Orillia Museum of Art and History

Oil Painting with Carolyn Boyd
2025-10-01 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)

After School Art Program
2025-10-02 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-09 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-16 17:00 - 18:00
Inspire, Celebrate, Explore Workshops and Food Program

Art Program with Gillian Lowry
Thursdays 5-6 pmSeptember 25 – October 16
Public: $125.00 +HST
Family Members: $100.00 +HST
Unleash your creativity this school year! In this new after-school program, children will explore a variety of art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking. This four week program allows students to experiment with different materials and techniques, learning how to express their ideas in unique and imaginative ways.
Guided by local artist, Gillian Lowry, children will build the foundations of their artistic skills. Each week offers something new, from brushstrokes on canvas to carving clay and experimenting with form and texture.
This program is perfect for young artists ages six to 10 who want to begin their art journey!

Register Now

About the Instructor:
Gillian Lowry is a multidisciplinary artist, working in illustration, printmaking, painting and writing. She studied Studio Art and Geography at The University of Guelph and graduated on the Deans List with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), receiving the Printmaking Award and the top prize in Sculpture at the 2006 Juried Art Show.
Gillian’s writing and artwork have been published in North Simcoe Life, and Blank Spaces Magazine. Her work often draws on nature and the environment for inspiration.
Gillian’s latest print show, The Owl Pen Revisited, ran from September 2024 to January 2025 at The Orillia Museum of Art and History. She has also shown in Stack Gallery in Orillia, and The One of a Kind Show in Toronto. She has also been involved in multiple outdoor public art pieces as part of Street’s Alive in Orillia, Ontario.

Not a Member? Join today to save on classes!

AllAdult Programs

Classical Pilates at OMAHAdult Programs

A Night at the MuseumAdult Programs, Tours

John Gould: Travels of the Body and Mind
2025-10-04 11:00 - 2026-01-17 16:00
October 4, 2025 – January 17, 2026Reception: October 25, 2025 | 1 – 3 pm

john gould: travels of the mind and body

John Gould, sketch on paper. Image courtesy of the estate of John Gould.

John Gould (1929-2010) was a master draftsman, acclaimed jazz musician, and filmmaker who made several short films based on his drawings. He travelled to Japan, Mexico, Peru and Spain, where he spent his time sketching the local people in cafes and markets. Travels of the Mind and Body is an exhibition of these sketches along with works from the artist’s imagination.

OTHER EXHIBITIONS

AllExhibition CurrentExhibition PastExhibition Upcoming

The Many Faces of Paul Shilling: A RetrospectiveExhibition Current

Drake Williams: Awaken the SpiritsExhibition Current, Exhibition Upcoming

Icons & Alter Egos: Heroes, Villains, and Everything In-BetweenExhibition Past

Media Arts ShowcaseExhibition Past

From Hand to Heirloom: The Art of CraftExhibition Current

Face to FaceExhibition Past

29th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

Made in OrilliaExhibition Current

Tradition TransformedExhibition Past

Yours to Uncover: An Ontario Road Trip | Peter Fyfe and John NottenExhibition Past

John Gould: Travels of the Mind and BodyExhibition Past

Voices Through Time: A Mariposa JourneyExhibition Past

Tracing Places: Advertising in OrilliaExhibition Past

Orillia: Then & NowExhibition Past

28th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

ORILLIA LANDSCAPESExhibition Past

THE SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS: AT THE ORILLIA RECREATION CENTREExhibition Past

A Collection-Inspired Exhibition: Four Seasons in OrilliaExhibition Past

Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back the PagesExhibition Current

Perspectives Through Their EyesExhibition Past

Heritage in Hues: Orillia’s Story Through TextilesExhibition Past

Loup Garou & Mocassins | Nathalie BertinExhibition Past

Behold a Man Who is a Bean | Harley DuckExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

OWL PEN REVISITED | GILLIAN LOWRYExhibition Past

TEACHERS AND THEIR ENDURING IMPACT | JOSE SALASExhibition Past

INCLUSION: AT THE STACK GALLERYExhibition Past

EVERYONE HAS A STORY: TALES OF A COMMUNITYExhibition Current

THE PROCESS INFORMS ME | JEANETTE LUCHESEExhibition Past

PAWTRAITSExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OUR ROOTSExhibition Past

BACKRA BLUID | STACEY TYRELLExhibition Past

THE TEENAGE ZEITGEIST: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

SYBILExhibition Past

27TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL ART SHOWExhibition Past

REGENT PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADE 6/7 GARDEN DESIGN PROGRAMExhibition Past

ROBYN RENNIE: SEEING BEYONDExhibition Past

Grant’s Legacy: Capturing Orillia’s History on FilmExhibition Current

WRITING IN THE ROOM: ORILLIA’S LITERARY LEGACYExhibition Past

FRIENDSHIP REDISCOVEREDExhibition Past

A COLLECTION INSPIRED EXHIBITION: A CLOSE UP ON CARMICHAELExhibition Past

50 YEARS OF MARIPOSA ARTS THEATREExhibition Past

STEEPED IN HISTORYExhibition Past

JENNIFER ZARDO: HOME SWEET HOMEExhibition Past

TED FULLERTON: THE SERPENT’S EGGExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

HOMAGE by Donald StuartExhibition Past

ELIZABETH WYN WOODExhibition Past

26TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

RENEWAL: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

BEYOND THE FENCE: Christine Mack and David HillExhibition Past

GREAT TAIT: The True Story of Orillia’s First MillionaireExhibition Past

THE MACKINAW JACKET: A Canadian Folk CostumeExhibition Past

VIEWS OF ORILLIAExhibition Past

THE MAN WHO COULD FLY; THE GIRL WHO FLIES IN HER DREAMS BY SYLVIA TESORIExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

EYEING MEDUSA: Amanta ScottExhibition Past

EYEING OMAH’S COLLECTIONExhibition Past

BURNER HERZOG: Gary Blundell and Victoria WardExhibition Past

CONVERSATIONS: 150th Anniversary of the Ontario Society of ArtistsExhibition Past

ORILLIA SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL POP-UP EXHIBITExhibition Past

RETURN TO SENDERExhibition Past

25th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OURSELVESExhibition Past

AMY BAGSHAW: ART INTERRUPTIONSExhibition Past

FROM MARBLES TO MINECRAFT: A CENTURY OF CHILDHOODExhibition Past

COLOUR WITH A UExhibition Past

GOT THE TIME?Exhibition Past

JILL PRICE: UNFURLEDExhibition Past

WILL MCGARVEY: STICKS AND STONESExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

