The Kingston and Area Association of Museums, Art Galleries and Historic Sites ran a series of free pop-up museums called Bring Your Thing throughout 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The first pop-up museum was held on January 21st at Artillery Park Aquatic Centre. It invited people to bring any objects which fit the theme “Made in Canada” and to share their story.
Interesting Objects Made in Canada
Of the many objects brought and the museums who came out—the Royal Military College (RMC) Museum, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston, and the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum—here are a few of the items shared.
Melissa Eapen, co-founder of Improbable Escapes and the Kingston Collective, brought a glass pineapple as her object. While setting up their business in Kingston, Eapen came across a quote for success. It said “wear a crown and stand tall like pineapple”. Taking this quote to heart, when she saw this pineapple, she bought it as a reminder to herself of how she can be successful.
Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute (KCVI) shared a handmade Canadian flag at the pop-up museum. Fittingly, on February 15, 1965 the flag flew for the first time at KCVI; the same time that the newly designed Canadian flag was flown in Ottawa. As such, this flag holds a place of honour at KCVI. Arthur Martin (Principal of KCVI at the time), John Matheson (co-designer of the Canadian flag), Peter Miliken (former Speaker at the House of Commons and KCVI head boy), and Kay Shand (creator and Home Economics teacher) all signed the flag.
Moreover, Christel Klocke, a master gold and silversmith, gemmologist, appraiser and jewelry designer, brought items she made to display. She began designing and selling jewelry in 1966: and continues to do so today. The items she brought included the first gold piece she ever made in 1957 and a necklace with an emerald from Columbia.
Additionally, the Kingston Heirloom Quilters brought several items to the pop-up museum. These include quilts that tell a story of Canada. Canadian composer and piano player Frank Mills inspired the quilt square above with the piano and dancer. Mills earned the nickname “Music Box Man” after one of his songs. Likewise, the Quilters showcased some of the squares from their Canada 150 challenge quilt. Once complete, they will dedicate each quilt block to the accomplishments of a Canadian woman
Do you want to read more about Bring Your Thing Pop-Up Museums? Check out these other Kingston & Area Museums Blog articles.
If you would like to learn more about the Museums, Art Galleries and Historic Sites of Kingston and the Area start by exploring the spaces around you!