Three Generations: A Family’s Journey at the Haliburton School of Art & Design
For Rachel Gilbert, the Haliburton School of Art & Design (HSAD) is more than just a place to refine her artistic skills—it’s a sanctuary, a retreat, and a bridge to her family’s past. The Toronto-based professional first discovered HSAD in 2022 while searching for a way to recover from the stress of the pandemic. With encouragement from her husband, she enrolled in a portrait painting class, hoping to reconnect with herself through creativity. What she didn’t expect was to uncover a deep familial connection spanning decades.
As she made the drive to Haliburton for her first class, Rachel found herself thinking about her late grandmother, Gwendolyn Sheppard, the woman who first introduced her to painting. That nostalgic thread pulled even tighter when she visited a local gallery and was struck by a piece that resembled a familiar artistic style. Upon closer inspection, she discovered it had been painted by the instructor who had taught her grandmother for years.
Curious about her grandmother’s artistic journey, Rachel reached out to HSAD’s administration to dig into their records. To her amazement, they uncovered files that confirmed her grandmother had indeed attended HSAD, taking courses in watercolour painting, fluid acrylics, and transparent painting throughout the 1990s. The realization deepened Rachel’s appreciation for the school—what started as an art retreat had now become a powerful link to her family’s history.
Inspired by her experience, Rachel returned to HSAD the following summer, this time with her young son in tow. Enrolling him in the kids’ camp, she watched as he too fell in love with the creative atmosphere, making their participation a new family tradition. In 2024, they continued their summer pilgrimage, strengthening the bond between past and present with every brushstroke.
For Rachel, the significance of three generations attending HSAD is profound. “It feels really special to share this connection with my grandmother, even though she’s no longer here,” she reflects. “This place has become a tradition for our family, and I hope it continues for years to come.”
From one artist’s legacy to another’s newfound passion, HSAD has woven itself into the fabric of the Gilbert family—a testament to the timeless power of creativity, learning, and connection.
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