Halton Black
HistoryAwareness Society
2026 EMANCIPATION ART EXHIBITION
July 15 to Sept. 13, 2026
The Ninth Annual Emancipation Art Exhibition takes place from July 15 to Sept 13, 2025 at the Helson Gallery in Halton Hills. The grand opening is on Sunday July 19, 2026 from 1:30 – 3:30.
Welcome to our Ninth Annual Emancipation Art Exhibition, a vibrant celebration of Black art, culture, and community. This year, we’re proud to feature the work of 26 talented artists whose stories and perspectives reflect the richness and resilience of the African diaspora.
Presented in collaboration with the Helson Gallery, and with heartfelt thanks to the Town of Halton Hills for its ongoing support, this partnership continues to create meaningful space for Black artists to be seen, valued, and heard.
It’s a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to community, roots, and culture — and it’s making a real difference.
Each piece in this exhibit invites you to pause, reflect, and connect. I hope you leave inspired, moved, and more deeply connected to the stories that shape and strengthen us.
Francesca Durham
Curator
HBHAS
Send queries about the 2025 Exhibition
The 2026 Artists
Adeshope Awarun
Adwoa
Smith
Asabe Mamza
Aleah Henry
Audra Townsend
Charles Awelewa
Charmain Tulloch
Dawn Grant
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Funmilola Adeseun
Georgia Fullerton
Hans Poppe
Marien
de Freitas
Ian
Grant
Melanie Vendryes
Indra Dosanjh
Moses
Yanga
Karen Siyanbola Ellington
Nicole Alexander
Kayla Cowan
Ojo
Agi
Paul
Dias
Temitayo Oketola
Rohan Brown
Sheryl Keen
Stephen Spencer
Sunfair Adamu
Media Coverage
Tricia Marie Richards
WINNERS
2026 EMANCIPATION ART EXHIBITION
First place: Ojo Agi
Second place place: Funmilola Adeseun
Third place place: Adeshope Awarun
2025 HBHAS Art Exhibition
2025 Winners
First Place
Dionne Simpson
Under Construction 9
Third Place
Kayla Cowan
Bound Yet Rising
Second Place
Clarke Miles
Sculpture Collection
RYB, You & Me by Kristen Allicock
Each piece invites reflection, inspiration, and a celebration of our shared stories.
Earthseed Triumph by Komi Olafimihan
This work is from the Chikis series, inspired by blues and jazz music, exploring survival and transformation.
Catalyst for Social Change by Audra Townsend
This work highlights the journeys of migrants, using colour and materials like SHIN noodle packaging to represent cultural exchanges.