Indigenous art exhibition in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada |
Healing Through Art exhibition featuring Paul Shilling artwork |
For Richmond Hill residents, an Indigenous art exhibition offers a chance to slow down and engage with stories that deserve careful attention.
Presented by the Odeiwin Foundation in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Healing Through Art features Paul Shilling artwork.
The exhibition brings together original paintings, artist reflections and storytelling around identity, resilience and the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Born in Rama, Ontario, Paul Shilling is a primarily self-taught artist whose paintings draw on lived experience and healing.
His work considers the spirit, personal identity and the relationships people hold within the circle of creation.
Those themes can be difficult to sit with, and that is part of why this exhibition matters.
Visitors can spend time with the artwork while considering what listening, rather than rushing toward easy answers, asks of them.
The exhibition makes room for both guided conversation and quiet reflection.
A morning session with Shilling runs from 10 until noon, giving visitors an opportunity to hear the stories behind his work.
From noon until 2 in the afternoon, guests can explore the exhibition at their own pace.
returns for an evening session from 6 until 8, with further reflections and conversation inspired by the paintings.
For someone beginning to learn about Indigenous experiences, the invitation is welcoming without pretending the subject is simple.
Those who have spent years considering reconciliation may also find something worth revisiting in Shilling’s perspective.
Admission is free, but advance registration is required, and guests must choose which session they plan to attend.
Space is limited, particularly during the sessions with Shilling, so waiting could mean missing the experience you prefer.
If plans change, cancelling a reservation promptly can open a place for another community member.
The Odeiwin Foundation presents the exhibition with support from Alectra.
For Richmond Hill, the value lies not only in seeing the paintings, but in carrying their questions into conversations afterward.
Healing Through Art asks visitors to leave room for truth, even when reflection feels uncomfortable.
For more information, visit their website |
15 Comments
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Honest question, is there parking nearby or is transit the better call for this one? Want to plan ahead.
Born in Rama and self taught, that's a story in itself. Really looking forward to hearing him speak about the work in person at the morning session.
I grew up near Rama so hearing that Paul Shilling is from there actually means a lot to me. Small world. Will definitely be going.
Good to know registration is free but you still have to book ahead. Grabbed a spot for the evening session before they fill up.
Trevor_KGood call grabbing it early. I waited on a similar event last year and the session I wanted was already full. Evening with Q and A sounds like the right call anyway.
Smart thinking, space during Shilling's sessions is limited, so booking early makes a real difference, and the evening conversation tends to spark some of the most meaningful reflection.
Not sure one exhibition moves the needle on reconciliation but I do think showing up and listening is a start. Better than doing nothing for sure.
I went to something the Odeiwin Foundation organized a couple years back and it was really well run. Expecting the same here. These conversations matter a lot.
Honest question, does anyone know if kids are welcome at the afternoon drop in portion? Would love to bring mine but don't want to disrupt a quiet reflection space.
I am a bit annoyed I only found out about this now. Hope there are still spots left for the evening session. Reminder to people, cancel if your plans change so others can get in.
Good to see the Odeiwin Foundation doing this kind of thing locally. I had never heard of Paul Shilling before but looked him up and his paintings are really something.
I am so glad this is happening in Richmond Hill. Paul Shilling's work is incredible and the fact that it's free makes it even better. Already registered for the morning session.
Already registered for the morning session with Paul Shilling. Really looking forward to hearing the stories behind the paintings in person.
We hope the morning session with Paul exceeds your expectations, hearing him speak about the stories and healing behind each painting is truly something you can't get from the work alone.
Sandra M.Same here, I grabbed a morning spot too. Hearing an artist talk through the stories behind the work makes such a difference compared to just reading the placard on the wall.