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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 16, 2025 Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Main Committee Room September 16, 2025 - 07:00 PM Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the livestream on the HTML Agenda or the archived video available on the City's website. For inquiries related to accessibility, please contact Legislative Services Phone: 905.420.4611 | Email: clerks@pickering.ca. Review and Approval of Agenda Disclosure of Interest Approval of Minutes June 17, 2025, Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 Delegations/Presentations New Business Public Art - Community Banner Series – Final artist selection for endorsement Page 11 Jesse St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services Pickering Museum Village - Update Page 40 Victoria Karakian, Supervisor, Museum Services Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) subcommittee – Update Michael McFarland, Cultural Advisory Committee Other Business 1. 2. 3. 3.1 4. 5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 6. Correspondence Next Meeting Next Meeting - October 21, 2025 Adjournment 7. 8. 8.1 9. Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 16, 2025 - 2 - Page 1 of 8 Minutes/Meeting Summary Cultural Advisory Committee June 17, 2025 7:00 pm Main Committee Room/Hybrid Attendees: D. Thompson, Cultural Advisory Committee S. Ramoutar, Cultural Advisory Committee Member M. McFarland, Cultural Advisory Committee Member Z. Kazi, Cultural Advisory Committee Member A. Palmer, Cultural Advisory Committee Member D. Davis, Cultural Advisory Committee Member J. Baricuatro, Cultural Advisory Committee Member S. Barillaro, Cultural Advisory Committee Member C. Farrell, Supervisor, Cultural Services J. St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services (Staff Liaison) A. Migwans, Clerk, Culture and Recreation (Recording Secretary) Absent: M. Nagy, City Councillor, Ward 2 V. Karakian, Supervisor, Museum Services S. Almeida-Schroen, Cultural Advisory Committee J. Dushanthi, Cultural Advisory Committee Member Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome and Call to Order D. Thompson welcomed members of the Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) and called the meeting to order. 2. Review and Approval of Agenda D. Thompson put forth a motion for adoption of the current agenda as circulated. Moved by M. McFarland. Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting current Agenda for June 17, 2025. 3. Disclosure of Interest - 3 - Page 2 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) There were no disclosures of interest to matters on the agenda. 4. Approval of Previous Minutes D. Thompson put forth a motion for the adoption of the minutes as circulated. Moved M. McFarland and S. Ramoutar. Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025. Carried. 5. Presentations/Delegations There were no delegations for this meeting. 6. General Business 6.1 – Pickering Museum Village – update The following item was moved to the next meeting in V. Karakian’s absence. 6.2 – Public Art – Council Chamber – Final Designs – for endorsement C. Farrell gave a brief overview of the Council Chamber – final designs. Council directed to consult with Pickering resident and internationally renowned sculptor Dorsey James, who carves images from world mythology to purchase one of his pieces to be included as part of the Council Chambers renovation; and, that the costs for such work does not exceed $30,000.00 and be funded from the Public Art Reserve. The final concept was then featured on the Let’s Talk Pickering platform, where the public was able to vote for their favourite. The final concept will be presented to Council at their Special Meeting on July 14, 2025 – the public art piece to be completed in December 2025. S. Barillaro inquires where this art piece will be featured and how the artist was chosen. C. Farrell states the artwork will be located in Council Chamber - 4 - Page 3 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) at the center near the back. Lastly, C. Farrell advises that artist Dorsey was chosen directly by Council. C. Farrell is seeking endorsement by the Cultural Advisory Committee members. Moved by M. McFarland. All in favour. There were no additional questions. Carried. 