The exhibition highlights Higgins’ sewing practice, combining traditional techniques with personal storytelling through textiles.
Northwestern Ontario Spring Exhibition Features Dryden Crafter Francine Higgins and Her Handcrafted Textile Works
The 2026 Spring Arts Exhibition in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario is pleased to feature Dryden-based crafter Francine (Fran) Higgins, whose finely crafted textile work reflects a lifelong connection to family tradition, creativity, and hands-on making. Running until May 20, 2026, the exhibition brings together artists and makers from across the region, highlighting the depth and diversity of Northern Ontario arts and crafts.
Born and raised in Dryden, Ontario, Higgins grew up surrounded by a strong appreciation for the outdoors and everyday craftsmanship. Her parents, Louis and Madeleine Toussaint, encouraged a deep connection to nature through family experiences such as picnics at the beach, fishing trips, blueberry picking, and time spent with friends and relatives across the region. These early experiences helped shape her lifelong appreciation for simple, meaningful creation and time spent outdoors.
Her mother, a school teacher, played a central role in developing Fran’s early creative skills. She taught her cooking, sewing, and a love of reading, while also introducing her to the careful, patient work of handmade craft. Higgins recalls watching her mother sew clothing and later wearing garments made especially for her—experiences that sparked a lasting appreciation for fabric work and design. Many evenings were also spent together creating Halloween costumes, strengthening both skill and memory through shared making.
Sewing became a defining part of Higgins’ life. From early use of her mother’s green Elna sewing machine to receiving a Kenmore sewing machine as a high school graduation gift in 1977—still in use today—her relationship with textile work has remained constant. Over the years, she has explored a variety of crafts, but always returns to sewing as her primary creative focus and personal grounding practice.
Today, Higgins continues to describe sewing as her “happy place,” a space of focus, comfort, and expression. Her work reflects patience, care, and a deep respect for traditional handcraft methods that remain central to Northern Ontario’s creative culture. When not working with fabric, she enjoys walking her dog, reading, and spending time with her husband.
Her participation in the 2026 Spring Arts Exhibition adds an important textile and craft perspective to this year’s showcase, celebrating the role of handmade work in regional arts practice.
About the Exhibition
The Spring Arts Exhibition runs from April 17 to May 20, 2026 at the Dyment Recreation Hall in Melgund Township. Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 1–4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
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