MuSEEuM October 2013

Grand re-opening of Orillia’s

Museum of Art & History

Simon Fuller (left), greatgrandson of the Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building’s architect , presented a plaque highlighting his family’s nation-wide architectural heritage, to OMAH’s Board of Directors’ co-chairs Jane Sorenson and Mark Fletcher (right).

Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada.

October 2013

MuSEEuM

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

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MuSEEuM is published by Don Beaulieu of Springwater Township. Your input, submissions and advertising support are appreciated.

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Grand re-opening of OMAH Orillia Museum of Art and History

Festival at Fort Willow

Annual event a learning experience

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October 2013 • Page 2

Canadian Carmichael Landscape Exhibit

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Juried art show in new gallery spaces

Founding of Utopia Historic plaque unveiled

Events, exhibits and activities

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Listings for what’s going on at Ontario museums

Midland District Camera Club

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Celebrating 50th anniversary with exhibits

Barrie Art Club October exhibits

Culture and tourism studies

Communities recognize culture as an asset

Suggested websites

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Websites providing information about museums

What is it?

Mystery implement in Coldwater

MuSEEuM notes

Publisher Don Beaulieu’s thoughts

October 2013 • Page 3

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

Historic Orillia building embodies definition of museum In August of 1999 the Sir Sam Steele Art Gallery and the Orillia Historical Society joined and became the Orillia Museum of Art and History. A new and lasting incarnation of that

organization was officially recognized on Saturday, September 28th, 2013.

A couple hundred people gathered at the newly renovated Sir Sam Steele Memorial

The Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building, home of the Orillia Museum of Art and History.

Building to celebrate the reopening of their museum, art gallery, administrative, research, retail and classroom spaces.

The building at 30 Peter Street South, originally the post office for Orillia, was saved from the wrecker ’s ball and allowed to become a marvellous cultural centre in what is

becoming the cultural area of the city.

MuSEEuM was there and will present a series of articles based on the presentations at this event. Meanwhile, an extensive article in this issue highlights the first major art exhibit in their second-floor main gallery. See page 6...

Cellar Door

Re–imagining the OMAH collection Generously sponsored by Orillia Power

To January 15, 2014

Cited by poets and scholars as among the most beautiful pairings in the English language, the words cellar door on one hand describe a familiar object, while on the other, suggest something wonderful lying in wait.

During The Orillia Museum of Art and History’s recent $2.1 million renovation, its entire collection was, in a sense, placed in wait; disassembled and dispersed through storage facilities across the city. Over 10,000 artifacts and artworks have now been returned to their home in the museum. As OMAH undergoes the massive task of re-cataloguing its collection, a group of dedicated staff and volunteers have brought new research and fresh perspectives to bear on several familiar items. Cellar Door re-casts some of the most extraordinary pieces through linkages with new acquisitions and fascinating stories in an interactive exhibition of highlights that signal the re-launch of Orillia’s cultural hub.

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

Festival at Fort Willow

Story and photographs courtesy of Peter Monahan

October 2013 • Page 4

Left: Members of the Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada, under the command of their Sergeant, re a musket volley at the lurking American enemy.

The Incorporated Militia were men who agreed to serve for the length of the war, not just the few months service which most citizen soldiers had to do. Therefore, the Incorporated Militia were issued uniforms, better weapons and spent time in drill. They were better trained and made a greater inuence on the battleeld than the average ‘farmer with a musket’.

The group comes largely from the Newmarket area.

—Photograph supplied by Peter Monahan

The crash of a musket volley is greeted with a chorus of shrieks and nervous laughter, as native drums pound and horses neigh in the background. Nine-hundred Simcoe County students visited historic Fort Willow recently for the 2013 Festival at the Fort.

Within the wooden palisade, Grade seven and eight students were treated to native drumming, pioneer style candle making, a surgeon, historic merchants, Canadian and American soldiers of the War of 1812. The students tried their hand at rope and candle making, joined the Upper Canadian militia for a drill session and listened to the surgeon

describe his gory trade. Question sheets in hand, they learned to identify the three parts of a musket, what material the natives use to cover their lodges and why the mounted troops on the site are called dragoons.

Later in the day the classes witnessed a short but bloody skirmish between the Canadian militia defenders and the invading Americans. Finally, they got to feast on fresh corn, hot dogs, and Sutler Cyrus’ world famous ‘cartridge candy’ before trying out their wooden muskets.

The Social Studies curriculum in Ontario

schools covers the War of 1812 and other key events from the history of the province. No textbook or video can compare with the taste, the smell and the feel of living history.

Listening to a private of the Newfoundland Regiment describe daily life in the army of 1812 or helping one of the pioneer women stir the pot for that night’s dinner help the ‘electronic generation’ understand history was made by ordinary people doing mostly ordinary things. The festival also showcases the events which took place in Simcoe County in 1812-14 and the way in which they helped shape the area.

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MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

Next year’s festival

The Festival at Fort Willow takes place the second week of September each year. Next year it will begin with the dedication of a memorial to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment on September 11, 2014. Education Day will be Friday, September 12th and Public Day the 13th.

The next event at the fort is Fright at the Fort, on October 26th from 5-9 pm. It will feature tours of the site, ghost stories ’round a fire for younger and older audiences plus a chance to learn about owls, reptiles and other not-so-scary creatures of the night while enjoying some free cider or hot chocolate. Advance registration is required; contact: (705) 424-1485 or outdoored@nvca.on.cawww.nvca.on.ca.

October 2013 • Page 5

History of Fort Willow

The fort is a British 1812 era supply depot, sited on the Nine Mile Portage between Lake Simcoe and the Nottawasaga River. Using the old fur trade route, which followed Native trails, the British Army shipped supplies from Kingston and York to military posts on Georgian Bay. It was abandoned in the 1830s and fell into ruin but an archaeological dig in 1958 and 1959 identified the outlines of a number of buildings and a palisade. These have been outlined in logs and a number of displays and signs describe the history of the site.

The Fort is now one of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority’s twelve conservation areas. It is open from dawn to dusk, March to November. The north en-

trance connects to the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, which connects Port Hope with the Bruce Peninsula. While it does not have an interpretative staff, signage on site is designed to allow for self-guided tours. Very shortly the Friends of Fort Willow will unveil an ‘augmented reality’ programme, which allows visitors to download an iPhone application which provides extra information and photographs about each feature of the site.

Check out Fort Willow events and news at: fortwillow.com or by telephoning the NVCA at 705-424-1479.

See the September issue of MuSEEuM for a story about this story’s author Peter Monahan and his love of history and museums.

Left: The Ong-Gwe-Ho-Way Native re-enactors drum and sing. The group honours the traditions of the People of Turtle Island, the First Nations name for the Earth. They dress in Eastern Woodlands style clothing and camp in lodges called wigwam made from poles and elm and birch bark. This singing is a form of prayer to the Creator celebrating important events and beliefs of the First Nations people.