6.3 – Public Art – Pickering Heritage & Community Center – Artist Selection – for endorsement C. Farrell gave a brief overview regarding the Public Art Commission – PHCC (front of Building). The project seeks to install a permanent outdoor public artwork for the main entrance pf the new Pickering Heritage & Community Center (PHCC) in Pickering. The Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI) Public Art Commission, Pickering Heritage & Community Centre – Front of Building, was issued on December 13, 2024, Cultural Services received a total of 35 submissions from artists and artist collectives worldwide. The Call was open from December 13, 2024, to February 13, 2025. Staff then identified 26 submissions to advance to the next stage. After deliberation, the jury— including representatives from Hariri Pontarini Architects and members of the Greenwood Association—shortlisted three artists to move forward with the development of an art concept. LeuWebb Projects, Hooman Mehdizadehjafari, Pierre Poussin Designs. The art three concepts were showcased to the community for a public viewing and comment during Artfest on May 24 and 25, 2025, and featured on Let’s Talk Pickering from May 29, 2025 to June 4, 2025 for public vote. - 5 - Page 4 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) The Public Art Jury met again on June 5, 2025 to review the results of the public comments/vote, and to select the final artist for the commission of this project. As a result of that meeting, the Public Art Jury is recommending that the commission of this public art project be awarded to Hooman Mehdizadehjafari. It is anticipated that the selected artist will begin fabricating the work in October 2025 to be completed for installation in April 2026. D. Thompson inquires about the safety due to the public art structure will be accessible to climb on. J. St. Amant states the final design is still being constructed – but will consider the following comments to share with the artist so the art structure will meet safety requirements. D. Thompson also suggests the idea of ensuring proper lighting that spotlights on the art piece. J. St. Amant states funding may be accepted for the final design with all suggestions and comments considered. C. Farrell is seeking endorsement by the Cultural Advisory Committee members. Moved by S. Ramoutar. All in favour. There were no additional questions. Carried. 6.4 – Public Art – Celebration of Ernie Coombs – Artist Selection – for endorsement J. St. Amant gave a brief overview regarding the Public Art Commission – Celebration of Ernie Coombs. This project seeks a permanent outdoor public artwork to be installed at East Woodlands Park, adjacent to the George Ashe Library & Community Centre (GALCC) in Pickering. Submissions were evaluated based on eligibility, adherence to submission guidelines, and demonstrated experience in creating permanent public art. - 6 - Page 5 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) During the Call to Artists – Expression of Interest issued on December 6, 2024 – 20 submissions were collected worldwide. The Public Art Jury met on March 6, 2025, to review the 12 submissions that qualified for the project. After deliberation, the jury, including representatives from Ernie Coombs' estate, shortlisted three artists to move forward with the development of an art concept, with final designs due May 5, 2025. The Public Art Jury including project stakeholders met again on June 5, 2025 to select the final artist for the commission of this project. As a result of that meeting, the Public Art Jury are recommending that the commission of this public art project be awarded to Artist Kseniya Tsoy. Pending endorsement of the final designs at the June 2025 CAC meeting, a Report to Council will be presented during the September Executive Committee Meeting for final endorsement. M. McFarland inquires if the family has been notified of the selection of the artist and artwork. C. Farrell advises that the family was involved throughout the process of the selection – but have yet to be notified. J. St. Amant states that the artist successfully embodied the elements of Ernie Coombs. J. St. Amant is seeking endorsement from the Cultural Advisory Committee members. Moved by D. Davis. All in favour. There were no additional questions. Carried. 6.5 – Public Art – Community Banner Series – Shortlist – for endorsement J. St. Amant discussed the Community Banner Series – Call for Expression of Interest that had began on April 25, 2025, to identify their intent to design street banners that will animate and transform the - 7 - Page 6 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) streetscape into welcoming and engaging spaces. Artists were asked to include a resume/CV, references, brief artist statement outlining interest in project, showing relevant experience, ability, and general artistic approach, and a maximum of 10 images of past work. Design proposals were not included at this stage. The City invited artists to respond to this call by May 30, 2025 and received 60 applications. Of those EOI’s received, 25 were selected for review by the Public Art Jury who were called upon to review the submissions and identified a top 5 shortlist. The Public Art Jury reviewed the 25 EOI’s the week of June 2, 2025 and have identified a top five shortlist based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context. A copy of each selected artist EOI has been included. The top five short-list selected artists as determined by the Public Art Jury will be invited to participate in stage 1. As part of stage 1, the shortlisted