Tom Thomson Events

DWAC is proud to be a supporter of the upcoming Tom Thomson inspired event to celebrate his life and art in Claremont on Saturday, October 14, 2017

Pickering, ON, August 15, 2017 – The City of Pickering invites the public to bring new life to its unwanted canoes, though a public planter project, in commemoration of Pickering-born artist, Tom Thomson. FOR MORE INFO CLICKHERE

This year marks the 140th anniversary of Tom’s birth, and 100th anniversary of his death. Born in Claremont, Tom was a significant influencer of the Group of Seven, and a known naturalist, fisherman, and canoeist, which was reflected in his artwork.

Canoes will be wrapped, prepared as planters, and placed around the community as a special planter project, beginning mid-September. Those interested in donating their canoes have until Tuesday, September 5th to arrange a dropoff with the City’s Event Coordinator, available at 905.420.4660 ext. 3609. Please note, canoes will not be returned. Stay tuned at pickering.ca/exhibit for canoe planter locations.

Businesses and residents are also welcome to create their own canoe planters on private property and submit their photos.

Also happening this fall: Party in the Park with Tom Thomson. A free, interactive event illuminating the life and art of this Canadian artist icon through activities, presentations, music, food, and community.

The event takes place on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at: Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Community Centre
4941 Old Brock Road, Pickering, ON L1Y 1A9
Tanya Ryce | Supervisor, Cultural Services l Community Services
905.420.4660 ext. 3603 | tryce@pickering.ca

Other Tom Thomson Inspired Events:

• Angie Littlefield ~ numerous talks and presentations check HERE
  Pickering Township Historical Society, Pickering, Sept. 12 check HERE
  Lynde House Museum, Whitby, Sept. 29 check HERE

Dream of Durham West Arts Centre in Pickering closer to becoming a reality

For Immediate Release February, 2017

DWAC Foundation Welcomes Pickering City Centre Project
Foundation to work in partnership with the City on development of an arts centre

PICKERING, ONTARIO (February 28, 2017)  Business and arts community leaders with the Durham West Arts Centre (DWAC) Foundation are pleased with the commitment of City Council to the Pickering City Centre Project, which includes a performing and visual arts centre.

The project was one of the highlights in the proposed 2017 budget presented to the Executive Committee meeting on February 16th and approved by Council on February 27th.

“This commitment from Pickering re-affirms our partnership and brings our shared vision of a state-of-the-art performing and cultural centre in the city’s downtown core closer to reality,” said Mr. Justice David Stone, Chair of the Board of Directors of the DWAC Foundation. “In addition to providing high-quality arts and entertainment programming, the arts centre is an investment that will provide tangible, economic benefits to the entire region in terms of increased revenue from cultural tourism.”

The Durham West Arts Centre Foundation has worked alongside the City of Pickering for many years to further the vision of a vibrant and accessible community arts centre.

For information, contact:
Phone: 905-420-2667

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | APRIL 2015

Expect the Unexpected at the 2015 DWAC Spring Studio Tour

The Durham West Arts Centre returns for the annual Spring Studio Tour, a significant weekend event that will showcase an expanded roster of new artists and studios highlighting the outstanding creative talent of the artists in and around Durham region. It is being held on April 25th and 26th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and will capture some of Durham’s finest artists in picturesque Claremont, Uxbridge, Pickering and various other locales. Come on this self-guided tour, engage and interact with the artists in our midst, interpreting and creating amongst us. Plan your route to discover the work that inspires and challenges. The artists have been working hard over the winter months to create new and exciting art work including everything from stone carving (Gordon Reidt) to mammoth scrimshaw (Clay James) and wildlife photography (Kim Lowes) which will be on display for all visitors to enjoy. Not only do visitors get the unique opportunity to interact with working artists and invited guests in their studio spaces to discuss techniques and processes, many of the artists will have their presented art works available for purchase, adding to the idea of the event as a virtual treasure hunt.

