City's Public Art Program Seeking Indigenous Artists to Commemorate Chemong Portage

The City of Peterborough Public Art Program invites Indigenous visual artists living in Peterborough and local First Nations to submit proposals for a public art project to commemorate the Chemong Portage.

The Public Art Policy, adopted in 2009 and updated in 2022, recognizes the role public art plays in creating culturally vibrant cities, identifies processes for generating and selecting projects and committees and commits an annual Public Art fund to maintain existing artworks and to commission new projects from artists across the country. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The Chemong Portage is an approximately 10-kilometre-long footpath and portage that once ran between Nogojiwanong/Peterborough and gchi-maang (Chemong Lake).  

The intent of Right of Way - The Chemong Portage Project is to commemorate the portage in a way that allows people to experience it. Visual artists are invited to submit digital images of their original artwork. Selected images will be printed onto vinyl media and wrapped around traffic signal cabinets located close to what is thought to be the original portage route.  

“This is a great initiative to highlight the cultural richness of the Michi Saagiig and educate the city and visitors that they are on an historical portage route of our communities,” said Tom Cowie of Hiawatha First Nation.

The call for artists, including more information about the project parameters with tips about the application process, is on the City’s Public Art webpage at peterborough.ca/PublicArt.  

Information sessions 

Artists are encouraged to attend one of three information sessions in early June. Public art program staff will be in attendance to answer questions.   

Hiawatha First Nation Cultural Centre 

June 3 at 3:30 p.m.  

431 Hiawatha Line  

Hiawatha First Nation  

Peterborough Public Library  

June 3 at 6:30 p.m.  

345 Aylmer St. N, Peterborough 

Curve Lake Nation Cultural Centre  

June 4 at 4:30 p.m. 

1024 Mississauga St.

Curve Lake First Nation 

The application deadline is June 25 at 4 p.m. All applications must be submitted online. 

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View Creativity at the Mount Community Centre's Eighth-Annual 'Get Your Art On' Exhibition

The Mount Community Centre is hosting their eighth-annual ‘Get Your Art On,’ exhibition and sale of local arts and crafts at their facility at the Austin Doran Hall on May 24 to 26.

Photocourtesy of the Mount COmmunity Centre.

The exhibition features paintings, photography, pottery, sculpturing, woodworking and more on display and for sale.

The official opening ceremony starts on the 24 at 6 p.m. Each day onward is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“There are numerous artists and crafts people coming to display and sell their works,” says Hartley Stephenson, local artist and event organizer. “The items are unique and specially designed to please the buyer. Attendees are bound to find something that will interest them and be a perfect gift for Mother’s day celebrations.”

The event is free to attend and 10 per cent of all profits going towards the Mount’s efforts to provide affordable housing and food security.

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Photos: Seniors Entertained As Trent Valley Archives Brings Peter Robinson's Story to Life With 'Tide of Hope' Production at Royal Gardens

Tales of famed politician Peter Robinson came to life in a live production of ‘Tide of Hope’ put on by Trent Valley Archives Theatre production at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence on Thursday night.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Michael Ketemer as the Musician.

Nathan Govier as Lord Kingston (left) with Lucas Pronk as Peter Robinson (right).

Drew Mills (left) as David and Lauren Murphy (right).

Pronk with June Govier (middle) as Elizabeth and Elaine Day (right) as The Descendant.

Brogan McKeller (left) as the Stage Manager with the cast members as the production has a play within itself.

Carling Dulder (left) as Lady Margaret/Midnight as Govier receives a knife from her.

The play depicts actor The Descendant in the forthcoming Trent Valley Archives Theatre production. She is a Peter Robinson settler descendant while her ancestor, John Heffernan, was a poor gardener on Lord George Kingston's estate.

It follows the trials and tribulations of two families who are forced to flee Ireland and emigrate to Upper Canada in 1825 to escape hardships and violent rebellion. It commemorates the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson immigration. He played a pivotal role in organizing the migration and settlement of Peterborough.

The play commemorates the 200th anniversary of the arrival of roughly 2,024 Irish settlers to Peterborough as part of the British government’s assisted emigration program for destitute Irish families.

Live productions are available to the public at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. for school groups on Wednesday.

Tickets can be found on Market Hall’s website.

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Trent University Celebrates Public Sculpture At Campus Entrance

Trent University celebrated the art piece, ‘Potential,’ three pinecone sculptures at the entrance of the Symons Campus and was created by artist Floyd Elzinga.

Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent's president and vice-chancellor (left); Floyd Elzinga (middle) and Suzanne Bailey, Trent’s associate dean of graduate studies (right) with ‘Potential.’ Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The art piece was completed in April of last year. Elzinga took about a year to complete them. The sculptures were made of weathering (Corten) steel which adds a uniqueness to their colour from a scientific standpoint.

