July 15 – September 13, 2026
Halton Black History Awareness Society: Emancipation Art Exhibition
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.
September 16 - November 8, 2026
Coming Soon: Twisted Wire - The Art of Jim Paterson
Explore the imaginative wire artworks of Jim Paterson in this interactive exhibition. Drawing inspiration from both his professional career and childhood experiences, Jim transforms twisted wire into intricate and thought-provoking works of art.
Each piece is created entirely from wire, with some sculptures that can even be gently turned, bringing different parts of the work to life through motion. This unique exhibition encourages visitors to engage with the stories he’s created through swirling forms and moving elements.
Join us on Thursday, September 24, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Helson Gallery for the opening reception. Meet the artist and learn about his creative process.
Photo: Jim Paterson, An Engine of Joy [crop], steel wire, mixed media
Twisted Wire Workshops
Pre-registration is required for the workshops. All are welcome to the Storytime in the Helson Gallery.
Registration links:
Always Imagine Wire Art Workshop for Children | Halton Hills Public Library
Always Imagine Wire Art Workshop for Adults | Halton Hills Public Library
Current Exhibitions in the Sisnett Lobby
September 1 – 27, 2026 - Upper & Lower Lobbies
Elements
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.
Learn about Credit Valley ArtisansSeptember 29 - November 1, 2026 - Upper Lobby
Coming Soon: Georgetown Rug Hooking Guild
Active in the community for over 50 years, the Georgetown Rug Hooking Guild is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the craft of rug hooking. The Guild not only showcases the artistry involved in rug hooking but also fosters a deeper appreciation for this time-honored craft through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects.
Photo Credit - Judy Payne, In the Garden, rug hooking
September 29 – November 1, 2026 - Lower Lobby
Coming Soon: Halton Hills Plein Air Artists
Explore paintings of local and regional landscapes created by the talented Halton Hills Plein Air Artists (HHPAA). Featuring works by Monica Burnside, Carol Hughes, Sheila Mitchell, Beatrice Roche, Rose Scully, and Susan Ying, this collection showcases the beauty of Halton Hills. The artists gather every Thursday from spring to late fall to paint in various parks throughout the area.
Photo Credit: Monica Burnside, Apple Blossoms, Georgetown
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
Photo: Paul MacPhail, Still Boundary, acrylic on canvas
Programs & Workshops
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Plein Air Painting Challenge
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.
Photo Credit: David Abbott painting at the plein air event 2025
Register to attendWednesdays 1-3 p.m.
Drawing in the Gallery
Every Wednesday afternoon in the Helson Gallery, connect with local artists and hone your figure drawing skills with these free, self-directed sessions. Bring your own art supplies, dry media only. Runs September 16 to December 9, 2026
Saturday September 26, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Worth A Look! Art Appraisals with Mandy Salter
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 participant (works on paper or canvas, plus sculpture).
Cost: Donations appreciated
Book a time slotSaturday October 3
Always Imagine Wire Art Workshop with Jim Paterson
- 10:00 a.m. Storytime in the Helson Gallery (all ages)
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Workshop 1 in the Studio Room (ages 7-12)
- 1 to 3 p.m. Workshop 2 in the Studio Room (Youth and Adult: 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.
Photo Credit: Jim Paterson Storytelling machine
Learn about wire workshopsAbout the Helson Gallery & Collection
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.