Affordable family-friendly activities happening this month in Brampton

With the weather outside getting colder, it’s a great time for some cozy indoor fun at PAMA, Brampton’s popular museum and historical archive.

PAMA has recently announced a number of new exhibitions and events happening this fall and winter, perfect for entertaining the whole family – especially during winter break when the kids are out of school.

These exciting new exhibitions include a look at Peel Region’s historic railways and a collection of gorgeous art made by local artists, while the new events and workshops invite visitors to enjoy live music, listen to inspiring poetry, and try their hand at creating their own winter-themed artwork.

Space is limited, so be sure to save the dates and catch these events and exhibitions before they’re gone!

Events:

PAMA Open House
Sunday, Nov. 24 – 1 pm to 5 pm

The PAMA Open House is a free day where visitors can come in and talk with artists, curators, and contributing partners to all the new fall/winter exhibitions. This one-day event is a rare opportunity for visitors to get a close look at the thought processes and inner workings behind these big new exhibitions, as well as a chance for aspiring artists to chat and network with other artists.

Heart and Soul Poetry Performance
Thursday, Nov. 28 – 7 pm to 8:30 pm

Join PAMA and Mississauga Poet Laureate Andrea Josic for an evening of poetry performed by an exciting selection of Mississauga’s emerging poetic talents, exploring the themes of love, romance and relationships. Andrea is an award-winning poet and the fifth Poet Laureate of the City of Mississauga, serving a two-year term from 2024 to 2026.

Heartstrings Drop-in Activity with Caledon Pride
Saturday, Nov. 30 – 11 am to 4 pm

This thought-provoking drop-in activity asks visitors to consider what their source of inspiration and pride is as they contribute to an interactive textile mural. It’s hosted by Caledon Pride, a grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy group dedicated to creating an inclusive community for all in Caledon, Ontario.

Connections Art and Book Club
Thursday, Dec. 5 – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join Brampton Library and PAMA for a discussion of Rage the Night by Donna Morrissey, a gripping novel that explores themes of loss, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit in the harsh landscape of Newfoundland. The book discussion will be paired with a tour of David Blackwood: Ode to Newfoundland, one of the newest exhibitions at PAMA.

Winter Break Studio Time – Cozy Creations at PAMA
Dec. 27 and 30, Jan. 2 and 3 – 10:30 am to 4 pm

For parents and guardians who want to enjoy some time with their kids (ages 5 and up) over the winter break, these studio time events are for you. Stay cozy indoors, get hands-on with artistic creations, and enjoy a variety of unique themes on different days:

• Dec. 27 – Apple Crafts: Join artist Meegan Lim for an apple craft inspired by her Apple a Day banners at PAMA.
• Dec. 30 – Toasty Textiles: Yarn art inspired by the warm knitwear of Newfoundland.
• Jan. 2 – Comfort Food: Take part in fake food making inspired by our favourite comfort foods.
• Jan. 3 – Wintery Watercolour: Design a frosty card with watercolour and salt.

Winter Break at PAMA: A Day of Folk Tales and Music
Saturday, Dec. 28 – 10:30 am to 4:30 pm

Enjoy a captivating collection of folktales performed by professional teller Laxmi Balaji, centered on themes of community and family. Get creative by making your own homey jigsaw puzzle inspired by PAMA’s Art Gallery, and finish the day with whimsical tales sung by balladeers from the Brampton Folk Club, including the adventures of Robyn Hood put to song.

Exhibitions:

Stories of Home: Finding Community and Belonging in Peel
Fall 2024

This new fall exhibit looks at what home means to the people living, working in and visiting Peel Region, exploring the themes of community and sense of belonging. Through personal stories, video, images, and objects, the exhibit showcases connections between the Peel of the past, present, and future.

Unveiling Ability: Empowerment Through Art
On now until March 16, 2025

Enjoy an inspiring collection of quilts, wall-hangings, and paintings created by the artists of Brampton Caledon Community Living, a local organization that empowers people living with disabilities to lead enriched and meaningful lives and to fully participate in their community.

All Aboard! The Railways of Peel
On now until October 12, 2025

Few things have transformed Peel so completely as the construction of railways. Join PAMA as they travel through time to explore Peel’s first railways in the 1850s, their rise to importance within local communities well into the 20th century, their slow decline following World War II, and the importance that they once again have today.

Youth on Reconciliation
Nov. 2, 2024 to Spring 2025

This exhibition explores the concept of Reconciliation through artistic expression and what that means to youth in Canada. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation asked young people to share their thoughts on what the future of Canada can look like through the lens of hope, respect, and Reconciliation.

In Love and In Art: Jim Reid, Gina Rorai, Peggy Taylor Reid, and David Urban
Nov. 23, 2024 to April 6, 2025

Drawn from the permanent collection, works by two contemporary artist couples (Jim Reid and Peggy Taylor Reid, as well as Gina Rorai and David Urban) focuses on artwork made by artists in intimate and long-term relationships. What advantages do artist couples experience when they share a profession and a life?

David Blackwood: Ode to Newfoundland
Nov. 23, 2024 to March 23, 2025

A recent acquisition of artwork from nationally acclaimed artist, the late David Blackwood, will be on display in this new exhibition. The works consist of the famed dark and moody intaglio prints of the seafaring communities of Newfoundland’s yesteryear, including the Lost Party series that recounts the tragic story of seal hunters trapped in ice, as well as watercolour landscape paintings of the artist’s beloved province.

Apple a Day
November 21, 2024 – March 30, 2025  

This gorgeous outdoor banner designed by Brampton-based emerging artist Meegan Lim draws attention to food insecurity in today’s economic reality of high inflation and rising costs of living. Reminiscent of the fairytale of Jack and the Beanstalk, her colourful illustration of people competing to climb a massive tree crowned by an encased golden apple demonstrates life’s constant struggle to reach the top of the metaphorical financial ladder.

It’s a very busy time at PAMA! The popular facility continues to host a wide range of events and exhibitions all throughout the year, so keep an eye on their website to see what’s coming up.

Located in downtown Brampton at 9 Wellington St E., PAMA is known for being highly accessible: there are ground-level entrances and elevator access to all floors. Parking is free and accessible as well.

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