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Clarington has a vibrant arts community with two well-known art galleries that showcase local art, provide lessons and are an integral part of our community. We're also home to Clarington Museums and Archives, which showcases Clarington's rich and vibrant history through year-round exhibits at three locations.
Clarington Library, Museums & Archives has four library branches and two museum sites across the Municipality that offer a wide range of programs for adults and children. All four library branches have free wi-fi access and computer stations. The Bowmanville, Courtice, and Newcastle libraries also offer meeting rooms that can be booked. If you’re a reading enthusiast, you will find access to eBooks, eAudio, and eMagazines at your fingertips and a treasure trove of books, artifacts, and resources.
Bowmanville Library 163 Church Street, Bowmanville 905-623-7322
Clarington has a rich and vibrant history. You can visit Clarington Library, Museums & Archives to learn more about our community. Clarington Library, Museums & Archives showcases our heritage and has ongoing exhibits throughout the year.
Clarington's downtowns are more vibrant thanks to decorative public art pieces installed in Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle and Orono. The project was funded through a $110,000 grant from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), which Council decided should be used to enhance the visitor experience and the beauty of our downtowns.
Three local artists and a local company were selected to design installations and, through them, tell Clarington's story.
Bowmanville Mural by Allan Bender
Artist Allan Benderfrom Blinc Studios painted a mural on the west wall of the building at 26 King Street East. The mural depicts women who have been influential in Bowmanville throughout its history to the present day.
Mabel Bruce was a professional nurse appointed the first superintendent of Bowmanville's new hospital at the time of its opening in 1913. In 1915, Mabel Bruce enlisted as a Canadian Nursing Sister in World War I and served overseas. She was honoured with distinguished service awards and medals, which were given to Bowmanville Hospital after she passed away.
Marion Rickard Farr was born in Bowmanville in 1912. She attended local schools and later graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Latin and Greek. She had a long secondary school teaching career and was a lifelong learner, philanthropist, and supporter of history and education. She was also an author who wrote books about her family and Clarington's local history.
Captain Ada Hind was among the first Salvation Army representatives in Bowmanville and was instrumental in the establishment of the Bowmanville congregation in 1884. Historical descriptions indicate Captain Hind was an intelligent, well-spoken, and very persuasive figure who served as a commanding officer and guided the rapid growth of the Salvation Army's presence in Bowmanville.
Marie Hubbard (née Nickerson) was born and raised in Bowmanville. She had a long career in local politics and civic engagement, serving on various committees that helped shape the community. Ms. Hubbard was the first female mayor of the Town of Newcastle (now the Municipality of Clarington). She previously served as a local Councillor, Regional Councillor for Durham Region, and Chair of the Ontario Municipal Board. In 2019, she was appointed associate chairperson of the Ontario Land Tribunals (formerly the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal) and, in 2020, became the Executive Chair of the newly created Ontario Land Tribunals organization.
Dr. James was born in Bowmanville in May 1909 and attended local schools, including Bowmanville High School, where she graduated Valedictorian. She completed a medical degree from the University of Toronto and undertook post-graduate studies in pediatrics. Dr. James served as a medical advisor to the Infants' Homes in Toronto and was the physician in charge of medical services with the Children's Aid Society.
Nina Neads is known as one of Bowmanville's first successful businesswomen. She opened her own insurance business in 1919 when there were few professional opportunities available to women. Ms. Neads continued to lead her insurance practice, which served several high-profile local clients, until her death in 1963. Ms. Neads grew up in Bowmanville and attended Central Public School and Bowmanville High School.
Nellie Lyle Pattinson was the author ofThe Canadian Cookbook, later renamed theNellie Lyle Pattinson's Canadian Cookbook. Nellie was born and raised in Bowmanville and attended local schools, including the former high school on Queen Street. She studied at the University of Toronto and became a department head of "domestic science" at a Toronto High School. In the 1920s, she collaborated with Ryerson Press to publish the first collection of recipes for "Canadian cuisine."
The story of the Sky Woman is part of the local indigenous culture. The Sky Woman falls from the sky and is greeted and carried by sky animals to land on the back of a great turtle. With the help of a muskrat, she acquires a handful of soil from the deep waters and begins to form Turtle Island (North America).
Courtice Installation by Darlene Bolahood
In Courtice, Darlene Bolahood has created a series of coloured polycarbonate silhouettes of local youth and members of the Courtice community. The artworks can be seen suspended from light poles at Tooley's Mill Park, Trulls Parkette, and along Highway 2 in Courtice. Trail markers have been installed throughout the local trail system.
The themes of the installations reflect the energy of the community and its narrative and are a tribute to the youth of our community and the notion of many styles of family in action.
Art concept of polycarbonate silhouettes.
Newcastle Sculptures by James C. Smith
James C. Smith has created a series of sculptures that have been installed in the gardens at the Newcastle Community Hall; the Clarington Public Library, Newcastle Branch; the Massey Building and A Gift of Art. James has incorporated a treasure hunt element into the sculptures in the form of subtle, intricate pieces that can be discovered upon close examination.
Orono Bike Racks and Mural
Orono has long been known as a cycling destination. To highlight this notion, ABC Recreation has provided artistic bike racks to be installed throughout downtown Orono and in Orono Park. A sign outlining all available park amenities will be added to the main Buttercup Hollow sign located at the corner of Station and Main Streets. The new 'Orono' mural on the north façade of 5352 Main Street (formerly Orono Electric) was also paid for, in part, with the funding received from OMAFRA.
Buttercup Hollow sign with park amenities, Orono mural painted by The Paint Factory
Community Art Mosaic Project
The community art mosaic mural is complete! Thank you to everyone who participated.
Clarington unveiled a large mosaic mural of a flourishing apple tree at Town Hall on April 20, 2022, symbolizing new growth and unity in the face of adversity. The mural was unveiled together with sponsor Ontario Power Generation and is made up of more than 700 individual tiles painted by residents and community groups as part of a community-wide art project in the summer of 2021. Read the full press release.
Thank you, Ontario Power Generation, for your support of Clarington’s community art mosaic project.
Clarington heritage
Clarington is home to numerous heritage buildings and structures that reflect the Municipality's rich culture and history. We're proud of our heritage! Throughout the year, Clarington has several arts and heritage events, and we take care of our community by offering heritage incentive grants to help restore buildings and maintain their historical beauty.
Contact Us
Address: 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6