AT RISK: TRACEY LAWKOExhibition Past

SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORESExhibition Past

VIEWS FROM A CANOEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN ORILLIAExhibition Past

WELCOME HOME TO ORILLIAExhibition Past

D. AHSÉN:NASE DOUGLAS: WE ARE STILL HERE!Exhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

DYING MATTERS:REFLECTIONS OF GROWTH THROUGH GRIEFExhibition Past

SUMMER ON THE LAKEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF ORILLIA IN 50 ARTEFACTSExhibition Past

THE ORILLIA POLICE AND THE SIR SAMUEL STEELE MEMORIAL BUILDINGExhibition Past

The Human Form
2025-10-18 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-10-25 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-11-01 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-11-08 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-11-15 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-11-22 10:30 - 13:30
Inspire, Celebrate, Explore Workshops and Food Program

The Human Form
6 – Week Session.
Saturday, October 18 – November 22, 2025 | 10:30 – 1:30 PM.
Members: $110.00 +HST
Public: $135.00 +HST
Drop in day sessions (first come, first served – please call in advance to see if there are any spots available)
Drop-in Members: $20.00 +HST
Drop-in Public: $25.00 +HST
Please join your instructor, artist Kathryn Kaiser for OMAH’s 6-week life drawing class exploring the human form. Using nude and costumed models, participants will learn gesture drawing, anatomy, proportions and mass while trying different mediums such as charcoal, paint, ink and mixed media. Lessons also include using your non-dominant hand to draw, two-handed drawing techniques and blind contour drawings. Materials are not included.
No experience is necessary. OMAH welcomes drop-ins for single classes, but please note space is limited.
Please note that our programs run on a cost recovery basis, which means that minimum numbers must be met in order to run these programs. OMAH reserves the right to cancel our programs if minimums are not met so register early and register often!

Register Now

About the Instructor:

Kathryn Kaiser attended University of Lethbridge, where she studied Fine Arts, Psychology and Aboriginal Studies. As a young teen she was awarded scholarships to The Alberta College of Art and the Banff School of Fine Arts. Painting was always a part of her life.

As an adult, she has pursued her creative passion by taking classes and workshops and otherwise expanding her talents and experience wherever and whenever she is able. Her creative influences are mainly expressive figurative artists like Jenny Savillle, Peter Doig, John Hartman and Chris Gwaltney.
Kathryn has been involved in various projects promoting artists and their work, as well as humanitarian work with refugees and new Canadians. Kathryn does architectural renderings for various design, architectural and landscaping companies. She has been active in the Orillia Streets Alive (street art) project for the past few years and has enjoyed it immensely. Public and street art holds a growing interest for her.

Teaching is another one of Kathryn’s accomplishments and treasures. It is an honour to encourage others to overcome their apprehension, enabling them to open to the process and express themselves creatively.

Not a Member? Join today to save on classes!
Please note cancellation requests received at least 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the program start date will receive a full-refund. Cancellation requests received less than 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the program are non-refundable. Any program cancelled by the Orillia Museum of Art & History will be fully refunded regardless of the time of cancellation.
For more information about our refund/cancellation policy, click HERE.

VIEW MORE MIDDAY MAKES

All2024 Midday MakesMIDDAY MAKES

Hopping Hares with Ingi GouldMIDDAY MAKES

Encaustic Seasonal Cards with Francy Forte2024 Midday Makes, MIDDAY MAKES

AllAdult Programs

Classical Pilates at OMAHAdult Programs

A Night at the MuseumAdult Programs, Tours

PA Day Camps
2025-10-24 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-14 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-30 09:00 - 16:00

Tradition Transformed
2025-10-25 11:00 - 2026-01-10 16:00
October 25, 2025 – January 10, 2026Reception: October 25, 2025 | 1 – 3 PM

TRADITION TRANSFORMED

Annual Juried Landscape Exhibition

2024 participating artist Claire Domitric, Everchanging Lands. Watercolour and ink on Stone paper (Mineral paper), 20”x28”, 2022.

Call for Tradition Transformed Submissions

Conditions for Submission

Our vast and varied landscape is as unique and diverse as the people who inhabit, traverse, or envision it. This year, in conjunction with the exhibition John Gould: Travels of the Body and Mind running concurrently at OMAH, we invite participants to consider the theme of travel or daydreaming in relation to the Canadian Landscape.
Now in its 24th year, this annual juried exhibition was created in recognition of Franklin Carmichael, a renowned landscape artist and member of the Group of Seven, who was born in Orillia. Inspired by Northern Ontario’s natural beauty, Carmichael often travelled there to capture the landscape in watercolours, his preferred medium. This exhibition invites artists from across Canada to reinterpret the Canadian landscape through their chosen medium—including, but not limited to, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and media arts.

Additional Information

Entry Fee

There is an application fee of $40 (plus HST) per submission. Artists can submit up to 3 times, $40 (plus HST) each submission, one image for each entry.

Submission Details

Submission Deadline: Friday August 22, 2025 by midnightJury Results: The final week of September

Jurors

Carol-Ann Ryan

Visual arts professional and former Public Art Coordinator for the City of Barrie, with past roles at AGO, MOCA Toronto, MacLaren Art Centre, and more.

Erin Vincent

Acclaimed Toronto-based artist with exhibitions across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., represented by Christie Contemporary and other leading galleries.

Accepted Artwork

Terms and Conditions:

Accepted artworks must be received by OMAH on or by Monday October 20, 2025 between 10am-4pm. If you cannot deliver your artwork during this window, please ship your artwork to OMAH and ensure that it arrives by Friday October 17, 2025.

Address to: Tanya Cunnington℅ the Orillia Museum of Art and History30 Peter Street S, Orillia ONL3V 5A9

A printed or clearly written identification label that includes Artist, Title, Date, Medium, Dimensions, and Price must accompany artwork.
Transportation of artworks to and from OMAH, and costs related to this transportation are the responsibility of the artist(s)
Artwork that was shipped to the exhibition will be shipped back to the artist upon the completion of the exhibition at the artist’s expense via Canada Post, unless otherwise specified.
Artwork must arrive display-ready with appropriate hardware. Two-dimensional work must be ready to hang. Photographs should be professionally mounted and/or framed. OMAH reserves the right to refuse work if it arrives in a condition unsuitable for presentation in a museum gallery setting.
Accepted entries must remain on display until the final day of the exhibition, Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Artworks must be removed from OMAH on Monday, January 12, 2026, between 10am – 4pm. If you cannot pick up your artwork at this time, please contact Tanya Cunninton, OMAH’s Arts Programming Coordinator prior to the closing date of this exhibition to make other arrangements.
After Monday, January 12, 2026, artworks are no longer insured by OMAH.
Recipients of prizes will be announced at the reception, Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Prizes must be accepted as awarded.
Any sales of artwork are to be divided: 60% to the artist, 40% to OMAH.
Jurying will be conducted through electronic submissions. Successful candidates will then be notified by email late-September. At that time, candidates will be invited to submit supplemental information for consideration for The Kevin J. Batchelor Emerging Artist Award. This is subject to change. The Jurors’ Prize recipient will be determined by the Jurors.
OMAH allows visitors to take photographs in the museum. If artists do not want their work photographed, they must inform the Museum in writing. In most cases, and to the extent that enforcement is reasonable and possible, OMAH will attempt to accommodate the artist’s request.
OMAH retains the right to use artist’s images for promotional purposes related to the current and future iterations of Tradition Transformed.

