North Simcoe Arts

Home
Canada
Orillia, ON
North Simcoe Arts

Building Community Through Creativity

Our mission is to cultivate community by supporting the vibrant creative sector, facilitating
connections among contributors, and promoting collaborations within the region.

08/19/2026

We are so happy to share the videos of last years North Simcoe Art and Culture nominations in preparation for the upcoming 2026 awards! 🌟

We were excited to recognize Whitney Newton at the Back in Thyme Studio!

Whitney Newton transformed her love for pottery into a movement that celebrates creativity and community. After starting with small pottery classes in the back of her shop, Back in Thyme, she has now opened The Studio on Coldwater’s main street — a welcoming space where people can create, teach, gather, and shop.

From hosting art workshops and providing a home for local makers to sell their work, to volunteering for countless community events, Whitney’s impact reaches far beyond her studio walls. She gives her time to support the Coldwater Food Bank, Legion, and Lions Club, and even serves on the Coldwater Fall Fair Ambassador panel.

Through clay, connection, and compassion, Whitney has built more than a studio — she’s built a creative home for the Coldwater community. 💛

Don't forget to your get your nominations in today!

See you for the 2026 awards! ✨

08/11/2026

🌊💙 Come paint, connect & create with us! 🎨✨

There’s something special about slowing down, picking up a paintbrush, and creating something beautiful!

Join Arts Immersion for a relaxing Seaside Paint Party, where artist Steph Whalen will guide you step-by-step in creating a charming lighthouse scene along the coast. 🌊

Whether you’re an experienced painter or haven’t picked up a brush in years, you’re welcome here! No experience is needed... just bring yourself and a willingness to have a little fun. 😊🎨

Spend the afternoon learning, creating, chatting, and connecting with others.

✨ No experience necessary
🎨 All supplies provided
🌿 Ages 18+
🤝 Wednesday August 19th, 2:00-4:00PM
💙 Register by emailing [email protected]. Spots limited!!

08/10/2026

We are so happy to share the videos of the 2025 North Simcoe Art and Culture nominations in preparation for the upcoming 🌟 2026 awards! 🌟

Nomination: Peter Fyfe & John Notten for the Community Impact Through Arts & Culture Award! 🌟

Their collaborative exhibit, Yours to Uncover: An Ontario Road Trip (OMAH Mulcahey Family Gallery, Aug–Oct 2025), was an immersive, multi-media experience that took viewers on a journey across Ontario.

💫 View the full video on our Youtube or link in our bio! 💫

Peter and John’s work not only inspires awe, it sparks conversation about community, environment, and our shared responsibility to care for the world around us.

A huge thank you to the wonderful folks who helped make the 2025 North Simcoe Arts & Culture Awards shine:

🎶 Musician: Andrew Woodill�
📸 Photographer: Alina Hromko�
🎥 Videographer & Video Editor: Shawn Streeter Media�
🧀 Food: The Rind and Truckle�
🏢 Venue: Creative Nomad Studios

And to our generous sponsors—your support makes nights like this possible:
✨ ECapital – Title Sponsor�
✨ City of Orillia�
✨ Award Sponsor: Marshmellow�
✨ Award Sponsor: Adam Chambers�
✨ Award Sponsor: Orillia Lake Country Tourism�
✨ Award Sponsor: Arts Orillia�
✨ Award Sponsor: The Browne Family

Here’s to another year of creativity, connection, and culture. 💫

08/01/2026

🤝 Equity & Inclusion in the Arts & Culture Award

Celebrating art that brings us together!

The Equity & Inclusion Award recognizes artists and initiatives that champion accessibility, diversity, and social awareness through art. From Indigenous cultural revitalization to LGBTQ2S+ representation and anti-oppression works, this award celebrates efforts that make arts a space for every voice.

Let’s name the folks building bridges with creativity! 🌍

07/31/2026

🎤 Youth Voice in Arts & Culture Award

Amplifying the next generation’s creativity!

Introducing the Youth Voice in Arts & Culture Award, honouring an individual under 25 years of age, making bold statements through their art, leadership, or community initiatives. These emerging voices are shaping our cultural future, and we can’t wait to celebrate their passion and impact.

Name a young artist below! 🔊

07/30/2026

🎨 Creative Experience Award

Creativity in action — live and immersive!

The Creative Experience Award celebrates standout events, festivals, exhibits, or performances that bring our community together through art. Whether it’s a collaborative public art initiative or a festival that fills our streets with joy, this award applauds experiential creativity.

Share your favourite local art moment and help us honour these unforgettable experiences! 🎉

07/29/2026

🏆 Qennefer Browne Achievement Award

Honouring a lifelong champion of culture!

The Qennefer Browne Achievement Award, is dedicated to recognizing individuals whose lifelong commitment has profoundly enriched North Simcoe’s cultural life. From mentors and volunteers to arts advocates, this award shines a spotlight on those whose impact resonates far beyond the stage.

Name any visionaries down below! 🌟

07/28/2026

🌱 Community Impact Through Arts & Culture Award

Art with heart and purpose!

Meet the Community Impact Award, recognizing individuals or groups using art to foster well-being, education, or social change. Whether it's creative wellness programs, cross-cultural projects, or grassroots initiatives, these changemakers show how art strengthens our community.

Tag someone making a positive impact through culture! 💛

07/27/2026

🎨 Nominations Are Now Open for the 2026 Art & Culture Awards! 🌟

Do you know an artist, cultural leader, organization, volunteer, or creative champion who has made a meaningful impact in our community?

Now is your chance to recognize the individuals and organizations that inspire, create, and enrich our arts and culture sector.

👉️Scroll through to see the award categories!

✨ Submit a nomination today and help us honour the people shaping the future of arts and culture.

Visit the link in our bio (or our website) to learn more about the award categories, eligibility, and how to nominate.

07/24/2026

The North Simcoe Art & Culture Awards for 2026 are coming, and we can’t wait to celebrate the incredible creativity, dedication, and community spirit that make our region shine.

🏆 Join us as we honour the individuals and organizations who uplift arts and culture across North Simcoe.

📍 Creative Nomad Studios, Orillia
🕕 Doors open at 6:00 PM
📅 November 25, 2026

Come for the recognition, stay for the inspiration.
Let’s celebrate the heart of our community together! 🎨💫

Know an artist that should be nominated? Tag them below!!

Address

23 Mississaga Street W
Orillia, ON
L3V3A5

Website

https://www.northsimcoearts.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when North Simcoe Arts posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to North Simcoe Arts:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Orillia?