artists will be notified on June 18, 2025 and invited to submit a conceptual design proposal for the series of seven (7) banners. Shortlisted artists will be paid a fee of $1,500.00 (+HST) for their submission of the conceptual design banner series by August 15, 2025. The top three artists selected at the end of stage 1 by the Public Art Jury will proceed to stage 2 where they will complete their final designs for fabricated and installed on Kingston Road and Valley Farm Road in December 2025. These banners will be on display for two years. Decisions of the Public Art Jury are reviewed by the Cultural Advisory Committee and are final, pending approval of the Director, Community Services as per the Community Banner Policy CUL 140. J. St. Amant states the artists will be notified as soon as they are selected. - 8 - Page 7 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) J. St. Amant is seeking endorsement from the Cultural Advisory Committee members. Moved by A. Palmer. All in favour. There were no additional questions. Carried. 6.6 – Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) Subcommittee – Update M. McFarland provided a brief update regarding the PACE Subcommittee stating that the committee’s current cultural database and mailing list was distributed to gain feedback from the community. The committee inquired about the upcoming Cultural Fusion Consultation which will occur at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex on Monday, July 9, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. M. McFarland advises their research project will be put on hold until September. J. St. Amant suggests participating in Cultural Fusion, by setting up a booth with additional information to spread awareness. Lastly, D. Davis has volunteered to complete the artwork for the cultural storybook initiative. 6.6 – Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) Subcommittee – Update C. Farrell brought forth discussion regarding the 2026 John. E. Anderson Gallery Exhibit Plan. The John E. Anderson Gallery Room at the Pickering Heritage & Cultural Centre (PHCC) is named in honor of John E. Anderson, a former Mayor of Pickering, recognizing his contributions to the city. As a dedicated exhibition space within the 44,000 sq. ft. facility, the gallery measures 11 meters by 9.4 meters, with a ceiling height of 3.4 meters, which may vary depending on the placement of lighting, projection, and sound equipment. Action: M. McFarland to distribute the PACE minutes/overview. Action: PACE to register a booth with N. Lew for Cultural Fusion. - 9 - Page 8 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Designed for versatility, the gallery is equipped with a hanging rail system, display cases, moveable walls, an immersive sound system, and a projector system, ensuring dynamic and interactive exhibits. City of Pickering staff are actively curating the 2026 exhibit lineup, offering a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year, each introduced with a special opening event to engage the community. With the PHCC’s grand opening scheduled for April 2026, the John E. Anderson Gallery Room will serve as a focal point for cultural expression, storytelling, and artistic discovery, celebrating Pickering’s heritage while fostering new connections through exhibitions and programming. There were no additional questions. Carried. 7. Correspondence There was no additional correspondence to report. 8. Other Business There was no additional business to report. 9. Next Meeting – September 16, 2025 10. Adjournment Moved by all. Carried. Meeting Adjourned: 7:54 pm Copy: Director, Community Services - 10 - Memo To: Cultural Advisory Committee September 9, 2025 From: Jesse St. Amant Coordinator, Cultural Services Copy: Director, Community Services Manager, Cultural Services Supervisor, Cultural Services Subject: Community Banner Series - For Endorsement File: S-1000-013 Public Art Background: The Community Banner Series call for expression of interest (EOI) invited artists starting on April 25, 2025, to identify their intent to design street banners that will animate and transform the streetscape into welcoming and engaging spaces. The City invited artists to respond to this call by May 30, 2025 and received 60 applications. Of those EOI’s received, 25 were selected to be reviewed by the Public Art Jury who were called upon to review the submissions and identified a top 5 shortlist. The Public Art Jury reviewed the 25 EOI’s the week of June 2, 2025 and identified a top 5 shortlist based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context. The artists selected by the Jury to proceed to stage 1 included: Anais & Dominic (Drift Mural Co.), Yasaman Mehrsa, Khaula Siddique (Khaula Mazhar), Asli Alin, Phillip Saunders. As part of stage 1 shortlisted artists were notified on June 18, 2025 and invited to submit a conceptual design proposal for the series of seven (7) banners. Shortlisted artists were paid a fee of $1,500.00 (+HST) for