatre, touring, and visual arts.

Knott is a singer/songwriter who gained popularity for her unique style and has released music since 2009. She uses her experience of growing up in Peterborough and her relations to Curve Lake First Nation and infuses the two community experiences into her music. She has returned to Curve Lake First Nation for her latest journey of starting a not-for-profit record label, Wild Rice Records.

The record label began in 2018 and helps with youth outreach, mentorship, recording and community connections. Missy uses her record label to guide Indigenous youth to follow their passions and talents. In providing the support she wished she had when she entered the music scene, she continues to inspire and promote the next generation of local artists. She has been active in Indigenous music, using her songs to speak to the matters close to her and her community. In 2017, she was nominated at the Indigenous Music Awards for EP My Sister’s Heart.

“I had the privilege of first working with Missy in the lead up to the Special Hockey International Tournament in Peterborough back in 2017,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “I am so happy that someone who has used her talents to give back to our community as a positive role model is be appointed to the Ontario Arts Council.”

“It is an honour to sit on the Ontario Arts Council Board of Directors,” said Knott. “It is and has always been important to me to foster a creative vision and help artists realize their voice and their passions. Success is not an individual achievement but the result of learning, engaging, collaborating and hard work. The same is true of communities, and I am so happy to be a part of this one.”

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