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News Release: October 30, 2018

Fifty Years Old Has Never Looked Better

Brampton, ON (October 30, 2018): Saturday, November 3, Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) celebrates 50 years as a vibrant arts and heritage centre with appearances by dignitaries and artists, special exhibitions, family-friendly activities and free open house events all day long.

What makes PAMA unique is its cultural evolution serving its community who grew from its first inhabitants to a small farming county to the multi-cultural Region it is today. “PAMA is a special community cultural hub,” notes manager Marty Brent. “Our exhibitions and collections represent the evolution of the creative sector and the people that call the Region of Peel home.”

Art at PAMA: 50 Years of Collecting, features a selection of 50 artworks drawn from its vast collection of over 5,500. Incredible art by Canadian artists; George Agnew Reid, David Milne, Jack Bush, Joyce Wieland, Michael Snow, Rita Letendre, Annie Pootoogook and Michael Awad to impressive pieces from international artists such as Dutch Karel Appel, Andy Warhol and Robert Motherwell to name only a select few reveals the wealth of the art collection. This dynamic exhibition has been carefully crafted by Curator Sharona Adamowicz-Clements and flows into six major categories: The Landscape, Abstract Art, Inuit Art, Sense of Place, Portraiture and the Human Face and The Figure and the Nude. “I wanted to create an exhibition which would highlight the richness and diversity of PAMA’s art collection and acknowledge the generosity of donors to the institution.” says Adamowicz-Clements.

PAMA Museum Collects: Spotlight on Stories highlights recent donations from it collection of over 13,000 artifacts, and the unique stories that came with them. “Stories bring us together as a community,” notes Museum Senior Curator Annemarie Hagan. “Our stories are global stories; they are treasures for us to keep and share with future generations.”
In 1967, communities across Canada were inspired to learn more about their own local histories following Canada's Centennial celebrations. In 1968 the County of Peel Museum and Art Gallery opened its doors thanks to the hard work of volunteers from the Peel County Historical Society and the Women's Institute branches of Peel County. The institution grew to include an archival facility 10 years later.

PAMA’s 50th Open House Celebration
Saturday, November 3, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
**Free admission day

• Meet artist Murray Laufer and view his exhibition More Than Skin Deep  (1 p.m.)
• Conversations with the Curators Art at PAMA: 50 Years of Collecting   (1 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Celebration cupcakesfrom Cristina's Tortina Shop (1:30 p.m., while quantities last)
• Get Inked with Henna Artist, Sofia between (2 – 4 p.m.)
• Historic Courthouse tours (each half hour starting at 1:30 p.m.)
• Where We’ve Been. Where We’re Going, one-day-only Museum exhibit (drop-in all day)
• Archives behind-the-scenes tours and 50th celebration displays (drop-in all day)
• Family fun, creative clay activity (drop-in all day)
• Time capsule activity (drop-in all day)

Other anniversary themed events throughout the month of November include:

• Family Fun Day on Nov. 17, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• PAMA Thursday: Retro Rewind on Nov. 22, 6 -10 p.m.

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. Throughout the year, PAMA offers a variety of workshops and programs for all ages, families and adults. With so many different programs to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. Operated by the Region of Peel, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington St. E.in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more.

Media Contacts

Lisa Cox
Communications Specialist
Region of Peel
905-791-7800 ext. 8232

Erin Fernandes
Marketing Co-ordinator, PAMA
905-791-4055, ext. 7596