Prizes

Jurors' Prize

$1,500

Juror’s Prize is awarded to the artist who best exemplifies the qualities that Franklin Carmichael found ideal, incorporating diversity in their work, using an impressionistic style, and remaining sophisticated in their depictions of the various landscapes in our geography. The recipient of this award should visibly be embracing, challenging or addressing existing approaches to Canadian landscapes.

Kevin J. Batchelor Emerging Artist Award

$1,000

This year marks the 10th year of this award, which has been graciously funded by the Batchelor family upon the passing of arts advocate Kevin J. Batchelor in 2015. Batchelor was a local music teacher and artist.
The Kevin J. Batchelor Emerging Artist Award will be given to an emerging artist* working in either one of the 2-D mediums such as painting, drawing or mixed media (photography excluded) and will be selected by the Batchelor family.

NEW: The Philip Jackman Photography Prize

$500

This year marks the inaugural year of this award. Philip was a photographer, graphic designer and editor for The Globe and Mail. Philip passed away in 2022.
The Philip Jackman Photography Prize will be given annually to an artist working in photography, be it digital or print, and will be selected by the Jackman family.

Norma Duggan Award

$250

This award is presented annually for a landscape which exemplifies a uniqueness of artistic vision and creative approach and is executed with excellence. Norma Duggan was an Ontario based artist who loved painting the Ontario landscape. Eligible artworks include non-digital painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed-media and collage works created by artists who are not enrolled as full-or part-time art students.

OTHER EXHIBITIONS

AllExhibition CurrentExhibition PastExhibition Upcoming

The Many Faces of Paul Shilling: A RetrospectiveExhibition Current

Drake Williams: Awaken the SpiritsExhibition Current, Exhibition Upcoming

Icons & Alter Egos: Heroes, Villains, and Everything In-BetweenExhibition Past

Media Arts ShowcaseExhibition Past

From Hand to Heirloom: The Art of CraftExhibition Current

Face to FaceExhibition Past

29th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

Made in OrilliaExhibition Current

Tradition TransformedExhibition Past

Yours to Uncover: An Ontario Road Trip | Peter Fyfe and John NottenExhibition Past

John Gould: Travels of the Mind and BodyExhibition Past

Voices Through Time: A Mariposa JourneyExhibition Past

Tracing Places: Advertising in OrilliaExhibition Past

Orillia: Then & NowExhibition Past

28th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

ORILLIA LANDSCAPESExhibition Past

THE SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS: AT THE ORILLIA RECREATION CENTREExhibition Past

A Collection-Inspired Exhibition: Four Seasons in OrilliaExhibition Past

Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back the PagesExhibition Current

Perspectives Through Their EyesExhibition Past

Heritage in Hues: Orillia’s Story Through TextilesExhibition Past

Loup Garou & Mocassins | Nathalie BertinExhibition Past

Behold a Man Who is a Bean | Harley DuckExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

OWL PEN REVISITED | GILLIAN LOWRYExhibition Past

TEACHERS AND THEIR ENDURING IMPACT | JOSE SALASExhibition Past

INCLUSION: AT THE STACK GALLERYExhibition Past

EVERYONE HAS A STORY: TALES OF A COMMUNITYExhibition Current

THE PROCESS INFORMS ME | JEANETTE LUCHESEExhibition Past

PAWTRAITSExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OUR ROOTSExhibition Past

BACKRA BLUID | STACEY TYRELLExhibition Past

THE TEENAGE ZEITGEIST: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

SYBILExhibition Past

27TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL ART SHOWExhibition Past

REGENT PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADE 6/7 GARDEN DESIGN PROGRAMExhibition Past

ROBYN RENNIE: SEEING BEYONDExhibition Past

Grant’s Legacy: Capturing Orillia’s History on FilmExhibition Current

WRITING IN THE ROOM: ORILLIA’S LITERARY LEGACYExhibition Past

FRIENDSHIP REDISCOVEREDExhibition Past

A COLLECTION INSPIRED EXHIBITION: A CLOSE UP ON CARMICHAELExhibition Past

50 YEARS OF MARIPOSA ARTS THEATREExhibition Past

STEEPED IN HISTORYExhibition Past

JENNIFER ZARDO: HOME SWEET HOMEExhibition Past

TED FULLERTON: THE SERPENT’S EGGExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

HOMAGE by Donald StuartExhibition Past

ELIZABETH WYN WOODExhibition Past

26TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

RENEWAL: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

BEYOND THE FENCE: Christine Mack and David HillExhibition Past

GREAT TAIT: The True Story of Orillia’s First MillionaireExhibition Past

THE MACKINAW JACKET: A Canadian Folk CostumeExhibition Past

VIEWS OF ORILLIAExhibition Past

THE MAN WHO COULD FLY; THE GIRL WHO FLIES IN HER DREAMS BY SYLVIA TESORIExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

EYEING MEDUSA: Amanta ScottExhibition Past

EYEING OMAH’S COLLECTIONExhibition Past

BURNER HERZOG: Gary Blundell and Victoria WardExhibition Past

CONVERSATIONS: 150th Anniversary of the Ontario Society of ArtistsExhibition Past

ORILLIA SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL POP-UP EXHIBITExhibition Past

RETURN TO SENDERExhibition Past

25th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OURSELVESExhibition Past

AMY BAGSHAW: ART INTERRUPTIONSExhibition Past

FROM MARBLES TO MINECRAFT: A CENTURY OF CHILDHOODExhibition Past

COLOUR WITH A UExhibition Past

GOT THE TIME?Exhibition Past

JILL PRICE: UNFURLEDExhibition Past

WILL MCGARVEY: STICKS AND STONESExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

AT RISK: TRACEY LAWKOExhibition Past

SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORESExhibition Past

VIEWS FROM A CANOEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN ORILLIAExhibition Past

