During Historic Dominion Day at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene, you can witness a re-enactment of Canadian militia repelling a Fenian raid among other historical activities. (Photo: Dawn Knudsen)
Come see what life was like 150 years ago, when Canada became a nation, at Historic Dominion Day at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.
On Saturday, July 1st, the museum is hosting an 1860s-style Canada Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the Aabnaabin Camp for a First Nations perspective on Confederation, which also recognizes the significant contributions of indigenous peoples to the development of Canada as a nation.
In partnership with Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, the Aabnaabin Camp features the history and heritage of the Michi Saagiig people who were living in Nogojiwanong prior to the arrival of settlers and how they helped the colonial settlers survive.
Historic Dominion Day at Lang Pioneer Village Museum is not just about the colonial settlers: the Aabnaabin Camp provides the perspective, history, and heritage of First Nations peoples who were crucial to the development of Canada as a nation. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
There will be free horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the historic village, which will be decked out for the occasion with bunting and the historic flags of Canada. You can also sample strawberry rhubarb delight in the Milburn House, and view a copy of the Globe and Mail from Confederation Day (July 1, 1867) at the Register Print Shop.
At 1:15 p.m., you can watch as the flag parade makes its way to the stage on the green for the official ceremonies and hear music 1860s-circa music performed by the Peterborough Concert Band.
You can find out who the Fenians were and how their invasion of Canada helped influence Confederation, as you witness brave Canadian militia driving off the Fenian invaders during an exciting raid re-enactment by the Recreated Brockville Battalion of Rifles and Norwood Highschool Reenactors.
Then stand and sing “O Canada” to music performed by the Peterborough Concert Band performs and officially celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with a complimentary piece of cake.
Sing O Canada! to music performed by the Peterborough Concert Band and officially celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with a complimentary piece of cake. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
At 2:45 p.m., children can participate in schoolyard games including sack races, three-legged races, egg relays, and more.
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, $4 for youths (ages five to 14), and free for children under five. Family admission is also available for $20 (two adults and four youth). All taxes are included.
Serving and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces are admitted for free.
For more information on Lang Pioneer Village Museum and its 50th anniversary season, visit www.langpioneervillage.ca.
Lang Pioneer Village in Keene and Kawartha Settlers' Village in Bobcaygeon (pictured) are two of six heritage organizations that have receivied a donation of $25,000 each from Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group based in Lindsay. (Photo: Kawartha Settlers' Village)
Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, based in Lindsay, has donated $25,000 to Lang Pioneer Museum in Keene and another $25,000 to Kawartha Settlers ‘Village in Bobcaygeon.
The donations are part of the company’s celebration of Canada 150 by spporting heritage causes in the Ontario communities the company serves.
The company is donating a total of $150,000 for heritage causes, with another $25,000 going to each of the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan, Lanark County Archives in Perth, Rural Ottawa Museums in Ottawa, and the Hastings County Historical Society in Belleville.
“As a community-based business celebrating our own legacy of 122 years,” says Tim Shauf, President and CEO of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, “we recognized Canada 150 as a perfect moment to step up and specifically help these organizations in their important work to remember, recount, and reenact our shared history for future generations.”
The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group was formed in 2014 as an amalgamation of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company (Lindsay), Glengarry Mutual Insurance Company, and Lanark Mutual Insurance Company.
Since its founding, The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group operates on the same historical premise of its three legacy companies: maintaining a focus on local presence and service that builds strong long-term relationships for the benefit of the greater community.
Hannah Georgas will be performing at the Peterborough Folk Festival at Nicholls Oval Park on Saturday, August 20th.
Yesterday (June 26), organizers of the Peterborough Folk Festival have announced 12 more performers, in addition to the already announced kick-off concert featuring Buffy Sainte-Marie on August 18th and children’s performers Sharon and Bram on August 20th.
On Saturday, August 19th, the line-up includes The Wooden Sky, Fast Romantics, Donovan Woods, Hannah Georgas, Jenn Grant, Cat Clyde, Kirty, and Peterborough’s own Mary-Kate Edwards.
On Sunday, August 20th, performers include The Sadies, Hollerado, Delhi 2 Dublin, and Samito.
Festival organizers say more acts will be announced soon.
While the kick-off concert featuring Buffy Sainte-Marie on Friday, August 18th at Showplace Performance Centre is ticketed, all music is free at the two days of the festival at Nicholls Oval Park.
