Thinking Rock Community Arts

Thinking Rock Community Arts A non-profit community arts organization that practices the art of building community across the Algoma District. Marie) and all points in between.

Based in Thessalon, Algoma District, Northern Ontario, we co-create art with and for the people living along the North Shore of Lake Huron, from Genaabaajing (Serpent River First Nation) to Baawaating (Sault Ste. We’re a team of artists, cultural workers and community members of Indigenous, Newcomer and settler descent who co-create spaces for dialogue, mutual understanding and artful social chang

e through multidisciplinary, multi-generational, cross-cultural community arts projects. Through our free and inclusive artistic programming, we invite people of all Nations, ages, abilities, backgrounds and identities to join us in playing, making and dreaming about this special place we call home – as it was, as it is, and as it might yet be. We learn more everyday about what that invitation, the spaces we hold together, and the ways we show up for each other can and must look like, and we bring this growing understanding to our work.

SAVE THE DATES + JOIN USMiddling Ground: An Evolving Gallery@ Galerie Sans Clous (875 Queen St. E., SSM, ON)Gallery Acti...
08/28/2026

SAVE THE DATES + JOIN US
Middling Ground: An Evolving Gallery
@ Galerie Sans Clous (875 Queen St. E., SSM, ON)
Gallery Activations:
Oct. 1 & 2 - 6pm to 8pm
Oct. 3 - 1pm to 4pm
Middling Ground is an immersive installation of community-based artworks, created by many hands at hearts at Thinking Rock Community Arts’ programs during spring and summer 2026. It is hosted at, and presented in partnership with, Galerie Sans Clous Galerie Sans Clous

Inspired by blanket forts - soft places to land - and creating a space where we can “meet in the middle”, this evolving gallery welcomes you in to reflect on what it means to be in community, these days: from looming thoughts, to grounding guidance, to a series of micro-quilt collages that paper the walls with connectivity, creativity and hope.

Visit us at Galerie Sans Clous to consider and contribute to this short-run show. At evening and Saturday gallery activations, we’ll have materials ready so you can add to the installation, too!
For details, please contact [email protected], and watch for more information to come!
Thinking Rock Community Arts gratefully acknowledges our funders and supporters - including the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Canada Summer Jobs Program, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and myriad community donors and supporters.

Ricing Moon – Manoominike-giizis - Lune de le recolte du riz sauvage (August 28th)Post #2 in a year-round series, by Pr...
08/28/2026

Ricing Moon – Manoominike-giizis - Lune de le recolte du riz sauvage (August 28th)
Post #2 in a year-round series, by Programming Assistant, Devaney Boulter (Dbeads nativearts)
Did you know? Many Indigenous Nations follow lunar calendars based on the cycles of the moon rather than the 12-month Gregorian calendar. In many Anishinaabe communities, the year is recognized through 13 moons, each named after the plants, animals, weather, or seasonal activities taking place at that time. These names vary between Nations, communities, regions, and dialects.
In many Anishinaabe communities, the moon of September is recognized as the Ricing Moon, or Manoominike-giizis. This moon is often connected to the season when wild rice, known as manoomin, begins to ripen and is ready to be harvested.
The moon teachings remind us to pay attention to the natural world around us. The Ricing Moon marks an important time for many families and communities who come together to harvest wild rice using traditional methods that have been passed down by many generations.
Manoomin has long been an important traditional food for Anishinaabe people. It is much more than just a food source, and has cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The Ojibwe word for wild rice actually translates to “the good seed” and is seen as a scared gift from the creator. For this reason, many Anishinaabe communities continue to harvest it from the wild instead of turning it into a cultivated crop.
Ojibwe Words of the Month:
Manoomin – Wild Rice “the good seed”
Giizis – Moon / Month
Reflection Question:
Harvest season reminds us to slow down and appreciate what the land provides. What is one place in nature where you feel most connected or grateful?

📣 Register today to secure your spot! 📣 Ontario Arts Council (OAC) Exhibition Assistance Program Online Information Sess...
08/26/2026

📣 Register today to secure your spot! 📣
Ontario Arts Council (OAC) Exhibition Assistance Program Online Information Session
A virtual session sharing information about OAC’s Exhibition Assistance Grants for Northeastern Ontario Artists
Save the date and register to join us!
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
6:30pm to 8pm
Artists working in visual arts, craft, or media arts!
Do you have a confirmed public exhibition of your artwork
Thinking Rock Community Arts is partnering with Ontario Arts Council | Conseil des arts de l’Ontario (OAC) to co-present a virtual grant info session, where we’ll look together at Exhibition Assistance Grants for Northeastern Ontario Artists!
Join us to find out how to apply for an OAC arts grant to help cover your exhibition presentation expenses.
OAC program staff will be ready to answer your questions, and share info on:
- Types of exhibitions supported (it’s more than you might expect)
- Exhibition expenses that can be covered
- How to apply in Nova, OAC’s online application system, and what to include in your application
- How grant decisions are made via the “recommender” process
This workshop will be presented via Zoom Meeting format; Zoom link will be emailed to registrants on the day of the session. We will set aside some of our time together for questions, so please bring any you have along, as well as a pen and paper to take notes!
NOTE: Registration is open until 4:30pm EST on Wednesday, September 16th - save your spot by registering today, via Eventbrite (link in bio or via https://tinyurl.com/OACxTRSession)
Questions?
For further details and to ask questions about this event, please email Alana Forslund, Northern Arts Representative, at [email protected]

