Here’s why Mississauga and Brampton residents will want to visit PAMA this winter

There’s always something for everyone at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA).

PAMA works throughout the year to showcase exhibits and host events that appeal to people of all different ages, backgrounds, and experiences by prioritizing diversity, different interests, and the Region’s culture, and heritage.

And PAMA’s upcoming events, programs, and exhibits this winter are no different.

The general admission to PAMA is currently free, for a limited time (donations are appreciated). 

Here’s a look at what Brampton’s premier art gallery and museum has coming up, starting with upcoming events.

Connections Art & Book Club in partnership with Brampton Library

Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 – 8:30 pm

Literature and visual arts connect in this distinctive book club. Join Brampton Library and PAMA for an in-person discussion about In Your Face: Law, Justice, and Niqab-Wearing Women in Canada. This book by Natasha Bakht analyzes niqab bans in Canada and the violent exposures niqab-wearing women have endured. Our discussion will expose the complexities and multiple motivations for wearing this and other headdresses. The book discussion will be paired with a tour of the exhibition UN/COVERINGS: Mennonite & Muslim Women’s Heads and Hearts.

Free Registration required with Brampton Library.

Applefun Puppet Show 

This live and interactive puppet show is the perfect place to bring the kids while they’re off school. The best part? Admission is free! The show is taking place at two times (10:30 – 11:15 a.m. and 2 – 2:45 p.m.) on December 27th.

Winter Break: Colourful Creations

Another completely free way to enjoy your winter break (whether you’re on break from school or work) is with PAMA’s ‘Winter Break: Colourful Creations’. Happening each day of the winter break, attendees can drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to explore and express their creativity.

Each day will feature a different project where artists will be encouraged to use different materials and techniques.

Here’s a breakdown of the different Colour Creation activities.

Tuesday, December 27th :

Make and take home your own paper puppet.

Wednesday, December 28th:

Design a winter wonderland gift box using printmaking techniques.

Thursday, December 29th:

Let your imagination run wild and create your own painting with magical characters, secret places, and enchanted forests.

Friday, December 30th:

Ring in the New Year early by creating art using sparkles and glitter.

Monday, January 2nd:

Discover how dots and dashes can be used to make art.

Tuesday, January 3rd:

It’s often said your imagination is your most powerful tool. During this activity period, attendees can bring creatures from their imagination to life using different materials.

Wednesday, January 4th:

Explore landscapes and seascapes…with a twist.

Thursday, January 5th:

If you’ve had characters or stories bubbling in your brain for some time this activity will provide an opportunity for you to create a world for these cartoon characters and stories.

Friday, January 6th:

Wrap up the Winter Break by creating art that pops using scientific techniques.

No sweat if you’re more of a passive art enthusiast because PAMA currently has several museum and art exhibits open you can enjoy this winter and spring.

We Are Hockey 

At this museum exhibit, PAMA visitors will get an inside look at hockey – Canada’s most beloved sport. As noted by PAMA, We Are Hockey focuses on the experiences of people of colour in the sport. While challenging traditional ideas about the game this exhibition also provides an opportunity to celebrate some of Canada’s unsung hockey heroes.

We Are Hockey will be open until April 30th, 2023.

UN/COVERINGS: Mennonite and Muslim Women’s Heads and Hearts 

UN/COVERINGS is a multimedia, fashion-based, installation that encourages visitors to challenge their own biases and stereotypes around religious head coverings. As PAMA points out, Mennonite and Muslim women represent so much variation and contrast within and beyond their communities – their stories and identities are as complex and creative as the clothes they wear.

This museum exhibit is on until May 31st, 2023.

Facing Claude Cahun & Marcel Moore

This art gallery exhibit showcases the work of five emerging, mid-career, and established artists. While each artist may not work in the same avenue (media ranges from photography, sculpture, textile, film, and installation) each piece of showcased work from the contemporary artists touches on issues of identity, activism, non-binary gender, race, queer politics and aesthetics, as well as the legacy of Cahun and Moore.

This exhibit is running until April 9, 2023.

So, whether you’re looking for something to do over the winter break or want to get a head start on planning for 2023, you’ll want to make sure PAMA is on your list of places to visit.

You can learn more about upcoming events and programs and exhibits on the PAMA website.