The not-for-profit Heliconian Club brings together women living and working in the arts, plays an active role in wider community initiatives, and maintains an outreach program. It was founded in 1909 as a place for women working in the arts to meet, exchange ideas, and develop as artists. The Club owns & operates the Heliconian Hall, a protected National Heritage Site located 35 Hazelton Avenue. It is regularly used as a performance venue and art gallery for members. It is also rented out to the public at subsidized rates.
This year they are celebrating the Hall’s 150th anniversary with a series of special events.
ABCRA has supported the Heliconian Club throughout its history and we are proud to be their Legacy Partner for these 150th anniversary events.
Women of the Heliconian
March 7 to August 30, 2026
Art Gallery of Ontario (Trier Gallery)
This is an exhibition of 17 works by ten of the Heliconian past members represented in the AGO’s collections. The exhibition will open in the Trier Gallery and adjacent corridor on March 7th and run for about six months, until August 30th.
Opening Ceremony
May 16, 2026 12 – 3 p.m.
On Hazelton Avenue, the Lane, and in the Hall
A number of details are still in play but this event promises to be lots of fun. A Town Crier will be announcing the 150th anniversary to members, stakeholders and neighbours congregated on the street and lane. Club musicians will be entertaining from a small stage in our courtyard. Then the Town Crier will lead us into the Hall. There will be some congratulatory speeches followed by entertainment of past hits and new works from Club members. At the end of the entertainment will be a cutting of the anniversary cake and lemonade for all, and time to socialize perhaps with previous Club members who have moved away and decided to visit to celebrate the day.
Heliconian Hall Evening Event
May 16, 2026, 7 – 9 p.m.
Heliconian Hall
This event is for Club members, Heliconian Foundation members, donors and invited guests. After speeches, the entertainment program will highlight the skills and talents from Club members, including a grand finale, and there will be a surprise or two. Snacks will be available and a glass of bubbly to celebrate will also be available.
Children’s Festival Workshops and Art Show
June 20, 2026, 1 – 4 p.m.
Heliconian Hall (for students at Jesse Ketchum School)
An art teacher at Jesse Ketchum will organize an art workshop in April at the school and students will create small pieces of art based on the following themes:
• The First Nations of the Land on which we stand. What would they be doing on a typical day 150 years ago
• Walking alone the Davenport Trail/Gete-Onigaming past and present
• Women and girls making art, long ago and now
• A portrait of Heliconian Hall or Happy Birthday Heliconian Hall
Then on June 20, students from Jesse Ketchum will attend workshops, (music, dance, writing and art, led by Club members) in the Hall culminating in an Epkhraskis performance which will be filmed. The day will end with an ice-cream truck for children and adults.
The 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner
November 20, 2026, 6 – 10 p.m.
Heliconian Hall
To end the year of celebrations, a sit-down gala dinner, followed by entertainment, will be held at the Club on November 20, 2026. We will be thanking our patrons, donors, and active event stakeholders for celebrating the year with us. Members and donors will be receiving a Legacy Booklet capturing all the events of the 150 Celebrations year.
Stay up to date with the Heliconian 150 newsletters:
March newsletter