WELCOME HOME TO ORILLIAExhibition Past

D. AHSÉN:NASE DOUGLAS: WE ARE STILL HERE!Exhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

DYING MATTERS:REFLECTIONS OF GROWTH THROUGH GRIEFExhibition Past

SUMMER ON THE LAKEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF ORILLIA IN 50 ARTEFACTSExhibition Past

THE ORILLIA POLICE AND THE SIR SAMUEL STEELE MEMORIAL BUILDINGExhibition Past

Music for the Museum
2025-11-01 19:30 - 21:30
BUY TICKETS

Trivia Night
2025-11-04 18:00 - 20:00
Trivia NightHosted by The Orillia Museum of Art & History
Tuesday November 4, 2025 | 6 -8 pm

Public: $10.00 +HST20% discount for members.
Join us for an evening of trivia fun at Kelsey’s! This one-night trivia event, hosted by OMAH, will put your knowledge to the test with a mix of Orillia’s fascinating history and popular culture favorites. From local legends and landmark moments to music, movies, and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. Gather your friends, grab some great food and drinks, and get ready for plenty of laughs and of course, some friendly competition. Who will be crowned the ultimate trivia champion?

Register Now

AllAdult Programs

Classical Pilates at OMAHAdult Programs

A Night at the MuseumAdult Programs, Tours

Gel Plate Printmaking with Parklane Landscapes
2025-11-13 17:00 - 19:00
Inspire, Celebrate, Explore Workshops and Food Program

Gel Plate Printmaking
Thursday, November 13 | 5-7 pm

Public: $40.00 +HST
Members: $35.00 +HST
Gel plate printmaking! On November 13 please join Sustainable Landscape Designer and Therapeutic Horticultural Practitioner Joanne Mohan from Parklane Landscapes to explore the artform of gel plate printmaking. Throughout the growing season, Joanne has been collecting/drying petals and leaves to ink and press on paper using a gel plate. Gel plate printmaking is a modern, non-toxic and latex free take on traditional gelatin printmaking and requires no printing press. Participants will create a series of monoprints, which are single, one-of-a-kind artworks.
All materials are included.

Register Now

About the Instructor:
Joanne Mohan joined Parklane in 2011 as a Landscape Designer. As she grew up in a family landscape construction and garden centre business in Ireland, she has an appreciation for the family business dynamic. Joanne completed a degree in Property Economics, a Master in Landscape Architecture, and a certificate in Ecology in Ireland and has brought this knowledge and experience to Parklane. Joanne worked in Ireland as a landscape designer, completing projects for both residential and commercial clients, and maintaining an Integrated Constructed Wetland. She considers the use of plants as an important aesthetic element in a garden and encourages the use of native and naturalized planting schemes to ensure a balance between the garden’s ecology and environment.

Joanne is also a therapeutic horticultural practitioner, offering educational programs to homeowners, youth, and seniors on topics such as plant therapy, climate-resilient gardening, and sustainable practices that promote a healthier environment through plants and our gardens. She understands the value of both, and how they benefit us mentally, physically, and socially. Joanne encourages everyone to engage with plants, acknowledging that even a small container with one or two plants can provide therapeutic value in our daily lives.

Not a Member? Join today to save on classes!

AllAdult Programs

Classical Pilates at OMAHAdult Programs

A Night at the MuseumAdult Programs, Tours

Into the Unknown: An Evening with Adam Shoalts
2025-11-20 19:00 - 21:00
Inspire, Celebrate, Explore Workshops and Food Program

Thursday, November 20, 2025
7:00PM – 8:30PM
Ticket & Copy of Vanished Beyond the Map: $60 + HSTTicket & Copy of Vanished Beyond the Map & Guest: $85 + HSTTicket Only: $25
Back by popular demand! Adam Shoalts is back in support of the Museum! Join us for a captivating evening with Adam Shoalts—national bestselling author and professional adventurer who will join us to discuss his well-known expeditions in Canada’s wilderness, including his newest book, Vanished Beyond the Map: The Mystery of Lost Explorer Hubert Darrell. It is the story of a legendary lost explorer who disappeared more than a century ago and Shoalts’s quest to retrace his route to unravel the mystery of his disappearance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by one of Canada’s greatest explorers.
Suitable for adults 19+. Books available for pickup at the event.Location to be announced as soon as possible.
Please note: This event directly supports the Museum. All ticket sales are final, and we thank you for understanding that refunds are not available. Your participation helps us continue offering meaningful programs and exhibitions.

Register Now

About Adam Shoalts:
Adam Shoalts is a professional adventurer and Westaway Explorer-in-Residence at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and Outward Bound’s ambassador. His expeditions range from mapping rivers to archaeological projects, but Shoalts is best known for his long solo journeys, including crossing alone nearly 4,000 km of Canada’s Arctic. Named one of the “greatest living explorers” by CBC and even declared “Canada’s Indiana Jones” by the Toronto Star, Shoalts’s latest adventure was a 3,400 km solo journey from Lake Erie to the Arctic, the subject of his new national bestselling book Where the Falcon Flies. His other books include Alone Against the North, A History of Canada in 10 Maps, and Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada’s Arctic, and The Whisper on the Night Wind, all of them national bestsellers. He has a PhD from McMaster University in history, and in his free time, enjoys long walks in the woods.

Salt Dough Ornaments
2025-12-13 11:30 - 14:30
Create, sip, and celebrate the season at OMAH!

Join us on December 13 for a free Salt Dough Ornaments drop-in program, complete with hot chocolate and cookies. A perfect holiday activity for all ages!
This cozy community program is proudly sponsored by Housser’s Paint — thank you for helping us bring festive creativity to life!

Gel Plate Printmaking with Parklane Landscapes
2026-01-22 17:00 - 19:00
Public: $40.00 +HST
Members: $35.00 +HST
On January 22, join Sustainable Landscape Designer and Therapeutic Horticultural Practitioner Joanne Mohan from Parklane Landscapes as she guides you through the artform of gel plate printmaking.
Throughout the growing season, Joanne has been collecting and drying petals and leaves to ink and press onto paper using a gel plate. Gel plate printmaking is a modern, non-toxic, and latex-free take on traditional gelatin printmaking and requires no printing press.
Participants will create a series of monoprints—single, one-of-a-kind artworks.
All materials are included.

