Free exhibition featuring Borups Corners artist Leanne Nicholson runs throughout July.

Art lovers are invited to visit the Summer Art Exhibition at the Dyment Recreation Hall in Melgund Township from July 1 to July 30, 2026. This year’s exhibition showcases the work of Borups Corners artist Leanne Nicholson, whose distinctive mixed-media pieces celebrate the landscapes, wildlife, and natural heritage of northwestern Ontario.

The exhibition is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and admission is free, making it an excellent opportunity to experience original local artwork in a welcoming community setting.

Born in Red Lake and deeply rooted in northwestern Ontario, Leanne Nicholson has spent a lifetime drawing inspiration from the region’s forests, lakes, and rugged landscapes. Much of her childhood was spent at her family’s cabin on McKenzie Island, where countless hours outdoors fostered a profound connection to nature that continues to shape her artistic practice.

Working across visual art and mixed media, Leanne creates compelling works ranging from detailed wildlife paintings to hand-painted antlers, bones, and skulls. By transforming naturally found materials into expressive works of art, she honours the lives of the animals they came from while celebrating the beauty, resilience, and interconnectedness of the natural world. Every piece reflects a deep respect for nature and invites viewers to see familiar materials in a new and meaningful way.

Many of the materials used in her work are gathered during time spent exploring the forests of northwestern Ontario. Described by the artist as “gifts from nature,” these found objects become the foundation for artwork that blends organic textures, bold imagery, and symbolic storytelling into pieces that are both visually striking and deeply personal.

This summer, the Dyment Recreation Hall is exhibiting the beautiful work of local Borups Corners artist Leanne Nicholson.
This summer, the Dyment Recreation Hall is exhibiting the beautiful work of local Borups Corners artist Leanne Nicholson.

Popular Canada Day Festival returns to Melgund Township

Visitors attending the exhibition on Canada Day, July 1, are also encouraged to enjoy the Melgund Township Canada Day Festival, featuring live performances by Gerry and Tanya McArthur and Walter and Friends. The celebration also includes delicious food, community activities, and one of the region’s most anticipated summer silent auctions.

Artists at this year’s festival include Francine Higgins, Joanne Keewaycabo and Tanya McArthur and more. Come out and support local artists and makers!

Whether you’re exploring local artists, travelling through northwestern Ontario, or looking for a unique Canada Day outing, the Summer Art Exhibition at the Dyment Recreation Hall offers an opportunity to experience the creativity, culture, and community spirit that define rural northern Ontario.