Join us for a special hybrid Making Night TONIGHT (August 25th), from 6:30pm to 8pm!Please note: tonight's in-person com...
08/25/2026

Join us for a special hybrid Making Night TONIGHT (August 25th), from 6:30pm to 8pm!
Please note: tonight's in-person component will be held offsite at Cafe 4 Good (326 Queen Street East, SSM, ON).
Tonight's session - inspired by the approaching full moon - will be facilitated by summer staff member, Devaney Boulter of Dbeads nativearts. One of the Anishinaabe names for the August full moon is the Ricing Moon. Speaking from her experience of this time of year, Devaney will share some favourite ideas and memories. Together, we'll connect to this moment and season by sharing our own food and harvest traditions!
Join for as long or little as you’d like; keep your video on or off; contribute to the conversation, or listen and make along. Please come as you are, and host yourself well.
Registration is required to join the in-person (held offsite, at Cafe for Good, SSM, ON) and online (Zoom link shared only with registrants) components. To secure your spot, please email info (at) thinkingrock (dot) ca
Save the dates: beyond tonight's gathering, we’ll host more Making Nights on September 29th; October 13th and 27th; November 10th and 24th; and beyond! Check our events calendar (in our Linktree and at www.thinkingrock.ca/events-calendar) for more programming to come.
Thinking Rock acknowledges our funders and supporters - including the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Canada Summer Jobs Program, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and of course, community donors!
[ID: 2 squares invite you to attend Making Night - the first with the text, “Tonight is Making Night” against a blue-themed fabric collage; the second with upcoming Making Night dates (August 25, September 29, October 13/27), registration reminder, and contact details - info(at)thinkingrock(dot)ca.]

Join us for a special hybrid Making Night TONIGHT (August 25th), from 6:30pm to 8pm!Please note: tonight’s in-person com...
08/25/2026

Join us for a special hybrid Making Night TONIGHT (August 25th), from 6:30pm to 8pm!
Please note: tonight’s in-person component will be held offsite at Cafe for Good Cafe4Good (326 Queen Street East, SSM, ON).
Tonight’s session - inspired by the approaching full moon - will be facilitated by summer staff member, Devaney Boulter Devaney Boulter . One of the Anishinaabe names for the August full moon is the Ricing Moon. Speaking from her experience of this time of year, Devaney will share some favourite ideas and memories. Together, we’ll connect to this moment and season by sharing our own food and harvest traditions!
Join for as long or little as you’d like; keep your video on or off; contribute to the conversation, or listen and make along. Please come as you are, and host yourself well.
Registration is required to join the in-person (held offsite, at Cafe for Good, SSM, ON) and online (Zoom link shared only with registrants) components. To secure your spot, please email info (at) thinkingrock (dot) ca
Save the dates: beyond tonight’s gathering, we’ll host more Making Nights on September 29th; October 13th and 27th; November 10th and 24th; and beyond! Check our events calendar (in our Linktree and at www.thinkingrock.ca/events-calendar) for more programming to come.
Thinking Rock acknowledges our funders and supporters - including the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Canada Summer Jobs Program, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and of course, community donors!
[ID: 2 squares invite you to attend Making Night - the first with the text, “Tonight is Making Night” against a blue-themed fabric collage; the second with upcoming Making Night dates (August 25, September 29, October 13/27), registration reminder, and contact details - info(at)thinkingrock(dot)ca.]

*Summer schedule in effect!*We’re back at Ketegaunseebee First Nation Public Library (48 Syrette Lake Road, Garden River...
08/20/2026

*Summer schedule in effect!*
We’re back at Ketegaunseebee First Nation Public Library (48 Syrette Lake Road, Garden River) on Thursday, August 27th from 2pm to 4pm for our next Social Fabric drop-in!
We’ll be bringing some hands-on activities to make and do together that are part of our larger, multi-year Social Fabric community art project - specifically, some inspired banners we began at AlgomaTrad earlier this month! Participants can contribute to this project-in-process by sharing some stories, adding some “stitches”, and joining our circle to celebrate this special place we call home.
Registration is encouraged - especially for groups - but drop-ins are also welcome. Please contact Artistic Director, Miranda Bouchard ([email protected] or 705-542-1100) for details
Chi miigwetch to our partners, Irene Gray and the Garden River First Nation Public Library Resourcie Centre for hosting us! We’re planning more sessions here to come - check out our events calendar (in our Linktree, above, or on our website at www.thinkingrock.ca/https://www.thinkingrock.ca/events-calendar) for more details to come!
We acknowledge our funders and supporters - including the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and of course, community donors!
[ID: 2 squares invite you to attend Thinking Rock’s Drop-In at the Garden River First Nation Public Library - the first sharing August 27th’s date above the Thinking Rock and GRFNPL logos; the second with the date, time (2pm - 4pm) and address (48 Syrette Lake Road, Garden River) above the Thinking Rock and GRFNPL logos. Original graphics by Samm Pine-Bennett.]