Register Now

About the Instructor:
Joanne Mohan joined Parklane in 2011 as a Landscape Designer. As she grew up in a family landscape construction and garden centre business in Ireland, she has an appreciation for the family business dynamic. Joanne completed a degree in Property Economics, a Master in Landscape Architecture, and a certificate in Ecology in Ireland and has brought this knowledge and experience to Parklane. Joanne worked in Ireland as a landscape designer, completing projects for both residential and commercial clients, and maintaining an Integrated Constructed Wetland. She considers the use of plants as an important aesthetic element in a garden and encourages the use of native and naturalized planting schemes to ensure a balance between the garden’s ecology and environment.

Joanne is also a therapeutic horticultural practitioner, offering educational programs to homeowners, youth, and seniors on topics such as plant therapy, climate-resilient gardening, and sustainable practices that promote a healthier environment through plants and our gardens. She understands the value of both, and how they benefit us mentally, physically, and socially. Joanne encourages everyone to engage with plants, acknowledging that even a small container with one or two plants can provide therapeutic value in our daily lives.

Not a Member? Join today to save on classes!

Please note cancellation requests received at least 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the program start date will receive a full-refund. Cancellation requests received less than 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the program are non-refundable. Any program cancelled by the Orillia Museum of Art & History will be fully refunded regardless of the time of cancellation.
For more information about our refund/cancellation policy, click HERE.

AllAdult Programs

Classical Pilates at OMAHAdult Programs

A Night at the MuseumAdult Programs, Tours

FACE TO FACE
2026-01-31 08:00 - 2026-04-11 17:00
January 31, 2026 to April 11, 2026

FACE TO FACE

Face to Face features portraits from OMAH’s permanent collection, each with a connection to Orillia through the artist, the subject, or the story behind the work. These portraits explore identity and representation, showing how people choose to present themselves and how artists see them.
Take a moment with each piece—notice the eyes, hands, posture, clothing, and surroundings. Colours, expressions, and details all tell a story about the subject, the artist, and their time.
One portrait, The Lovely, remains a mystery. If you can help identify it, your contribution will be featured in our next newsletter.
Curated by Sheila Davis and Barbara Purdy, OMAH Volunteers

OTHER EXHIBITIONS

AllExhibition CurrentExhibition PastExhibition Upcoming

The Many Faces of Paul Shilling: A RetrospectiveExhibition Current

Drake Williams: Awaken the SpiritsExhibition Current, Exhibition Upcoming

Icons & Alter Egos: Heroes, Villains, and Everything In-BetweenExhibition Past

Media Arts ShowcaseExhibition Past

From Hand to Heirloom: The Art of CraftExhibition Current

Face to FaceExhibition Past

29th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

Made in OrilliaExhibition Current

Tradition TransformedExhibition Past

Yours to Uncover: An Ontario Road Trip | Peter Fyfe and John NottenExhibition Past

John Gould: Travels of the Mind and BodyExhibition Past

Voices Through Time: A Mariposa JourneyExhibition Past

Tracing Places: Advertising in OrilliaExhibition Past

Orillia: Then & NowExhibition Past

28th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

ORILLIA LANDSCAPESExhibition Past

THE SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS: AT THE ORILLIA RECREATION CENTREExhibition Past

A Collection-Inspired Exhibition: Four Seasons in OrilliaExhibition Past

Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back the PagesExhibition Current

Perspectives Through Their EyesExhibition Past

Heritage in Hues: Orillia’s Story Through TextilesExhibition Past

Loup Garou & Mocassins | Nathalie BertinExhibition Past

Behold a Man Who is a Bean | Harley DuckExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

OWL PEN REVISITED | GILLIAN LOWRYExhibition Past

TEACHERS AND THEIR ENDURING IMPACT | JOSE SALASExhibition Past

INCLUSION: AT THE STACK GALLERYExhibition Past

EVERYONE HAS A STORY: TALES OF A COMMUNITYExhibition Current

THE PROCESS INFORMS ME | JEANETTE LUCHESEExhibition Past

PAWTRAITSExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OUR ROOTSExhibition Past

BACKRA BLUID | STACEY TYRELLExhibition Past

THE TEENAGE ZEITGEIST: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

SYBILExhibition Past

27TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL ART SHOWExhibition Past

REGENT PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADE 6/7 GARDEN DESIGN PROGRAMExhibition Past

ROBYN RENNIE: SEEING BEYONDExhibition Past

Grant’s Legacy: Capturing Orillia’s History on FilmExhibition Current

WRITING IN THE ROOM: ORILLIA’S LITERARY LEGACYExhibition Past

FRIENDSHIP REDISCOVEREDExhibition Past

A COLLECTION INSPIRED EXHIBITION: A CLOSE UP ON CARMICHAELExhibition Past

50 YEARS OF MARIPOSA ARTS THEATREExhibition Past

STEEPED IN HISTORYExhibition Past

JENNIFER ZARDO: HOME SWEET HOMEExhibition Past

TED FULLERTON: THE SERPENT’S EGGExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

HOMAGE by Donald StuartExhibition Past

ELIZABETH WYN WOODExhibition Past

26TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

RENEWAL: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

BEYOND THE FENCE: Christine Mack and David HillExhibition Past

GREAT TAIT: The True Story of Orillia’s First MillionaireExhibition Past

THE MACKINAW JACKET: A Canadian Folk CostumeExhibition Past

VIEWS OF ORILLIAExhibition Past

THE MAN WHO COULD FLY; THE GIRL WHO FLIES IN HER DREAMS BY SYLVIA TESORIExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

EYEING MEDUSA: Amanta ScottExhibition Past

EYEING OMAH’S COLLECTIONExhibition Past

BURNER HERZOG: Gary Blundell and Victoria WardExhibition Past

CONVERSATIONS: 150th Anniversary of the Ontario Society of ArtistsExhibition Past

ORILLIA SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL POP-UP EXHIBITExhibition Past

RETURN TO SENDERExhibition Past

25th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OURSELVESExhibition Past

AMY BAGSHAW: ART INTERRUPTIONSExhibition Past

FROM MARBLES TO MINECRAFT: A CENTURY OF CHILDHOODExhibition Past

COLOUR WITH A UExhibition Past

GOT THE TIME?Exhibition Past

JILL PRICE: UNFURLEDExhibition Past

WILL MCGARVEY: STICKS AND STONESExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

AT RISK: TRACEY LAWKOExhibition Past

SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORESExhibition Past

VIEWS FROM A CANOEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN ORILLIAExhibition Past

WELCOME HOME TO ORILLIAExhibition Past

D. AHSÉN:NASE DOUGLAS: WE ARE STILL HERE!Exhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

DYING MATTERS:REFLECTIONS OF GROWTH THROUGH GRIEFExhibition Past

SUMMER ON THE LAKEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF ORILLIA IN 50 ARTEFACTSExhibition Past

THE ORILLIA POLICE AND THE SIR SAMUEL STEELE MEMORIAL BUILDINGExhibition Past

Viewpoint
2026-01-31 08:00 - 2026-05-23 17:00
viewpoint

Jan 31 to may 23, 2026
Special Reception: Jan 31 | 1-3 pm
The upper Gallery, OMAH

“Orchid Dressed in Teal” photograph by Victoria Martin

Since its inception in Orillia in 1997, The International Women’s Day Art Show has inspired hundreds of artists to participate in dynamic exhibitions exploring a wide range of media and themes.
The show’s main goal is to encourage women to express themselves artistically in a themed group exhibit, which is not juried and therefore inclusive of all abilities, experiences and orientations.
This year, 100 artists have embraced the challenge of interpreting the theme “Viewpoint” through mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, textile and fibre arts.