The group Jan–May–closed Monday, comes from June to Dec–open 7 days a week across southern Unique Christmas Décor Ontario. items, jigsaw puzzles, edu—Photograph supplied by Peter Monahan

cational games and toys, Christmas tree ornaments, greeting cards, candles, baby toys, family board games and so much more.

10 Coldwater Road, Coldwater, Ontario L0K 1E0 705-686-3883 • cvillager@eastlink.ca www.thechristmasvillager.ca

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 6

Orillia Museum of Art and History Inspiring creativity & celebrating history

MuSEEuM visited OMAH to see the

Carmichael Canadian Landscape Exhibition.

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 7

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MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 8

Canadian Carmichael Landscape: creativity, inspiration and awe

If engaging the public with art is a part of their mandate, the Orillia Museum of Art and History has met that point with their current juried exhibition Carmichael Canadian Landscape Exhibition. The opening night reception was full of inspired souls; artists and art enthusiasts alike in the main gallery and in the Franklin Carmichael gallery.

History of Franklin Carmichael

The theme is 100% Canadian, drawing on the methods of Orillia’s Group of Seven na-

tive son Franklin Carmichael.

He was youngest of the Group of Seven.

Carmichael arrived in Toronto at the age of twenty and entered the Ontario College of Art, where he studied with William Cruickshank and George Reid. In 1911, he began working as an apprentice at Grip Limited for $2.50 a week.

He joined Tom Thomson and other painters who were training to become serious artists; joining them on weekend sketching trips. He moved to

Cranberry Lake by Franklin Carmichael (1938), oil on board. This piece is hanging in the Carmichael exhibit running to October 19 at the Orillia Museum of Art and History.

It is on loan from J.J. MacQuarrie.

Belgium in 1913 to study painting but due to the war he returned to Ontario to rejoin the other artists.

Carmichael was greatly influenced by Tom Thomson and shared space with him at the Studio Building in 1914. He was also on the fringe of the group because of his difference in age and was more closely associated with the newer members of the Group of Seven.

Along with A. J. Casson and F. H. Brigden, Carmichael founded the Ontario Society of

Painters in Watercolour in 1925.

He also founded the Canadian Group of Painters in 1933, which several members of the Group of Seven would later join. He taught at the Ontario College of Art from 1932 to 1945.

He is most famous for his watercolours; many of his paintings depict Ontarian landscapes. Contemporary Emily Carr considered Carmichael’s work “A little pretty and too soft, but pleasant.”

Criteria of entries

The theme or criteria of the

Canada Rocks, winner of the Lakehead University Carmichael prize; a photograph by Jason Brown.

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MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

Carmichael Canadian Landscape Exhibition is to portray typical, possibly sublime views of the Canadian landscape. In fact, in her pre-amble to announcing the winner of the $2,000 Lakehead University Carmichael prize (presented to one piece in the exhibit), Ninette Gyorody, Executive Director at OMAH, described the qualities of the winning piece as such: “It embraced, challenged and addressed the existing approaches to Canadian landscape. This work addresses painterly traditions and it combines the sublime with the mundane, and truly could be anywhere in Canada”.

The winning piece was Jason Brown’s photograph entitled Canada Rocks. It is a scene from Middleton Prince Edward Island.

Jason Brown is an emerging photographer based in Toronto. His work explores storytelling and hints at narratives found in our built environments and the nominal subjects in our surroundings.

Born in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Jason holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree with a concentration in History from Carleton University in Ottawa

and he has studied photography at Ryerson University in Toronto.

Jason was selected as a Photolucida Critical Mass Finalist in 2012 and his work has been included in a number of distinguished juried art fundraisers including the AIDS Committee of Toronto’s SNAP! Auction, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery’s RMG Exposed Auction and the Art with Heart Auction for Casey House.

To see more of his art and to find out more about Brown, visit his website http://www.jasonmbrown.ca.

Another award will be determined at the end of the exhibit’s run, that of Peoples’ Choice. For visitors to pin point one favourite in this show is a challenge.

Victoria Harbour artist Murray van Halem was pleased to have one of his pieces accepted for this exhibit; Newton Street Farm, an oil on canvas.Van Halem passes this particular scene often and enjoys how it changes with the weather, time-of-day and seasons.

“I am honoured to be participating again for the third year in a row”, he says of this exhibition.

October 2013 • Page 9

Artist Murray van Halem poses by Newton Street Farm, at the opening reception of the Canadian Carmichael Landscape Exhibition.

Most of his works are landscapes but he does portraits as well. He says “We’re really lucky we live in this country; this country has incredible views. I’m in love with the country and I show it all the time”.

A visual artists for over 45 years, Murray started his career as a large-format commercial photographer. He has worked as a photojournalist, portrait photographer, magazine editor, writer and real estate broker. He is now fully dedicated to painting in oil. See

his website for more information and images: murrayvanhalemfineart.com From Toronto, Ilona Laney was on hand opening night to talk to visitors. Laney paints in acrylics, watercolour & inks as well as landscape & figure drawing. Her mixed media piece Evergreen Brickworks is a part of the Carmichael exhibit.

She is a member of the Neighbourhood Arts Network, a Toronto-wide network of over 1,025 members, which includes artists, arts organizations, cultural workers and Continued next page...

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 10

Ilona Laney with her Evergreen Brickworks mixed media piece.

community agencies working throughout the City of Toronto, from North York to the downtown core, and from Etobicoke to Scarborough.

Laney believes art is “... important to quality of life in the city. The arts open people’s minds to new points of view,

new philosophies, new ways of seeing the world”.

Among the many long-time artists in this show, Leonora Husveti-Frenette of Innisfil is something of a rising star. She has recently joined the Barrie Art Club and is a relatively new artist. The number of exhibits

MuSEEuM publisher Don Beaulieu recognized Ilona Laney’s subject as the Evergreen Brickworks (nevermind that it was written on the label) and later found this photograph he took in 2005 just a few feet from Laney’s vantage point for her painting in 2013.

Leonora Husveti-Frenette at the Orillia Museum of Art and History with Ruby Mountain, B.C., Last Eruption Nov. 8, 1898. This is one of her latest collages. she has been involved in belies her recent entry to the visual art world.

“I have to keep pinching myself ” she says, to be sure she isn’t dreaming about her art being accepted in so many venues, so early in her “career ”.

Currently, she has a piece at the OMAH and also until October 19th is the Quest Art Gallery’s Works on Paper exhibit, at the Midland Cultural Centre. To the end of the month, one of her newest pieces, Lava Leaves, will be in the members’ show at the BAC for the month of October Husveti-Frenette’s media is paper collage. She uses photographic images of crystals to

create her art pieces. Images are cropped, rotated and otherwise manipulated and put into place to create the textures, open spaces and landforms of her surrealistic pieces.

