Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Aurora Cultural Centre https://livinginaurora.ca Living In Aurora Ontario Canada Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:51:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 Somewhere In Time, Olexander Wlasenko Presents Images from the Past https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/somewhere-in-time-olexander-wlasenko-presents-images-from-the-past/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/somewhere-in-time-olexander-wlasenko-presents-images-from-the-past/#comments Thu, 07 Nov 2013 19:14:06 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=11158 Artists always have a way to surprise me. Perhaps it is a time for me to retire looking at Rembrandt or Picasso and start looking what local artists can intrigue us with.

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Somewhere in Time, Olexander Wlasenko at Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibit


Every artist out there is unique – paints, sketches, draws what inspires him or her. Styles are differ. Some like abstract and some like to recreate reality.

I walked upstairs and these huge black and white charcoal sketches grabbed my attention immediately. It felt like I was part of the art. The full size images, people interacting, waiting in the waiting room, looking at me – unfortunately lot of sadness but that’s how it was. The sketch of crowd of people engaged me to the point I wanted to know what they were looking at.

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Somewhere in Time, Olexander Wlasenko at Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibit


Images from the past. The fact that I grew up studying World War I and World War II extensively in elementary school – in history, in literature and in art I was able to connect. Images of war – in the movies and in books. These images weren’t that pretty. Definitely the knowledge of the past connected me to Wlasenko’s Somewhere In Time intriguing exhibit.

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O. Wilde, Olexander Wlasenko at Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibit


Perhaps this can be a nice trip to visit Aurora Cultural Centre after the November 11th ceremony at the Cenotaph.

On the side note I will always miss precious days with Matthew. Especially when I would take him to places around Aurora and when enough was enough he would be pulling on my jacket – can we go now?. The beauty is he will have memories of Aurora. He will remember Aurora in his own way.

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Somewhere in Time, Olexander Wlasenko at Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibit


It is hard to believe that Matthew is 5.5 years old, and this blog is 4.5 years old. The first year of its existence the blog was practically unknown and now …]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/somewhere-in-time-olexander-wlasenko-presents-images-from-the-past/feed/ 0 Melinda’s Room, I’ve Always Considered Myself A Lucky Person https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/melindas-room-ive-always-consider-myself-a-lucky-person/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/melindas-room-ive-always-consider-myself-a-lucky-person/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 06:02:50 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=10533 opening reception evening on May 2nd, 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre. At the same time I was planning as well to visit Melinda’s Room exhibition that evening, but a bit later.

I also wanted to see Dierdre as I have not seen her since last fall. After all, it was a pleasure to meet smiling Dierdre and David again.

Melinda’s Room, Images & Words, Aurora Cultural Centre


Dierdre Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre


The exhibition was assembled to celebrate Melinda’s life who lost her battle to extreme Bi-polar disorder. Dierdre and David Tomlinson’s showcased Melinda’s intriguing artwork and writings. I was privileged to receive from Dierdre her speech notes quoting this:

“Her subjects were often the disadvantaged, the bullied, poor or handicapped; bag ladies and strippers. Eccentric paintings, framed by several tiny written lines of text, cast a compassionate eye on people trapped in unenviable lives. She knew that well – for almost all her adult life she displayed dignity and courage in an incremental battle with extreme Bi-polar Disorder.“

Dierdre Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre


It was such a beautiful and peaceful evening, an evening of closure, and I got an opportunity to observe almost all through my lens. Amazing level of engagement from visitors looking at Melinda’s artwork and reading Melinda’s writings that were posted on the walls and also assembled into binders.

David Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre


In the early days when I was just getting to know Dierdre she always told me stories. She also told me a bit about Melinda. More so she sent me home with material to read. She never explicitly told me about her daughter then, but she did give me pages of words that told stories about Melinda’s life.

“I’ve Always Considered Myself A Lucky Person“, these were the words written to Dierdre by Melinda, and she always will be lucky to have such inspiring parents.

Melinda’s Room, Images & Words, Aurora Cultural Centre


Melinda’s Room exhibition is open to public at the Aurora Cultural Centre until mid June and I encourage you to visit if you can.

