The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) will open two new exhibitions on Saturday, May 30, 2026: "The Many Faces of Paul Shilling Dazaunggee – Sky Buffalo: A Retrospective" and "Awaken The Spirits" by Drake Williams. Curated by Tanya Cunnington and Bewabon Shilling, the shows run through September 19, 2026, and explore themes of identity, healing, spirit, land, and Anishinaabe visual storytelling. Paul Shilling’s retrospective examines self-discovery and liberation from imposed identities through painting, while Drake Williams merges Woodlands-inspired linework and vibrant colors rooted in ancestral traditions. A free opening reception with the artists will be held on May 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.
These exhibitions matter because they center Indigenous voices and contemporary Anishinaabe art practices in a regional museum, creating space for cultural continuity, healing, and storytelling. The shows highlight the work of living Indigenous artists—including Paul Shilling, whose painting was recently acquired by the Art Gallery of Ontario—and underscore the importance of community-based curation and representation in Canadian art institutions.