Annual Spring Exhibition features Northwestern Ontario crafts, visual arts and more
As we begin final preparations for our Spring Exhibition, which runs from April 17-May 17, we’re excited to welcome Dryden crafter Francine Higgins to the show!
Francine (Fran) Higgins is a Dryden, Ontario–based crafter whose lifelong love of sewing is rooted in family, tradition, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of everyday life. Raised by her parents, Louis and Madeleine Toussaint, Fran grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of Northwestern Ontario—spending her days outdoors picking blueberries, fishing, and gathering with family and friends. These early experiences shaped her sense of creativity, patience, and connection to place.
Guided by her mother, a school teacher and skilled maker, Fran was introduced at a young age to cooking, sewing, and a love of reading. She fondly recalls watching her mother sew beautiful clothing and costumes, often helping in the process and learning by doing. Those early moments at her mother’s side—and countless hours spent on a green Elna sewing machine—sparked a passion that would stay with her for life. Upon graduating high school in 1977, Fran received a Kenmore sewing machine from her parents, a gift she continues to use to this day.
While she has explored many different crafts over the years, sewing has always remained at the heart of Fran’s creative practice. Working with fabric is her “happy place,” where she finds both comfort and expression. When she’s not at her sewing machine, Fran enjoys walking her dog, spending time with her husband, and getting lost in a good book—continuing a life shaped by creativity, care, and quiet inspiration.
Come and Visit our Spring Exhibition in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario
Our seasonal exhibitions rotate annually between Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, highlighting artists and ideas from across the region. This year’s exhibition runs from April 17 to May 17, 2026 at the Dyment Recreation Hall, with gallery hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1–4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
In addition to the exhibition, visitors can take part in a range of programming throughout the month, including:
- Live Creative Sessions: Open mic nights and collaborative music gatherings.
- Knowledge Sharing: Artist talks and interactive, hands-on workshops.
- Community Conversations: Discussions exploring art, climate, emerging technologies, and the broader impacts of nuclear waste management.
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