Site 3: Crossing Paths with Community
@ 336 George Street North (north-east corner at Charlotte St.)
Artspace gallery location, 1984-94
This is a photograph taken on the corner of George and Charlotte Streets of the large red brick building with its clocktower built on top. Having originally been used by firefighters, the bell and large ornate clock with Roman numerals are high above the rest of the building. The clock face is surrounded by sand coloured wood. The building features both rectangular, circular and arched windows on all sides. There are three stories, with the ground floor occupied by different businesses, and the top floors being home to The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, where Artspace used to be located.
Scroll down to read a story about the site written by Peg Town in the summer of 2024.
My first memory of Artspace is from 1986 when it was located at the heritage site of Market Hall under the clock tower. I was in the audience for a multimedia performance of Trust A Boat by Phillip Barker. We watched the show from the street outside after dark, and half a block south at 312 George Street (currently Peterborough Inn & Suites Hotel). Looking up at the building, I remember the windows were transformed into colourful, dreamy film projections as well as silhouettes of live performances. I was dazzled by what I saw and curious to actually get inside the Artspace gallery to see what else they were programming.
That show was indicative of the Executive Director, David Bierk’s big dreams which were instrumental in establishing this community’s artist-run centre in 1974. A decade later, through a million-dollar capital campaign, Market Hall was renovated and Artspace moved in. I was surprised to learn that back in 1975 when it was located in a much smaller building at 440 Water Street, Artspace exhibited, Monument to Miniature in the vacant Market Hall to accommodate the large artworks: a foretelling of bigger things yet to happen!
That first time that I crossed paths with Artspace influenced my decision to enroll at Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough where I studied arts administration and the inspired teachings of Helen Knibb, who had also served on the Artspace board of directors around that time.
For my final course at Fleming College, I had a field placement here at Artspace, and after graduating in 1992, I was hired as Communications Coordinator. Lynn Beavis was Artistic Director at that time, and she introduced me to the Selections Committee and its members who included local artists, Caroline Langill and JoEllen Brydon. Lynn and the committee brought in engaging exhibitions, artists’ talks and workshops, all under the mandate of support for artists’ self-determination, experimentation, and professional development. I was so fortunate to be immersed in a community of working artists, curators, administrators, and aesthetes, all of us keen to freely celebrate and critique the art and ideas of the day.
Bill Kimball also worked at Artspace at that time, curating its incredible contemporary dance program, and managing the performance space that was a favourite place for live music and theatre as well. In 1994, due to “downsizing”, we all left the building, but thankfully the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre continues the legacy of bringing creativity and community together.
Over the years I have joined my community here for beautiful art installations, film festivals, radio broadcasts, music concerts, dance performances, circus shows, a wedding, and a funeral. One year during Peterborough Pride, my band, the Estrogems played on stage. Another year, I was invited by Jon Lockyer and Bec Groves to emcee the Artspace 45th anniversary party here in the Market Hall.
Whatever the occasion, this place has always been my community centre.
Reflective Question
What is your first memory of Artspace?
Site 1: Crossing Paths with History
Site 2: Crossing Paths with Performance
Site 3: Crossing Paths with Community
Site 4: Crossing Paths with Nogojiwanong
Site 5: Crossing Paths with Gardeners
Site 6: Crossing Paths with Collaboration
Site 7: Crossing Paths with Diversity
Site 8: Crossing Paths with Climate Change
Site 9: Crossing Paths with Infrastructure
Site 10: Crossing Paths with Today and Tomorrow