Fill out a ballot at the studios for a draw to win a $50 gift card from Pickering Town Centre or $50 towards the purchase of artwork from your favourite artist. Visit more sites to increase your chances to win! DWAC will also feature selected artists at the Cultural Expressions Gallery (62 Old Kingston Road) in Pickering Village as well as at the DWAC Pottery and Arts Studio in the Pickering Recreation Complex (1867 Valley Farm Road). There is a wealth of creativity and talent waiting to be discovered in Durham truly representing our claim to “Expect the Unexpected!”

The Durham West Studio Tour is a free event suitable for the whole family. Through education, presentation and partnership DWAC will continue to develop awareness and engagement in the arts, increase our audience and membership, be sustainable and champion the intrinsic need of arts and culture to our community. Pick up a tour brochure with map included at any of the artists’ studios listed on our website or call 905-420-2667 for more information.

For Immediate Release | April, 2012

Guide to the In-town Durham West Studio Tour

This year’s edition of the Durham West Arts Centre Spring Studio Tour showcases some of West Durham’s most creative individuals along with some special guest artists. If you haven’t come across a brochure you can print off a map and artist list from this site. To help plan your tour you can also find links to the artist’s sites to see more artworks, just click on the big Studio Tour ad above.

This free self guided tour gives you the opportunity to view works by 20 artists from many artistic disciplines. If you begin at the Durham West Arts Centre’s Pottery Studio at the Pickering Recreation Centre at 1867 Valley Farm Road you can see our display and pick up brochures that will help you plan your tour itinerary. While at our facility don’t miss the beautiful ceramic creations by sisters Guida Pirita and Ana-Paula Leandro. They are knowlegeable instructors and can answer questions about our pottery classes as well. Also enjoy the inventive abstract paintings of guest artist Mike McGowan.

Location number 3 just east of Brock Road near the end of Finch Ave. is the home of stone carver Gordon Reidt. Working with a variety of different stone which may be millions of years old, he animates the material and brings forth some of nature’s grandest creatures through his laborious technique. This stop features three very special guests including artist/illustrator Gillian Newland whose published work has been seen in the Globe and Mail, McLean’s and at the National Gallery. (Gillian will be present on Sunday only.) With a dealer in Switzerland, this is a much easier way to view the exotic insects and other inventive paintings and prints by Catherine Mills and the glass works by Heather Salzman are sure to delight.

Toward the west at #2 you will find painter Judith Matthews whose works reflect her Trinidadian roots and present day take on the Canadian landscape. Further south in the Frenchman’s Bay area, tour addition Alpheus Jones at 849 Sanok Dr., will be showing oil paintings that also reflect his Caribbean background. No matter where he is inspired his aim is consistent, “The overall objective is to capture a moment in time and to impart to the viewer a sense of place.”

In the same neighbourhood as Alpheus you’ll find Iwona Dufaj and her contemporary take on surrealism. Iwona explores the world of the subconscious and dreams but these psychological sojourns always engage the emotions whether she is exploring the romantic or the mechanical.

Speaking of mechanical, where else can you turn a crank and have a winged syhinx or a giant metal owl come to life? Geordie Lishman lives in the stone house built by his great great grandfather in the middle of a subdivision on Westney Road in Ajax (#5). It is here that he practices and teaches his “anvil arts”. This year Geordie is joined by two Oshawa artists who take their work to creative extremes. Lianne Snow “upcycles” the detritus of modern life into items of funky elegance. Whether jewellery, sculpture or wearable art Lianne finds inspiration in the most unusual places. Don’t miss her chainmail dress made entirely of pop tabs! She truly has earned the nickname the Recycling Queen. The fused glasswork of Debbie Dell will bring even more colour to this stop as you will find that Debbie’s skill at working glass under extreme heat always produces beautiful work whether functional or purely fanciful.

From Geordie’s it’s a good place to head north to the country part of the tour with stops in Greenwood and Claremont. Go to the link above entitled “Guide to the Rural Route Artists” on home page to help plan your way to discovery and inspiration as you enjoy the countryside. Make sure to watch for our distinctive signs to help in finding that something special.

Please note that we have two local galleries that hope you find time to drop in along the way. The Silverstone Gallery at 617 Liverpool Rd. S. near the lake (letter D in brochure) and Cultural Expressions at 62 Old Kingston Rd. in Pickering Village (letter E in brochure). Both locations offer a wide selection of artwork from local artists and artisans.