She will also have six pieces on display with the Hungarian Visual Artists of Canada, in the Joseph D. Carrier Gallery in Toronto, and at the South Simcoe Arts Council, Members’ show from November 30, 2013 to January 2014 at the Gibson Centre for Community, Arts and Culture, in Alliston.

It was at the SSAC where her first creation won 2nd prize in the 3D category in May of this year, in the Emerging Artists class.

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 11

Well-said & well deserved thank you to volunteers at Orillia museum

The Orillia Museum of Art and History’s volunteer core is 80 strong. Without volunteers, OMAH wouldn’t and couldn’t be the cultural hub of our community! Our volunteers are keen to use their personal skills and experiences to support a cause they believe in. They volunteer selflessly and tirelessly to support OMAH’s initiatives, programmes and overall operations.

OMAH’s volunteers bring a variety of skills and backgrounds, from legal to accounting to education, marketing, local historical knowledge, literary, musical and visual arts experiences to fund raising and street savvy! Our volunteers are a pleasure to share with, work with and laugh with. Our team is exceptional!

The spirit of volunteerism is rooted in the traditions and values of the pioneers who built this country. This is inspired by the concept of mutual help and co-operation that lies in the heart of our native societies.

Thinly scattered across a vast land and tested by an often inhospitable climate, Canadians have also been nurtured on an understanding of the benefits of mutual assistance. From Desjardins credit unions that began in Quebec in 1900 through the diverse farming co-operatives established in western Canada at the beginning of the 20th century to the Antigonish movement that gave birth to a variety of co-operatives in Atlantic Canada in the 1930s, Canadians have relied on each other for survival and progress.

In our modern society, volunteers supply the human energy that drives many thousands of voluntary organizations and community groups across Canada.

12.3 million Canadians contribute 2.1 billion hours; the equivalent of 1.1 million full-time jobs*. Volunteers at OMAH contributed the equivalent of $20,000.00 in salaries in the past year.

On behalf of OMAH, I want to thank all of our volunteers for your tireless dedication, your commitment and your generosity towards our museum and our community.

—Ninette Gyorody Executive Director, OMAH

*Canada Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating, 2010.

In 1853, a small community in central Ontario was named after a ctitious town in a book published in 1516, written by Sir Thomas More. 160 years after ofcially becoming Utopia, a plaque has been erected to recognize the community and remind us of the area’s history.

Historical plaque commemorates the founding of Utopia Town Crier Steven Travers brought “news of the greatest importance...” to the Utopia Community Centre on Saturday, September 14th. He was referring to the gathering of people to celebrate “the history of this great community” He described Utopia as “a community of sharing, caring, aiding others and a true example of social responsibility”.

Story & photography

October 2013 • Page 13

by Don Beaulieu

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

Over 100 citizens and politicians gathered, in what is likely a very typical Ontarian community hall, in Essa Township to witness the unveiling and dedication of a historical plaque commemorating the founding of Utopia. Utopia is a small community located just east of Canadian Forces Base Borden and west of Barrie Ontario, in the County of Simcoe, just south of Highway 90.

The first settler of Utopia was Eugene Smith, who had arrived in Barrie in 1830. Fifteen years later he settled on Lot 31 of Concession 6 of Essa Township. Eugene is the great-greatgrandfather of current Essa Township Councillor, Michael Smith. Eugene Smith died at the age of 104 in 1909. He had earned the nick-name “The old oak tree of Utopia”.

Many descendants of the original settlers to the area continue to live on and farm the same land.

President of the Essa Historical Society, Arnold Banting, spoke of the many historical plaques marking important sites and events in the township.

Arnold Banting was master of ceremonies at the Utopia plaque commemorative event. Speaking for the Essa Historical Society about the area’s historical plaques, he said “We believe it will mean so much to those in the future to view these areas and remember them the way they were”.

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MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

The official unveiling took place in the community centre, with the plaque being installed on its post a couple of days later, south of the hall, on Essa Line 6. Long-time residents Ellie Brown and Ken Miller were invited to perform the unveiling.

Ellie Brown was noted as being a long-time active member of the Utopia Anglican Church; Ken Miller was representing the fourth generation to farm that family’s property at the former Belinascreen community. The fifth and sixth generations continue to farm the same land. It was only

about six minutes into the proceedings that the plaque was unveiled, but the activities were only beginning.

Immediately following the unveiling, Olive Lee, secretary of the Essa Historical Society, was called upon to ask Township mayor Terry Dowdall to accept the plaque.

The plaque was then dedicated by Reverend Norman Munroe of the Utopia United Church.

A musical interlude was provided by local singers and musicians The Super Deluxe Serenaders. They performed a number of older tunes such as

Ken Miller and Ellie Brown were delighted and honoured to be asked to unveil the plaque commemorating the naming of Utopia.

This Land is Our Land, In the Good Old Summertime, Bill Bailey and others. The audience was invited to join in. Following this enjoyable interlude, speeches from a number of dignitaries were heard.

The Honourable Kellie

October 2013 • Page 14

Leitch, Member of Parliament for Simcoe-Grey was the first to speak and offer congratulatory remarks and a plaque from the elected officials. Banting received a good laugh when he suggested the plaque from Leitch would be put away with other treasures from the Town-

Essa Township Mayor Terry Dowdall thanked the historical society saying “Not only are you remembering history, today you are creating history. It is an honour to accept this plaque”.

Reverend Norman Munroe: “The work and witness you give here today attests to the faith you carry in your hearts and in your lives” he said. He offered a prayer of dedication for the plaque and concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.

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MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

Kellie Leitch, MP for Simcoe-Grey suggested this plaque would be a reminder “of the rich history that the community upholds every day”.

Jim Wilson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey complimented the historical society for their work in the past adding “...a class act again here today.”

Simcoe County Warden Cal Patterson said “In the age of tweeting and ‘likeing’ on Facebook, it is important to never lose sight of our past, for it is our history that makes us who we are”.

ship “in the files...[pause] it won’t be filed away entirely”.

The Honourable Jim Wilson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe-Grey was next. After adding more humour to the mix, he mentioned the many times he has attend plaque unveilings in Essa and recognized the value the historical society gives to the community.

Cal Patterson, Warden for Simcoe County thanked the Essa Historical Society for their dedication and hard work.

“Commemorating the founding of Utopia is yet another fine example of the society’s mission to highlight places and landmarks that have played a significant role in the creation of our great county and country” he offered. Patterson concluded with congratulations to the Essa Historical Society, Essa Township and the residents of Utopia.

Tom Walsh, Mayor of AdjalaTosorontio (to the south of Essa Township) was also on hand to add his positive remarks including compliments to the entertainers.