their submission of the conceptual design banner series by August 15, 2025. The Public Art Jury reviewed the top 5 shortlist proposal the week of September 2, 2025. As a result of that review the Public Art Jury has selected the following artists as the top 3 artists that will proceed to stage 2. They include: Drift Mural Co. (Dominic Laporte & Anais Labreque), Khaula Siddique, Asli Alin. Next Steps: The top 3 artists selected to proceed to stage 2 will complete their final design series of seven banners for fabrication and installed on Kingston Road and Valley Farm Road in December 2025. These banners will be on display for 2 years. Decisions of the Public Art Jury are reviewed by the - 11 - Cultural Advisory Committee and are final, pending approval of the Director, Community Services as per the Community Banner Policy CUL 140. Discussion: Community Services is requesting that the Cultural Advisory Committee endorse the Top 3 Artist selected for the Community Banner Series as selected by the Public Art Jury. Those artists include: Drift Mural Co. (Dominic Laporte & Anais Labreque), Khaula Siddique, Asli Alin. /jsa Attachments: Community Banner Series Top 3 Proposals - 2025 September 9, 2025 Page 2 of 2 Community Banner Series - 12 - Community Banners, Pickering – Dominic Laporte / DRIFT Mural Co, 2025 n Drift represents the gradual shift of attitude, opinion, and position as we strive to implement a variety of mural projects in communities around the world, celebrating each one's unique identity through the power of public art. Dominic Laporte (He/Him/His) Lead Muralist and Illustrator Co-Founder of DRIFT Mural Co. Anaϊs Labrèque (She/Her/Hers) Project Manager and Assistant Co-Founder of DRIFT Mural Co. E: info@driftmurals.com www.driftmurals.com Instagram: @domlasoul @driftmuralco T: 647-515-7692 1-115 Powell Ave. Ottawa, ON K1S 2A2 Canada Community Banners, Pickering Preliminary Concepts - 13 - Community Banners, Pickering – Dominic Laporte / DRIFT Mural Co, 2025 These seven designs celebrate the spirit of Pickering through a vibrant, timeless-yet-contemporary lens—highlighting the city’s diversity, natural beauty, and evolving identity. Each banner stands on its own as a piece, while also working in harmony as part of the visual series. Together, they form a dynamic narrative where dynamic figures, symbolic natural elements, historic reference and bold graphic shapes come together in a cohesive and celebratory whole. The series includes scenes of community life: a young girl and woman planting together, a solo gardener, and a family gathered. These gestures speak to intergenerational bonds and cultural diversity, reflecting Pickering as a city rooted in both long-established residents and newer immigrant communities. The act of planting—featured prominently—symbolizes laying down roots, nurturing growth, and cultivating a sense of belonging. It speaks to the idea that community flourishes where care is invested. This imagery reflects the shared work of building something meaningful, together. Local landmarks such as the Liverpool Arms Inn and Pickering City Hall are woven into the designs as visual nods to the city’s heritage and civic pride. Surrounding them are native natural elements inspired by the Lake Ontario shoreline and nearby green spaces like Frenchman’s Bay, Petticoat Creek Conservation Area, the Waterfront Trail, and Rouge National Urban Park. Featured flora and fauna include peonies, magnolias, reeds, a black bear, white-tailed deer, fox, and loon—chosen for both their presence in the region and symbolic associations with resilience, guardianship, and curiosity. We often use natural elements to bridge themes—bringing timeless beauty, universal accessibility, and a sense of nature back into the urban environment. At the heart of each banner is the white lily—a unifying motif present across all seven designs. Symbolizing peace, renewal, and connection, the lily ties the series together visually and conceptually. Circular frames and flowing linework guide the viewer’s eye through each composition, reinforcing continuity and unity. A balance between structured geometry and painterly organic forms gives the series a modern yet grounded feel, open to interpretation. By weaving together stylized illustration and meaningful local references, this banner series transforms public space into a shared visual story—one that invites curiosity, honors diversity, and celebrates Pickering as a city in motion. The goal is to engage the city’s many communities, highlight its natural, social, and built environments, and bring beauty, colour, pride, and joy to its streets and gateways. We’re also open to discussing and adapting specific design elements to ensure the banners reflect the community as authentically and inclusively as possible. Design Concept - 14 - Community Banners, Pickering – Dominic Laporte / DRIFT Mural Co, 2025 Banner – 01 Preliminary Designs Please note that only one of the seven banner designs has been fully