Michelle, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/melindas-room-ive-always-consider-myself-a-lucky-person/feed/ 1 G. W. Williams Secondary School Senior Art Show, Fearless Expressions https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/g-w-williams-secondary-school-senior-art-show-fearless-expressions/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/g-w-williams-secondary-school-senior-art-show-fearless-expressions/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2013 02:00:52 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9902 Not all who wander are lost‘. I wasn’t lost that day, but I was wandering.

It was announced at the SOYRA reception last Saturday that students from G. W. Williams Secondary School have their own gallery showcase on the second floor at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I visited that room last year, and I wasn’t going to miss it this year. One small room full of art created by G. W. Williams Secondary School students.

It was like walking into painters studio where the art is created, and not the gallery. Youth is fearless I must say. The room was artistic chaos, and not in the bad way, just full of fearless great expressions. Few caught my eye, and few got on my camera.

Lori Birkbeck, G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre


Lori Birkbeck, G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre


G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre


G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre


Mario Wang, G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/g-w-williams-secondary-school-senior-art-show-fearless-expressions/feed/ 4 Photo Social And Photo Shooting During SOYRA Showcase 2013 https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 04:07:09 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9847 SOYRA Showcase 2013 reception at the Aurora Cultural Centre. If you have not seen it yet, I already had my first post out few days ago. It was my photography from the show in black and white, something different.

So you know the show is still on until February the 2nd, 2013.

SOYRA Showcase 2013, 2nd Floor Aurora Cultural Centre


As mentioned before I have few more photos to share with you. However, I must admit that on that day I was actually chatting more than photo shooting the showcase. Well if you get to see your friends once a year, of course there is a lot to talk about. When I arrived home and processed my images I realized that I had a little less than expected. Well you will just have to visit the show for yourself and experience the moment.

Introduction by Nancy Newman, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I was glad to meet again Nancy Newman, Shawna Patenaude, Zorica Miric and her husband, Jennifer Blacquiere and finally to meet Linda Welch in person.

This year was another interesting year for me especially because I realized that I am starting to recognize some of the artist’s work and their styles. I frequently drop by Nancy Newman’s website just to admire her floral paintings, and the more I stare at them – the harder it is to leave the site.

Red Wall, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


There is something about those floral paintings – not just the detail, or the flower’s architecture, but that fine line between the reality and painted world. If there were real flowers and you look behind them you find whatever there is, but in her paintings behind those flowers there is mystery and suspense, and our imagination filled with more flowers.

Linda Welch & Shawna Patenaude, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Then there is Shawna Patenaude. She made a life time impression on us (especially Matthew) with her paintings of apples that were showcased at the Skylight Gallery at the Town Hall Aurora. This is when we met Shawna for the first time. She continues to paint these beautiful red and delicious apples and they were on the spotlight this year on the red wall at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I think we need Shawna’s reflection in one of those water drops.

More of Shawna’s work is exhibited at the Aurora Public Library until mid March, and there is more, not just apples – Capture the Light, Explorations in Oil by Shawna Patenaude.

Zorica Miric, Her Abstract Painting, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


And what can I say about Zorica Miric. We share same background – yes we are both engineers, and we share appreciation for art. The only difference is that she paints and I do not. However, we both do enjoy abstract art as well. Last year Zorica’s abstract painting was one of the first sold. This year she exhibited similar one, and when I arrived I recognized her work immediately.

Oh and there is more about us, if I am not mistaken, we are both married to engineers, but there is small difference, her husband paints and my husband does not.

So me and Zorica had abstract conversation, but that somehow changed and next we were standing in front of framed photos, category – nudity. When comes to this type of art, this is where my cheeks get painted red, naturally, no brush required.

Blue Wall, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I continued to be impressed with Jennifer Blacquiere’s art. It is so realistic that sometimes I must admit I have doubts or I am not convinced that the painting is actually a painting, but on the end I do believe her. I frequently visit Jennifer’s website gallery and if you were standing close by my side, you be hearing many wow’s. Yes her paintings come with a ‘wow‘ factor.

