August 20th, 2025, Volume 3, Issue 8


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What's on at the Helson Gallery

Halton Black History Awareness Society: Emancipation Art Exhibition   


On view until August 31

Helson Gallery

 

In its eighth year, the Emancipation Art Exhibition features work reflecting the experiences of Black Canadian artists in our community. This exhibition celebrates the voices of African diasporic artists and highlights the richness of Black identity, history, and culture through a diverse range of artistic media.

 

Photo: Komi Olaf, Echoes of the Ancients 

Halton Hills Plein Air Artists

 

August 19 - September 21

Upper Sisnett Lobby



Explore paintings of local landscapes created by the Halton Hills Plein Air Artists (HHPAA). Featuring works by Monica Burnside, Carol Hughes, Sheila Mitchell, Beatrice Roche, Rose Scully, and Susan Ying, this exhibition showcases the beauty of Halton Hills. The artists gather weekly from spring to late fall to paint in various parks throughout the area.

 

Photo: Monica Burnside, Apple Blossoms, Georgetown

Glen Williams Historical Photography


August 19 - September 21

Lower Sisnett Lobby



Journey through time and explore the rich heritage of the community with this exhibition celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Hamlet of Glen Williams. View a captivating display of historical photographs. 


Photo: Image of Main Street courtesy of the Esquesing Historical Society

Kindred Spirits: The Lucy Maud Montgomery Legacy as Interpreted by Contemporary Book Artists  

 

On view until September 21

Library and Cultural Centre display cases

 

The touring book arts exhibition, Kindred Spirits, responds to the work and life of Lucy Maud Montgomery. Members of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG) create works acknowledging the legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery on the 150th anniversary of her birth.  

 

Photo: Lucy Maud Montgomery logo

Selection From the Square Foot Show and Sale

 

On view until October 26

Mayor’s Showcase at Town Hall 

 

Experience the creativity of the Credit Valley Artisans as they tackle working within a 12 in. x 12 in. format in this unique exhibition. Discover a diverse range of artworks available for purchase at $226 (including HST).  

 

Photo: Mayor's Showcase at Town Hall

Upcoming:

The Colours of HER-story


September 4 – October 19

Reception: Thursday, September 25,

6 - 7:30 p.m.

Live music and refreshments, all welcome.

Helson Gallery

 

An exhibition exploring the third chapter of womanhood, full of depth, growth, and self-discovery. Challenging the traditional male gaze, the works reflect an honest, personal, and powerful female perspective. Artists Stephanie Schirm and Sian Gordon use bold, vibrant colours to express the richness of their experiences.

 

Photo: Stephanie Schirm, Faded Fashionista 

Culture by the Numbers


Results collected from the Halton Hills Culture Days survey 2024

48%


of those who participated in a Culture Days event in Halton Hills also ate at a local restaurant.


45%


of respondents shopped in addition to attending a Culture Days event in Halton Hills.


Photo: Downtown Georgetown

Fall Preview - Culture Days Sneak Peak

September 19 – October 12, 2025



Culture Days is back for its 10th year in Halton Hills! This year, the Town invites residents and visitors to celebrate all things creative and local with the theme Past, Present, Future and over 100 free events. To host an event or volunteer, contact jzanth@haltonhills.ca.

 

Photo: Phulkari embroidery workshop with artist Rafia Shafiq

Culture Days Artist Workshop Presented by Municipalities of Halton

Saturday, September 27

Library and Cultural Centre



Halton Hills has once again teamed up with Milton, Burlington, and Oakville to present a special series of artist workshops exploring concepts of home and belonging. This year, discover the exquisite art of Phulkari embroidery with artist Rafia Shafiq.


Supported by the Region of Halton. 

Calls For Artists

Plein Air Painting Challenge


Saturday, September 20


We invite artists to join in the festivities at the Acton Fall Fair. Interact with the public and enjoy the day through plein air painting.

The Helson Gallery proudly presents this event in partnership with the Acton Agricultural Society and Credit Valley Artisans. Take part by registering at the link below.


Photo: Artist Linda Ross Gallagher painting at the Acton Fall Fair, 2024

Art for the Birds


Deadline: August 24


We invite Halton Hills and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) artists to submit work for the bi-annual Art for the Birds exhibition, celebrating the diversity of bird life in our region. The exhibition spotlights the three finalists — Eastern Screech Owl, Great Blue Heron, and Northern Cardinal for the Town of Halton Hills’ official bird as voted by the community. The exhibition coincides with the second round of voting. 


Photo: Art for the Birds finalists

Submit Events and Open Studios to be Included in the Local Culture Days Guidebook!

 

Deadline: August 29


Are you hosting an event between September 19 and October 12?

Send us details to be included in the Halton Hills 10th anniversary print Culture Days guidebook. Free events, performances, or participatory workshops that are by donation during Culture Days are eligible to be included.


Email: culture@haltonhills.ca with the following details:

  • Location (include full address)
  • Date
  • Hours
  • An Image


Photo: Artist Milly Tseng (Norval Studios)

Workshops and Events

FREE Drop-in Bookbinding Activity Inspired by the Kindred Spirits exhibition


Sunday, September 21, 2 – 4 p.m.

Helson Gallery

 

Celebrate Lucy Maud Montgomery’s scrapbooks by making a pamphlet with the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG). Learn a beginner bookbinding skill and take home a fun L.M. Montgomery keepsake. All ages welcome!

 

Photo: Bookbinding activity

Drop-in Family Art Activity 


August 26, 1 - 3 p.m.

Helson Gallery


Join us for a free drop-in family art activity inspired by the work on view in the Emancipation Art Exhibition. The gallery will provide all materials. An adult must accompany children attending the session.


Photo: Colour and Line Broken Image (with markers)

We're Hiring

Public Art Coordinator – Part Time


Reporting to the Manager of Culture and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion this position coordinates all aspects of the Town’s Public Art Program, in accordance with the Public Art Master Plan and the Public Art Policy. The Public Art Coordinator also supports the delivery of community programming related to public art and supports the Cultural Services section workplan.

To learn about other local events, please visit the events calendar.

Create Halton Hills Core Services

  • Provide support to the local arts and culture sector
  • Engage and collaborate with cultural leaders and stakeholders
  • Provide funding, commissioning, and art sales opportunities
  • Deliver diverse cultural programing
  • Implement Public Art Program including temporary and permanent works
  • Operate Helson Gallery including delivery of programs and exhibitions
  • Lead Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation initiatives
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