700 museums to visit and explore this month
May is museum month, and the Ontario Museum Association encourages people to visit the 700 museums, galleries, and heritage sites throughout the province.
Museum officials say they’re ready to welcome local visitors and tourists with safe, in-person experiences, new exhibits, and programs.
A tapestry of wearable and useable art by the Porcupine Handweavers and Spinners Guild is on exhibition at the Timmins Museum.
The guild and the museum have existed for 45 years.
And, with this being museum month in Ontario, the museum’s Karen Bachmann said the show is a fitting way to celebrate.
“This show also highlights and puts into perspective that women’s art is not necessarily only just oil paintings, but very much textiles. And you can see some really wonderful creations from ladies in our community,” said Karen Bachmann, curator for the Timmins Museum.
She said Timmins is fortunate to have a museum that's funded by the municipality.
“We have a national exhibition centre that’s attached to our community museum. So our exhibits change anywhere between eight to twelve weeks sometimes a little bit sooner, sometimes a little bit longer depending on the show.
“In the past 45 years, we’ve brought around close to 800 travelling exhibitions,” said Bachmann.
The museum of northern history at Sir Harry Oakes Chateau in Kirkland Lake is not in the same position, it's owned by Ontario Heritage Trust, and not the town.
To raise much-needed money to help with new programming and maintenance of the building, museum officials have launched an initiative this month called: 'art from your attic fundraiser.'
“We know a lot of people who are looking to downsize, or you know they have more art than they do wall space, so it became what can we do for our friends and also help out the museum and the museum auxiliary at the same time,” said curator Kaitlyn McKay, of the Museum of Northern History.
“So basically it’s going to be an auction online, but also for at least this year the artwork will actually be on display in the gallery for next month.”
McKay said the museum is the main location in town for photos and biographies of the people who built the community and that's why it's important it maintains a presence.
“And something we saw recently with our centennial in 2019 is people were really excited about looking at old pictures, and learning about the history and things like that. But one of the things we always point out is that if people don’t give us the information, it doesn’t pass on from generation to generation,” said McKay.
The Ontario Museum Association is in its 50th year, and officials say the power of museums brings about positive change in our communities. And, this month reminds us that museums can help strengthen the province after the global pandemic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.