Summer 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 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
On View in the Helson Gallery
Halton Black History Awareness Society: Emancipation Art Exhibition
July 15 – September 13, 2026
For this year's ninth annual Emancipation Art Exhibition, artists were invited to submit works that reflect the experiences of Black Canadian artists in our community. This exhibition celebrates the voices and artistic expressions of African diasporic artists. highlighting the richness of Black identity, history, and culture through a diverse range of artistic media.
Come out for the opening exhibition reception on Sunday, July 19, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. where awards will be announced.
Hans Poppe, Amon
On View in the Upper and Lower Sisnett Lobby
Elements
September 1 – September 27
Experience the beauty and power of the four classical elements, Earth, Water, Air, and Fire through the eyes of the talented artists of Credit Valley Artisans. From richly textured fibre art and expressive paintings to handcrafted pottery, sculpture, and luminous stained glass, each piece explores the natural forces shaping our world.
Presented by Credit Valley Artisans, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting the visual arts in Halton Hills. The exhibition features artists from its member guilds, the Heritage Handweavers and Spinners, Palette and Pencil Plus, Potters and Sculptors, and Stained-Glass Artisans.
On View in the Mayor's Showcase
Paul MacPhail, Local Artist
Come explore paintings by Paul MacPhail, a Scottish-born painter and architect who has lived in Georgetown, Ontario, for 26 years. With a 40-year architectural career spanning Canada, the UK, and the US, he brings a strong sense of observation and composition to his art. This collection of acrylic paintings draws inspiration from Georgetown’s streets, station, fields, and skies, using layered colour and expressive mark-making to capture the atmosphere and character of the local landscape.
The Mayor's Showcase is located at Town Hall, 1 Halton Hills Drive, Georgetown
Paul MacPhail, Still Boundary, acrylic on canvas
Upcoming Exhibitions
Please check back soon, or sign up for the Create Halton Hills Newsletter to receive news about upcoming exhibitions.
Programs & Workshops
Plein Air Painting Challenge
Saturday September 19
Artists are invited to showcase their talents by painting live at the Acton Fall Fair. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate local art and culture in a vibrant, community-focused environment. This event is proudly presented by the Helson Gallery in partnership with the Acton Agricultural Society, Norval Studios & Gallery, and Credit Valley Artisans.
Want to participate? Sign up here!
Plein Air 2025, David Abbott, painting 3
It's Worth A Look! Art Appraisals with Mandy Salter
Saturday September 26
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Purchased a painting you don't know anything about? Inherited some artwork and don't know what it's worth? Join the Helson Gallery and accredited fine art appraiser, award winning curator and inclusive collections manager, Mandy Salter, for It’s Worth a Look! An art appraisal day focused on paintings, works on paper, and sculpture that you own.
Salter will provide informed verbal value opinions and guidance on one or two items; no written appraisals will be issued, though follow-up appointments may be scheduled.
Prescheduled 20-minute appointments. Up to two artworks per party (works on paper or canvas, plus sculpture). Donations appreciated.
Always Imagine Wire Art Workshop with Jim Paterson
Saturday October 3
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Storytime in the Helson Gallery, all ages
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Workshop 1 in the Studio Room, children ages 7-12
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Workshop 2 in the Studio Room, adults and youth ages 13+
Join Jim and Lynn Paterson for a hands-on wire art workshop inspired by Jim's picture book. During the Storytime in the Helson Gallery, Jim will read from his picture book titled ‘Saturday Morning’ and invite participants to interact with his sculpture The Storytelling Machine.
In the workshop, participants create their own wire art with guidance from Jim and Lynn. This workshop is inspired by Jim's exhibition in the Helson Gallery, and in partnership with Halton Hills Public Library.
Pre-registration is required for the workshops. All are welcome to the Storytime in the Helson Gallery.
Children's Workshop RegistrationAdult and Youth Workshop Registration
About 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.