Mike Smith, Essa Councillor, is the sixth generation of Smiths in Utopia. He reminisced about growing up in this safe, small community and taking his children to the same houses he went to for Hallowe’en.

Olive Lee, secretary for the Essa Historical Society was invited to say

October 2013 • Page 15

Tom Walsh, Mayor of Adjala-Tosorontio said it was “great to be here to be part of this....” .

Much of his time was taken throwing jibes at his political cohorts on stage, to the amusement of the crowd.

Mike Smith, Councillor and great-great-grandson of Eugene Smith said “Utopia was Sir Thomas More’s idea of a perfect society. When my greatgreat-grandfather named this community, I don’t think he was that far off”.

a few words. She voiced that it is “a great team of people who make it happen”, referring to not just achieving this plaque, but the Society’s accomplishments in general. She thanked the hall volunteers for their help with the day and the crew who put the ‘History of Utopia’ book together. She introduced Mike Smith who unveiled this new book produced by the Essa Historical Society. Sales of the book were brisk after the official ceremonies were complete.

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MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 16

Book presented to Utopia Community Centre

Rounding out the commemorative proceedings, Olive Lee invited Utopia Community Centre representative Susan Antler onto the stage, to be presented with a copy Sir Thomas More’s book Utopia.

Making the presentation was Essa Deputy Mayor Sandie MacDonald.

As she presented the book to Antler, MacDonald said “We are passing this on to the Utopia Hall to congratulate Susan Antler and the team of Utopia, Essa residents and Friends of Utopia. Congratulations for your continued support of your beautiful community and your passion to preserve its history and to continue the bright torch of Olive Lee, secretary for the passion you all have for Utopia and Essa Historical Society.

Essa Township”.

Susan Antler is seen here on the left accepting a copy of the book Utopia by Sir Thomas More, in memory of Eugene Smith, from Township of Essa Deputy Mayor Sandie MacDonald.

Public performances:

Friday, October 4th 8–11 p.m. uest! l b Huron Club Liveits bes 94 Pine Street, Collingwood

at Wayne Buttery 705-718-5637

info@waynebuttery.com www.waynebuttery.com Full band • 4 piece

5th anniversary of the Wednesday evening jam!

October 23rd at The Beacon in Wasaga Beach 7-11 p.m.

It’ll be packed, it’ll be fantastic.

Guest musicians by invitation only this night!

Thursday, October 5th 7–11 p.m.

Special guest: Roly Platt Harbour Street Fish Bar 10 Keith Street, Collingwood

Thursday, October 17th 7–11 p.m.

Special guest: Jon Warren Harbour Street Fish Bar 10 Keith Street, Collingwood

Wednesday evenings 7–11 p.m.

Blues jam • Guest performers The Beacon Restaurant 146 Forty-fifth Street Wasaga Beach

MuSEEuM Please support

Advertise your special events and exhibits. Extremely low rates to December 2013. Lock into these rates for 2014 by booking space now! See the online rate card at www.issuu.com/museeum

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 17

Farm View extends a large

THANK YOU

Monthly farm newspaper

to all of our local museums for preserving farming heritage, tools, buildings and legacies!

Connect with the farm community! www.farmviewonline.com Publisher, John Beischer

Telephone: 705-722-0138 • 1-800-467-7804 Facsimile: 705-722-6036 • 1-800-467-7808

Email: farmview@on.aibn.com

5266 Thirtieth Sideroad, Utopia, Ontario L0M 1T0

Delivered to farms in the District of Muskoka, Simcoe County, Dufferin County, York Region, Peel Region & neighbouring communities.

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

To November 3, 2013 Chatham-Kent Museum

75 William Street North, Chatham, Ontario chatham-kent.ca Exhibit:

On Our Doorstep

Events Exhibits & Activities

War broke out between the United States and Great Britain on June 18, 1812. This would be the last war fought on Canadian soil and the only war that would be fought, partly, in present day Chatham-Kent.Most people have heard of Tecumseh and many know that he was killed at the Battle of the Thames that occurred east of Thamesville.

Few people, however, may be aware of the dramatic pursuit that took place preceding the battle as 3500 American troops sought to thwart the retreat of hundreds of British soldiers, civilians, First Nations families, and the warriors under the command of Tecumseh. The retreat left a path of destruction across Chatham-Kent with mills and bridges burned, ships scuttled in the river, and our largest community, Fairfield, plundered and torched.

Few may also be aware of the distinguished contribution that Chatham-Kent’s small militia made to the war effort. Men of the 1st Kent Militia served at the capture of Fort Detroit (some received medals for this) and in operations in Michigan and Ohio. After the Battle of the Thames and the American occupation of this area, many local men formed a new militia unit called the Loyal Kent Volunteers. They effectively harassed American foraging parties, took part in the capture of 39 American soldiers at the Skirmish at McCrae’s (the only time in history when a Canadian Militia unit succeeded in capturing a U.S. regular army unit), and fought and sustained many casualties at the Battle of Longwoods (near Wardsville) and

October 2013 • Page 18

the skirmish at Flemings Farm.

These events are now the subject of the Chatham-Kent Museum’s newest exhibit, aptly named On Our Doorstep: The War of 1812 in Chatham-Kent. The exhibit features artifacts from the museum collection and items borrowed from private collections, many of which have never previously been on public display.

On Our Doorstep: The War of 1812 in Chatham-Kent will be on exhibit in the main floor gallery until November 3, 2013.

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To November 9, 2013 Art Gallery of Mississauga

300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario artgalleryofmississauaga.com Exhibit:

F’d Up!

The Art Gallery of Mississauga presents contemporary fibre art exhibition F’d Up! The exhibition aims to radicalize the vocabulary around material invention and sculptural ambition, while engaging with the complexities behind the term women's work.

The intent of F’d Up! is to bring together significant works by artists who employ the skills and techniques of traditional craft or fibre to work in the realm of contemporary material explorations.

The exhibition takes the conversation beyond the traditional debate of Fibre vs Crafter Craft vs Art. What is f'd up is that the artist who works with thread, string, yarn or fabric is often equated with the backroom politics of the moniker women’s work, a gender-based derogatory term that precludes the possibility of male artists working with fibre. HowContinued next page...

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

ever, it seems the conversation now involves notions of masculinity, identity, diaspora and global politics in addition to the queer crafting movement.

Stuart Keeler, Director/Curator says “The AGM is a centre for ideas and social experimentation. The artists in this exhibition expand the medium of fibre-based art, and more significantly, raise important questions about the nature of language itself. How can art further the discussion about the gendering of form, and how can artists challenge the almost unconscious nature of this gendering?

This exhibition posits a new vocabulary, engaging the audience to think beyond traditional backroom politics. Fibre-based material invention becomes the medium around which the discussion takes place.”

