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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Road Closures and Transit Detours In Place For Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Road closures and transit detours will be in place in Downtown Peterborough for the 21st St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday.

pHOTO courtesy of Tim Burke.

This allows staging and procession of the parade, the following road closures will be in place starting at 12:30 p.m.:

• Dublin Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

• London Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

• McDonnel Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

• Murray Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

• George Street from Parkhill Road West (south side of intersection) to Brock Street

The parade will start at 2 p.m., travelling south on George Street from Murray Street. During the parade, a rolling road closure will be in place along George Street from Brock Street to McGill Street. All road closures are expected to be over by 4:30 p.m.

No Parking signs will be posted along George Street before the parade. Residents and visitors are encouraged to park in the following downtown locations:

• King Street Parkade at 202 King St.

• Simcoe Street parking garage at 190 Simcoe St.

• Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.

• Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.

• Surface lot at 365 Aylmer St.

• Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.

• Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.

Parking in municipal lots and parking garages is free on weekends.

Residents are reminded to follow all on-street parking regulations that may be in place in the downtown area, including calendar parking where applicable. Please ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.

The following transit routes will have detours in place during the closure period:

• Route 2 Chemong

  • During the rolling road closure at 2 p.m.:

    • Southbound from Terminal: route follows Simcoe Street to Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street to Braidwood Avenue to Lock Street.

    • Northbound from Lansdowne Street at Borden Avenue follows the regular route to Lock Street to Braidwood Avenue to Park Street to Romaine Street to Aylmer Street to Simcoe Street.

• Route 4 Weller

  • During the rolling road closure, westbound will follow regular route to terminal only. Eastbound will travel to the bus stop at the Simcoe at Water streets. Customers will walk east to catch the bus at the stop at Simcoe and Water streets.

• Route 6 Sherbrooke

  • Southbound from Trent from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Regular route on George Street to Barnardo Avenue, right on Barnardo Avenue, left on Wolsley Street, left on Chemong Road, follow Route 2 to the terminal. 

  • Northbound from Terminal during the rolling road closure at 2 p.m. – Follow route 2 to Wolsley Street, right on Wolsely Street, right on Barnardo Avenue, right on George Street, left on Parkhill Road, left on Water Street where it resumes its regular route

• Route 7 Lansdowne

  • During the rolling road closure at 2 p.m.

    • Westbound – Regular route to Lock Street, left on Lock Street, right on King George Street, right on Park Street to Lansdowne Street where it returns to regular route

    • Eastbound – Regular route to Park Street, right on Park Street, left on King George Street, left on Lock Street to Lansdowne Street to regular route

• Route 9 Parkhill

  • From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    • Westbound from Trent – Regular route to Parkhill at Water, right on Water Street, left on Barnardo Avenue, left on Wolsley Street, left on Chemong Road to Reid Street, right on Parkhill Road to regular route

    • Eastbound from Fleming – Regular route to Parkhill at Reid, left at Reid Street to Chemong Road, right on Wolsley Street, right on Barnardo Avenue, right on George Street, left on Parkhill Road to regular route

• Community Bus 22 (Blue)

  • Route will travel southbound on George Street to Barnardo Avenue, turn right on Barnardo Avenue, left on Wolsley Street, left on Chemong Road where it will follow Route 2 Chemong to the terminal. There will be a stop available on Aylmer Street at Simcoe Street.

• Community Bus 23 (Red)

  • During the rolling road closure, this route will travel eastbound on McDonnel Street to Aylmer Street, turn right on Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street where it returns to the regular route. There will be a stop on Aylmer Street at Simcoe Street.

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Local Host Uplifting Ladies With International Women's Day Party This Friday at The Venue

In honour of International Women's Day, Tiffany Arcari, host of The Tiffany Show is hosting a celebration to inspire and uplift women from all walks of life at The Venue on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Arcari.

The Tiffany Show International Women's Day Party is featuring the following:

• Stories from five local women (Ashley Lamothe, Carissa McIntyre, Sheena Howard, JC Hannigan and Lisa Couture) sharing engaging stories, providing a platform for shared experiences and inspiration

• Watch Party of The Tiffany Show IWD Special highlighting the achievements and journeys of extraordinary women

• Talk Show-style prizes and giveaways

• Fifty swag bags to the first 50 ladies

• Photo booth, cash bar and refreshments

• Special Visitors: Puppies from The Humane Society

“We are thrilled to invite everyone to join us in celebrating the essence of International Women's Day,” said Arcari. “This event is a testament to the strength, resilience, and kindness of women in our community and beyond.”

The full episode of The Tiffany Show International Women's Day special will air live at the party on Friday and will be broadcasted on Yourtv Peterborough-Lindsay and Arcari’s social media channels.

