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Past Exhibitions

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Each year, a selection of approximately six exhibitions are presented in the Helson Gallery featuring works from community artists, private holdings, and the Town's growing collection of art which includes the culturally significant Helson Collection.

'Through the Trail' painting is a bright rendition of a local trail in Halton Hills

Strictly Local 

May 30 - July 21, 2024

This annual local artist exhibition was curated with the theme Strictly Local in celebration of the Town of Halton Hills’ 50th anniversary. Selected artworks were created by local artists and respond specifically to Halton Hills.

Photo: Karen Watts, Through the Trails (detail), Acrylic

Florence McGillivray painting of Fishstack, Bonaventure Island

Florence McGillivray

February 28 – May 26, 2024

Her Story and Influence on Canadian Art, Co-curated by Bill Allen. Canadian artist Florence Helena McGillivray (1864 - 1938), was best known for her post-impressionist style capturing the Canadian landscape. 

Photo: Florence Helena McGillivray, Fishstack, Bonaventure Island, on loan from a private collection

Dayle Hawkins, United Spirits VI, Acrylic on canvas

Ishpendaagaabwi: Standing With Pride 

September 18 – November 10 

In partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, this exhibition presented a collection of artworks to honour and celebrate their enduring resilience and culture. 

Photo: Dayle Hawkins, United Spirits VI, Acrylic on canvas

 Komi Olaf painting titled Kainji, Acrylic on Canvas

HBHAS: Emancipation Art Exhibition  

July 24 – September 15 

For this seventh annual Emancipation Art Exhibition, artists were invited to submit work to educate the public about black history and celebrate the freedom that came with Emancipation. 

Photo: Komi Olaf, Kainji, Acrylic on Canvas

Susan Garrington watercolour painting titled Poppies in Birr

Open Water

November 13, 2024 – January 12, 2025 

The 99th International Juried Exhibition, organized by the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC), is a prestigious event that highlights the finest in transparent watercolour art. This exhibition celebrated the creativity and skill of watercolour artists, offering them an international platform to showcase their work. 

Photo: Susan Garrington, Poppies in Birr, watercolour

Painting by Rayne Tunley, When the Wind Blows, water in blue and green

Transatlantic Papertrail 

November 29, 2023 to February 25, 2024

This international exhibition included a variety of styles from noted Canadian, German and Swiss artists including Neville Clarke, Linda Kemp, Peter Marsh, Lin Souliere, Rayne Tunley, Uta Jeran, Karoline Koeppel, Reinhard Fluri, Konrad Gruber, and Rudolf Stüssi.

Photo: Rayne Tunley, When the Wind Blows Mixed Medium

Painting by Frieda Nelson, of Three Horses, done in Acrylic

Recent Acquisitions

August 31, to November 26, 2023

This exhibition featured a selection of art from recent donations to the Town of Halton Hills and the Public Library’s art collections. The show explored connections to existing art in the collections and the creative influences that shaped these historic and contemporary artists’ work.

Photo: Frieda Nelson, Three Horses, Acrylic

Painting by Miyakah Emon, Of Matter and Descent, Mixed media on canvas abstract

HBHAS: Emancipation Art Exhibition

June 21, to August 27, 2023

This sixth annual Emancipation Art Exhibition aimed to educate the public about black history and celebrate the freedom that came with Emancipation. 

Photo: Miyakah Emon, Of Matter and Descent, Mixed media on canvas

painting by Stephanie Schirm, painting of a man sitting in blue clothes

Locally Grown: Further Afield

April 19, to June 18, 2023

This annual Locally Grown exhibition featured local artists exploring the theme Further Afield. Now that the world has opened since the pandemic, travel has become more common. Artists interpreted this theme, whether it be expressed literally, emotionally, or imaginatively.

Photo: Stephanie Schirm, WAITING, cold wax and oil

Painting by Carrie L. Hillyard, Weeds and Wildflowers oil on canvas

Carrie L. Hillyard

January 18, to April 16, 2023

This retrospective exhibition explored the forgotten artistic journey and life of Canadian artist Carrie L. Hillyard (1866 – 1952). This collection was on loan from a private collector who had done extensive research into the artist’s life and art. 

Photo: Carrie L. Hillyard, Weeds and Wild Flowers, 1905, oil on canvas

Painting of a women in a red coat and blue hat, in watercolour

Pentavisions/Couleurs d’Ailleurs

October 27, 2022 – January 15, 2023

This exchange exhibition featured noted Canadian and French watercolour painters including Neville Clarke, Contremoulin, Serge DiMeo, Donna Acheson-Juillet, Linda Kemp, Peter Marsh, Corinne Poplimont, Franck Rollier, Lin Souliere and Rayne Tunley.

Photo: Neville Clarke, Miss Hyacinth Watercolour

Painting of a River using different greens

Locally Grown: 

September 14, 2022 – October 23, 2022

Our annual showcase of Halton Hills artists featured works in a variety of media.

Photo: Kate Allan, Beaver River (detail) Oil on Canvas

Painting of two lady's with the writing Stand together

HBHAS: Emancipation Art Exhibition 

July 27, 2022 - September 3, 2022

The vibrant work of a variety of artists was featured in this fifth annual showing of the HBHAS in commemoration of Emancipation Day, August 1.

Photo: Kristen Allicock, Come (Unity) Acrylic and Mixed Medium 

Painting of waterloo bridge in oil

Le petit salon

April 27, 2022 – July 23, 2022

With loans from notable private collections, this exhibition traced the influence of French Impressionism on Canadian artists during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  

Photo: Bell-Smith, Waterloo Bridge (detail) Oil on Canvas

abstract art in very vibrant colours

Collection Conversations:

The Helson Gift and Recent Acquisitions
Installed during covid closures was on view until April 17, 2022

This show examined the diverse movements that have shaped Canadian art history, featuring selections from the Town’s Permanent Art Collection including the culturally significant Helson Gift. 

Photo: Sydney Drum, Untitled (detail) Print

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