The festival also features more than 40 artisans and craft and food vendors, as well as craft beer at The Publican House Brewery pavillion, and a kids’ area featuring crafts, face painting, and performances.
The official Peterborough Folk Festival after party will be held on Saturday, August 19th at 11 p.m. at the Historic Red Dog Tavern in downtown Peterborough, featuring My Son The Hurricane with special guests Broken Harmony. This is an age-of-majority event.
The festival is currently looking for volunteers for a booth at Peterborough Pulse, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 15th. If you’re interested, emailt Volunteer Coordinator Andrew Arnold at andrew.russell.arnold@gmail.com.
VIDEO: 2017 Peterborough Folk Festival (featuring music from Mayhemingways)
The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is holding summer auditions for the 2017/18 concert season on June 29. Interested musicians must reserve a timeslot by contacting the PSO in advance. (Photo: Wayne Eardley)
Area musicians who would like to join the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) for the 2017/18 concert season are invited to audition on Thursday, June 29th for PSO Music Director and Conductor, Michael Newnham.
Pre-scheduled auditions will be held at the PSO office (159 King St., Suite 200, Peterborough) beginning at 7:30 p.m.
To audition, musicians must reserve a June 29th timeslot by calling the PSO at 705-742-1992 or emailing info@thepso.org. Musicians will receive further details about what to prepare for the auditions at the time of reservation.
Musicians auditioning for the PSO should be capable of performing at a level equivalent to Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 7, and be available during the performance season to practice their individual part and attend rehearsals with the orchestra to present a series of exciting concerts.
The PSO’s soon-to-be-announced 2017/18 concert season will run from November 2017 through May 2018.
A non-profit charity, the PSO has been a cultural cornerstone of the Peterborough community for 50 years. It has a reputation as one of the finest community-based orchestras in Canada. The PSO champions the cause of orchestral music in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.
It envisions a community united by a love of orchestral music from many eras and genres, and pursues this vision through concerts, youth outreach and partnering with other local organizations.
PSO musicians are the heart of the organization and are essential to its success. Currently, the PSO consists of 40 volunteer musicians and professional string section leaders.
They enjoy the camaraderie of the group, the chance to develop their musical talents in an ensemble atmosphere, and the challenge and thrill of playing great music together on the Peterborough stage for a dedicated and supportive audience base.
Due to a lack of stable funding, Seeds of Change Peterborough will no longer have paid staff after the end of June and will rely on volunteers to continue. The non-profit organization offers a location where groups and organizations can hold workshops, has a community garden, and offers community meals. (Photo: Seeds of Change)
Peterborough’s Seeds of Change announced today (June 26) it will no longer have any paid staff as of July.
The non-profit group located in downtown Peterborough has joined the growing list of small, community-based organizations that have not been able to secure a stable financial base.
The organization, which began as a United Church Outreach project in 2011, received a three-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation that enabled it to expand and hire staff.
However, the grant ended this year and — despite contributions from the United Church, the City of Peterborough, and others — the organization does not have sufficient funds to support staff after June. Staff contracts will expire when their terms are over on June 30, 2017.
The Stage Cafe, which just wrapped up its 10th season, is a non-profit monthly event at Seeds of Change focused primarily on giving new musicians and singer/songwriters a professional forum to fine-tune their craft. (Photo: Stage Cafe)
Sponsor Emmanuel United Church intends to carry on the work of Seeds of Change as much as possible by relying on volunteers. If you are interested in helping, contact the church office at 705-742-4162 to speak to a volunteer co-ordinator. Community groups who wish to discuss rental of space will also be served by the church office.
Seeds of Change describes itself as “a place to gather and grow the seeds of community resilience and transformation in Peterborough”, partnering with organizations such as Emmanuel United Church and with neighbours and community groups to cultivate social justice, spirituality, and artistic expression.
It is known as a place where groups and organizations can hold their workshops (Stage Cafe presents its concerts there). The organization also provides a community garden and offers community meals.
The Muscle Bone, Mind Body class at Seeds of Change Peterborough (Photo: Seeds of Change)
Seeds of Change received a Sustainable Peterborough Award in 2016, recognizing the organization’s efforts to reduce social isolation while improving physical health, nutrition, and mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Sweet Spirits recently opened in downtown Peterborough.
Sweet Spirits
Sweet Spirits recently opened in downtown Peterborough.
