September 16 - November 8, 2026
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
Due to high demand, all workshops are full. Thank you for your interest.
Current Exhibitions in the Sisnett Lobby
September 29 - November 1, 2026 - Upper Lobby
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
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
Wednesdays 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 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) - FULL
- 1 to 3 p.m. Workshop 2 in the Studio Room (Youth and Adult: ages 13+) - FULL
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.