Jennifer Blacquiere’s Art, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Interesting enough when you meet an artist most of the time you don’t talk about their art, just life in general. So I met Linda Welch and I didn’t even ask if she paints. All I know that she does excellent organizing work for SOYRA. I corresponded with Linda occasionally via this blog, and it was finally nice to meet her in person.

Daisies by Hans Martin, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I almost forgot I had a nice chat with Hans Martin whom I met just before I left for home. We talked about art galleries and photographing art, and then we span off to talk about Ukrainians, fields, borders, the war, etc. See how easy it is to start talking about something else – very easy.

I must admit that last Saturday I had enjoyable, educational and social outing and I hope to see you all again next year.

SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/feed/ 6 Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre, A Teaser https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/society-of-york-region-artists-showcase-2013-at-the-aurora-cultural-centre-a-teaser/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/society-of-york-region-artists-showcase-2013-at-the-aurora-cultural-centre-a-teaser/#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:08:50 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9816 SOYRA Showcase on January 21st, 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I never been a very big fan of galleries, but I changed. I actually enjoy being there, but with my Canon camera friend on my side.

Yes, this is a teaser post, because there is lot more I have to show. Plus it will be in color. I always try, but the harder I try I am having technical difficulties ‘squeezing’ all the images into one post. I like to group them by theme or mood. So today my first theme is black and white and people photography.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I used to take photos in color and then convert them into black and white, but this is not the case anymore. I take them in black and white setting when I need to. The results are stunning and I can be little more free with my camera, that is not worrying about the blur on the photos.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


The beauty about photography is that you are never done, just like with Internet, it is impossible to finish. The opportunities are endless.

Why is black and white so intriguing? I don’t know yet. I just started to experiment with it recently.

Jennifer Blacquiere, Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I think next time I go to photograph the show, I will wear a T-shirt saying ‘don’t be sorry, don’t be worry, I like people passing in front of my camera‘. It is true, I don’t care if you cut me off. It makes my photography a lot more interesting.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


They were calling for overcast. Lucky me got lots of sun that illuminated the Aurora Cultural Centre rooms and hallways. Well, for some scenarios it wasn’t good because of the back-light, other times it created interesting shadows and effects.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


The show is still on until February 2nd, 2013 if you have not visited yet, and guarantee that you will enjoy it. I did and I did for another reason. I got to see few artists who I met at the show last year and during the year, got to know couple more.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I think I have been convinced. May be I bring one or two pieces for the show next year and guess what the theme will be Living in Aurora.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Hopefully you enjoyed my black and white teaser post and the photo below is my favorite. Nancy Newman on the right.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/society-of-york-region-artists-showcase-2013-at-the-aurora-cultural-centre-a-teaser/feed/ 6 Postcards of Olde Aurora, A Sesquicentennial Project by Bob McRoberts, One More Book In My Collection https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/postcards-of-olde-aurora-a-sesquicentennial-project-by-bob-mcroberts-one-more-book-in-my-collection/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/postcards-of-olde-aurora-a-sesquicentennial-project-by-bob-mcroberts-one-more-book-in-my-collection/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2012 03:04:03 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9500 I think I have them all or let say I ran out of budget this year to buy more. My collection consists of twenty books now.

Postcards of Olde Aurora by Bob McRoberts


I am sure there will be lot more books published in the future and they will be part of my collection but there is something special about my recent collection of books. It all started with Bob McRoberts and because of recent purchase ends with Bob McRoberts. Let me explain.

My first book purchased was “Aurora A History in Pictures” by W. John McIntyre, 1988 – collectible, used and autographed. But it also came with a photo of two high school teachers from 1943. One of the teachers was Mr. Knowles who was also grandfather of Bob McRoberts.

So this is how I got to know him, and after photo was returned to Bob McRoberts, he wrote me ‘I hope our paths will cross again‘ and so they did. They did few times and finally on the day I purchased his recently published book.

Postcards of Olde Aurora by Bob McRoberts


In the past I had an opportunity to attend one of the Heritage Lecture Series, “Postcards of Old Aurora: The McRoberts Collection” at the Aurora Cultural Centre, April 2012. I still remember attendance in the room. There must have been over 100 people, including me. The lecture was very beneficial since I take lot of pictures of Aurora and it is very intriguing to examine the change – somethings changed, somethings are gone and somethings just don’t change.