Owner Hannah Howey offers cakes, crepes and decadent desserts, featuring locally sourced spirits, beers and wines, boozy desserts, and alcohol-infused ice cream.
Sweet Spirits offers cakes, crepes and decadent desserts, featuring locally sourced spirits, beers and wines, boozy desserts, and alcohol-infused ice cream.
Sweet Spirits also offers brunch, with a menu including crepes and waffle, and they’ll cater your special event.
Stop in to 261 George Street, just north of Rileys and The Junction. Visit them online at www.sweetspiritsptbo.com.
The Play Cafe
The Play Cafe
Owner Sarah Susnar is a registered Early Childhood Educator and describes the Play Cafe as a cozy, warm environment for children and their caregivers to create, explore, play and connect with new friends.
The play area and craft areas include developmentally appropriate toys, puzzles, books, and gross motor equipment. There are lots of classes and activities such as paint night, and birthday party and event packages.
The Play Cafe is located at 809 Chemong Road in the Brookdale Plaza. Visit www.playcafepeterborough.com for more information.
The Co-operators
Shannon Neely of The Co-operators
The Co-operators Insurance Agency recently moved out of the Promenade Building to 139 George Street North, Unit 6, which is right across the street from the Holiday Inn.
Advisor Shannon Neely and his team offer a complete service including home, auto, life, group, farm and travel insurance, plus investments.
Stop in or call 705-876-1155.
Canada 150 celebrations
Four days of Canada 150 celebrations are happening in Peterborough from June 29 to July 2. (Graphic: Peterborough 150 Committee)
There is so much going on this weekend On Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday there are Canada Day, Canada 150, and indigenous festivals, concerts, parades, picnics, art exhibits, pancake breakfasts, fireworks and more.
There is a complete calendar of events at www.peterborough.ca/ptbo150 or just hashtag ptbo150, and be sure to find all of the activities in the County as well, with most towns and villages putting on an event or celebration.
Joe Stable is one of several artists who rent living or studio space in the Commerce Building in downtown Peterborough. The new owner of the building, Paul Bennett of Ashburnham Realty, says he plans to renovate the building and hopes to maintain its role as a creative hub for the arts community. (Photo: Michael Morritt)
With a 122-year-old downtown building now granted a new lease on life, its tenants are crossing their fingers that it will continue to provide a roof over their heads.
The Commerce Building at the northwest corner of Water and Hunter streets — St. Veronus Café and Tap Room is located at street level — has been purchased by Paul Bennett, co-owner of Ashburnham Realty, the deal having gone through this past Wednesday (June 21). The building had previously been owned for many years by Jim Braund.
“He and I have been talking for a couple of years,” says Bennett. “I mentioned I had an interest and, if he was ever moving on from it, we’d find a way to do it.
“We hopefully will bring it back to its original glory. I don’t think you want to do anything other than redo what’s there and make it the true icon of the downtown that it probably once was. You can certainly tell how beautiful it once was.”
That’s music to the ears of artists Laurel Paluck and Joe Stable. Both have a long association with the building — Paluck having rented affordable upper-storey art studio space there for more than 20 years and Stable living there for close to 42 years.
Joe Stable has been living and creating art in the Commerce Building for more than 40 years. (Photo: ACME Art and Sailboat Company / Facebook)
“A lot of art has been made in this building and a lot is still happening here … it really is an arts hub,” says Stable, noting that, among other things, iconic folk singer/songwriter Willie P. Bennett “passed away here.”
“An excellent group of artists has been making things happen in this building,” adds Paluck. “Short of genuflecting and proclaiming ‘All hail our new Lord, Lord of the land, Paul Bennett and Ashburnham Realty,’ there may be hope.
“The hope is perhaps our new landlord’s powers will not dismantle the creative spaces, but instead be invested in maintaining a hard-working community which brings life and vibrancy downtown.”
That’s the plan, says Bennett.
“Hopefully we can make it into a real cool art stop in our core,” he says.
“We always meet with the existing tenants and go through things; talk about the plans and see what they think and hopefully get them all to stay longer. They have all been given nice welcome notices. I’ll personally meet with the commercial tenants; sit down with them and let them know what we do and how we do it.”
Early overtures have encouraged Paluck.
“After meeting with the property manager this morning — a lovely person scrambling to keep track of this new behemoth of a property and yet taking the time to ask about my work — and taking my post-dated rent cheques, I feel hopeful,” she says. “Maybe it’s not a fight, but a path to a shared goal.”