“It's a specific alloy of steel that develops rusty oxidized patina but that patina actually prevents it from deteriorating so that 'rust' actually prevents it from corroding further which is an 'irony,’” explained Elzinga.

‘Potential’ is appropriate for a campus with pine cones being the theme for the piece according to the Beamsville, Ont. artist.

“One of these pinecones would have 100 or more seeds in it and the potential refers to is that each of those seeds, the potential that they have inside them to become 100 trees that could go elsewhere,” said Elzinga. “It's that metaphor representing so much more life that can come out of it and I think it reflects well on the University. Students come to learn things and they are those seeds that take that knowledge to set their roots where that is.”

Family, friends and Trent faculty were on hand to celebrate the occasion of Elzinga’s accomplishments.

The sculpture was originally announced on National Philanthropy Day (Nov. 15), is the latest addition to the University’s Public Sculpture Initiative (PSI) which offers a nationally significant collection of public art, supported by philanthropy. 

Trent’s PSI was initiated by David James and his wife, Lili de Grandpré, and is supported by Jalynn H. Bennett's legacy gift and other donors and artists according to the University.

The work was commissioned after Suzanne Bailey, Trent’s associate dean of graduate studies, suggested Elzinga to Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent's president and vice-chancellor. The latter was immediately on board.

“Suzanne reached out to me on behalf of Leo and said, ‘we would love to see something by Floyd,’” said Elzinga. “It was at a point in my career that this was something I could afford to do and I think it's a great solution for that University to build a collection.”

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Hometown PTBO: Actress Nancy Towns About Her Family's Douro Legacy and Upcoming Productions Including 'Girl in the Goldfish Bowl'

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with actress and singer Nancy Towns about her family's legacy in Douro especially with P.G. Towns & Sons, her upcoming production 'Girl in the Goldfish Bowl' with the Peterborough Theatre Guild and some of her favourite all-time concerts.

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Electric City Players Inaugural Production Brings Shakespeare to Life With 'MacBeth' at Market Hall On May 23 - 25

The Electric City Players is taking William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Macbeth, to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre for its inaugural production on May 23 - 25.

Photo courtesy of Electric City Players.

Andrew Loeb, a seasoned Shakespeare professor from Trent University, and Jacqueline Barrow, a respected figure in local theatre with notable acting credits and directorial experience will helm the production.

"Like all great endeavors, it began in a pub," said Loeb. “It was something like a dare: 'what if we…?'" This spirit of bold experimentation infuses every aspect of their debut production.”

"We wanted to choose a play that was accessible to a wide variety of audiences and that could be reimagined for a modern audience,” said Barrow. “We think Macbeth was the perfect place to start.”

“We hope people come to the show not because it’s Shakespeare but rather to hear it speak to the urgent crises that we face now—that we have always faced," said Loeb. “Something wicked this way comes.”

For tickets, visit the Market Hall website.

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Peterborough Museum and Archives Announce New Exhibit With Fleming College

Fleming College students and Peterborough Museum & Archives have launched a new exhibit ‘Words & Beyond: How Communication Brings Us Together’ that started Saturday.

File Photo.

The Peterborough Museum & Archives is curating the exhibit by Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship program students that explores how communication has shaped Peterborough and the surrounding area.

Everyone is invited to visit the exhibit to discover how we connect and the wider world.

It opened in the Heideman exhibit space on Saturday and continues until June 16. The official exhibit will open on April 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring music, snacks and activities.

“We’re excited to share this fun, new exhibit by the talented up-and-coming museum professionals from Fleming. Communication shapes our lives now more than ever, but has also played a key role in our local history,” said Susan Neale, Peterborough Museum and Archives director. “There’s so much to say so come talk about it.”

Admission is by donation. The PMA is wheelchair and stroller-accessible and free parking is available.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces 10 Performances For May Production: Girl in the Goldfish Bowl

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its May production of ‘Girl in the Goldfish Bowl’ slated for 10 shows from May 3 to 18.

pHOTO courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

The production is directed by Kim Blackwell with Lindsay Wilson playing the lead role of Iris.

The comedy is set in the ocean-side, fishery town of 1960s Steveston, British Columbia; Iris takes us back to her 12-year-old self and what she describes as ‘the last few days of her childhood.’

Preoccupied with the impending Cuban Missile Crisis and the obvious strain in her parents’ marriage, Iris is convinced that the death of her goldfish, Amahl, must have brought on these troubles.

Shows are running on May 3, 4, 5*, 9, 10, 11, 12*, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. except for matinee dates.

*denotes matinee show at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online or by calling (705)745-4211. They are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and $20 for students.

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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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