Please note that this is exhibit is now closed for submissions. If you would like to receive information about how to submit your work for the 2027 show, please send an email to womensartshow@gmail.com

OTHER EXHIBITIONS

AllExhibition CurrentExhibition PastExhibition Upcoming

The Many Faces of Paul Shilling: A RetrospectiveExhibition Current

Drake Williams: Awaken the SpiritsExhibition Current, Exhibition Upcoming

Icons & Alter Egos: Heroes, Villains, and Everything In-BetweenExhibition Past

Media Arts ShowcaseExhibition Past

From Hand to Heirloom: The Art of CraftExhibition Current

Face to FaceExhibition Past

29th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

Made in OrilliaExhibition Current

Tradition TransformedExhibition Past

Yours to Uncover: An Ontario Road Trip | Peter Fyfe and John NottenExhibition Past

John Gould: Travels of the Mind and BodyExhibition Past

Voices Through Time: A Mariposa JourneyExhibition Past

Tracing Places: Advertising in OrilliaExhibition Past

Orillia: Then & NowExhibition Past

28th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

ORILLIA LANDSCAPESExhibition Past

THE SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS: AT THE ORILLIA RECREATION CENTREExhibition Past

A Collection-Inspired Exhibition: Four Seasons in OrilliaExhibition Past

Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back the PagesExhibition Current

Perspectives Through Their EyesExhibition Past

Heritage in Hues: Orillia’s Story Through TextilesExhibition Past

Loup Garou & Mocassins | Nathalie BertinExhibition Past

Behold a Man Who is a Bean | Harley DuckExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

OWL PEN REVISITED | GILLIAN LOWRYExhibition Past

TEACHERS AND THEIR ENDURING IMPACT | JOSE SALASExhibition Past

INCLUSION: AT THE STACK GALLERYExhibition Past

EVERYONE HAS A STORY: TALES OF A COMMUNITYExhibition Current

THE PROCESS INFORMS ME | JEANETTE LUCHESEExhibition Past

PAWTRAITSExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OUR ROOTSExhibition Past

BACKRA BLUID | STACEY TYRELLExhibition Past

THE TEENAGE ZEITGEIST: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

SYBILExhibition Past

27TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL ART SHOWExhibition Past

REGENT PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADE 6/7 GARDEN DESIGN PROGRAMExhibition Past

ROBYN RENNIE: SEEING BEYONDExhibition Past

Grant’s Legacy: Capturing Orillia’s History on FilmExhibition Current

WRITING IN THE ROOM: ORILLIA’S LITERARY LEGACYExhibition Past

FRIENDSHIP REDISCOVEREDExhibition Past

A COLLECTION INSPIRED EXHIBITION: A CLOSE UP ON CARMICHAELExhibition Past

50 YEARS OF MARIPOSA ARTS THEATREExhibition Past

STEEPED IN HISTORYExhibition Past

JENNIFER ZARDO: HOME SWEET HOMEExhibition Past

TED FULLERTON: THE SERPENT’S EGGExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

HOMAGE by Donald StuartExhibition Past

ELIZABETH WYN WOODExhibition Past

26TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

RENEWAL: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

BEYOND THE FENCE: Christine Mack and David HillExhibition Past

GREAT TAIT: The True Story of Orillia’s First MillionaireExhibition Past

THE MACKINAW JACKET: A Canadian Folk CostumeExhibition Past

VIEWS OF ORILLIAExhibition Past

THE MAN WHO COULD FLY; THE GIRL WHO FLIES IN HER DREAMS BY SYLVIA TESORIExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

EYEING MEDUSA: Amanta ScottExhibition Past

EYEING OMAH’S COLLECTIONExhibition Past

BURNER HERZOG: Gary Blundell and Victoria WardExhibition Past

CONVERSATIONS: 150th Anniversary of the Ontario Society of ArtistsExhibition Past

ORILLIA SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL POP-UP EXHIBITExhibition Past

RETURN TO SENDERExhibition Past

25th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OURSELVESExhibition Past

AMY BAGSHAW: ART INTERRUPTIONSExhibition Past

FROM MARBLES TO MINECRAFT: A CENTURY OF CHILDHOODExhibition Past

COLOUR WITH A UExhibition Past

GOT THE TIME?Exhibition Past

JILL PRICE: UNFURLEDExhibition Past

WILL MCGARVEY: STICKS AND STONESExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

AT RISK: TRACEY LAWKOExhibition Past

SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORESExhibition Past

VIEWS FROM A CANOEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN ORILLIAExhibition Past

WELCOME HOME TO ORILLIAExhibition Past

D. AHSÉN:NASE DOUGLAS: WE ARE STILL HERE!Exhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

DYING MATTERS:REFLECTIONS OF GROWTH THROUGH GRIEFExhibition Past

SUMMER ON THE LAKEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF ORILLIA IN 50 ARTEFACTSExhibition Past

THE ORILLIA POLICE AND THE SIR SAMUEL STEELE MEMORIAL BUILDINGExhibition Past

Made in Orillia: The Toys that Built Childhood
2026-01-31 08:00 - 2026-08-29 17:00
January 31, 2026 to August 29, 2026

Made in Orillia:
The Toys that Built Childhood

Made in Orillia: The Toys that Built Childhood explores how locally produced toys shaped play, identity, and childhood in the mid-20th century. Drawing from the Orillia Museum of Art & History’s collection, the exhibition highlights toys produced by companies such as Tudhope Specialties Limited (later Orillia Tudhope Anderson Company or OTACO) and Lloyd Baby Carriages.
From miniature ovens, pressed-steel trucks, and doll carriages, the exhibition shows how toys reflected the social values of their time. Set against the backdrop of postwar prosperity and the looming Cold War, these toys carried messages about gender, work, family life, and consumer culture. While designed for play, they also mirrored adult expectations of who children were and who they were expected to be.
By placing Orillia’s toy industry within a broader historical and cultural context, this exhibition invites visitors to consider how toys shape childhood experiences, influence ideas about gender, and continue to reflect the world in which they are made.