Making Paluck wary is her experience in Toronto “in the good old days” when artists, herself included, discovered affordable studio and/or live-in space could be had in abandoned warehouses and other vacant properties.
“Gardens were built, impromptu festivals arose, and entrepreneurial partners started up cafés and pop-up shops,” she recalls.
“Then developers sniffed the air and ‘Kaboom!’ It really was like a bomb dropping. Goodbye affordable rents. Goodbye dynamic spaces. Goodbye mid-career endeavours. Hello Starbucks, and hello artist lofts priced beyond any artists’ means.”
Earlier this month, at a panel discussion hosted by Electric City Culture Council examining what needs to happen to ensure a thriving and sustainable cultural presence in the downtown core, Paluck appealed directly to Bennett to work closely with the arts community should he come to own the building.
“I hoped the building sale would have been closed by then but, with it not having closed, I didn’t really want to say anything. So I just sat on the sidelines and listened.
“I knew everyone would be very passionate. That’s a good thing. It shows you’ve got tenants and a community that cares. I think we’ll probably see more of that passion as we move forward and have meetings with the tenants and the whole arts community.”
Paul Bennett, co-owner of Ashburnham Realty, has purchased the Commerce Building in downtown Peterborough from Jim Braund and plans to rejuvenate the building as shown in this concept photo. (Photo courtesy of Paul Bennett / Ashburnham Realty)
As for Bennett’s plans for the building structurally, they include a dramatic upgrade of the red brick façade along with the installation of new windows, a new roof, and a Water Street-facing banner proclaiming the structure as the Commerce Building.
Inside, halls and common areas will be renovated while the courtyard in back of the building — accessible now via an alley off Water Street — will get a major facelift.
Bennett’s purchase of the property is the latest example of his commitment to the development of Peterborough’s downtown core. He’s currently a partner in the development of VentureNorth at 270 George Street North — the former Promenade Building that’s now home to Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development as well as Innovation Cluster clients.
“The idea there was to create a one-stop location for starting or growing a business,” Bennett explains. “It allows the tenants to be more efficient in how they operate. They have smaller spaces because they can have shared spaces, so their overhead is lower.
“Hopefully, we can put together a similar type product for the arts community, where they’re not all competing for the same resources but can share some things.”
Paul Bennett is one of the partners in the development of VentureNorth, the new business hub in downtown Peterborough in the former Promenade Building which, once renovations are completed, will look like this concept illustration. “Hopefully, we can put together a similar type product for the arts community.” (Illustration: VentureNorth)
In taking ownership of the Commerce Building, Bennett has acquired a property of considerable historical significance.
Designed by architect John E. Belcher (who also designed the Market Hall), it was built over two years in the mid 1890s and was home to the Canadian Bank of Commerce, its principal tenant alongside along with several smaller shops. Over the ensuing decades, a number of firms and retail shops also called the building home.
“I have a huge passion for our core,” Bennett says. “I’m excited to see what happens over the next 10 years. I do believe there’s a whole new wave of people, whether they’re 20 or 90 years old, that want to live closer to the core.
We (Ashburnham Realty) focus a lot on the core and what I call the donut around the core, where I see the most growth coming, where people want to live a 10- or 15-minute walk outside of the core.”
An aerial shot from a drone of both chambers of the Peterborough Lift Lock filled with 328 canoes and kayaks. (Photo: Justen Soule)
Parks Canada has released a video, including drone footage, of the 328 canoes and kayaks filled both chambers of the Peterborough Lift Lock at the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site in Peterborough for Lock N’ Paddle on Saturday (June 24).
VIDEO: Lock ‘n’ Paddle 2017 at the Peterborough Lift Lock
In celebration of Canada 150 and National Canoe Day, Parks Canada in partnership with The Canadian Canoe Museum and The Land Canadian Adventures, issued a challenge: fit 150 canoes and kayaks in each chamber (“tub”) of the Peterborough Lift Lock – Lock 21.
In the past two previous years, Lock N’ Paddle has filled one of the tubs with canoes and kayaks. The first year fit 101 paddlecraft in a chamber, and last year saw 138 paddlecraft fit into a chamber.
Paddlers heading to the Peterborough Lift Lock to participate in Lock N’ Paddle. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)Paddlers entering one the lower chamber (“tub”) at the Peterborough Lift Lock. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)Canoes and kayaks getting organized in the lower chamber. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)The lower chamber filled with canoes and kayaks. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
Paddlers showed up in droves on Saturday morning to participate in the challenge. In fact, so many paddlers showed up to participate that many ended up being turned away.