F'd Up! also aims to explore the tension between these new directions that redefine the concept of “fibre art” based on examples of significant artists working in North America today. Based upon experimentation, these works differentiate the protagonists from decades before, thereby illustrating how a new vocabulary is created as the result of a formative radical gesture.

F’d Up! aims to evolve the discussion of artists’ conceptual intent alongside technique while it simultaneously explores the slippage that begins to question materiality, both at the time a work of art was made, and subsequently as it ages and deteriorates. The exhibition expands upon the conversation between sculptural ambition and the multiple forms of fibre.

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To November 9, 2013 Art Gallery of Mississauga

300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ont. artgalleryofmississauaga.com Exhibit:

XIT-RM | Franco Arcieri: Astral Noise

Emerging artist Franco Arcieri investigates motion and movement with the use of fabric as a means of concealing his body. Appearing as an archetype and performing in an almost dreamlike trance, the artist plays with our memory and senses. Arcieri employs sculpture, video and sound to create an encounter with the viewer through an innovative fibre-based performance.

About the XIT-RM...

Emerging artists and cultural producers in the Greater Toronto Area and the Mississauga region are showcased in the XIT-RM. Six artists annually are selected with a published catalogue and accompanying critical text. Exhibitions that honour the Mission and Mandate goals of The AGM are selected by the Curatorial team.

The emphasis is on contemporary art and critical engagement. The exhibition space is dedicated to the vision of highlighting regional talent. The exhibition features its own opening/vernissage and also ties closely with regional universities and link in with the educational components of the AGM Resource Centre and the Artist Professional Practices

Series.

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October 2013 • Page 19

Wednesday, October 2 7:00 p.m.

Uxbridge Historical Centre

7239 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge, Ont. www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com Public Meeting:

York Durham Heritage Railway

Representatives from the York-Durham Heritage Railway will discuss the origins of the Heritage Railway & talk about where they are today and what’s coming up in the future.

In the museum schoolhouse. By donation.

October 2, 2013 to January 31, 2014 City of Waterloo Museum

550 King Street North (Conestoga Mall), Waterloo, Ontario www.waterloo.ca/museum Exhibit:

Initial Success: 100 years of V.O. Whiskey

There is a mystery surrounding the origins and naming of Seagram’s V.O., one of the most well-known whiskies produced at the former Waterloo distillery. Family tradition states that “V.O.” stands for “Very Own,” as this was a whisky blend created for the nuptials of Joseph E. Seagram’s son Thomas to Dorothy Pearson in 1913. Others claim that the initials stand for “Very Old” in Continued next page...

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Events Exhibits & Activities

keeping with the distiller’s assertion that it was a blend of very old Canadian whiskies.

Initial Success: 100 Years of V.O. Whisky will trace the product’s 100 year old history, with highlights into the life of Thomas and Dorothy, its production, packaging and marketing while trying to demystify the origins of the initials. Throughout the exhibition, the integral relationship of Seagram’s V.O. with Waterloo will be highlighted. Of particular interest will be photographs and artifacts from the production and bottling stages at the former Seagram Waterloo Distillery.

No matter what the facts, this famous Canadian whisky is still “honoured the world over” as “only V.O. is V.O.” The City of Waterloo Museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission for all.

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October 3, 10, 17, 24 McMichael Canadian Art Collection

10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, Ontario Students: $19 with valid ID McMichael members: $32 Series of six concerts: $179 (no additional discount for members) www.mcmichael.com Performance:

McMichael Concert Series

The McMichael Concert Series was developed to celebrate Canadian artistic culture in its different forms and to share the magical atmosphere of the gallery at night. The series provides a unique cultural experience that combines some of the very best of

October 2013 • Page 20

Canadian art and music.

Thursday, October 3 Anastasia Rizikov, piano concert Thursday, October 10 Kevin Breit & Stretch Orchestra Thursday, October 17 Toronto Hwa-Eu Trio, classical ensemble Thursday, October 24 Tony Quarrington, Don Thompson and Terry Clarke trio with Don Francks Thursday, October 31 Kevin Laliberté, guitar

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Saturday, October 5 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grey Roots Museum and Archives

102599 Grey Road 18, Owen Sound, Ontario Regular admission rates apply Exhibit:

Saints & Sinners: A Spirited History of Grey County

Alcohol played an important role in shaping the early history of our county. This exhibit tells this story from the early days of our first settlers, to the wild days of Prohibition; from our highly successful breweries and distilleries to our secretive bootlegging operations and many things in-between.

Featured in the exhibit are a moonshine still, rare artefacts from Grey County breweries and the Queen’s Hotel. Scenes and stories from Owen Sound’s “Damnation Corners,” Schwan’s Brewery and Branning Grove Sporting House are also part of the exhibit. For more information on all Grey Roots events, visit http://www.greyroots.com/programs-events/events/ Continued next page...

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

Wednesday, October 16 7:30 p.m.

Orillia Museum of Art and History

30 Peter Street South, Orillia, Ontario www.orilliamuseum.org Lecture:

Orillia’s Post Cards

Marcel Rousseau will kick off the History Speakers Series with a look at Orillia’s post cards. The speaker series is a once-a-month gathering with special guests presenting locally significant historical topics. It is free to members and offers an opportunity to learn about and discuss local history.

Marcel Rousseau is a passionate researcher and collector of Orilliana who recently published a collection of post cards from the city. His knowledge and enthusiasm will make for a wonderful presentation!

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Friday, October 25 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ages 10-14 $15 Uxbridge Historical Centre

7239 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge, Ont. www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com Youth workshop:

Discovering Your Family Tree

Learn all about discovering your family’s history, and how to create a family tree. Partici-

pants will use their discoveries to create an artistic family tree collage on canvas to bring home. Bring a picnic lunch. Pre-register.

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October 10, 24 November 7, 21 7 p.m.

Niagara Falls History Museum 5810 Ferry Street Niagara Falls, Ontario www.niagarafallsmuseums.ca Event:

Essential Hitchcock–Bold Films on the Big Screen

The Niagara Falls Museums is pleased to announce the next film series presented at the Niagara Falls History Museum as part of @ the Museum Thursday Night.

Get your fill of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, and fall is a great time of year to explore the mystery, suspense and style of Alfred Hitchcock. Don’t miss seeing this bi-weekly, FREE film series on the Museum’s big screen. All films start at 7 p.m. sharp and will be introduced by film critic and programmer Joan Nicks.

Museums Manager, Clark Bernat says, “@ the Museum Thursday Nights are always a good night for us and the film series and the wonderful work that Professor Nicks does to curate and introduce them adds to our understanding of the world of film.”

Prof. Nicks chose to examine these films

October 2013 • Page 21

because, “Hitchcock’s signature noir style, tight narrative structures and sharp wit express his vision about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

These films from the 1950s are among his best films.”