rendered at this stage. If selected, the full series will be completed to match this level of finish. We're happy to discuss and adjust colours or imagery as needed to best align with the project's goals. - 15 - Community Banners, Pickering – Dominic Laporte / DRIFT Mural Co, 2025 Banner – 02 Banner - 03 - 16 - Community Banners, Pickering – Dominic Laporte / DRIFT Mural Co, 2025 Banner – 04 Banner - 05 - 17 - Community Banners, Pickering – Dominic Laporte / DRIFT Mural Co, 2025 Banner – 06 Banner - 07 - 18 - Community Banners, Pickering – Dominic Laporte / DRIFT Mural Co, 2025 Here is Banner 01 mocked up on a generic location to give a sense of how the final design could look once printed and installed. Concept Mapped on Location - 19 - Community Banners, Pickering – Dominic Laporte / DRIFT Mural Co, 2025 Here are a few examples of past work in a similar style to help visualize the final result. The banners being still in progress, allowing room for adjustments before the final rendering. Please note that the color palettes below are not indicative of the final banner colors. Relevant Past Work Samples - 20 - BANNER SERIESPROPOSAL 2025 S T A G E 1 P R O P O S E D A R T W O R K B Y K H A U L A S I D D I Q U E - 21 - A R T I S T S T A T E M E N T : P I C K E R I N G ; S T O R I E S T H R O U G H T H E S E A S O N S The proposed artwork for the City of Pickering celebrates the vibrant connection between community, wildlife, and the ever- changing beauty of nature. I have sought to capture the essence of Pickering’s landscapes—its lush forests, shimmering waterways, and the diverse species that call this region home. These pieces reflect the harmony between human activity and the natural world, illustrating how we share these spaces with wildlife while enjoying outdoor recreation, even if it is just a walk. The changing seasons play a central role in this series, from the first rays of the spring sun inviting pollinators to come out with its gentle warmth—to the crisp stillness of winter, where skaters trace patterns on ice. The passage of time is also marked by the shifting light of dawn and dusk, casting the scenery in new hues and moods. Whether it’s the vibrant greens of spring, the rich tones of autumn, or the quiet serenity of a snow-covered trail, each moment invites reflection and appreciation for the world around us. Wildlife is a vital thread throughout these compositions, reminding us of the delicate balance within our shared ecosystems. Birds in flight, a fox at the forest’s edge, and other native species appear as quiet observers, coexisting with the human presence in these spaces. By highlighting these interactions, I hope to foster a deeper respect for the natural habitats that surround us and encourage stewardship of these environments for future generations. Ultimately, this series is an invitation—to pause, to explore, and to reconnect with the outdoors. It is a tribute to Pickering’s unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, where every season offers new ways to engage with the landscape. Through these banners, I aim to inspire a sense of wonder and gratitude for the fleeting yet enduring moments that define our relationship with nature. - 22 - A R T I S T P R O C E S S : T H E S T O R Y B E H I N D T H E S T O R I E S As an avid story teller and nature lover, my process involves exploring the places I am making art for. The natural spaces, the built spaces, the inhabitants of both. I take endless photographs, trying to catch lighting and colours, emotions and nostalgia, hoping to evoke all these for my audience. I want them to feel what I feel when I see the last rays of sun hitting dandelion fluff at just the right angle, the childhood memories of long days, carefree times and the magic in everything. I want to remind everyone that it is still there, we just have to stop and notice it. As the daughter of immigrants, born and raised in Canada, the sense of belonging has been a roller coaster, I belong but sometimes I don’t. Living in my parents home country it was the same, and it was a Rumi quote that made me realize we belong everywhere at different times, “Wherever you stand, be the soul of that place”-Rumi. We have a connection to everything and everyone, nature, people, places. We are all connected, in different ways at different times, but ultimately we are all bound together and depend on eachother. We all love many of the same things, we have the same emotions and same needs. I just want to share stories that we can all relate to, to remind everyone that there is more that brings us together than that keeps us apart. These are also some themes that are present in many Rumi quotes and they are the inspiration behind much of my art. - 23 - B A N N E R 1 Celebrating the native pollinator species of Southern Ontario, the Autumn Meadowhawk and the Primrose moth. Inspired by the beautiful Conservation areas like Altona forest and the first rays of spring sun in the early morning. - 24 - B A N N