Peterborough musician Alan Black and his daughter Chloë were disappointed they didn’t make it into one of the chambers. They arrived relatively early but, due to the frenzy of paddlers pushing their way to the front, they ended up at the back of the pack. But, in the end, he says it was worth it.
“I met lots of nice folks who were really just out for a paddle,” Black writes on Facebook. “You couldn’t ask for a better day to be out on the water.”
The upper chamber filling with canoes and kayaks. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)A view from the control room as both chambers are at equal elevation, and participants raise their paddles to sing O Canada and Happpy Birthday. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)At Lock N’ Paddle on June 24, 2017, one of the two chambers of the Peterborough Lift Lock is filled with more than 150 canoes and kayaks in celebration of Canada 150 and National Canoe Day. When both chambers were filled, a record number of 328 paddlecraft were in the Peterborough Lift Lock. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
For the paddlers who did manage to get into the lock, once the count was completed, the challenge was not only met but exceeded. There were more than 150 paddlecraft in each chamber, for a total of 328 — breaking last year’s record by 190.
After both chambers were at the same elevation at the top of the Peterborough Lift Lock, all the paddlers raised their paddles and sang O Canada and Happy Birthday.
kawarthaNOW photographer Linda McIlwain was there to take photos of the record-breaking event:
If you're looking for a summer camp that's a little less run-of-the-mill and a lot more interesting, here are some options offered at the Peterborough Multi-Sport Club and at the Art Gallery of Peterborough guaranteed to teach your child an impressive new skill this summer. Pictured is a young artist making art in the studio at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, which offers many opportunities for campers to have fun drawing, painting, and printing while at camp. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
If you’re looking for a summer camp that’s a little less run-of-the-mill and a lot more interesting, we’ve rounded up a few options — from fencing to swinging trapeze to constructing art with recycled materials — that are guaranteed to teach your child an impressive new skill this summer.
Peterborough Multi-Sport Club summer camps gives unique sports a boost
Get a taste of the traditional Japanese martial art of Jiu Jitsu. Focus, discipline, confidence, physical fitness, movement, and self-defense are taught in a fun and safe environment (Photo: Hector Sarne / Peterborough Multi-Sport Club)
Circus Arts camp follows the curriculum taught by Canada's National Circus School, with a focus on balance, acrobatics, aerials, and object manipulation, using games as a means to learn. (Photo: Hector Sarne / Peterborough Multi-Sport Club)
In this developmental camp at Peterborough Multi-Sport Club, campers will be challenged to acquire and consolidate skills in fencing, including technical, physical, and mental skills. (Photo: Hector Sarne / Peterborough Multi-Sport Club)
Archery is a relaxing sport that gives campers an opportunity to develop their confidence and learn new skills, improve mental focus, improve coordination, and improve their balance. (Photo: Hector Sarne / Peterborough Multi-Sport Club)
Does your kid like lightsaber dueling? Enjoy the thrill of a Cirque du Soleil performance? Interested in martial arts? Looking to channel their inner Katniss?
Fencing, jiu jitsu, archery, and circus arts are unique sports all offered at Peterborough Multi-Sport Club (275 Rink Street, Unit 14, Peterborough, 705-775-5095), with guidance from certified instructors to help kids improve their fitness and connect them with sports they might not otherwise get a chance to try.
The large fitness facility provides a unique athletic outlet for kids ages eight to 14, one that encourages a team environment but mainly individual achievement in a supportive environment, says Scott Nichols, the Club’s Head Coach and Co-owner.
“We target athletes who typically don’t thrive in team sports, and we offer unique sports geared towards individual development instead of team development,” Nichols says,
“If kids don’t love a common sport that is offered to them at school — like basketball, volleyball, or lacrosse — they sometimes don’t see themselves as athletes.
“Giving kids an opportunity to experience different activities might give them the confidence they need to purse a sport. Having kids discover athletics leads to far healthier lifestyles later on.”
If a child is looking to expand their sports portfolio, the Club does offer a combination of activities in one camp (see Multi-sport sampler, Fencing and archery, and Jiu jitsu and archery). Offering a variety helps prevent over-use injuries and reduce the risk of burnout, plus practice in each sport improves ability in every other activity.
