March 16, 2017 – Mother Nature reminded us this week that it’s still winter, but the Canada 150 Anniversary Task Force and City staff are looking ahead to warmer weather and celebrations for our nation’s birthday.
To mark Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary the task force and the City are planning art shows, exhibits and explorations of buildings across the city, all focused on celebrating what Canada and St. Catharines means to residents.
Members of the City’s older adult centres are getting into the Canada 150 spirit by hosting an art sale on May 6 at the Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre. It’s the first ever art sale hosted by the City’s older adult centres, and will see original pieces of art painted about Canada and inspired by Canada on display. Members of the public will have the chance to meet with the painters and can even purchase some of the art to take home.
The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre will be opening a new exhibit focusing on what it means to be a St. Catharines resident in 2017. One-Five-Oh! A Snapshot of our City will feature artifacts and items donated by the community to create a living time capsule of life in our community. The exhibit opens July 1. Residents looking to contribute an item to One-Five-Oh! A Snapshot of our City can call the Museum at 905.984.8880.
City Hall will be getting a Canadiana makeover thanks to Cultural Services’ annual juried art exhibition. Kitsch 4 Canada will have local artists celebrate the souvenir by turning kitschy items into works of art that will be on display on the third floor of City Hall. The exhibit opens May 1 and runs until early November.
Art isn’t limited to just adults though. The Canada 150 Anniversary Task Force has produced a children’s activity book full of games and activities designed to teach children about Canada and St. Catharines. The activity book will be available at community events throughout the year.
Looking ahead to Canada Day, there will be three events that week celebrating Canada’s birthday. On June 24, the City will host Doors Open, a new event where residents can explore the buildings and institutions at the heart of our city’s history. On Canada Day, the City will once again have celebrations at Rennie Park and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. More information on all three events will be available later in the spring.
For details on the City’s Canada 150 events visit www.stcatharines.ca/Canada150