Nestled in the Haliburton Highlands, the Haliburton School of Art & Design (HSAD)—a campus of Fleming College—has long served as a pillar for creative education and cultural tourism in rural Ontario. Established in 1967, the school draws thousands of students each summer, ranging from novice enthusiasts to seasoned creators. Beyond providing artistic instruction, institutions like HSAD play a growing role in post-retirement life, offering structured environments where older adults can pursue lifelong learning, maintain physical dexterity, and build community connections.
I recently attended a week-long stained-glass course with my wife, Ellen, at the Haliburton School of Arts. Last summer, I took stone sculpting, while Ellen tried out collage art. When low enrollment cancelled stone sculpting this session, we compromised and enrolled in stained glass together.
