OPENING DAY! Saturday June 1st 2026

2026 Exhibition Season

Shaped by the Land

On view June 1 – October 18, 2026

The Algonquin Art Centre is pleased to present Shaped by the Land, our 2026 themed exhibition, inviting visitors to experience Algonquin Park not just as scenery, but as a powerful, living force.

This exhibition explores how the land, through time, water, ice, fire, and countless natural processes, has shaped Algonquin Park, and how it continues to shape the life, memory, and meaning of all who pass through it. From ancient geological forces to quiet seasonal shifts, the works in Shaped by the Land reflect the subtle and transformative power of nature at work.

Rather than treating the landscape as a backdrop, artists in this exhibition respond to the land as an active presence: one that forms ecosystems, influences wildlife, shapes human experience, and carries deep histories across millennia. Themes of impermanence, belonging, reverence, and resilience emerge as artists explore the ongoing dialogue between land and life.

As always, the Algonquin Art Centre brings art and science into close conversation. Many works in Shaped by the Land are informed by ecological and geological perspectives; glaciation, erosion, growth and decay, fire cycles, biodiversity, and interconnected systems; while also offering emotional, imaginative, and sensory ways of understanding the natural world.

Visitors can expect a diverse range of artistic responses inspired by Algonquin Park’s landscapes, wildlife, and ecological systems. Together, these works ask a central question:

How do natural processes shape the land, and how does the land, in turn, shape life in Algonquin Park?

Alongside the exhibition, visitors are invited to explore the Algonquin Art Centre Boutique, featuring a carefully curated selection of Canadian-made goods. With a strong focus on small businesses and independent makers from across the country, the Boutique offers unique, thoughtfully crafted items that reflect creativity, sustainability, and a deep connection to place. Perfect as meaningful souvenirs or gifts.

Art and creative programming will be shared as we near the season. Details will be announced closer to summer, so we encourage visitors to stay tuned for upcoming workshops and opportunities to create alongside the inspiration of Algonquin Park.

Whether you are a first-time visitor, a returning gallery-goer, or a long-time lover of Algonquin Park, Shaped by the Land offers an opportunity to slow down, look closely, and reflect on the forces, seen and unseen, that continue to shape this remarkable place.

We look forward to welcoming you for another season of art, reflection, and connection in the heart of Algonquin Park.