E R 2 As the morning turns to midday and spring slowly starts to warm up, walks by the Waterfront Trail are a nature lover’s joy. The elegant Mute Swans and majestic Blue heron feature in this story. - 25 - B A N N E R 3 Long summer days bring endless opportunities to enjoy the beautiful weather and be out and about at Frenchman’s Bay. Summer evenings with their long shadows and brilliant sunsets are moments to cherish. Can you hear those seagulls? - 26 - B A N N E R 4 Featured in this story is the Red Winged Blackbird, without whose beautiful song, summer just wouldn’t be complete. This story was inspired by childhood summers spent fishing into the long hours of the evening with my dad. - 27 - B A N N E R 5 As summer cools and fades, the air smells like autumn leaves and rain. Another cycle is coming to an end. This banner is dedicated to the North American River Otter, once on the decline to due to loss of habitat but are thankfully now on the road to recovery with significant numbers. A reminder of what we could lose if we don’t take care of our natural habitats. Supporting character played by the Eastern Cotton Tail Rabbit in the background. - 28 - B A N N E R 6 Don’t mess with the geese! Every Canadian has at least one story to tell of that time they got entangled with our fiercest of wildlife, the Canadian Goose! This story is inspired by geese, the beautiful silence of the snowfall, outdoor skating in Greenwood or Claremont Memorial Park and Winter Nights lit by bright City Lights. - 29 - B A N N E R 7 Long winter nights eventually grow shorter and milder, giving way to early spring, the thaw, crocuses and warm morning rays once again. The natural world begin to wake up, signalling the start of another cycle, another year of stories. A sleepy fox wakes and the handsome cardinal is ready for his close-up! - 30 - Website: https://khaulasiddique.com Email: khaulamazhar@yahoo.com All designs were created using the Procreate app and are raster based graphics. - 31 - This series of seven banners celebrates the cultural richness and natural beauty of Pickering, capturing the events, landscapes, and features that make the city unique. The designs highlight community traditions such as farmers’ markets and summer concerts, alongside the parks, green spaces, and seasonal blossoms that define Pickering’s natural charm. These are contrasted with another banner depicting the urban streetscape, reflecting the harmonious coexistence between nature and the built environment. Other banners celebrate the spirit of local enterprise, featuring small businesses— especially the restaurants and cafés that line the waterfront and enliven the town’s streets. One banner also honours Pickering’s progressive policies, including its commitment to clean energy and the development of sustainable energy facilities. While these concepts convey the intended vision and aesthetic, they are not final artworks. Should the proposal advance, I will refine each piece with additional details, textures, and fine-tuning to bring the final series to life. Asli Alin She/Her @aslialin www.aslialin.com - 32 - - 33 - - 34 - - 35 - - 36 - - 37 - - 38 - - 39 - Memo To: Cultural Advisory Committee September 9, 2025 From: Victoria Karakian Supervisor, Museum Services Copy: Director, Community Services Manager, Cultural Services Subject: Pickering Museum Village - Museum Updates University of Toronto Partnership: The Pickering Museum Village is pleased to partner with the University of Toronto Master of Museum Studies program for the 2025-2026 school year. A group of master’s candidates will be working with the Museum throughout the year to activate the Miller-Cole house on-site and build on the Gather and Grow exhibit that circulated in 2024. Gather and Grow highlighted how food preparation and production have united people and communities across cultures and throughout history. - 40 - September 9, 2025 Page 2 of 3 Pickering Museum Village – Museum Updates Fashion Follies Exhibit: Step into the wild world of historic fashion at Fashion Follies, a free, hands-on family exhibit where corsets, crazy cures, and curious cosmetics collide! Explore the quirky, sometimes shocking trends that shaped style through the ages. August to November 2025 – Pickering Public Library November 2025 to February 2026 – CHRDC, main lobby Includes: - Informational panels - Hands-on dresser to open and explore - Selfie stations - Sensory activities - Seek and find activity Fall Program Lineup: - 41 - September 9, 2025 Page 3 of 3 Pickering Museum Village – Museum Updates - Fairy Tour After Dark *New* – Sept 18 & 19, 2025 - Pickering Fairy Tours – Sept 20 & 21, 2025 - Ghost Tours – Throughout October 2025 - Hallowe’en Fest – Oct 25 & 26, 2025 - Jewelry Workshops – Oct 4-5 & Nov 1-2, 2025 - A Storybook Christmas – Dec 6-7 & 13-14, 2025 - Swag Making Workshop – Nov 29-30, 2025 - Woodworkers Apprentice Workshops, Jar Vase Holders, Porch Sign Painting, Charcuterie Boards – Sept – Nov,2025, various - 42 -