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Monster Trucks All Out Northern Lights Party Revs Into Peterborough Memorial Centre On June 22

The Monster Trucks All Out Northern Lights Party of lights, music, and motorsports action is revving into the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 22, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Monster trucks such as the Bucking Bronco, Canadian Crush, Out Foxed and more are battling it out in nonstop competition.

The show features a state-of-the-art light show plus a kid’s light show dance party. There is fast-paced Quad Wars competition as pro riders speed around the track.

Tickets go on sale on March 8 at 10 a.m. online, by phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the PMC Box Office. Tickets are priced from $25.00 to $75.00, plus applicable fees (subject to change).

Child tickets are available for those aged 12 and under; children two and under do not require a ticket if seated on an adult's lap. Pit Party and Monster Truck Ride (age 3+) add-ons are available in limited quantities.

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Peterborough's Annual Swap and Seed Sale, 16th-Annual Seedy Sunday Hits Peterborough Square March 10

Those with green thumbs can get an early start on spring as Peterborough’s 16th Annual Seedy Sunday hits Peterborough Square on March 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Urban Tomato.

This popular seed sale and swap event allows those in attendance to learn, get the tools and resources needed to grow this season.

The free-admission event will have a diverse range of locally grown heirloom vegetables, flower and herb seeds, vermicomposting supplies and bulbs available for perusing and purchase from local vendors. These locally grown seeds are adapted to our unique climate and grown to thrive on your farms and gardens according to a press release.

Community groups will display information about their work and provide visitors opportunities to get involved with local food, farming, water, and environmental programs and to answer questions about gardening, seed saving and growing this season.

Attendees can expand their gardens at the Seed Exchange Area to swap seeds with other growers, pick up some new and unique seed varieties and chat with other seed savers.

Educational, hands-on activities will be offered throughout the afternoon.

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CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show Reels Its Way to the Peterborough Memorial Centre For April 7

Anglers rejoice as the CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show is coming back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Morrow Building for April 7, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re over the top excited for this year’s event,” says Kyle Carruthers, show director. “Once again, our partnership with the team at the Peterborough Memorial Centre has allowed us to bring one of the biggest fishing events in Canada to the City of Peterborough in an even bigger fashion than the previous years.”

This year, the show features over 170 vendors and 60 personal tables in the tackle swap as well as boats on display from local dealers.

Admission provides access to both buildings, the outside vendors and free entry into four seminars from top industry pros.

Tickets are availble online, over the phone or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open for in-person sales on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Tickets are $16.60* plus applicable fees and taxes. Children under 12 require a free ticket.

*Prices are subject to change.

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2024 PolarFest Running at Full Force For Selwyn Township

Winter has never been more fun for Selwyn Township, as the 2024 PolarFest is in full swing for three days, beginning this Friday and ending Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

The Opening Ceremony and Fireworks begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Chemong Lodge. At 6:45 p.m., fireworks will be set off on Chemong Lake.

The Causeway is the host site for the Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game. Local police and fire service members will face off at 8 p.m. at the Ennismore Community Centre. The fundraiser aims to beat last year’s mark of $2,000 in food and money for the Bridgenorth and Lakefield Food Banks by bringing a non-perishable food item or cash donation.

On Saturday, the Lakefield Ice Sculpture Competition is back at Cenotaph Park. Ice carvings are going on display, created by professional chefs. Festival goers can vote for their favourite cultures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Top Carver is being crowned at The Loon at 5 p.m. Take a ride back in time as Chemong Lodge is hosting its third-annual 80’s Retro Apres Ski Party with a booze luge, DJ, ice bar and prizes for those best dressed from noon to 4 p.m..

On Sunday, the Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield (BEL) Rotary Polar Plunge begins at 2 p.m. on the Ennismore side of the Causeway. This year’s theme features ‘Barbie’ costumes.

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Peterborough Becomes a Winter Wonderland For Snofest On Family Day Weekend

Four fun-filled days of winter-themed activities are hitting Peterborough for this year’s Snofest starting Feb. 16.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Snofest runs until Feb. 19. The full Snofest schedule of free activities is online at peterborough.ca/snofest.

“On behalf of Peterborough City Council, I am pleased to invite you to participate in the Snofest winter weekend carnival. With events and activities available to people of all ages and all stages of life, Snofest is a time for friends and families to get together and get outside for some winter fun,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It is important that we all remain active and engaged with our community during the colder months and Snofest offers an opportunity to do so while also having a wonderful time.”  

Highlights of the schedule of events include a family swim night, the Snow Much Fun outdoor skating and snow play party at Quaker Foods City Square, the Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast presented in partnership with the East Peterborough Lions Club, a snowsuit story time provided by the Peterborough Public Library and the Peterborough Museum and Archives, a family skate on holiday Monday at Healthy Planet Arena and more.

Snofest Pete will be attending most events scheduled throughout the long weekend.