OTHER EXHIBITIONS

AllExhibition CurrentExhibition PastExhibition Upcoming

The Many Faces of Paul Shilling: A RetrospectiveExhibition Current

Drake Williams: Awaken the SpiritsExhibition Current, Exhibition Upcoming

Icons & Alter Egos: Heroes, Villains, and Everything In-BetweenExhibition Past

Media Arts ShowcaseExhibition Past

From Hand to Heirloom: The Art of CraftExhibition Current

Face to FaceExhibition Past

29th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

Made in OrilliaExhibition Current

Tradition TransformedExhibition Past

Yours to Uncover: An Ontario Road Trip | Peter Fyfe and John NottenExhibition Past

John Gould: Travels of the Mind and BodyExhibition Past

Voices Through Time: A Mariposa JourneyExhibition Past

Tracing Places: Advertising in OrilliaExhibition Past

Orillia: Then & NowExhibition Past

28th Annual International Women’s Day Art ShowExhibition Past

ORILLIA LANDSCAPESExhibition Past

THE SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS: AT THE ORILLIA RECREATION CENTREExhibition Past

A Collection-Inspired Exhibition: Four Seasons in OrilliaExhibition Past

Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back the PagesExhibition Current

Perspectives Through Their EyesExhibition Past

Heritage in Hues: Orillia’s Story Through TextilesExhibition Past

Loup Garou & Mocassins | Nathalie BertinExhibition Past

Behold a Man Who is a Bean | Harley DuckExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

OWL PEN REVISITED | GILLIAN LOWRYExhibition Past

TEACHERS AND THEIR ENDURING IMPACT | JOSE SALASExhibition Past

INCLUSION: AT THE STACK GALLERYExhibition Past

EVERYONE HAS A STORY: TALES OF A COMMUNITYExhibition Current

THE PROCESS INFORMS ME | JEANETTE LUCHESEExhibition Past

PAWTRAITSExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OUR ROOTSExhibition Past

BACKRA BLUID | STACEY TYRELLExhibition Past

THE TEENAGE ZEITGEIST: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

SYBILExhibition Past

27TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL ART SHOWExhibition Past

REGENT PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADE 6/7 GARDEN DESIGN PROGRAMExhibition Past

ROBYN RENNIE: SEEING BEYONDExhibition Past

Grant’s Legacy: Capturing Orillia’s History on FilmExhibition Current

WRITING IN THE ROOM: ORILLIA’S LITERARY LEGACYExhibition Past

FRIENDSHIP REDISCOVEREDExhibition Past

A COLLECTION INSPIRED EXHIBITION: A CLOSE UP ON CARMICHAELExhibition Past

50 YEARS OF MARIPOSA ARTS THEATREExhibition Past

STEEPED IN HISTORYExhibition Past

JENNIFER ZARDO: HOME SWEET HOMEExhibition Past

TED FULLERTON: THE SERPENT’S EGGExhibition Past

TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

HOMAGE by Donald StuartExhibition Past

ELIZABETH WYN WOODExhibition Past

26TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

RENEWAL: At the Stack GalleryExhibition Past

BEYOND THE FENCE: Christine Mack and David HillExhibition Past

GREAT TAIT: The True Story of Orillia’s First MillionaireExhibition Past

THE MACKINAW JACKET: A Canadian Folk CostumeExhibition Past

VIEWS OF ORILLIAExhibition Past

THE MAN WHO COULD FLY; THE GIRL WHO FLIES IN HER DREAMS BY SYLVIA TESORIExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

EYEING MEDUSA: Amanta ScottExhibition Past

EYEING OMAH’S COLLECTIONExhibition Past

BURNER HERZOG: Gary Blundell and Victoria WardExhibition Past

CONVERSATIONS: 150th Anniversary of the Ontario Society of ArtistsExhibition Past

ORILLIA SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL POP-UP EXHIBITExhibition Past

RETURN TO SENDERExhibition Past

25th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ART SHOWExhibition Past

REFLECTIONS OF OURSELVESExhibition Past

AMY BAGSHAW: ART INTERRUPTIONSExhibition Past

FROM MARBLES TO MINECRAFT: A CENTURY OF CHILDHOODExhibition Past

COLOUR WITH A UExhibition Past

GOT THE TIME?Exhibition Past

JILL PRICE: UNFURLEDExhibition Past

WILL MCGARVEY: STICKS AND STONESExhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

AT RISK: TRACEY LAWKOExhibition Past

SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORESExhibition Past

VIEWS FROM A CANOEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN ORILLIAExhibition Past

WELCOME HOME TO ORILLIAExhibition Past

D. AHSÉN:NASE DOUGLAS: WE ARE STILL HERE!Exhibition Past

CARMICHAEL CANADIAN LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION: TRADITION TRANSFORMEDExhibition Past

DYING MATTERS:REFLECTIONS OF GROWTH THROUGH GRIEFExhibition Past

SUMMER ON THE LAKEExhibition Past

THE HISTORY OF ORILLIA IN 50 ARTEFACTSExhibition Past

THE ORILLIA POLICE AND THE SIR SAMUEL STEELE MEMORIAL BUILDINGExhibition Past

Classical Pilates at OMAH
2026-03-19 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-03-26 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-02 16:30 - 17:30
Inspire, Celebrate, Explore Workshops and Food Program

Program Details
Day: Thursdays
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Location: Orillia Museum of Art & History – Second Floor Gallery
Instructor: Tara Powers, More Life Pilates
What to Bring: Your own yoga/Pilates mat
Experience Level: All levels welcome
Registration:Register directly through More Life Pilates:Click here to register

Classical Pilates at OMAH
Experience the benefits of Authentic and Classical Mat Pilates in a unique setting at the Orillia Museum of Art & History. Beginning Thursday, March 19 at 4:30 p.m., these 60-minute classes will take place on the museum’s second floor, surrounded by artwork from the 29th International Women’s Day Art Show.
In partnership with More Life Pilates, this program offers participants the opportunity to practice the original Pilates method developed by Joseph Pilates. Classes follow the traditional sequence of exercises outlined in Return to Life, along with Classical Mat work passed down through Pilates’ protégé Romana Kryzanowska.
Each class is led by Tara Powers, a certified 4th Generation Authentic and Classical Pilates teacher, who is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the original method. Sessions emphasize proper technique, safety, and mindful movement while helping participants build strength, balance, and focus.
Practicing Pilates within the gallery space creates a peaceful and inspiring environment where movement, mindfulness, and art come together.
Participants are asked to bring their own mat.