“Doing a more combative sport like fencing or jiu jitsu for seven hours a day is tough and really burns a lot of energy, whereas archery is a little more sedentary by nature,” Nichols explains. “The two differ in energy systems, but do complement each other and is great for the kids.”
“It’s also a great pairing, for example, when you have a more intense activity in the morning when it’s cooler like fencing and then something slower paced like archery in the afternoon,” adds Michelle Curran, the Club’s Co-owner and Assistant Coach.
New this year is the Circus Arts camp, a unique draw to the Club’s summer programs.
“We like the uniqueness of what we do and the Circus Arts program appealed to us because of that,” says Nichols.
Not sure which camp to embrace? Get a taste of it all in this multi-sport sampler. Fencing, archery, jiu jitsu and circus arts all in one convenient camp. Each program is run by certified coaches.
Fencing and Archery July 10 – 14, July 31 – August 4
Participants in this instructional sport camp will be challenged to develop physical literacy, learn new skills in both fencing and archery and have a great time through individual and team activities. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment is provided. Program is led by certified Peterborough Multi-Sport Club instructors.
Fencing Advanced July 17 – 21
Participants in this advanced developmental sport camp will be challenged to acquire and consolidate skills in fencing – technically, physically and mentally. Participants must have previous fencing experience. Fencers should be prepared to bring a good attitude, focus and a desire to work hard. Activities will include both individual and team. Program is led by certified Peterborough Multi-Sport Club instructors
Circus Arts July 24 – 28
Students aged 9-14 will learn the curriculum taught by Canada’s National Circus School. Thomas Vaccaro, a graduate of the circus instructor/trainer program and creative director for the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, with Opal Elchuk, professional circus artist, choreographer, and certified aerial instructor, will be adapting the youth program taught by the ENC & Cirque du Soleil. The program focuses heavily on balance, acrobatics, aerials, and object manipulation, and uses games as a means to learn. No previous experience is necessary.
Jiu Jitsu and Archery August 14 – 18, August 21 – 25
Get a taste of the traditional Japanese Martial Art of Jiu Jitsu in this program. Focus, discipline, confidence and self-defense are all taught in a fun and safe environment. Youth will learn about movement and physical fitness. Participants will also learn new skills in archery and have a great time through individual and team activities. The program is run by Jitsu Canada certified coaches. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.
You can also join the Peterborough Multi-Sport Club’s Facebook group.
Iconic Canadian artists set to inspire at Art Gallery of Peterborough children’s summer camp
A young artist makes art in the studio. The Art Gallery of Peterborough offers many opportunities for campers to have fun drawing, painting, and printing while at camp. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Teens learn stop-motion animation techniques from artist Daniel Crawford. Campers learn camera set up and filming, character and story creation, set building, and more. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Campers learn to make art outside and on any scale at Art Gallery of Peterborough art camps. Instructors integrate the park and outdoor activities into the programs. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Canadian artist Charles Pachter's "Mooseselfie" acrylic on canvas. His summer exhibition at the Gallery will be used to inspire young artists in the Oh! Canada art camp. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
A stimulating series of art classes inspired by iconic Canadian artists returns to the Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St., Peterborough, 705-743-9179) this summer for children and youth. The camps, delivered by local practicing artists and art educators, will run from July 10th to August 25th.
The Gallery offers different camps for different age groups and allows the campers to exercise their imaginations, explore their artistic talents, and participate in hands-on projects.
Children can expect to develop skills in drawing, puppetry, printmaking, animation, illustration, and sculpture, while being inspired by the current exhibitions on view at the Gallery.
“We are a regional public art gallery, so the art we have in the gallery plays a pivotal role at each of the camps and brings inspiration to the children,” says Jane Wild, the Gallery’s Education Program Coordinator.
“For instance, in recognition of Canada’s 150th, we’ll be doing an Oh Canada! theme and looking at the artwork of Canadian artist Charles Pachter, whose work will be displayed here at the Gallery.”
Freedom of expression
It’s critical to allow children the freedom to express their own creativity and create a concrete visual form without expectations, explains Wild.
“The instructors are very good at letting the children exercise their creativity,” says Wild.
“Our camps provide a structure and within that structure children are given materials, instruction and guidance and ideas to choose what they want to create. No child leaves with the same piece of artwork. Every child has a different experience that is tailored to the individual.”
Wild says the beauty of these camps is there is no standard a child is expected to achieve.
“However, if there is a child who is really good at something, or wants to exercise a specific skill we can help make that happen.”
