PRAC community partnerships with the Town of Ajax and Ajax groups

PineRidge Arts Council at work and play in Ajax

The PineRidge Arts Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhance the quality of life within the community by developing widespread appreciation, support and involvement in the arts.

PineRidge Arts Council members get involved with the community and have fun. For the Town of Ajax, PRAC assists with the selection of art work displayed in the McLean Community Centre; developed the art exhibition Art Works in the library for the opening of the new Main Library on Harwood Avenue; and held artist demonstrations at Rotary Park on Canada Day. In Pickering the arts council, recipient of the 2000 Pickering Civic Award for Arts and Culture, participates in Artfest and Winterfest.

Artists of many disciplines, artistic groups and art supporters make-up the diverse base of members. In 2002, PRAC held a logo design competition for the Durham Community Challenge for the United Way Ajax/Pickering/Uxbridge; arts council members designed and decorated an ‘Art-felt’ tree for the hospital's Festival of Trees. In 2003 PRAC partnered with the Rouge Valley Health System Foundation to create an image to accompany the annual fundraising event; and we partnered with the Art and Soul Gallery this year with the 2nd Annual Juried Art Show for Durham students grades four to 12.

PineRidge Arts Council and its contribution to Ajax:

The Arts Council publishes a newsletter, ArtScene, six times a year and members receive it in the mail, non-members can pick up a copy in libraries and other local public places.

Part of our Art in Public Places Programme, is in a partnership with Ontario Power Generation and the McLean Community Centre, Ajax bringing original works to the public. The PineRidge Arts Council also co-hosts an annual Juried Art Show with the Town of Ajax and it is open to members and Durham residents.

This year notice of intent to participate in the 5th Annual Juried Art Show is due on Saturday, October 18 and the entries will be accepted at the McLean Community Centre, Ajax on Sunday, November 2 from noon to 5 p.m. and on Monday, November 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Entry fees are $15 for PRAC members, $25 for non-members and $10 for youth (13–18). The Opening Reception is a fun evening open to the public and it provides a great opportunity to meet the artists. Entry forms will be available for downloading on the Town of Ajax website under Arts on Line.

Funding for PineRidge Arts Council comes from membership, corporate and private sponsorship and commissions. During the 2002/03 Season PRAC was able to give back over $6500 to member and local projects and events. If you would like to become a patron, please contact the arts council.

See Artfest and Frenchman’s Bay Festival,

Town of Ajax and other community partnership projects.