Arts activities abound at upcoming Ontario Culture Days library event

Written By KIRA WRONSKA DORWARD

Gear up for some culture at the end of the month, as Inglewood and CPL's Albion-Bolton Branch host this year's Ontario Culture Days on Sept. 28, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Inglewood Public Library and Community Centre.

This 10th annual celebration focuses on the cross-section of art and well-being. The annual weekend began ten years ago, after the Canadian Art Summit decided there was a need to bring the arts and culture to everyday Canadians. 

The idea, says representative Megan Metcalf, “is to prioritize public access and people taking part in the arts.” Across Ontario, local programmers are encouraged to choose something impactful and preferably hands-on for the weekend's activities, which always takes place the last weekend in September. 

“We heavily encourage our programmers to make participatory events. We find people engage much more that way. We also see a lot of family-oriented activity because it's really hands-on. It's a great way to get out there, and because it's free, it's a great way to try new things in a low pressure environment,” says Metcalf.

In 2018, there were over 1,700 regulated events in over 160 communities across Ontario, with one million Ontarians taking part. With a provincial communication campaign focusing on regional tourism, “the idea is,” continues Metcalf, “how can we get Ontarians to get out and explore their local arts communities, or maybe those a few towns over.”

Ontario Culture Days Executive Director Ruth Burns says, “Ontario Culture Days will use its unique perspective to highlight the direct impact arts and culture has made in communities large and small — while also shining a light on the essential role arts and culture organizers play in these regions.”

Activities at Inglewood Public Library and Community Centre, located at 15825 McLaughlin Road, will include D.I.Y. Aromatherapy Jewellery, Manuel and Kevin Music Duo - 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Paint Pouring Art Rock Painting, a Barn Quilt Workshop, and more to come. 

The Albion-Bolton library will be featuring musical activities from 10 a.m. -2 p.m., including a display of the new musical instrument collection. 

“At 1 p.m. the new musical instrument collection will be launched with a formal presentation, music performance by Caledon East local business, InKey Music School, and refreshments,” a statement from the library reads.

Six Yamaha F325D Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars, six Beaver Creek Mahogany Concert Ukuleles and two Beaver Creek 601 three-quarter size acoustic guitars will be housed at the Albion Bolton branch where they can be placed on hold and be delivered to other branches for pick-up. Check it out!”

There will also be dance, tech and art demonstrations, children's crafts, and more. Visit the website at http://www.caledon.library.on.ca/culturedays for more information.

Please contact organizer Sabrina Valleau at sabrinavalleau@outlook.com for more information about the upcoming events.