Upcycle TOM 2026: Art, Community, and Sustainability in Action

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery (The TOM), in partnership with Owen Sound Waste Watchers (OSWW), is thrilled to announce the return of Upcycle TOM 2026, with Hillcrest Elementary School leading the charge! This year, students will again explore creativity, collaboration, and sustainability by creating upcycled artworks inspired by the legendary Canadian artist Tom Thomson.

Drawing inspiration from Thomson’s iconic painting Wildflowers, students will work with recycled and repurposed materials, including cardboard, fabric scraps, bottle caps, and magazine clippings, to produce vibrant, collaborative pieces. The project encourages young artists to think creatively about waste, reuse, and sustainability, while experimenting with the colours, textures, and patterns that define Thomson’s style.

The Upcycle TOM 2026 student art show will be held throughout April at the TOM, and the display will also be highlighted during Earth Day festivities, providing an opportunity for visitors to celebrate sustainability and enjoy the creativity of Hillcrest Elementary students. The TOM will host a special Family Night on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 5 – 7 p.m., inviting all students involved in the project, along with their families, friends, and teachers, to celebrate their achievements and connect with the community.

This project has received support from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce (CFGB), which allows it to extend beyond the TOM’s walls, bringing student artworks to storefronts throughout the River District from May 1–31, 2026. Additional support from Upwards Art at its new Heritage Place Mall location was provided through a donation of canvases for the project.

New this year, Upcycle TOM 2026 will feature a student art auction with proceeds shared between Hillcrest School, the TOM, and OSWW. This approach supports classroom art supplies and creative learning resources while funding community sustainability initiatives.

For more information, please contact:
Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects & Education, Tom Thomson Art Gallery
519-376-1932 ext. 5006 | hmcleese@tomthomson.org

Quotes:

“Hillcrest is excited to partner with the TOM and OSWW on the Upcycle TOM project. Bringing the school community together will inspire and support the school's EcoTeam and will engage the Hillcrest Huskies in thinking creatively and sustainably. Seeing student creations come to life shows that small, thoughtful actions can make a real difference for our students and the broader community.”

• Sue Crysler, Principal of Hillcrest Elementary School

 “Projects like Upcycle TOM show how art can inspire environmental awareness and community engagement. We are excited to see how the students’ inventive use of recycled materials sparks conversations about sustainability in Owen Sound.”

• Deborah Eaton, OSWW Planning Committee Member

“This project celebrates the legacy of Tom Thomson while empowering students to confront the challenge of single-use plastics. These artworks demonstrate that creativity can drive environmental awareness, and that small, thoughtful actions can have a meaningful impact on the environment.”

• Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects & Education at the TOM

Quick Facts:

• Student Art Show at the TOM: April 1–30, 2026
• Family Night at the TOM: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 5 – 7 p.m.
• River District Storefront Displays: May 1–31, 2026
• Student Participation: Hillcrest Elementary students will create collaborative artworks using only recycled or repurposed materials.
• Art Auction: Student works will be auctioned throughout both art shows, with proceeds supporting Hillcrest School, TOM, and OSWW programming.

-30-