Bob decided to go one step further and put together a Sesquicentennial (2013) project or legacy project – that is he converted his collection of postcards into a book, “Postcards of Olde Aurora“.

Postcards of Olde Aurora by Bob McRoberts


When I picked up my book back on December 6th, I told him that I collect postcards as well, just a collection of the European cities during the time I was growing up. I do have some postcards of Toronto from 1971 when my dad traveled to Canada.

Just recently I did come across of Aurora postcards on line but because I take lot of photos of Aurora I wasn’t that enthusiastic as Bob. Well, he did something wonderful, saved me a time and money. So instead of buying 300 postcards I bought a collectible book, 20th on my list.

This is a very nice little collectible book. Mr. McRoberts spent lot of work searching for all the postcards he assembled into a book Postcards of Olde Aurora and he did because he was passionate about it and because he can relate to as well. His passion is now a legacy book for the Sesquicentennial year. His book is about Aurora by the Auroran and it is the latest book in my collection.

If you would like to own this book, Postcards of Olde Aurora can be purchased directly from Bob McRoberts. The contact information is listed on the right sidebar on this blog.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/postcards-of-olde-aurora-a-sesquicentennial-project-by-bob-mcroberts-one-more-book-in-my-collection/feed/ 0 Winter-ly Weather Rumblings, Where Am I? Wells Street Public School Again https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/winter-ly-weather-rumblings-where-am-i-wells-street-public-school-again/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/winter-ly-weather-rumblings-where-am-i-wells-street-public-school-again/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:07:25 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6698 When outside it is always easier to find some clothing to take off, rather than finding something to put on.

Aurora Cultural Centre, West Side of the Wells Street Public School


Last month when we all experienced the summer like days, I wanted to put shorts on Matthew. He resisted, he said that ‘these pants are too short and kids will laugh at him at the playground‘. Funny the way young children think. I begin to think myself that he has forgotten all about shorts because last time he wore them he just turned three years old. I don’t have any recollections when I was that young either, why should he?

Snow in April? No argument here that we have climate change, but I say only short term one. In this years spring it changes every day – snow, sun, rain. Oh yes and we had fog too this year. I read somewhere that such weather volatility been around for hundred years so why should I complain.

It snowed yesterday. I saw snow still on the ground today, well then it gives me a small right to post some winter photos. I don’t think it is hard to guess that I am on the top of former Wells Street Public School (Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts). It would have been nice if the sky was blue, but it is all weather related and not much can be done. As a matter fact on that day before lunch it was nice sunny sky.

Cluster of Churches, West Side of the Wells Street Public School


By looking at the photos, it is interesting to note cluster of churches on the West side of the school, and on the other side a beautiful view of the Town Park. I am sure it will be much more beautiful view in the summer when all trees will be nice and green and of course full of visitors.

Church, North Side of the Wells Street Public School


Last week I had an opportunity to attend one of the Heritage Lecture Series, Postcards of Old Aurora: The McRoberts Collection.

On top of a great collection showcase, Bob McRoberts’ sense of humor element during his lecture made everyone’s attendance a great experience. I expected a small crowed, but of what I have seen there must have been at least hundred people.

Town Park, North West Side of the Wells Street Public School


We did not get to see his original collection (and I don’t blame him) but it was well presented via electronic media. We did not get to hear the train whistle or birds signing as Mr. McRoberts intended to, but again his large collection of old Aurora postcards still exceeded my expectations and I am sure everyone’s too.

So where are Aurora postcards now?

We don’t have any because postcards are phasing out. With digital technology available to us we can take our own photos and create our own postcards. I have collection of postcards from all around the world (but not the whole world) and not that old as postcards in the McRoberts collection.

Town Park, West Side of the Wells Street Public School


Probably, the oldest postcards I own are about 41 years old and from Toronto. There is one (my favorite) I have of Yorkville. The picture was taken of people eating, drinking and smoking outside the restaurant in the early or late afternoon and to add some on this postcard were looking directly at the photographer.