Durham West Studio Tour – Guide to the Rural Route Artists

Whether you start the tour from Uxbridge, Port Perry or Ajax and Pickering, this year’s edition of the Durham West Studio Tour offers you a wonderful way to enjoy the countryside and meet and visit some of the most colourful characters and their equally colourful artworks.

Take for instance Gerd Untermann and his beautiful to the touch large—scale wood carvings. You may even discover a huge 20’ metal work behind his house. Gerd’s property is on Sideline 22 just west of Brock Rd. on Concession 8 near Claremont.

A little to the east of the village on Sideline 8 is the home and studio of sculptor Edward Falkenberg. Edward’s work can be seen at embassies and universities, but here is your chance to be where it begins. Take a stroll through his property to see site—specific works on your way to his studio building and then back to the gallery space where smaller wood and mixed media pieces will be on display. Special guest artist David Gillespie will be showing his serigraphs (screen prints) along with other selected works on the wall space. David’s unique technique was developed in the Maritimes and you’ll see work from both his Maritime and Ontario bodies of work.

Nearby Claremont tucked in the trees just off Westney Road is another stop with a Maritime connection. Yvonne Meissner, originally from Newfoundland works on canvas and wood building up paint in layers with additives to help create tactile abstract works. Yvonne states: “I now spend every summer in Pouch Cove NL., and have a house near the ocean. The area is a great source of inspiration for my artwork. I love being surrounded by water, trees and the rugged coast line.”

Further up Brock Road and east on Uxbridge—Pickering Townline Road will bring you to the place where award—winning photographer Kim Lowes lives and works. His long time quest has, over the years, taken him to destinations throughout the world where he has photographed many species of birds, wildlife and special cultural events. His goal is to create images that stir viewers into seeing the beauty that is around us and to encourage people to assist in the enhancement and protection of the natural world. His digital photography is a must-see.

The northern most stop on the tour will bring you to Hanneke Koonstra’s home on Albright Road east off Brock Road just south of Coppin’s Corners. Hanneke came to Canada as a young girl from the Netherlands and it shows in her beautiful florals. Her paintings are frequently of flowers cut from her garden on her rural property on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Hanneke states, “I find inspiration everywhere: the shadows on my peonies, the scenery around Uxbridge, images from my trips to Europe, throughout Canada and to the USA.” Hanneke’s studio will be transformed into a gallery where her acrylic and watercolour paintings along with prints will be available to view and purchase.

Another stop that must not be missed is the pottery studio of Deanna Jones in the village of Greenwood. You are bound to find a new piece when you see her delightful work from teapots to bird feeders to one-of-a-kind creations.

These are just the rural stops on the tour. One must not miss the incredible variety of work to be discovered in Ajax and Pickering. When on tour watch for the directional signs posted.

For Immediate Release | November, 2011

Durham West Arts Centre is proud to announce our new location and move to the Pickering Potters Studio in the downtown Recreation Complex. This exciting new venture allows DWAC the opportunity to teach, interact and engage the public through dynamic programming. In addition to continuing with the well-established pottery programs, we plan to offer a diverse range of visual arts programming from the studio location.

It will also be the home and office of DWAC, providing us with a central hub from which to continue to build and promote the idea of creating a permanent home for the arts centre here in Pickering.

Who or What is DWAC ?
The Durham West Arts Centre is a 'hub' organization working to establish links with artists, arts groups and arts lovers. We want to meet and talk to the groups and individuals who are willing to help build the infrastructure for a permanent arts centre in Pickering.

Who or What is DWAC Foundation ?
Our mandate is to organize, plan, design, fund, contract for, and build a performing and visual arts centre in the western part of the Durham Region, for the benefit of the citizens and arts community in the Durham Region.

The Vision
The arts centre is envisioned to include performing, media, visual arts and multi-purpose spaces serving local and regional audiences and artists, and featuring local, regional, national and international talents.