Behind-the-scenes vault tour
With over 1,700 artworks in the Permanent Collection, tours of the Art Gallery of Peterborough Vault are an unparalleled experience not usually accessible to the general public.
Led by an experienced guide, the more mature camp participants can enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to help them develop a better understanding of art, and learn about art storage, caretaking, and collecting.
“This is a very special treat for young people to see what a real art gallery vault is all about, as it’s not typically offered to attendees all the time,” says Wild.
Outside time
And the kids like to move, too. Wild says they integrate the park and outdoor activities into the programs.
“Sometimes it’s sketching or painting, sometimes we are just playing games to break things up,”
Showcase your creations
At the end of camp, children can invite their families for an end-of-class art show and presentation in the Gallery studio, displaying the work they’ve created throughout the week.
Some projects expected to be seen on display are garden stones and Canadian-themed dioramas.
“We make it real for them with gallery labels and descriptions, which is very fun for them,” said Wild.
Train your creative brain
Visual art is a necessity for the full development of a better quality of life for all and increases our understanding and interest of the arts overall, explains Wild.
“Art is very important. If you exercise those parts of your brain that influences creativity, then you are more adapt at applying yourself in other areas; it’s transferrable knowledge.
Creativity is something you need in any aspect of life. Whatever profession you go into, a background in imagination and creativity will never steer you wrong,”
Summer 2017 Art Camps Schedule
For program details, times and fees, please visit the Art Gallery of Peterborough website at agp.on.ca.
Oh! Canada with Cheri Patrick Ages 4-7 and 8-11; July 10 – 14
What is Canada to you? Get inspired by Of Moose and Monarchs featuring iconic Canadian artist Charles Pachter.
Also check out Jeff Macklin’s exhibition Everything is Fleeting and think about how imagery and logos create meaning.
Have fun drawing, painting, and printing: make art about the place that you live!
Face Time Fun with Lori Beavis Ages 4-7 and 8-11; July 17 – 21
This is a week of visual storytelling through an investigation of portraiture. Learn printmaking, collage and watercolour techniques.
Explore different kinds of portraits as a fun way to tell stories about ourselves.
Super Sculptures with Lori Beavis Ages 7 +; July 24 – 28
Discover new methods and materials to construct environments, dioramas and sculptures. Work with paper, cardboard and recycled materials to build abstract sculptures.
Experiment with surfaces, textures and depth to make work that is fun and full of possibilities.
Puppet Show with Judith Mason Ages 7 +; July 31 – August 4
Build skills making sock puppets, and move on to marionettes, props, and scenery.
Create characters and bring them to life in a show for your family and friends on the final day of this camp.
Summer Art Days Ages 4-7 and 8-11; August 8, 9, 10, 11
Each day will be something different with the AGP Education Team. Make a book on Tuesday, try portraiture on Wednesday, experiment with printmaking on Thursday, and paint a landscape on Friday.
Sign up for one or all four days.
Superhero Stories with Daniel Crawford Ages 4-7 and 8-11; August 14 – 18
Release your inner superhero! Write and illustrate a book starring your own cast of characters on daring adventures.
Add live action and cameras and film your own heroic deeds.
Animation for Teens with Daniel Crawford Ages 11 +; August 21 – 25
Draw inspiration from contemporary stop-motion artists and learn about the history of animation.
Students will work through the full animation process including camera set up and shooting, character and story creation, set building, filming and more. No prior animation experience is necessary.
A view of Victoria Beach on Lake Ontario in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Linda McIlwain)
As of June 23, 2017, the following beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming:
Peterborough City/County – Beavermead
Peterborough City/County – Roger’s Cove
Peterborough City/County – Buckhorn
City of Kawartha Lakes – Riverview Beach Park
City of Kawartha Lakes – Somerville
City of Kawartha Lakes – Centennial Park West
Haliburton County – Haliburton Lake South Bay
Haliburton County – Pine Lake Beach
Haliburton County – Paudash Lake Beach
Haliburton County – Minden Rotary Lagoon Beach – CLOSED
Haliburton County – Minden Rotary Main Beach – CLOSED
Northumberland County – Port Hope Beach West
Here are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
Peterborough Public Health samples the water quality of popular city beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day during the summer. The health unit will post signage if a beach is unsafe for swimming, such as this sign at Rogers Cove earlier this summer. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the local health unit websites at Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. As noted above, the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are tested every business day so the results listed below may not be current.
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