PAMA marks 55th anniversary with exciting new art exhibitions showcasing its collection

BRAMPTON, ON (July 5, 2023) – This Summer, the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) is sharing two exciting new art exhibitions. To mark the 55th anniversary of PAMA, explore That’s So Random: Highlights from the Art Gallery Collection and a new permanent exhibition Yours to Discover: Sights/Sites of Peel Region, which takes visitors on a journey through Peel using PAMA’s landscape art collection. Forest Bathing is also back this Summer! Experience the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) with a trained forest therapy guide and connect with nature right in your community. Plus, learn the art of Modern Batik with local artist Deon Best. Batik is an East African art form that uses wax and dye to create designs on fabric. Discover this amazing technique and design your own one-of-a-kind artwork!

New Exhibitions

That’s So Random: Highlights from the Art Gallery Collection
On now to Sept 3, 2023
To mark the 55th anniversary of PAMA, the art gallery staff delved deep into the vault to select work that speaks to the breadth of the PAMA art collection. This is an opportunity to reflect on the composition of our holdings that have defined our collecting practices for over five decades.

We are pleased to present a diverse palette of work that demonstrates the rich trajectory of (mostly) contemporary art and our efforts to grow a vibrant and relevant collection that includes art by women, Indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented groups of artists.

Some of the work featured in this exhibition has never been shown at PAMA before or has not been on display in quite some time. An exhibition as random as this is a rare occasion to bring together familiar and new work.

Yours to Discover: Sights/Sites of Peel Region
Permanent rotating exhibition on now
As visitors or residents, many artists have turned their paint brushes or camera lenses to document Peel region, making visual records of a place and time in history. All reflect a sense of place that is uniquely Peel. This exhibition will feature artworks from the art gallery collection including pieces by Caroline Smith Crawford, Thomas Stone, James Beaver, Stuart Clifford Shaw, George Paginton, Gary Spearin, Sara Angelucci, and more!

Program Highlights

Discover Forest Bathing at PAMA this Summer!
Saturday, Jul. 15, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. and
Thursday Aug. 24, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Discover a practice that brings people closer to nature and supports healing and wellness through natural environments. Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to "forest bathing". Experience the benefits of slow-paced wandering in nature with a trained forest therapy guide on this guided journey.

Begin with a guided visit of the new exhibition Yours to Discover: Sights/Sites of Peel Region before continuing your journey across the street in Gage Park. Rest and rejuvenate through mindful and sensory awareness and deepen your relationship with nature.

Public: $10, $24 for families (up to 2 adults and 3 children) +HST
Members: $8.50, $20.40 for families (up to 2 adults and 3 children) +HST

Modern Batik Workshop with Deon Best
Saturday, Aug. 12, 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Explore the East African fabric art of Modern Batik with Bampton artist Deon Best. Enjoy an afternoon adventure creating landscapes imagined or inspired by the art gallery exhibition Yours to Discover: Sights/Sites of Peel Region.

Batik is an art form that uses wax and dye to create designs on fabric. Discover this amazing technique and design your own one-of-a-kind artwork!

This program is for ages 18+. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Public: $50 (includes general admission), Members: $42.50, pre-registration required. All supplies are included. Learn more and register

New Art Gallery exterior banners
PLUS, check out PAMA’s new outdoor banners and get whisked away to Paris!

About PAMA

PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel region’s culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community. Throughout the year, PAMA offers a variety of workshops and programs for all ages, families and adults. With so many different programs to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. Operated by Peel Region, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington Street East in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more.

Media contact

Erin Fernandes 
Marketing Specialist 
Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) 
Tel: 416-312-3425