For Immediate Release | April 18, 2011

Durham West Arts Centre presents Carl Stedmond in fundraising concert for Japan tsunami relief

Features tributes to The Beatles, Rod Stewart, originals

The Durham West Arts Centre is proud to present one of Durham’s premier singing stars, Carl Stedman, in concert to benefit Japan tsunami relief efforts.

On Saturday, May 7, from 2-4 p.m., Carl will perform in the Pickering Public Library auditorium located at One The Esplanade.

Carl will sing a collection of old standards from Rod Stewart and the Beatles. He will then move on to perform original songs of hope, harmony and peace from his highly-acclaimed album, "The Diary of an Uneducated Man". Carl’s personal motto of "you must be the change you want to see in the world” is infused throughout his strong repertoire.

An all-original album, Carl’s CD boasts a compilation of songs that reflects his beliefs, sentiments and his love for life itself. "The Diary of An Uneducated Man" is sure to inspire a lot of people as it unveils the many facets of his life. The concert features songs Carl composed including "Voices", "Go Within" and "Eight Million Reasons".

This event also supports Durham West Arts Centre | www.dwac.ca .
Tickets are $10 and are available by calling Andrew Hamilton at or Sashi Bhatia, Chair, Special Events at 905.428.9798.
Durham West Arts Centre is grateful for all of the support from our volunteers, members and corporate partners, including ongoing support from the City of Pickering, Rotary Pickering and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Media Contact: Andrew Hamilton | | pdf of media release

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Vision
Durham West Arts Centre will build an architecturally significant, technically superior centre for world-class arts and culture in Durham Region

Mission
The Durham West Arts Centre exists to support, promote and present world-class, contemporary arts and culture. Through education, presentation and partnership we will continue to develop awareness and engagement in the arts, increase our audience and membership, be sustainable and champion the intrinsic need of arts and culture to our community.

For Immediate Release | February 8, 2011

The New Spring Durham West Studio Tour
EXPERIENCE THE CREATIVITY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Pickering—The Durham West Arts Centre is proud to present the 2011 Spring Durham West Studio Tour, an annual event showcasing even more new artists and studios of the outstanding creative talent of the artists in and around Durham West. Come on the tour, meet the artists, and see their incredible work! This Studio Tour is being held on May 14th and 15th to capture some of Durham’s finest artists and the incredible spring colours that await you in the Region. The artists have been working hard over the winter months to create new and exciting art work. Come watch demonstrations and interact with local, regional and international artists. We now have 21 artists and are continuing to grow and showcase these great artists in the region.

The Durham West Studio Tour is located in picturesque Claremont, Brougham, Greenwood, Pickering, Ajax and various other locales throughout Durham West. You will see a wide range of artwork including sculptures, paintings, photography, pottery and mixed media.

The Durham West Studio Tour will take place on May 14th and 15th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pick up a tour brochure with map included at any of the artists’ studios listed on our website www.dwac.ca

This is a free event suitable for the whole family. Please call event organizer, Andrew Hamilton at 647-351-2170 or the Durham West Arts Centre at 647-297-4278 for more information.

Durham Region seems to grow artists – so come engage and interact with these artists who are working in our midst, interpreting and creating amongst us.

Durham West Arts Centre is grateful for all of the support from our volunteers, members and corporate partners, including ongoing support from the City of Pickering and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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Vision
Durham West Arts Centre will build an architecturally significant, technically superior centre for world-class arts and culture in Durham Region.

Mission
The Durham West Arts Centre exists to support, promote and present world-class, contemporary arts and culture. Through education, presentation and partnership we will continue to develop awareness and engagement in the arts, increase our audience and membership, be sustainable and champion the intrinsic need of arts and culture to our community.

For more information on the Durham West Arts Centre and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.dwac.ca.

For Immediate Release | November 6, 2010

The 1st Annual Art Noël Show and Sale
This is a one-of-a-kind art show and sale

Durham’s finest holiday shopping show featuring the best in fine art and fine craft
Pickering, Ajax, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Whitby, Oshawa

The Durham West Arts Centre is proud to present Durham’s best artists and artisans under one roof. For one day only Art Noël, a unique holiday shopping show, will feature the best in fine art and fine craft from across Durham Region of artists, craftspeople and designers. This is an outstanding opportunity to find original items for sale at the show—all will be made by hand, one piece at a time, and every artist represented will be in attendance—offering shoppers the wonderful opportunity to buy pieces directly from the artist who created them. This holiday shopping season come find everything you need under one roof at the Ajax Kinsman Heritage Centre.

