With the countdown to a new school year underway, families looking to squeeze every last bit out of summer vacation have plenty of reasons to visit the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in Brampton this August.<\/p>\n
The museum is inviting visitors to escape the summer heat inside its historic, air-conditioned galleries while taking part in a packed calendar of family activities, creative workshops and interactive experiences designed for children and adults alike.<\/p>\n
Throughout August, PAMA\u2019s popular Creative Explorers program will give young visitors a chance to discover art, history and local heritage through hands-on activities offered every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
Each session combines a mini scavenger hunt through PAMA\u2019s exhibitions with an instructor-led art project inspired by what participants discover. Weekly themes include watercolour painting inspired by local history, miniature flower creations, printmaking, mixed media artwork exploring the meaning of home, abstract painting techniques and agamographs\u2014optical illusion art that changes depending on the viewing angle.<\/p>\n
Older teens and adults can also flex their creative muscles during two special workshops later this month.<\/p>\n
On Aug. 13, writer and educator Maria Talotta will lead Words in Motion: Downtown Brampton Hike and Write, a guided experience that begins with a tour of PAMA\u2019s Abstract Art in Canada exhibition before participants head outdoors for a walk along the Etobicoke Creek Trail.<\/p>\n
The session concludes with a facilitated writing workshop featuring creative exercises and group reflection. Organizers say no previous writing experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. The program costs $15 plus HST for the public and is free for PAMA members.<\/p>\n
Families can also mark Aug. 22 on their calendars for Family Summer Fun Day, one of the month\u2019s signature events.<\/p>\n
The pay-what-you-can admission day includes family-friendly gallery tours, story time, art activities, beaded flower holder crafts and a live interactive animal presentation from Hands on Exotics. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet a variety of animals before and after the live show, although registration is recommended because space is limited.<\/p>\n
The month wraps up on Aug. 27 with Remix the Page, an evening mixed media workshop led by artist and writer Vanessa Vigneswaramoorthy.<\/p>\n
Participants will experiment with erasure poetry\u2014a creative process that transforms existing text into entirely new works by selectively removing words\u2014before turning their poems into mixed media artwork using archival materials. The workshop is open to ages 15 and older, and no previous artistic experience is required.<\/p>\n
Operated by Peel Region, PAMA showcases Peel\u2019s history, art and archives through exhibitions and educational programming that connect visitors with the region\u2019s diverse cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
The museum is located at 9 Wellington St. E. in downtown Brampton. More information about August programs, admission and registration is available on PAMA\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n