When I looked closely on the back of the photo (not the back, but the back of first people in the row) I found two families with small children sitting on the top of the bay windows, not even balcony and enjoying nice weather.

Yes, enjoying the nice weather.

Here is the link to the Yorkville postcard, unfortunately someone removed the second family on the balcony in front of the yellow bricked apartment. I have the original so no one can argue my statement.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/winter-ly-weather-rumblings-where-am-i-wells-street-public-school-again/feed/ 5 Sunday Break, Preserved Blackboard Tell Stories Now & Then, Artifact https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/sunday-break-preserved-blackboard-tell-stories-now-then-artifact/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/sunday-break-preserved-blackboard-tell-stories-now-then-artifact/#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:21:32 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6671

Aurora Cultural Centre, Preserved Classroom Blackboard

It’s the stories we’re after. We love the stories and the artifacts can tell the stories. ~ Dan Elliott
]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/sunday-break-preserved-blackboard-tell-stories-now-then-artifact/feed/ 0 Doors Open Aurora Cultural Centre Or Doors Closed, And The Motion Is Cultural Shock? https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/doors-open-aurora-cultural-centre-or-doors-closed-and-the-motion-is-cultural-shock/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/doors-open-aurora-cultural-centre-or-doors-closed-and-the-motion-is-cultural-shock/#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:47:58 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5875

And the return being the increased traffic, growing subscribers list, networking opportunities, interesting photo shoot projects, thank yous, emails, comments and fresh post ideas. My plan worked but little too well.

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora


The plan shall be the same for another year or so – slow growth. New inspirations, thoughts and post subjects come along unexpected on daily basis and my own list of potential posts is becoming outdated and irrelevant.

Some of you may know that I had an opportunity to visit and photograph SOYRA show at the Aurora Cultural Centre and at the same time I couldn’t resist to photograph the Layers show by students from Sacred Heart.

Layers, Sacred Heart C.H.S Show


I received personal thank you note from Luisa Capelet, Arts Department Head at Sacred Heart C.H.S. for visiting, photographing and blogging about this show. She said:

‘Your photographic eye is insightful and creative. Some really great photos in your portfolio. I also teach photography and am using the “blog” forum in the classroom. It is such an effective way to encapsulate ideas-words-images as well as evoke responses and reactions. Your blog site serves as a great example.’

Layers, Sacred Heart C.H.S Art Show


I smiled and I wish I could really think the same about me, but I really liked what she said about using ‘blog’. Though I must say that it is not an easy task to maintain blog regularly, so for that I will give myself tap on the shoulder.

She also wrote: ‘My students are really enjoying the Aurora Cultural Centre. It started with them acting as volunteers and since then theyhave been hooked. They felt an immediate connection and were well received. Funny how I randomly see them now and again as guests to art shows and programs.

Our show at the Cultural Centre had many lasting, positive effects on our students. I am grateful that the Centre was able to arrange for us to have some space. From my understanding the room was originally booked for a display that the Historical Society was going to have and when they no longer wanted to use it, it opened up space for us.

It was perfect timing. Many of my students are progressing with art and taking it in post secondary. The experience of showcasing in a gallery will remain as a strong element to their beginning successes in this area. Thank you for visiting our show.‘

Layers, Sacred Heart C.H.S Art Show


Layers, Sacred Heart C.H.S Art Show


Layers, Sacred Heart C.H.S Art Show


Another great statement this time for the Aurora Cultural Centre.

So the latest and greatest in town – potential motion to terminate the current Agreement between the Aurora Cultural Centre and Town of Aurora.

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora


Strings of emails came lately asking me for the support and along a hint to make public aware of the Novita Report or Novita Study (Click on the Strategic and Business Plan for the Aurora Heritage Centre under DELEGATIONS Item 2 to download over 100 pages report).

The report was created by Novita Interpares and was adopted by Council in August 2008.

As result of this study the Agreement came along. The agreement is under jeopardy, and if terminated – ouch I don’t even want to think about it. Doors Closed? I guess, yes doors closed, just like the doors were closed for the museum.