Register Now

About More Life Pilates
More Life Pilates, led by Tara Powers, has been serving the local community for four years. As a 4th Generation Authentic and Classical Pilates teacher, Tara teaches the original method developed by Joseph Pilates and passed down through his student Romana Kryzanowska.
Through this direct lineage, Tara upholds the rigorous standards and holistic philosophy of Classical Pilates. More Life Pilates operates the region’s only fully equipped Authentic and Classical Pilates studio in Orillia and Simcoe County, offering the complete range of original Pilates apparatus.

Mariposa Mornings
2026-03-28 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-02 09:00 - 11:00
A Morning Designed for Young Explorers

Beginning on Saturday, March 28 with a special opening celebration!

Mariposa Mornings is a weekly toddler play program at the Orillia Museum of Art & History, inviting families with children under six into a relaxed and welcoming environment where young children can explore creativity through open-ended play.
This drop-in program features simple art activities, imaginative play stations, and opportunities for caregivers to connect with other families while enjoying one of the most unique toddler activities in Orillia.
During these special morning hours, the museum is reserved exclusively for families with children under six, creating a calm and comfortable space for little ones to play and explore.
Families are welcome to bring coffee or snacks to enjoy during the morning — Mariposa Market next door is a convenient option, but bringing your own is just as welcome. Guests can enter through the museum doors in the same parking lot.

Register Now

Mariposa Mornings Opening Celebration

Be part of the beginning!

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Mariposa Mornings, a brand-new creative play program for families with young children.
To mark this special occasion, we’re hosting an Opening Celebration filled with extra activities and treats while we kick off our pilot season.
Families can enjoy:
• Colouring stations and creative play activities• A collaborative community mural• A fun photo-op corner• Cookies from Coco’s Cookies• A Little Sips Bar with toddler-friendly drinks• Coffee and light refreshments for caregivers• A small takeaway keepsake to commemorate the launch
Come meet other families, explore the space, and help us start something special for the museum’s youngest visitors.
✨ Special pilot pricing applies for this opening celebration.

Mariposa Mornings FAQs

Find answers to common questions about our family program.

What is Mariposa Mornings?
Mariposa Mornings is a weekly toddler play program in Orillia hosted at the Orillia Museum of Art & History, offering art activities, imaginative play stations, and a welcoming space for families with children ages 0–6.

Do I need to register?
Registration is recommended to secure your spot, as space is limited. You can register HERE
Drop-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

What ages is this best for?
Mariposa Mornings is designed for families with children ages 0–6. This toddler program at the Orillia Museum of Art & History creates a calm environment where young children can explore art activities, play, and creativity.

Can siblings come?
Yes, siblings are welcome to join the fun!

Is it stroller-friendly?
Yes. The Orillia Museum of Art & History is stroller-friendly and accessible, making it easy for families with babies and toddlers to enjoy Mariposa Mornings.

What should we bring?
Families are welcome to bring snacks, drinks, or coffee while enjoying the morning. Many parents stop by Mariposa Market next door before attending this relaxed toddler play program in Orillia.

Are snacks allowed?
Yes. Families can enjoy snacks and drinks during Mariposa Mornings while children explore the play stations and art activities. To help protect the artwork, some gallery areas are designated food-free and will be clearly marked.

Phone
Call us at: (705) 326-2159

Email
Email us at: visitors@orilliamuseum.org

Phone
Find us at: 30 Peter Street South Orillia, ON

Join Us for Mariposa Mornings!

Visit Mariposa Mornings in Orillia
Mariposa Mornings takes place at the Orillia Museum of Art & History, located in downtown Orillia, Ontario beside Mariposa Market. Families from across Simcoe County visit the museum to enjoy art, play, and community with young children.
Orillia Museum of Art & History30 Peter Street SouthOrillia, Ontario

Register Now

The Human Form: Adult Life Drawing Classes
2026-03-28 10:30 - 13:30
Inspire, Celebrate, Explore Workshops and Food Program

The Human Form
6 – Week Session.
Saturday, March 28 – Saturday, May 2
10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Members: $110.00 +HST
Public: $135.00 +HST
Please join your instructor, artist Kathryn Kaiser for OMAH’s 6-week life drawing class exploring the human form. Using nude and costumed models, participants will learn gesture drawing, anatomy, proportions and mass while trying different mediums such as charcoal, paint, ink and mixed media. Lessons also include using your non-dominant hand to draw, two-handed drawing techniques and blind contour drawings. Basic supplies are included, and participants are welcome to bring their favourite materials to work with.
No experience is necessary. OMAH welcomes drop-ins for single classes, but please note space is limited.
Please note that our programs run on a cost recovery basis, which means that minimum numbers must be met in order to run these programs. OMAH reserves the right to cancel our programs if minimums are not met so register early and register often!

Register Now

About the Instructor:

Kathryn Kaiser attended University of Lethbridge, where she studied Fine Arts, Psychology and Aboriginal Studies. As a young teen she was awarded scholarships to The Alberta College of Art and the Banff School of Fine Arts. Painting was always a part of her life.

As an adult, she has pursued her creative passion by taking classes and workshops and otherwise expanding her talents and experience wherever and whenever she is able. Her creative influences are mainly expressive figurative artists like Jenny Savillle, Peter Doig, John Hartman and Chris Gwaltney.
Kathryn has been involved in various projects promoting artists and their work, as well as humanitarian work with refugees and new Canadians. Kathryn does architectural renderings for various design, architectural and landscaping companies. She has been active in the Orillia Streets Alive (street art) project for the past few years and has enjoyed it immensely. Public and street art holds a growing interest for her.

Teaching is another one of Kathryn’s accomplishments and treasures. It is an honour to encourage others to overcome their apprehension, enabling them to open to the process and express themselves creatively.

Not a Member? Join today to save on classes!
Please note cancellation requests received at least 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the program start date will receive a full-refund. Cancellation requests received less than 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the program are non-refundable. Any program cancelled by the Orillia Museum of Art & History will be fully refunded regardless of the time of cancellation.
For more information about our refund/cancellation policy, click HERE.

VIEW MORE MIDDAY MAKES

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Hopping Hares with Ingi GouldMIDDAY MAKES

Encaustic Seasonal Cards with Francy Forte2024 Midday Makes, MIDDAY MAKES

AllAdult Programs

Classical Pilates at OMAHAdult Programs

A Night at the MuseumAdult Programs, Tours
