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Halton Hills recognized as regional hub for Ontario Culture Days

Explore artists' studios, enjoy art in the park, splatter paint to de-stress and more during this year's Culture Days events, which are set to get underway this weekend

It's almost time for the annual celebration of arts and culture, with this year's being a special one for Halton Hills.

The municipality has been recognized as one of 10 regional hubs for Ontario Culture Days, meaning its activities will be spotlighted at the provincial level.

The festival events start on Friday (Sept. 23) and will run until Oct. 16.

Oct. 8 will receive special attention in Halton Hills as that's the Regional Hub Day. Programming on this day will focus on the Halton Hills Public Library and Cultural Centre and includes the Halton Hills Concert Band’s small ensembles performing in the plaza, a Helson Gallery drop-in activity from 10 a.m.to noon, and the presentation of awards for “Art in the Library,” a special youth exhibit. 

“The arts and cultural sectors contribute so much to our community, both by creating a more diverse and expressive way of life, and also by supporting economic growth," said Mayor Rick Bonnette. "I encourage residents to participate in Culture Days this year by trying something new and exploring the many opportunities that are on offer in Halton Hills throughout the year.”

Culture Days kicks of this year with a film night at the John Elliott Theatre, screening Peace by Chocolate, celebrating the story of Syrian chocolate makers and refugees in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Here's a sampling of other Culture Days activities planned for the coming weeks:

Open Studios

Halton Hills is a town of artists and many of them are throwing open their doors to let you in and share their spaces. Open Studios is a chance for budding artists and simply the curious and art-loving to walk an artist’s workspace and see where the magic happens.

The two-day free event takes place on Sept. 24 and 25 and goes from noon to 5 p.m.

The Aunties Dandelion: The Woman Who Fell From The Sky

Indigenous filmmaker Kahstoserakwathe Paulette Moore is no stranger to Halton Hills. She aired her film From Wisconsin with Love at the John Elliott Theatre in Georgetown in June. 

She has returned with a new film, The Clay She Is Made Of. Along with that, themes of resilience and abundance will be explored as the Haudenosaunee creation story of the Sky Woman is told.

The show is free, but you have to register for the online event. It starts at 2 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Visual Diaries Workshop

Join mixed media artist Valerie May to create your own visual diary, or art journal, on Sept. 25 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Acton Town Hall Centre.

Participants aged 10 to adult will learn how to express themselves and de-stress using every day materials in a bound diary. All materials are provided at this free event.

Those interested can register here.

Art in the Park

The various parks of Halton Hills will be home to dazzling works of art. Dominion Gardens, Prospect Park, Georgetown Fairgrounds and Glen Williams Park will play host to these works. The dates for each display are:

Sept. 25: Glen Williams Park
Oct. 2: Georgetown Fairgrounds
Oct. 9: Dominion Gardens
Oct. 16: Prospect Park

Spray & Splash: Youth Stressbuster

Young people can go to the plaza outside the Halton Hills Public Library in Georgetown to de-stress through paint-filled chaos. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 14, youth ages 13 to 24 can fling, squish and pour paint all in the name of good mental health.

There are a great many more fun activities for all to enjoy in Halton Hills during Culture Days. For a full listing, visit this site here.