Cultural Centre Programming

There are two major elements of programming for the Minden Hill Cultrual Center (MHCC), the Agnes Jamieson Gallery and Nature’s Place.

Agnes Jamieson Gallery

Generally, the Agnes Jamieson Gallery (AJG) has 6-8 exhibitions of local and regional artists every year. The gallery tries to includes at least one exhibition from local artist(s). These are varied with different styles and medium. The programming for the gallery is scheduled two years in advance. Recent years have utilized a Juried Zone 4 Ontario exhibition albeit delayed due to COVID 19 restrictions. The response was very good, both from local and regional artists. With fifty-two entries received which was juried by the Curator and some prominent local artists. His is a great way for the gallery to attract a much larger audience and visitation. Over the years the AJG had the honour of exhibiting and working with talented, well recognized artists. They have curated a national exhibition with the Royal Canadian Academy and have worked with the AGO and other provincial galleries in collaborative exhibitions.

The Lapine collection is always exhibited in some capacity. Lapine’s work lends itself well to seasons and rotates throughout the year. Recent presentations on Lapine involve background information and connections to the Haliburton/Minden Hills area. Information about Andre Lapine, about his life and recollections from elderly locals continually surfaces allowing the image of who he was becomes clearer.

Over the years the gallery has grown the Lapine collection from the original 45 paintings to 170 original works. This will continue to grow, as people contact the Gallery who are planning to bequeath their Lapine paintings. His national collection is an unparalleled opportunity for Minden Hills.

The Agnes Jamieson Gallery is a recommender gallery for the Ontario Arts Council which is an uncommon honour.

Nature’s Place

Nature’s Place (NP) is an interactive learning centre with a broad theme that highlights and advocates for the special ecological diversity of the Haliburton Highlands. This was based on R.D. Lawrence’s philosophy, which is used as a guide for display themes.

Programming is approached by contacting the many environment groups and professionals in the area to contribute. Nature’s Place represents four of our local groups and creates a sense of ownership, and the local information was something visitors were very pleased to learn.

Recently NP hosted a theme of the Canadian beaver which will become an ongoing main focus. R.D. Lawrence’s most popular book Paddy features a beaver. Management designed and built an interactive beaver lodge, just for children (although parents try to squeeze in) which gives information on beavers via video. Large wood-shaped pillows are inside along with a stuffed, plush beaver. This is a big attraction, along with the interactive 3D sand topographical display.

Prior years have focused on local, endangered animals, giving current information on conservation and solutions. All of interactive displays created reflect this area, like the turtle tunnels, habitat matching game, local recycling quiz, comparison between museum artifacts and plastic etc.