After seven years of welcoming artists of all disciplines to Koshlong Lake, the Halls Island Artist Residency hosted
its final residency guests in September, a spokesperson for the Fraser-Hughes family – which own the island – said.
The residency, located at an off-grid island, “has inspired artists from as far away as upstate New York, British
Columbia, and Newfoundland, as well as Haliburton County artists,” the spokesperson added.
Since 2019, more than 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, novelists, poets, actors, songwriters and musicians
discovered inspiration as they engaged with nature and pursued their creative endeavours in the beautiful setting.
Halls Island is privately-owned by the Fraser-Hughes family, whose generosity provided the residency, accommodations, and island access for the chosen artists. The family said it was enormously grateful for the support of the Haliburton County Community Cooperative and the volunteers who served on the management committee.
“In 2018, we were joined in a vision by the Haliburton County Community Cooperative and several local volunteers
to build a program that inspired artists from all over Canada and elsewhere to visit a peaceful refuge on Koshlong
Lake. Word quickly spread and each year more and more creative people, duos and groups applied to become part of the Halls Island experience. These artists became alumni of the special and inspiring space that the island offered,” the spokesperson said.
“We are now going to take a pause and consult with our former artists in residence and consider reimagining the
future of this magical place. It has been an honour and privilege to work with our partners and provide an exceptional experience for so many worthy and creative Friends of Halls Island.”
They went on to thank Abbey Gardens, Haliburton County Museum, Haliburton County Public Library, the Arts Council Haliburton Highlands, Haliburton County Development Corporation, TD Ready Fund, Haliburton County Folk Society, YMCA Camp Wanakita, Koshlong Lake supporters, and the volunteer management committee and artist selection committee members.
