Peel Art Gallery Museum & Archives; Brampton’s Hidden Treasure

BY: SIMONE JENNIFER SMITH 

PAMA, the acronym for Peel Art Gallery & Archives, is truly one of Brampton’s hidden treasures. One of the first thoughts that I had when entering the museum was, “Why haven’t I heard of this place before?” I was taken aback by the simplicity of the building and instantly intrigued by some of the pieces that were located at the PAMA store, which was located in the main building. I began to browse as we awaited our tour guide for the day Erin Fernandes. As I began to fiddle with a quill pen, Erin came around the corner and greeted us with a warm smile. She gave us a briefing on PAMA as we began our tour. There are pivotal events in the Peel Region that have shaped the history of PAMA from as early as 1968 to the present day. PAMA is located at the historic Peel County Courthouse and Peel Jail Buildings and consists of three facilities: one art gallery, a museum, and an archives section.

The Art Gallery is home to over 4,500 pieces of art. The growing collection features au courant Canadian art by local artists, as well as exhibition spaces that host artists from across Canada. The museum holds a collection of nearly 10,000 artifacts which create an artistic timeline of the Peel Region. This timeline tells the story of industrial growth, innovation, community achievement, and development. The museum displays everyday objects used by people during the 1800s, and 1900s and include shoes, furniture, toys, cameras, and other household appliances. The archive section is located in the historical Peel County Jail and holds records documenting settlement and development in the Peel Region. If you are interested in researching early census records, maps, newspapers, photographs, and land and property records, the archive section of PAMA is definitely the place for you.

PAMA has also found a way to include the whole family in the spirit of discovery with their kids and family programs. Some notable programming include:

• Sunday FUNdays (Abstract Art, February 8^th; Celebrating Black History, February 17^th; Kids March Break Colour Palooza, March 11^th – March 15^th; Story Telling, March 17^th)
• Family Day, Monday, February 18^th (Free Admission)
• Discovering Treasures in the Archives (Saturday, April 6^th)
• Sikh Heritage Month (Celebrations throughout the month of April)

The adult programs have been created to stimulate the mind at all levels, and

explore the cultural diversity that makes the Peel Region unique. The intriguing programs include:

• Brampton Folk Concerts (Thursdays: February 14^th. March 14^th, April 11^th)
• Peel Aboriginal Network (PAN) Drumming Circle (Free admission; Thursdays: February 21^st, March 21^st, April 18^th)
• Exploring Canadian Black History with Author Karolyn Smardz Frost (Saturday, February 16^th)
• Selections from the Vault Talk and Sketch Sessions (Sundays: March 3^rd, April 7^th)
• Archives 101 Teachers Workshop (Free admission; Thursday, April 4^th)

The art exhibitions at PAMA have evolved with the ever-changing demands of society, and at the same time have challenged those very demands. Their exhibitions have acted as a catalyst for art and ideas for the public; they represent a way of showcasing and contextualizing art that makes it relevant and accessible to today’s audience. Their past and present exhibitions have held a mirror up to the society, reflecting its interests and concerns, and at the same time challenging its ideologies and notions. They have found a way to keep art relevant, and to diversify the audience at all points of history.

PAMA is excited to unveil the two newest galleries that are sure to captivate and enthrall their audiences. Acclaimed Brampton-born artist Ronald Bloore explores the complexities and vibrancy of black and white composition with his gallery simply named Black & White. Inspired by his travels abroad, Bloore relinquished the use of color in his artwork. From 1962 onwards, Bloore’s hope was to achieve the same breath-taking effect that was experienced while he was observing ancient architecture. North is Freedom: The Legacy of the Underground Railroad is a photographic journey created in the mind of Yuri Dojc. With the help of Dorothy Abbot, currently the volunteer Treasurer of the Ontario Black History Society, and Owen Sound Emancipation Association, Yuri fashioned a way to utilize photos featuring great-grandchildren of once-enslaved African Americans, and panoply the stories of black freedom-seekers who settled across Canada. The evocative photographic series has been exhibited at the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C., The Grey Roots Museum in Owen Sound, Ontario, and at the American Embassy in Ottawa in honor of Canada’s 150^th birthday.

With so many programs and activities to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. PAMA is located at 9 Wellington St. East in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca for more information about opening and closing hours as well as times and dates.