This show will have over 25 artists participating and we are continuing to grow and showcase great artists in the region through a number of our ongoing events. A listing and a preview gallery can be found on our website www.dwac.ca .

DURHAM WEST Art Noël will take place on December 4th from 10:00am - 5:00pm.

• Location: Ajax Kinsmen Heritige Centre
  120 Roberson Drive
  Ajax, ON L1T 3Z6
  Free Parking | Free Admission

This is a free event suitable for the whole family.

Durham West Arts Centre is grateful for all of the support from our volunteers, members and corporate partners, including ongoing support from the City of Pickering, Rotary Pickering and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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Vision
Durham West Arts Centre will build an architecturally significant, technically superior centre for world-class arts and culture in Durham Region

Mission
The Durham West Arts Centre exists to support, promote and present world-class, contemporary arts and culture. Through education, presentation and partnership we will continue to develop awareness and engagement in the arts, increase our audience and membership, be sustainable and champion the intrinsic need of arts and culture to our community.

October 25th, 2010

Durham West Arts Centre (DWAC) is proud to announce the launch of this year’s Roots and Drums festival, a diverse cultural program for Pickering and the rest of Durham Region.

With an international flavour, this creative event highlights Canada’s multicultural arts community by bringing dancers, singers and musicians from across this region together.

Roots and Drums takes its inspiration from the heartbeat of the earth and how the drum is exemplified throughout all music and all cultures around the world. For one night only, DWAC presents this unique blend of drumming, music and dance performances that celebrate Canada’s cultural heartbeat.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dunbarton United Church. Tickets are $10 each.

Proceeds from the event support DWAC and its programming initiatives.

By your attendance and participation in this event, you are helping Durham West Arts Centre raise money and awareness for a home for all the arts of Durham. DWAC’s vision and mission is to build an architecturallysignificant regional arts facility within Durham west where all artists can come together to perform, create and mingle.

Thank you in advance for your support that moves one step closer to achieving our goal.

Sincerely,
Andrew Hamilton
Executive Director
Durham West Arts Centre

Durham’s finest open their Doors

Pickering, Ajax, Uxbridge—The Durham West Arts Centre is proud to present the new FALL DURHAM WEST STUDIO TOUR, this annual event showcases even more new artists and studios of the outstanding creative talent of the artists in and around the west end of Durham Region.

Come on the tour, meet the artists, and see their incredible work! This Studio Tour is being held on Saturday, October 2nd and Sunday, October 3rd to capture some of Durham’s finest artists and the incredible fall colours that await you in the Region. The artists have been working hard over the summer months to create new and exciting art work. Come watch demonstrations and interact with local, regional and international artists. We now have over 26 artists and are continuing to grow and showcase these great artists in the region.

The DURHAM WEST STUDIO TOUR is located in picturesque Claremont, Brougham, Greenwood, Pickering, Ajax and various other locales throughout Durham West. You will see a wide range of artwork including sculptures, paintings, photography, pottery and mixed media.

DURHAM WEST STUDIO TOUR will take place on October 2nd and October 3rd , from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Pick up a tour brochure with map included at any of the artists’ studios listed on our website, http://www.dwac.ca/2010FallStudioTour.html

This is a free event suitable for the whole family.

Durham Region seems to grow artists—so come engage and interact with these artists who are working in our midst, interpreting and creating amongst us.

Durham West Arts Centre is grateful for all of the support from our volunteers, members and corporate partners, including ongoing support from the City of Pickering and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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Vision
Durham West Arts Centre will build an architecturally significant, technically superior centre for world-class arts and culture in Durham Region

Mission
The Durham West Arts Centre exists to support, promote and present world-class, contemporary arts and culture. Through education, presentation and partnership we will continue to develop awareness and engagement in the arts, increase our audience and membership, be sustainable and champion the intrinsic need of arts and culture to our community.