Winter Programming
Download the seasonal flyer to learn about current and upcoming exhibitions and programs.
The Helson Gallery features rotating exhibitions of local art, private collections and travelling exhibitions. Join us for a variety of programming, such as exhibition receptions, artist workshops, drop-in activities, tours, and more.
9 Church St., Georgetown, ON L7G 2A3
Gallery Hours
- Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Volunteer docents are present in the Gallery subject to availability.
What's New at the Helson Gallery
Get caught up on our seasonal programming, past exhibitions, and calls for artists.
Community & School Programs
The Helson Gallery programs provide students and the community with a unique opportunity to view and create artwork.
Past Exhibitions
Discover past exhibitions, featuring works from local artists, private holdings, and the Town's collection.
Detail of Stephanie Schirm, COVID window
Current Exhibitions
The Colour of Water
On View in the Helson Gallery
March 4 - May 10
Experience this year’s annual local artist exhibition celebrating water in all its forms: its life-giving power, its ability to shape landscapes, and its role in connecting communities. The exhibition explores the importance of waterways such as the Credit River, whose enduring influence has flowed through generations–shaping Indigenous ways of life, early settlement, industry, recreation, and ongoing conservation efforts.
Carol-Ann Michaelson, Last Paddle of the Day
Youth Week Art Exhibit
On View in the Upper and Lower Sisnett Lobby
May 4 - May 31
As a part of Youth Week celebrations, the Youth Week Art Exhibit puts the spotlight on local youth and their unique perspectives, featuring artwork that’s expressive, inventive, and full of personality. Come celebrate fresh talent, creative confidence, and the fun side of self‑expression during Youth Week!
Georgetown Youth Centre Mural
The Mayor's Showcase
Local Artist Chris Cachia
On View in the Mayor's Showcase
Chris Cachia is a creative and educator living in Halton Hills. He works and teaches at Toronto Metropolitan University, where his focus is on the study of communication, culture, and society.
His visual artistic practice is informed, in a classical sense, by magical realism, incorporating elements of the everyday and realistic with the fantastic and dream-like; in a more contemporary sense, inspiration derives from animators and illustrators who blur the distinction between high and low arts, including through the super-flat concept and style.
The Mayor's Showcase is located at Town Hall, 1 Halton Hills Drive, Georgetown
Chis Cachia, The Traveller, Abstract View
Upcoming Exhibitions
Too Many Pictures, Not Enough Walls: The Art Collection of Dale and Dave Cox
On View in the Helson Gallery
May 13 – July 12
This exhibition highlights the art collection of local Halton Hills residents Dale and Dave Cox, whose lifelong careers in animation have deeply shaped their passion for visual storytelling. As dedicated supporters of the arts, the Coxes have built an extensive and thoughtfully curated collection that reflects their professional experiences and personal interests.
Join us on Saturday, July 4, 2 – 4 p.m. at the Helson Gallery for a reception and screening of a selection of their animated short films.
Dave Cox, Cat Viewing, Watercolour
Programs & Workshops
Drawing in the Gallery
January 7 to June 24, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Improve your figure drawing skills and connect with local artists every Wednesday afternoon in the Helson Gallery, with these free, self-directed sessions. Note: Bring your own art supplies (dry media only).
Plein Air Painting Challenge at the Downtown Georgetown Farmers Market
Saturday, June 13, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Register in advance for our first plein air challenge of the year at the Downtown Georgetown Farmers Market!
Artists will paint within the lively market or explore the surrounding side streets and nearby parks. Downtown Georgetown offers a wide variety of subjects to inspire. Award winners will be announced in the afternoon.
The Helson Gallery presents this event in partnership with Norval Studios & Gallery, Credit Valley Artisans, and the Downtown Georgetown Farmers Market.
The Helson Gallery & Collection
The Helson Gallery features rotating exhibitions of local art, private collections and travelling exhibitions. Curated shows are also exhibited in the Sisnett Lobby of the Cultural Centre, the Georgetown and Acton Library branches and Town Hall.
Gallery staff care for and maintain the Helson, Town and Library Art Collections, offer a variety of community programs and events throughout the year, and provide opportunities for artists to sell their work. The Town’s art collections continue to grow with the support of generous donors.
At the heart of the Helson Gallery is Frederick A. Helson's outstanding gift of art to the Town of Halton Hills which tells the story of how Canada's artistic identity was forged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As revealed through paintings by members of the Group of Seven, their predecessors and contemporaries, the Helson Collection also allows us to trace the evolution of the various organizations which supported artists during this critical time period. Additionally, an important group of European paintings afford valuable insights into artistic trends which paralleled those in Canada.
In 2021, the Helson Collection was certified as Cultural Property by the Canadian Department of Heritage, recognizing its outstanding significance.