So what did we learn from the museum then? I think we learned how hard is to get back on feet again. Do you think that it will be easy to bring the culture back if doors are slammed just like that. I doubt.

Oh yes I have been asked for help. But that wasn’t in the my blogging plan. My plan is to observe, photograph and write my observations. I rarely state facts because someone already did this job for me. I write my opinions based on the observations I discovered, and I could be wrong too. I write my experiences, and support what I believe.

Okay I cave in to post the link to the Novita Study, but I found pages of interesting stuff there especially when after scanning the report I went back to ACC website and there was no events under Heritage. See what I mean getting back on feet.

Show Case, Aurora Public Library, Aurora


For the Heritage part I have to give credit to Aurora Public Library for presenting the artifacts on regular basis (oh that Helen lady is really doing great job). In the mean time the only Heritage in ACC is the building itself.

Town Hall, Aurora


So I see two aspects in the argument between the two bodies – the cultural aspect and the financial aspect.

No doubt that the cultural aspect is booming at the ACC. No doubt that Town of Aurora pockets are depleting by pouring money to ACC. I am sure that it is in the Councilors best interest to have cultural centre in place they just do not realize that termination of the agreement may bring a cultural shock.

On the other hand if the culture is booming at the ACC then less financial support they should seek from the town. I thought that was always the way of governments, soon as your family makes more money they cut you off the government support.

Something to think about and I just hope we can resolve this issue anytime soon.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/doors-open-aurora-cultural-centre-or-doors-closed-and-the-motion-is-cultural-shock/feed/ 4 Something Is Missing In The Aurora Cultural Centre https://livinginaurora.ca/politics/something-is-missing-in-the-aurora-cultural-centre/ https://livinginaurora.ca/politics/something-is-missing-in-the-aurora-cultural-centre/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:32:32 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5652

It never occurred to me that they were the missing fire exit stairs. I guess with all the renovations and safety route implementation in the building there is no further need for such stairs. So that’s missing, but there is more …

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora


I don’t know if it just me but The Auroran our local newspaper did not have anything interesting written up in the past weeks. Not that it is the newspaper’s fault, just nothing that really interested me. I am glad that Bonnie Tiffin was back once with her Letter to the Editor some issues back.

Perhaps the next issue will have something interesting written up (I thought) and it did.

I was intrigued by two Letters to the Editors, ‘Cultural Centre should stand on its own two feet: reader‘ by Matt Maddocks and ‘Aurora High teacher has made good use of Cultural Centre‘ by Richard Markie, Head of Drama, Aurora High School.

Two very valid letters, Matt’s letter is eye opener for tax payers and Richard’s, oh I really don’t know what to call it, but it is encouraging to know that the centre is beneficial to many of us. No doubt, I have seen for myself that our Cultural Centre is being utilized effectively.

Well, between those letters there is something missing, perhaps some Aurora Cultural Centre’s financial transparency.

Matt wrote ‘In my experience, I’ve learned that when a business starts spending significant marketing dollars, it usually means profits are up. It can also mean the business anticipates growth‘.

I would like to add ‘may be they just got a good chunk of taxpayer dollar and they needed to justify the spending; and a full-page thank you was a bad move as it angered many of us‘. But then one can only assume such thought of mine. By the way, the Letter to Editor costs nothing and some write them to thank others – a hint here.

Well the list does not end here. In the beginning of the February I was invited to photograph the SOYRA show and sale event. It turned out to be a very successful show.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School


During the same event, upstairs in one of the rooms it was last day art show for the Luisa Capelet’s Grade 12 Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School. The art work for that show was inspired by Canadian Abstract Expressionist Cesan D’Ornellas Levine. There were paintings but there was also other art objects on the display.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School


The same could be done for the Aurora history and museum artifacts. Library is already doing it and there is no one reason why Aurora Cultural Centre can do the same, but on the permanent basis. Yes, if there is no place for the museum at least we can share spaces.
‘Trust, honesty, humility, transparency and accountability are the building blocks of a positive reputation. Trust is the foundation of any relationship.’ ~ Mike Paul
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