Haliburton Art Galleries to Visit During Your Cottage Rental

The Haliburton Highlands are located in Central Ontario, north of Peterborough, east of Bracebridge, and are pretty much the definition of “the middle of nowhere”.  But what a “nowhere” this is!  Hundreds of lakes surrounded by trees and dotted with small, friendly communities make this a popular spot during the summer and also makes for a great winter getaway. It is also a less well-known destination for Ontario cottage rentals than Muskoka which can lead to a more afforedable vacation and also really give you that peace and quiet you are looking for when getting away to Cottage Country.  Besides being a tourist destination, the area is also home to many accomplished artists and artisans, drawn by the inspirational beauty of the landscape, and the friendliness of the local communities and supportive art environment, making this a great place to live if you’re an artist. Haliburton art galleries are something you will not want to miss if you’re visiting the area!

Waterfront view from a Haliburton cottage rental. Relax after a busy day at the art galleries in Haliburton
Haliburton Ontario is home to incredible Provincial Parks, unique towns and stores, local restaurants and stunning waterfront Haliburton cottage rentals

Of course, what better way to stay and truly soak up the various art galleries than by staying at one of our beautiful cottage rentals in Haliburton! The yearly Art in the Park Festival and the Studio Tour are popular places to meet the artists in-person and purchase a souvenir, gift item, or memento of your trip to this lovely area of Ontario’s Cottage Country.  But, of course those events are only yearly – and you’re no doubt wondering where you can go to shop for art the rest of the year!  Below is a list of the best places to do just that!

Agnes Jamieson Gallery – Minden, Ontario

Operating since 1981, the Agnes Jamieson Gallery is entrusted to preserve and present the life, work and ongoing legacy of André Lapine, one of Canada’s foremost artists, and to exhibit work by local and regional visual artists.  André Lapine visited Minden, and got to know some of the local residents, including the town Reeve (Mayor), Frank Welch, who took care of Lapine in his final year. 

Welch acquired 42 of Lapine’s paintings during this time, which he bequeathed to the town of Minden. Dr. Agnes Jamieson saw this as a wonderful opportunity for the community and worked with volunteers to create a public gallery in order to showcase this collection.

Take the “Lapine Lap” and experience a glimpse into the life and times of Andre Lapine, and gain an appreciation for his art.

The Studio Tour

A self-driving tour to various local artists’ homes and studios is offered the first two weekends in October each year.  It’s a very competitive process to be added to The Studio Tour, so you can be assured that these artists are the best the Haliburton Highlands has to offer!

Arranged to coincide with one of the most beautiful times in Haliburton’s Cottage Country, the foliage is usually at its peak for these weekends.  Be sure to take time out to stop at a lookout so you can view the amazing colourscape over a larger area. Two of the best places are Skyline Park, at the end of Skyline Park Road, in Haliburton, and 

Leading into the Christmas gift giving season, this tour offers a great opportunity to shop for one of a kind artistic creations while you enjoy visiting with the artists and hearing more about their process.

The Rails End Gallery and Art Centre – Haliburton Village, Ontario

Housed in a former railway station at the last stop in Haliburton Village, in Head Lake Park in downtown Haliburton, you’ll find The Rails End Gallery and Art Centre.   he gallery showcases a range of contemporary art, from paintings and sculptures to installations and mixed media.

One of the standout features of the gallery is its commitment to showcasing the work of emerging and mid-career artists. The gallery’s exhibitions are curated by a team of professional artists and are designed to showcase the diversity and talent of the region’s artistic community.

In addition to its exhibitions, the gallery also organizes and hosts the annual Haliburton Art & Crafts Festival, in Head Lake Park, over the 4th weekend in July.

The Haliburton School of Art and Design – Haliburton, Ontario

The Haliburton School of Art and Design is a top school for visual arts education in the area. The school is located right in the village of Haliburton and offers various courses for artists of all levels, making it perfect for those looking to hone their skills or thinking of picking up a new hobby!

For over 50 years the Haliburton School of Art and Design has been offering summer courses in their The Summer Arts Program, which allows participants to take a week-long and weekend workshop format across various areas like visual arts, crafts, design and performing arts. The courses are taught by highly experienced teachers and is also tailored for children and teens, as well as adults (both rookies and veterans)! The school also offers longer courses from September – November.

The school’s exhibitions showcase the work of its students and faculty, as well as guest artists from the local community. 

The Corner Gallery – Haliburton, Ontario

The Corner Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Haliburton. Founded in 2020 at Haliburton Village’s historic Lucas House, the Corner Gallery showcases works by Ontario artists, with a focus on abstraction and modern Canadian landscapes. They also provide a space for works demonstrating traditional methods and skills. 

The Haliburton Sculpture Forest – Glebe Park, near Haliburton Village, Ontario

The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is a unique outdoor sculpture gallery spread throughout a wooded trail located just outside of Haliburton, in Glebe Park. The sculpture forest is home to over 40 large-scale sculptures by artists from across Canada and around the world, and more continue to be added.

The trails in the Sculpture Forest area are open for walking and bike riding in spring, summer and fall and walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter, providing changing perspectives of the forest and the sculptures in each of the seasons.

The Sculpture Forest experience is ideal for families looking for an interesting (not too challenging) hiking experience, for those who enjoy outdoor trails, and for people looking for a unique artistic experience.

The Sculpture Forest shares the park with the Haliburton Highlands Museum and the Haliburton Campus of Fleming College, home to the Haliburton School of Art + Design; as well as a much more extensive system of year-round trails to explore.  In the winter, the hill near the parking area is the best tobogganing spot in the area!

The Ethel Curry Gallery – Haliburton Village, Ontario

The Ethel Curry Gallery is a downtown Haliburton Village storefront that exhibits an eclectic collection of original art produced by Canadian artists who have been inspired by the beauty of the Haliburton Highlands. Within the rooms of the art gallery, you’ll find items of Canadian art in various mediums, including paintings, sculpture, woodworking, textiles, glass, jewellery, photography, pottery and more. 

Haliburton Art and Craft Festival

Held the third weekend of July annually, this well-curated art fair is a popular one to attend, drawing artists from all over Ontario.  Also known as “Art in the Park, you can stroll through Head Lake Park while browsing through the booths, talk to the artists, and perhaps buy some artwork for your home, or a one of a kind gift for someone on your list.  

If you have kids, they’ll enjoy being able to use the playground equipment while you shop, and the walkway through the park offers an opportunity for a stroll overlooking Head Lake and the Drag River.  

In conclusion, Haliburton, Ontario is home to a vibrant and diverse arts community, with a range of galleries and events that showcase the work of local and regional artists. From contemporary art galleries to festivals and tours, and outdoor sculpture forests, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Haliburton.  Check out our Haliburton page for more ideas on what to see and do in this beautiful area of Ontario!

Your Haliburton Cottage Rental is Only a Click Away

If you are looking for a cottage rental in beautiful Haliburton, Ontario then look no further! We have a large assortment of waterfront Haliburton cottages of all sizes, available in both the summer and winter.

Our professional and experienced team at CottageLINK Rental Management (CLRM) is always here to assist. If you would like us to help provide recommendations based on your needs to help find that perfect cottage vacation, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@clrm.ca or call us at 1-866-323-6698.

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