The Durham West Arts Centre is a 'hub' organization working to establish links with artists, arts groups and arts lovers. We host exhibitions, activities and events at the Centre as attractors. 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 Ajax-Pickering.
Historic Pickering Village, originally known as Duffin's Creek, evolved from a grist and saw mill settlement named after an Irish trader who dealt with the local natives. The 1881 Pickering News described the village as, "live, growing, important". Pickering Village is still all these things, providing a wonderful day trip destination for those interested in the arts, history and the environment. If you come to the Village to experience the arts, you may stay to walk the historic streets, drive to nearby Pickering Museum Village to see local history come alive or walk the trails of Duffin's Creek for exercise. In between or after, Pickering Village offers the tastes of the world' with restaurants featuring Caribbean, East Indian, British, Japanese, Italian, Austrian and Chinese food – all within easy walking distance. And, there are fast food outlets for those in a rush to get to their next activity: Subway, Kerry's Pizza and the Village Ice Cream Shoppe. Here are some activities to help you plan your day.
At the Durham West Arts Centre April–Sept. The Thomsons of Durham: Tom Thomson's Family
Heritage – original art works by Tom and four siblings with historical photo panels.
Also in the Village, Ajax Creative Arts, a painting collective that works out of 22 Sherwood Avenue and the PineRidge Arts Council at 72B Old Kingston Road. The PineRidge Arts Council is an arts support group with an excellent newsletter, website, community shows and arts network.
History in the Village and Nearby
The Town of Ajax has a 31 station walking tour of Pickering Village that features the Quaker heritage of the community as well as some wonderful examples of early Canadian architecture. The Durham West Arts Centre is located at stop four. Brochures are available at the Centre.
Pickering Museum Village, on the banks of Duffin's Creek in the Village of Greenwood, recreates the daily life of Pickering Township settlers in the 1800s. There are 14 buildings dating from 1810.
Exploring the Environment
The trails along Duffin's Creek follow the paths the pioneers took in their early days. A short drive away, the Ajax Waterfront trail offers the best anywhere in Ontario stretch of open walking along the lakeshore. The Pickering portion of the waterfront trail features great art works by Dorsey James and Linda and Ron Baird. Come in to see our shows and get directions.
Let us help you make a day of it in Pickering Village!!
Call 905-250-9891 to find out more.
Images in Ice Cream Shoppe, Pickering Museum Village and Dorsey James' carving in Alex Robertson Park by Mary Cook.