Remaining films in the series are: Thursday, October 10 I Confess Thursday, October 24 Rear Window Thursday, November 7 The Trouble with Harry Thursday, November 21 The Wrong Man

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Saturday, October 12 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chatham-Kent Museum

75 William Street North, Chatham, Ont. chatham-kent.ca Lecture and workshop:

The British Army in Life & Miniature

From ancient to modern times, soldiers have been depicted in miniature. It has not been until the past two centuries with the production capacity made possible by the industrial revolution that miniature soldiers in a variety of materials have been made accessible to the wider public.

On Saturday, October 12, 2013 the Chatham-Kent Museum will be hosting a lecture and workshop about the British Army. The dynamic and very informative

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instructor Eric Shaw will take the participant through the history of the British Army. As an added bonus, each participant will also paint a historically accurate British soldier of the War of 1812 to keep. No experience is required. Patience, a relatively steady hand, and a desire to create a miniature work of art, are definitely assets. This workshop is suitable for 12 years of age and up.

The workshop begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs to 4 p.m. Cost is $55 with tax. All materials, teaching component about the British Army, and snacks included. Participants must bring their own lunch.

Registration may be done by calling 519-354-8338, by visiting the Chatham Cultural Centre Box Office.

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Monday, October 14 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ruthven Park National Historic Site

243 Haldimand Hwy. #54, Cayuga, Ontario www.ruthvenpark.ca Event:

Cars in the Park

$5 per vintage car owner including passenger.

Vintage cars and street rods on display, kid activities, specialty historic tours, bird banding and trail walks. Regular admission applies to park visitors.

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Saturday, October 19 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ages 8 to 12 $15

Uxbridge Historical Centre

October 2013 • Page 22

7239 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge, Ontario www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com Youth workshop: Ages 8 to 12 $15

Beads and Buttons crafter workshop

Kids will use colourful beads and buttons to create fantastic decorative items, including a button flower bouquet, jewelry box, door monogram, bookmark, and jewellery. Bring a picnic lunch.

Pre-register.

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Saturday, October 19 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Simcoe County Museum

1151 Highway 26, Minesing, Ontario Museum Members free, Adult $6, Senior/Student $5.00, Child $4.00, Preschoolers free Contact: 705-728-3721 Event:

Last Blast!

The Simcoe County Museum and the Historical Construction Equipment Association present our annual Last Blast. Ride out to the gravel pits on a people mover for a guided tour. See live demonstrations of steam powered equipment, vintage road building, rock crushing, grading, hoisting and much more. Wander through the displays of vintage tractors, classic trucks and other historic equipment set up around the Museum grounds.

Each year we power up pieces of our heritage equipment for one last blast before the winter, and Continued next page...

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

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you are invited to come see it.

October 23 & 29 7 p.m.

Ruthven Park National Historic Site 243 Haldimand Hwy. #54, Cayuga, Ont. www.ruthvenpark.ca Off-site event:

Lantern Tours of Indiana Cemetery

Admission by donation. Pre-registration.

Learn about the families who lived in the former industrial town of Indiana and were buried in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. Dress for the weather. Lanterns provided or bring your own flashlight.

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Thursday, October 24 7:00 p.m.

Uxbridge Historical Centre

7239 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge, Ont. www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com Lecture Series:

A History of the Phonograph & Recorded Sound

Mike Bryan and Keith Wright of the Canadian Antique Phonograph Society will give an entertaining presentation with illustrations and demonstrations of recorded sound from the early 1900s to the 1950s.

They will play early cylinder, disc and electric machines. In the museum schoolhouse at 7pm. By donation.

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Friday, October 25 7 p.m.

Ruthven Park National Historic Site 243 Haldimand Hwy. #54, Cayuga, Ont. www.ruthvenpark.ca Event:

Cheesy Trivia Fundraiser

October 2013 • Page 23

serving refreshments? If you answered yes to any of these questions, and this event sounds like a fun evening to you, please let us know that you would like to help. This would also be suitable for mature and interested teens needing community service hours! Contact Rachel at the Museum to sign up!

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Tickets $20 in advance Wine tasting and cheese samples will be interspersed between trivia questions. This event is co-sponsored with Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre.

Saturday, October 26 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Waterloo Region Museum,

Friday, October 25 7:30 p.m.

Uxbridge Historical Centre

Forgotten Foods

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7239 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge, Ont. www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com Event:

Fright at the Museum! Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Mystery

$2 per participant Prepare to be scared! Uxbridge Historical Centre presents, “Fright at the Museum!”, our 1st annual Halloween scavenger hunt and mystery on Friday, October 25th at 7:30 p.m.

We are looking for volunteers to help stage this event. Do you like dressing up in costume and acting? Decorating “haunted” houses and spooky tableaus? Setting up and

10 Huron Road, Kitchener, Ontario $50 www.waterlooregionmuseum.com Symposium: Food is everywhere today and we can choose from a huge array of unusual food items from around the world and close to home but what about the foods of the past?

Many foods, recipes, and techniques fell out of favour ... until now! The Forgotten Foods Symposium opens the kitchen door to explore some foods and related culinary skills that have been forgotten. Do they deserve to stay hidden in the pantry of the past or is it time to bring them to the table again?

Layout of the Day: 9:30 - 10 a.m. Registration 10 - 10:45 a.m. Fiona Lucas with Familiar and Forgotten Foods In Canada throughout the 1960s and '70s garlic was socially unacceptable, margarine was touted as modern, purchasing liquor required a Continued next page...

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Events Exhibits & Activities

permit and the food processor was a recent invention.

How we shopped, cooked, baked, drank, entertained and planned kitchens in the '60s and '70s still influences our choices today.

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Concurrent Workshops –see below 12:30–1:30 p.m. Lunch at the WRM will be provided by Borealis Restaurant a local restaurant with an incredible tasty spin on food (included with registration).

1:30–3 p.m. Concurrent Workshops –see below 3:15–4 p.m. Carolyn Blackstock with Rediscovering the Berlin Cook Book As a challenge, Carolyn Blackstock decided to use one local historic community cook book—the 1906 Berlin Cook Book every day in 2012 and to keep a record of the attempt in an online blog. She succeeded in bringing a forgotten cook book to life and will share some of her discoveries in this presentation.

List of available workshops:

Johanna Rickert-Hall with Bread Making At one time, baking bread was a necessary, labourintensive, weekly task in most households. Join us and discover the importance of wild yeast and other leavening agents as we prepare (and sample) traditional breads and cakes made from scratch using historic methods and recipes.

Myeengun Henry with Forgotten First Nations Natural Remedies Join Myeengun Henry, a Chippewa of the Thames First Nations elder, to learn about the traditional uses for plants and herbs of all kinds. Explore what thousands of years of learning from nature has taught about the healing and medicinal purposes it holds within.

