Discover local black history at PAMA in February

February 3, 2016 · 0 Comments

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) has a fantastic February line-up, starting with great opportunities to discover black history, aswell as fun family programs, adult workshops and events.
Black history exhibitions will be running until March 20.
They will include Veterans’ Voices: Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. Discover the untold history of Canada’s only segregated black battalion, the No. 2 Construction Battalion, formed in the First World War. This will be presented in partnership with Legacy Voices. There will be an opening reception Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. until noon. At 10:30 a.m. there will be speeches and the unveiling of the No. 2 Construction Battalion stamp in PAMA’s Historic Courthouse. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a Curator’s Talk with Kathy Grant from Legacy Voices.
Stories of Early Black Families in Peel will give people the chance to discover a few of the stories about black families who lived here in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Treasures from Home will offer an opportunity to explore artifacts from Ethiopia and Ghana that represent each owner’s deep connection to their cultural roots. This will be presented in partnership with Elder Help Peel.
Carl Beam’s Selected Prints includes First Nations artist Beam work as he explored important issues of racism in his lithograph portfolio Columbus Suite.
Other black history special events will include Stories & Songs of Afrikan Ancestral Wisdom with Tiki Mercury-Clarke. It will be Feb. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m., and will feature an engaging performance, presented by PAMA and Elder Help Peel.
Other programs coming up at PAMA will include a Kids P.A. Day Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Feb. 5 will also see a Community Quilt Day. Create a paper quilt square, then collaborate with friends and family to make a community paper quilt to take home. This drop-in program is great for all ages.
Family Art and Stories will be Feb. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring the family for fun-filled programs exploring the connection between art and early literacy. Create a personal storybook based around a special image. Register on-line at pama.peelregion.ca or call 905-791-4055.
There will be free admission to PAMA Family Day (Feb. 15) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will be all about stories, from Peel Region to Northern Ontario. Spend a fun-filled day at PAMA and enjoy Aboriginal storytelling in the morning and a First Nations dance performed in the afternoon, not to mention a variety of hands-on activities all day long.
Family Art and Yoga will be Feb. 13 and 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy this play-based learning session that flexes your muscles and your creativity. Register on-line at pama.peelregion.ca or call 905-791-4055.
There will be a 9-Patch Quilt Workshop Feb. 7 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The cost will be $10 (includes a kit with all materials needed). Learn the basics of hand-sewn quilting and create a pot holder, trivet or “mug rug.” The workshop begins with a guided tour of PAMA’s Stitched Together: The Art and Warmth of Quilts exhibit to get the creative juices flowing. Guest instructors Traceyann Crawford and Janice Smith, members of the Brampton Quilters Guild Inc,. will lead this introductory workshop. Suitable for ages 16 and older. Register online at pama.peelregion.ca or call 905-791-4055.
PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel Region’s culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community.
Operated by the Region of Peel, PAMA is at 9 Wellington St. E. in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more.