January 8 - February 9
Shakespeare Flowers - by Gerard Brender a Brandis-
Opening Reception January 12 at 1pm with Curator Talk
Agnes Jamieson Gallery- This is a splendid collection of 75 framed wood engravings that creatively document the flowers that William Shakespeare discusses in his plays and poems. To create these prints, Gerard Brender a Brandis, a Stratford-based artist and a skilled bookwright, used a precise and labour intensive procedure. Originally conceived and bound as a limited edition, handmade book, Brender a Brandis created his prints using engraver’s original wooden blocks, handset “Libra” type and an 1882 Albion handpress. Onto pure rag, handmade paper (Papeterie St- Gilles) each image was printed and then bound by hand between covers made of damask silk. Each flower image is accompanied with text by F. David Hoeniger, Professor Emeritus, Victoria College, Toronto. This pairing creates a context for each engraving. The text includes excerpts from the Shakespearean plays and poems along with medical and magical botanical explanations. Notably, many of these quotes use antiquated terms and associations that would have been familiar to Elizabethan audiences but are now rarely used. For this reason, Shakespeare’s name for each plant is supplemented with its current scientific name. Properly identifying the flowers that Shakespeare mentions is complicated; it requires extensive research. Shakespeare rarely spoke directly about a particular flower; he would use descriptive language or refer to the flower by its then common, local name(s). Various libraries, including the library of the Shakespeare Trust, furnished Brender a Brandis with information that led to the careful and correct identification of the plants.

Gerard Brender ł Brandis was born in Holland, and came to Canada with his family when he was five. After living in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, he eventually settled in Stratford, Ontario, where he lives and maintains an open studio. Although he graduated with a Fine Arts Degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, he studied wood engraving and the art of making books on his own. A celebrated printmaker and illustrator, Brender a Brandis is also an accomplished bookwright. Combining the arts of paper-making, wood engraving, typesetting, printing, bookbinding, and spinning, dyeing and weaving flax into linen book covers, he produces his own limited-edition, hand-made books.

February 12 ą April 26 - Canadian Folk Art: The Susan Murray Collection -
Agnes Jamieson Gallery-
An exhibition organized by the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, New Brunswick, this touring exhibition includes some of the finest examples of Canadian folk art, an important part of Canada’s cultural heritage and identity. Susan Murray, a Toronto businesswoman and avid collector, has assembled one of the finest private collections of folk art in Canada. Over the past 25 years, her extensive knowledge of folk art, passion for the artists and their creations, and a discerning eye has brought together prime examples of historical and contemporary folk art. With over 500 pieces in the collection, Susan Murray has allowed the work to travel for all to enjoy. Folk artists are largely self-taught artists, outside the mainstream, outside Canada’s social, economic, and political elites. They are not subject to the trends and fashions that shape other art. The biographies of these extraordinarily powerful artists tell tales of hardship, of lives lived without the economic privileges we take for granted. Folk art is full of energy, joy, love of life, colour and often a rich sense of place with a dash of humour. They are truly Canadian. The work of such artists as Bradford Naugler, Jack Grim, Joe Norris and Andre Laporte will be exhibited.

Saturday March 8 at 1pm- Talk with Susan Murray -
Murray will be present to talk about her passion for this art and her journey in
collecting at the opening reception.

March 15 - Food & Drink Evening 7pm- The LCBO Food & Drink publication is a wonderful collection of savoury recipes and what’s new and what goes with drinks. You may have tried a recipe or two or managed a few choice drinks, but how about an evening of tasting? This is an evening for the palate with food and drinks selected from the most recent publication. Let your senses unite. Food by Betty Mark’s “Food for Thought Catering”. Organized as a fundraiser for the Agnes Jamieson Gallery’s acquisition efforts. Must be 19 years and older to attend. $20 per person allows 6 vouchers for food and/or drinks. - Held at the Cultural Centre Common Room. Tickets available by calling the gallery at 286-3763.

April 22 Earth Day
Official Opening of RD Lawrence Place-
The Cultural Centre will officially open RD Lawrence Place to the public and begin its community programming. Ceremony and ribbon-cutting with refreshments and a number of activities throughout the day. - Everyone is welcome.

April 26
Spring Art Fashion Show 6pm-
Featuring original work by local and regional fibre artists and designers. Including staff from the Haliburton School of The Arts and graduates from the 14 week textile certificate course. What are the styles for Spring? Come and see! Tickets available at the gallery. $25 per person ($20 for Members). - Catered cocktails and wine. Held at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery as a fundraising event for acquisitions.

April 29 - May 30 - Portraits by Susan N. Stewart -
Opening Reception May 3 at 1pm- Agnes Jamieson Gallery-
Stewart studied Visual Arts at York University and Ontario College of Art & Design. She has exhibited in Canada and the U.S and has works in private and corporate collections around the world. This exhibition of paintings is a compelling collection of portraits that includes an unusual cast of characters. Stewart paints with boldness and fluidity, irony and wit. The portraits are vibrant and colourful. Few artists attempt the portrait, especially self-portrait, but little is daunting for Stewart. She grasps the image, shirking any fear of wrongness, and pulls together recognition one is willing to accept.

May 10 at 10am to 2pm
Artist Workshop with Susan N. Stewart-
Susan welcomes all artists at any stage to her workshop where she will talk about her exhibition and create dialogue with a short art history study. Following a BRAVO documentary on herself, she will touch on the basic fundamentals of drawing a portrait. Participants will then work on a self-portrait (or a model if supplied) with Susan giving tips and explaining her methodologies. A fun and expressive workshop that will explore how art can bring you closer to who you are. Requirements: Artists must bring supplies in any drawing or painting media, paper and or canvas, easels (if desired) and an 8x10 mirror- $20 per person. Deadline for registration May 7. - Pre-register by calling the gallery.

also

April 29 - May 30- Andre Lapine: The Gentleman-
Agnes Jamieson Gallery-
In 2007 the A.J.G. acquired 20 new works for its Lapine collection. Many were generously donated by the Brunelle family who knew Lapine personally. This exhibition will highlight these pieces and reveal more of Lapine’s character through some 30 very special hand-written letters. He was always polite and conducted himself as a gentleman.

May 31 & June 1
OFF the WALL SALE - Art & Collectibles
The A.J.G. clears its walls for this ever popular OFF THE WALL sale . Any art or any collectible - it all goes!! Too many pieces of art and/or collectibles? Just tired of them? Price it and we’ll set it out for sale. All items must be in no later than May 30 at 5pm. Doors open at 10am each day for the sale. 25% of sales goes to the Agnes Jamieson Gallery for acquisitions.

Thursday June 19
Heritage Walking Tour at 1pm
Guided tours of Minden, starting at the Minden Hills Museum with commentaries on heritage buildings and anecdotes supplemented by historic photos. Wear comfortable shoes, approximately 1 hour long. Groups of 6 to 10 persons are welcome. Pre-registration required by contacting the museum.

June 20
Labyrinth Dedication
7 pm - 9 pm- Peace will be with you when you attend this dedication ceremony. Come and share in the wisdom & teachings of Bailey Renshaw as she guides you through the history, the ways and whys of walking a labyrinth. The Outloud Womyns Voices Choir will share their voices. An ideal way to leave the day’s stress.

Saturdays June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 2 & 9-
Minden Hills Musuem Village Market - 9am to 12pm-
Step back to the 1800s as the museum’s village comes alive with an old-fashioned market. Vendors from various communities will be offering arts and crafts, books, fresh Ontario produce, baked goods, candles, herbs, plants / flowers etc. Support your local farmers and groups. While picking up your items, visit the blacksmith who will be pounding away on the anvil. He would certainly welcome your interest and questions. Or peek in on the schoolteacher - she may have some lesson work for you; listen to the choir at the Wee Kirk and help with the day-to-day chores of the Bowron Log Home. Enjoy the old-fashioned ambiance and walk the labyrinth. Admission to the museum grounds is free on these Saturday mornings.

June 3 ą June 28 - Wild Women: Painters of the Wilderness - by Joyce Burkholder, Linda Sorensen and Kathy Haycock- Opening Reception Meet the Artists June 7 at 1pm- Agnes Jamieson Gallery-
A group exhibition of work painted out in the crisp beauty of Northern Ontario, these women captured nature in its rawest form. Joining in on the celebration of nature with the opening of the RD Lawrence Place, the A.J.G.’s programming reflects his philosophy. Burkholder’s work reflects a profound love of the Canadian landscape and her unique way of seeing that land. A life-long passion has focused on landscapes and florals primarily from the Ottawa Valley and her personal perennial garden. She uses many painting mediums, with watercolours, oils and painting on silk being her favourites. The realism paintings of Sorensen reflects a passionate connection and respect for the earth which is portrayed in images of life, nostalgia, rich botanicals, and Canadian wilderness. The artist offers her own unique insight and interpretation of life and the natural world through the mediums of acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and photography. Haycock says “there is nothing more enjoyable than sitting within a scene, observing and absorbing intensely...and painting. I like to share my delight in being there, in experiencing nature’s gift of the landscape, the weather, wind, light, even movement and sound.”

June 28- Food & Drink Evening 7pm
The LCBO Food & Drink publication is a wonderful collection of savoury recipes and ‘what’s new and what goes with drinks. You may have even tried a recipe or two or managed a few choice drinks, but how about an evening of tasting? This is an evening for the palate with food and drinks selected from the most recent publication. Let your senses unite. Food by Betty Mark “Food for Thought Catering”. Organized as a fundraiser for the Agnes Jamieson Gallery’s acquisition efforts. Must be 19 years and older to attend. $20 per person allows 6 vouchers for food and/or drinks. Tickets available by calling 286-3763

- July 2 - August 30 - Boreal Baroque by Mary Ann Barkhouse - Opening Reception Saturday July 5 at 1pm- Agnes Jamieson Gallery-
A member of the RCA, Barkhouse is a recognized Canadian artist who lives in Haliburton County. This exhibition is a stunning display of her understanding of nature, juxtaposed into our domestic surroundings. She describes the work as follows: I will be doing sculptural works that combine the ideas of both baroque and boreal to look at issues of survival and sovereignty in a northern climate...so I am using animals that have developed specific survival strategies for living in this delightful climate that we have and then putting them in a baroque living room setting...- Artist talk scheduled date TBA. Please call the A.J.G. for date and time. A partnered exhibition with the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa; Art Gallery of Sudbury; Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, Waterloo; Thames Art Gallery, Chatham.

August 12- Heritage Walking Tour at 1pm
Guided tours of Minden, starting at the Minden Hills Museum with commentaries on heritage buildings and anecdotes supplemented by historic photos. Wear comfortable shoes Approximately 1 hour long. Groups of 6 to 10 persons are welcome. Pre-registration required by contacting the museum.

August 14, 15- Minden Sidewalk Sale
The Minden Hills Museum will be at the downtown sale from 10am to 2pm with an exciting fundraising event you just won’t want to miss!!

August 21, 22 and 23 at 6pm- and August 24 at 2pm- A River Needs to Run - This is the third outdoor theatre production at the museum. Set at the 1935 Dedication of a Hydro Dam on the Gull River this play explores water issues from a contemporary and historic perspective through the eyes of a feminist reporter, a union organizer, an engineer, a landscape artist, a financier and his mistress. The play will feature a chorus of children as Spirits of the Waters, as well as popular songs from the thirties. Tickets can be purchased at the Centre.
$15 for Adults, in advance; $18 at the door-
$12.50 for Minden Hills Cultural Centre members
$5 for Children

September 3 ą October 4 - Fireworks: 2008 Canadian Clay and Glass Assoc.
Opening Reception Saturday September 6- Agnes Jamieson Gallery - Fireworks is a prestigious juried touring exhibition consisting of pieces by artists working in clay and glass from across Canada. Sponsored by FUSION: The Ontario Clay & Glass Association, this exhibition stands as a testament to the vitality, originality and inventiveness of today’s practicing crafts community. It is a tribute to those who have chosen clay and glass as their mode of self-expression, and in some instances, their livelihood.

- September 20- Food & Drink Evening
The LCBO Food & Drink publication is a wonderful collection of savoury recipes and what’s new and what goes with drinks. You may have tried a recipe or two or managed a few choice drinks, but how about an evening of tasting? This is an evening for the palate with food and drinks selected from the most recent publication. Let your senses unite. Food by Betty Mark’s “Food for Thought Catering”. Organized as a fundraiser for the Agnes Jamieson Gallery’s acquisition efforts. Must be 19 years and older to attend. $20 per person allows 6 vouchers for food and/or drinks. Tickets available by calling 286-3763

September 30 - October 11
Studio Tour Overview - Cultural Centre Gift Shop
The shop offers a selection from each of the artists on the Tour. An excellent way to plan your tour and to see what is new. Knowledgeable staff is available to assist you with questions and directions. The Centre Gift Shop is located in the Agnes Jamieson Gallery

October 7 ą November 29 - Memories of My Mother- Opening Reception Saturday October 18 at 1pm- Agnes Jamieson Gallery- Curators Talk “October Celebrates Women’s Month”- Organized by the Minden Hills Museum and displaying at the A.J.G., this exhibition tours from the Bruce County Museum and consists of 60 heart-stopping hooked rug works. Those that have viewed the artwork submitted from across Canada have come away in awe. These pieces, told by the detail, make one realize this is an exceptional project. The majority of the pieces submitted have used fabrics, fibres and embellishments connected to the person depicted or paid tribute to in the hand-hooked artwork. The originality, dedication and exquisite talents of rug hookers is far beyond a craft. “This calibre of multi-fabric work is nothing less than art at its finest.” says Vicky Cooper, coordinator of the exhibition and Collections/Registrar for the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre. Also includes work by Shelley Beach with a series of molded corsets made from her grandmother’s original as well as local rughookers pieces.

December 2 ą December 20 - Members’ Show- Opening Reception December 2 at 1pm- Agnes Jamieson Gallery- An opportunity for Members of the Cultural Centre to show their talents in visual arts, this is a non-juried show. Entry form for the show, membership application and rules can be downloaded from the Centre website or picked up at the gallery. Members will receive the form and rules in their newsletter. Visitors are encouraged to vote on their favourite. Winners receive free memberships to the Centre for the following year. Please join us for the Opening Reception and enjoy some Holiday Cheer and Mulled Cider.