Bob Wildfong with Heritage Apple Tasting Sweet, sour, soft, crisp, dry, juicy —what's your favourite apple?

Find out when you taste more than 15 varieties of heritage apples from a century ago and still grown in Ontario. Learn about selecting, storing and cooking with apples, the legacy of apple cider and apple butter.

Amy Bradley with Canning–Past and Present Enjoy a hands-on learning opportunity focusing on seasonal canning. Discover why what was once a ne-

October 2013 • Page 24

cessity is now a pleasure and art form. Participants will make both traditional and modern recipes in one of the village kitchens.

Tom Reitz; A Behind the Scenes Tour of our Collection Join Waterloo Region Museum's Curator, Tom Reitz, for a tour of the Museum's unique collection of artifacts, with a focus on kitchen gadgets from the past. Be ready to explore a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes at the museum. *Please note that this tour is not fully accessible.

Betsy Aziz with Preserving History From ancient to modern times, food preservation has been one of the most essential human skills, extending the bounty of the harvest through all seasons.

Learn about age-old techniques of drying, salting, pickling and fermenting from this master food preserver.

Karla Kale with Drinking up History Rediscover lost drink recipes from the turn of the century with the head of our foodways program at the Waterloo Region Museum. Taste unique beverages and dip into their social uses.

Gary Draper with Seven Ways of Looking at a Cookbook What's in an old cookbook, besides your grandmother's ideas for supper, there can also be pictures, personalities and sometimes a portrait of the past.

To register, ask questions or for more information visit www.waterlooregionmuseum.com or call 519-748-1914 to speak to Wendy Connell.

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Saturday, November 26 to January 5 McMichael Canadian Art Collection

10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, Ontario www.mcmichael.com

You Are Here: Kim Dorland and the Return to Painting The exhibition will span five gallery spaces and Continued next page...

feature over one hundred works, including approximately thirty freshly painted canvases by Dorland. One particularly stunning work–a triptych of the French River–measures eighteen feet long and eight feet high. Dorland's paintings will hang in the company of works by Canadian art icons Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, David Milne, Emily Carr, Goodridge Roberts, and Thoreau MacDonald. Selected by Dorland and McMichael Chief Curator Katerina Atanassova, the works in the exhibition will trace the evolution of the Canadian landscape tradition, culminating in Dorland's fresh, modern interpretations.

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Wednesday, November 6 7 p.m.

Ruthven Park National Historic Site

243 Haldimand Hwy. #54, Cayuga, Ontario www.ruthvenpark.ca Lecture:

Masters of War: The Canadians in the Great War

Pre-registration required. $10 for regular admission, $5 for member.s Norm Christie, Canadian author, historian and host of History Television’s critically acclaimed six part series, For King and Country, will trace the development from the early days of the war, when they were nervous Colonials, through the stunning victories at Vimy and Passchendal, and their ultimate development into the most feared fighting force on the Western front. Specialty desserts and coffee to follow the presentation.

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Note from Don Beaulieu, MuSEEuM publisher:

I have enjoyed many lectures, classes and courses at the Royal Ontario Museum the past couple of decades. Here is a link to their programmes listings: http://www.rom.on.ca/en/activities-programs

October 2013 • Page 25

Camera club celebrates 50th anniversary

The Midland District Camera Club is celebrating their 50th year with a few special events.

The club’s regular meeting night of Thursday, October 3rd will see them in a larger space than usual at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Complex at 527 Len Self Boulevard in Midland. Former and founding members have been invited to this special pot luck.

Guest speaker will the renowned Ethan Meleg.

Meleg specializes in photos of outdoor recreation, landscapes, ecosystems, birds and wildlife is an exceptional speaker.

The evening begins at 6:30pm in the upstairs Community Room with a pot-luck dinner (bring a favourite dish to share and your own tableware).

Meleg takes to the stage at 7:30pm. Find more in-

formation about him at ethanmeleg.com.

The Quest Art School and Gallery, 333 King Street in Midland (in the Midland Cultural Centre) will have a display of photographs, a number of which will be from the late Bud Watson, well-known Canadian photographer and founding member of the MDCC. Those pieces plus others will form an exhibit beginning October 18th in the gallery at the Huronia Museum in Midland at 549 Little Lake Park. Opening night for the exhibit is the 18th, 7 to 9 p.m. The show will continue to November 14th.

The Froth Café at 102 Main Street in Penetanguishene will feature photographs by current MDCC members.

For further information about the club see their website at www.midlandcameraclub.com.

October 2013 • Page 26

Brian Ayotte, featured artist at Barrie Art Club in October

Each month, the Barrie Art Club interplay of light and shadow. I am changes the exhibits in three of its drawn by certain colours or colour galleries. There is a members’ combination particularly in abshow in which a variety of memstracts, and along with the drama, bers submit art based on a theme.

I try to have at least one quiet area For October, as may be suspected, in my painting. I am always open the theme is autumn leaves. One to new possibilities, adding fresh may find works in mixed media, layers to my artistic journey”. fibre art, photographs, waterThe main gallery houses the feacolours, oils, acrylics et cetera in ture artist, Brian Ayotte. Ayotte is this exhibit. self-taught. For the past 25 years The smaller Le Loo-vre gallery he has painted to ease emotional generally features a single artist. and physical stress.

October will see the works of Jo Ayotte began with watercolours Appleby displayed. Her landbut made a quick progression to scapes often employ colour in a acrylic paint. This resulted in the bold dynamic but yet calming, sometimes serene manner.

“Art is an integral part Jo Appleby’s “Adrift”, typical of my life” Appleby of her expert use of colour says. “When working on and calming landscapes. a piece, I am completely engaged in the process.

In order to keep my subject matter fresh and exciting, I frequently get the urge to experiment with different mediums and techniques, changing my themes depending on the time of year, location or inclination.

“A common thread of my work might include reflections, particularly water reflections and the

and colourful effect he says was “lacking in my professional life”. He works in the funeral business.

Although creating primarily with acrylic, he has often incorporated recycled materials such as Styrofoam, ceramic tile, various metals and such. Ayotte has completed over 250 pieces, most of which are currently in private collections in Canada, eastern Europe and the United States. Although some of these have been commissioned, most have been selected from his existing inventory.

This is Ayotte’s first show in

Barrie “I’m really excited to share it” he says, “as I’ve only ever done so while I lived in Toronto. I'm grateful the BAC is giving me this opportunity and look forward to future events”.

The opening reception for October’s shows is Sunday, October 6, 1 to 3 p.m. The Barrie Art Club is located at 304 Dunlop Street West, Unit 17. Enter the plaza at the lights at Hart Drive, just east of Highway 400. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10 to 3 p.m. More information about the club can be found online at www.barrieartclub.com.