We’re excited for our next program at the Northern Community Centre! We’ll be back there (556 Goulais Ave., SSM, ON) on ...
08/20/2026

We’re excited for our next program at the Northern Community Centre! We’ll be back there (556 Goulais Ave., SSM, ON) on Friday, August 21st from 2pm to 4pm for our next Social Fabric drop-in at the Centre.
We’ll be bringing some hands-on activities to make and do together that are part of our larger, multi-year Social Fabric community art project - specifically, some inspired banners we began last week at AlgomaTrad ! Participants can contribute to this project-in-process by sharing some stories, adding some stitches, and joining our circle to celebrate this special place we call home. No experience is needed, and instructions and materials are provided!
This program is for all ages! To register (especially for groups) or ask questions, please contact Artistic Director, Miranda Bouchard ([email protected] or 705-542-1100) for details.
We’re grateful to our partners at the The City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Northern Community Centre and Active 55+ SSM for hosting us! We’re planning more sessions here to come - check out our events calendar (in our Linktree, above, or on our website at www.thinkingrock.ca/https://www.thinkingrock.ca/events-calendar) for more details to come!
We acknowledge our funders and supporters - including the New Horizons for Seniors Program, Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and of course, community donors!
[ID: 2 squares invite you to attend Thinking Rock’s Drop-In at the Northern Community Centre (NCC) - the first sharing August 21st’s date above the Thinking Rock and NCC logos; the second with the date, time (2pm - 4pm) and address (556 Goulais Ave., SSM, ON) above the Thinking Rock and NCC logos. Original graphics by Samm Pine-Bennett.]
+SSM

We are ON for our drop-in programming TODAY (August 20th, from 4pm to 6pm) at the Thessalon Public Library!We’ll be brin...
08/20/2026

We are ON for our drop-in programming TODAY (August 20th, from 4pm to 6pm) at the Thessalon Public Library!
We’ll be bringing some hands-on activities to make and do together that are part of our larger, multi-year Social Fabric community art project - specifically, some inspired banners we began this past week at AlgomaTrad! Participants can contribute to this project-in-process by sharing some stories, adding some stitches, and joining our circle to celebrate this special place we call home. No experience is needed, and instructions and materials are provided!
To register (especially for groups) for this free program or ask questions, please contact Artistic Director, Miranda Bouchard ([email protected] or 705-542-1100) for details.
We’re grateful to our partners, Stacey Smith and the Thessalon Public Library for hosting us! We’re planning more sessions here for Fall & beyond - check out our events calendar (in our Linktree, above, or on our website at www.thinkingrock.ca/https://www.thinkingrock.ca/events-calendar) for more details to come!
We acknowledge our funders and supporters - including the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and of course, community donors!
[ID: 2 squares invite you to attend Thinking Rock’s Drop-In at the Thessalon Public Library - the first sharing August 20th’s date above the Thinking Rock and Thessalon Public Library logos; the second with the date, time (4pm - 6pm) and address (187 Main St., Thessalon) above the Thinking Rock and Thessalon Public Library logos. Original graphics by Samm Pine-Bennett.]

Join us for a special online-only Making Night TONIGHT (August 11th), from 6:30pm to 8pm!Tonight, we’re thinking about w...
08/11/2026

Join us for a special online-only Making Night TONIGHT (August 11th), from 6:30pm to 8pm!
Tonight, we’re thinking about what it means to be in community - in our Making Night space, and at AlgomaTrad (where the Thinking Rockers are this week). We look forward to gathering with YOU this evening, to muse aloud about the meaning that we make and take - individually and collectively - from crafting community.
Join for as long or little as you’d like; keep your video on or off; contribute to the conversation, or listen and make along. Please come as you are, and host yourself well.
Registration is required to join tonight’s online session (Zoom link shared only with registrants). To secure your spot, please email info (at) thinkingrock (dot) ca
Save the dates: beyond tonight’s gathering, we’ll host more Making Nights on August 25th; September 29th; October 13th and 27th; and beyond! Check our events calendar (in our Linktree and at www.thinkingrock.ca/events-calendar) for more programming to come.
Thinking Rock acknowledges our funders and supporters - including the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Canada Summer Jobs Program, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and of course, community donors!
[ID: 2 squares invite you to attend Making Night - the first with the text, “Tonight is Making Night” against a wildly-coloured piece of canvas; the second with upcoming Making Night dates (August 11/25, September 29, October 13/27), registration reminder, and contact details - info(at)thinkingrock(dot)ca.]

Coming up on Saturday! 🧵🪡💙
08/04/2026

Coming up on Saturday! 🧵🪡💙

Address

199 Main Street
Thessalon, ON
P0R1L0

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17055421100

Website

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