The Recreation and Parks Services Division, Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Museum & Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough will provide programming.

Participants are invited to bring their used batteries to the following events to be recycled to receive a free Snofest toque: Quaker Foods City Square skate event, Healthy Planet Arena skating event and Wellness Centre swim and pancake breakfast.

“The City of Peterborough is a leading municipal example for battery recycling and sustainability and has been a great partner since 2020,” said Joe Zenobio, Call2Recycle Canada president. “We are delighted to participate in Snofest and to support Peterborough’s community life and environmental initiatives. Together through our collective efforts we will continue to protect our environment and divert even more batteries from landfills.”

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Three Days Grace Drummer Neil Sanderson Named Grand Marshall For 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade

A true rockstar will lead the 21st Annual Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17 as Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson has been named this year’s grand marshall, announced at The Venue on Thursday afternoon.

Neil Sanderson, Three Days Grace Drummer said he is roughly one-third Irish mixed with Scandanavian/Dutch heritages. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sanderson is best known for his work with Three Days Grace but has done work with Peterborough’s Thousand Foot Krutch and My Darkest Days. He has spent over two decades in the music industry, winning awards from Juno, Billboard Music and Loudwire Music with Three Days Grace.

The announcement was made by organizer Tim Burke who wanted to continue bringing in high-profile big names to the event after last year saw former sports anchor Dan O'Toole as the grand marshall.

“Dan was amazing last year and I couldn't ask for a better guy to do for us what he did for us in Peterborough,” he explained. “Neil came to mind. I talk to him occasionally and I asked him on Facebook. Within a day or less, he got back to me and it wasn't him saying, ‘Yeah, I'll do it,’ it was, ‘Thank you so much for asking me, I'd be honoured.’”

Sanderson confirmed the feeling Burke mentioned and was grateful for the opportunity, considering the worldwide success he and O’Toole have had in their respective careers.

“I've been lucky that from such a small town, we've been able to have the reach and audience that we've had on a global level. We look at that today and we feel blessed and we never take that for granted because it's amazing to see that world in that capacity” explained Sanderson. “I feel like I have a lot of big shoes to fill with over the years of great parade marshalls and I'm just going to do the best that I can.”

Sanderson’s mother would bring him to several parades when he was younger, such as the St. Patrick’s Day and Santa Claus parades, with several fond memories. During his adult years, he celebrated from dusk until dawn as he said with a chuckle but highlighted the upbeat and diverse music scene he would experience during St. Patrick’s Day.

“There's a lot of great live bands playing and that's what's really cool,” explained Sanderson. “I love live music and this city is rich with it; the music here is pretty eclectic.”

There are 77 entries in the parade so far but Burke says he is looking for more and sponsors.

“I can't believe how big it's growing,” said Burke. Last year, we had 87 so this year I'd like to hit maybe 100. It'd be pretty incredible to hit 100. I'm not sure if Peterborough parades have ever had 100 entries before so let's knock wood, luck of the Irish and all that stuff, let's do it.”

To register for the parade, visit the parade’s website and apply until March 1.

The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m., with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Prior to the event, a 5k run along George Street will occur to raise money for Right to Heal to help those with mental health and addictions.

To sign up for the run, contact Dave Dame of Runner’s Life at 876-8960. Donations can be given online at Right to Heal’s website.

A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 10 to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

For more information, contact Tim Burke at (705) 875-2542.

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Photos: Grievers Seek Comfort and Reflect at Hospice Peterborough's 'Stars For a Dark Night'

Grievers of lost loved ones could come to reflect and have their stories heard at Hospice Peterborough’s ‘Stars For a Dark Night’ held at Peterborough Square on Tuesday evening.

Sandra Lockwood (left) and Avril Siddle (right) grieving to each other of the important people they have lost. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The event allowed anyone who had lost a loved one to share their story with Hospice staff, volunteers or other grievers (either privately or on an open mic). It also had expressive arts, quiet reflection and a live performance from the Hospice Singers.

Hospice volunteer Sarah Lewis said this event could not have happened at a more perfect time. She had lost her father to cancer in 2021 and felt the holidays last year were not the same without him.

“Because I had lost my father around Christmas time, it was a time of grieving and I wasn't in the Christmas spirit,” she explained. “I think this can be such a difficult time for a lot of people who have lost somebody important to them so having a community gathering where we're allowed to grieve together, not hold that in and share through art, I think, is absolutely beautiful.”

The drop-in event had anyone who stopped by write a name on a star (paper or wooden) of someone they commemorated and remembered. It was placed on a window at Peterborough Square with other stars.

“This is a celebration of honouring and remembering our loved ones, our people who have passed on,” said Lewis. “(It’s nice) Just to gather to share stories, strengthen hope, poetry, art and song together and grieve as a community.”

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