Brian Ayotte’s ‘Night Swim’, one of the pieces he’ll have at the BAC during October.

Culture is in the plans for many municipalities in Ontario

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

Simcoe County is conducting a Regional Cultural Study and the Town of Midland has recently held its first Municipal Cultural Plan meeting. Another undertaking in the same geographic area called Huronia Area Tourism Strategy has also gotten a recent start (see press release to the right). Similar studies and initiatives are going on across the province, or have already been put into place.

Speaking to a group of just over 50 people in the TD Canada Trust Assembly Room a the Midland library on September 24th, Dr. Greg Baeker from Millier Dickinson Blais, consultant for the Midland project, expressed; “Cultural tourists stay longer and spend more money than other segments of the tourism market”.

During August and September, Pamela Blackmore, Project Manager for Simcoe County’s cultural study and Robert Lamb, the county’s Manager of Economic Development held a series of meetings, usually two in each of the communities they were in.

One meeting was to gain input from stakeholders while a second meeting was held for input

October 2013 • Page 27

Funding Announcement - Huronia Area Tourism Strategy (HATS)

Pamela Blackmore, Project Manager, County of Simcoe Regional Cultural Study. from the general public.

Due to the wide geographic area of Simcoe County, they saw that very different cultural aspects were important to each area. The suggested methods of gaining and sharing knowledge of culture places and events showed more common areas, but the wide variety of sources have provided a mountain of data to be sorted through and put into perspective.

The four North Simcoe municipalities (Town of Midland, Town of Penetanguishene, Township of Tay and Township of Tiny) are pleased to announce the receipt of funding in the amount of $40,000 from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport through its Tourism Development Fund.

The funding will be used to develop a Huronia Area Tourism Strategy.

The Huronia Area Tourism Strategy will focus on a co-ordinated approach to a tourism destination management plan (not a marketing plan) and will: • Identify opportunities for strategic development between regional and local partner organizations involved in tourism. The goal of a co-ordinated approach is to alleviate duplication and create efficiencies to benefit the stakeholders in the area.

• Identify opportunities to encourage, refresh and enhance current tourism products and services and to develop key and unique visitor experiences.

• Present the final report on

destination management to include business development, investment readiness, local research, visitor services and market development.

A Steering Committee has been formed to work with local tourism stakeholders. The Tourism Company, a tourism consulting firm, has been selected to assist the Steering Committee in developing the Huronia Area Tourism Strategy.

D'Arcy McKittrick of the Tourism Company says “We are excited to be working on this timely project and look forward to meeting and listening to a wide range of Huronia area tourism stakeholders... as the Strategy takes shape”.

McKittrick continues; “We would like to thank our resource partners at Tourism Simcoe County, RTO7 (Regional Tourism Ontario Region 7) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

The stakeholder engagement process is currently taking place with the completion of a final report expected by February 2014.

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 28

Excellent websites for information about museums:

The Ontario Museum Association website allows one to search for a museum by name, type, city, region, driving distance or by using their interactive map:

www.museumsontario.ca Explore Canada's rich history and culture in the Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC). You will find virtual exhibits and interactive learning resources on numerous subjects, created by Canadian museums and galleries. You will also discover local history exhibits that capture exciting Canadian community memories, drawn from the collections of small museums and local memories and treasures.

Start exploring the VMC today!:

www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca

If historic buildings are your interest, Building Stories is a valuable online resource. A mobile application is available for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android. Buildings and structures across Canada are included. One can search for tours or buildings in a chosen municipality. The website for this expanding site is:

www.buildingstories.co A number of Simcoe County Museums are a member of SUMAC which offers an excellent resource for that municipality’s museums at:

www.sumac.info

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 29

What is it?

Can you identify this piece of equipment?

—by Don Beaulieu, Publisher of MuSEEuM “So many museums, so little time” ...I think that needs to be printed on a t-shirt.

There is certainly no trouble filling the pages of MuSEEuM with news. This issue saw an increase in the number of press releases received and so holds a long list of events designed to entice visitors and involvement with local museums. This is a very small sampling, I suspect, of what’s going on across the province in museums.

Readers are advised to check directly with their local museum to see what may be happening in addition to their permanent collections.

To enjoy music, art, dance or such in the context of a museum can be a delightful mix of

cultural stimuli. A friend of mine recently enjoyed participating in a drumming workshop at Museum on the Boyne in Alliston for example. My family has enjoyed “mixed arts” many times and we always look forward to the next “excuse” to go to the museum and immerse ourselves in culture.

You are invited to send an account of your favourite museum experience, high resolution photographs are encouraged.

The value of volunteers to museums is represented again in this issue with a heartfelt note from the executive director of the Orillia Museum of Art and History. If you are

looking for something to do, volunteering at your local museum may not only be enjoyable and beneficial to yourself, but may leave an enduring legacy for years to come.

—Don Beaulieu

The piece of equipment shown above resides at the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum. It is likely a farm implement and may have been pulled, judging by the part folded back from the axle of the larger concave roller.

If you can identify this item, email MuSEEuM at museeum@bell.net

MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada

October 2013 • Page 30

Late additions to our list...

Saturday, October 19 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Ages 8-12 $25 members, $30 non-members Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

Events Exhibits & Activities

33 Victoria Street North Town of Saugeen Shores Southampton, Ontario Youth event:

Sleepover at the Museum

Participants will have a rare opportunity to spend the night at the Museum where they’ll play games, make crafts and have tons of hallowe’en fun.

Costumes are encouraged.

Email: cschmidt@brucecounty.on.ca Telephone: 519- 797-2080, Ext. 104 http://www.brucemuseum.ca

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Saturday, October 19 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre 33 Victoria Street North Town of Saugeen Shores

Southampton, Ontario Event:

First Nations Cultural Demonstrations Day at Bruce County Museum

Members of the Saugeen First Nations will be demonstrating crafts, skills and art.

Demonstrations will consist of traditional beading, black ash basketry, regalia, dance and more. Traditional scones will be available for tasting.

Telephone: 519-797-2080 Email: nwhite@brucecounty.on.ca http://www.brucemuseum.ca

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This exhibit recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913. It is still known as the deadliest and most destructive natural disaster to ever hit the Great Lakes, especially Lake Huron, killing more than 250 people, destroying 19 ships, and stranding 19 others. This “November Gale” produced wind gusts of 145 kilometres an hour, waves more than 35 feet high and whiteout snow-squalls.

There is a 3-part speaker series as well, Oct. 23, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6. See website for details. http://www.brucemuseum.ca

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Monday, October 21, 2013 to October 21, 2014 Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre 33 Victoria Street North Town of Saugeen Shores Southampton, Ontario Exhibit:

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Great Storm of 1913

Trunks at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum