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.

Franklin the Turtle and the Illustrations of Brenda Clark
at the Centre until November 19th
October 1st, 2004

Brenda Clark's works are up, and, they're fabulous! The 70 illustrations at the Centre range from Brenda's 1980 work, The Yellow Flag about Irish immigrants to the 2002 work, Franklin Says I Love You. There are watercolours, thumbnails, pencil sketches and storyboards complete with a "Teaching Guide". "It's a great way to introduce children to art exhibitions, " says Director Angie Littlefield. "My grandchildren love having the works at their eye level and the fact that they can 'match' works on the wall with those in the books." The exhibition supports the wonderful written words of author Paulette Bourgeois by having all the displayed books available on small children's chairs.

"With 54 million books in print and Franklin on TV screens in 54 countries, Paulette and Brenda are the 'superstars' of the Canadian publishing industry. Their Canadian woodland is known world-wide. The fourteen page program guide provides a thorough view of Brenda Clark's life and influences. This is a fantastic opportunity to sample excellence at the Durham West Arts Centre." The show is free of charge, Mon-Friday from noon to five; Thursdays to nine p.m.; Sundays from one to three p.m.

We thank the community members who supported the opening events and Dale Russell and Artemis of SASS, for their wonderful entertainment and for their own support of the arts for young people.