Arts and Culture

The Dryden Library is where you can use our free Wi-Fi and enjoy our book, magazine, newspaper, and DVD collections. You don't need a membership card to partake in the activities and events hosted at the Library.

The Dryden Museum, located in the historic Hambleton House, has many artifacts in its collection and travelling exhibits. 

Permanent displays include First Nations artifacts, a pioneer kitchen, the Pitt general store, and more.

The Dryden Youth Entertainment Series (DYES) is host to seasons of cultural, educational, and highly entertaining shows for the children and youth of Dryden and the surrounding area. DYES is led by a team of parents who are passionate about creating opportunities for children to experience live arts and the theatre. There are so many benefits of bringing your children to the theatre – exposing them to a love of the arts, introducing them to new worldviews, encouraging self-expression and creativity, and nurturing a life-long love of learning are just a few of them. Dryden is incredibly lucky to have the Centre and a creative team that can host shows from around the world.

Each season starts in September and runs throughout the winter into May! Keep an eye on our Facebook page to see this year’s schedule of shows – from puppetry to dance to circus, there's an offering for everybody!

The Dryden Entertainment Series provide nine performing arts shows and concerts a year. Their season begins in September and ends in April. Their series offers drama, dance, and variety of musical performers that include folk, country, blues, classical and pop music.

All shows are at the Dryden Regional Training and Cultural Centre. Contact the Dryden Entertainment Series by phone at 807-937-6574 or 807-323-2355 or by email at des@drydenentertainmentseries.ca.

DNFC National Indigenous Peoples Day Pow Wow

Dryden National Friendship Center hosts an annual Pow Wow in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Follow this link for more infomation on events, and to hear an interview with Cheryl Edwards, DNFC Executive Director. 

Dryden High School Pow Wow

Join in at the Eagle's football field at Dryden's Highschool for this annual Pow Wow. Schools from across the region come to participate in this event Dryden Highschool's Annual Pow Wow | Sunset Country, Ontario, Canada (visitsunsetcountry.com)

Regional Pow Wows

Neighbouring First Nation communities host annual Pow Wows, which are colourful and lively celebrations that reflect local aboriginal culture.

Wabigoon Lake Pow Wow

The Wabigoon First Nation performs the Wabigoon Lake Pow Wow on the September Long weekend. They are available by phone at 807-938-6684.

Eagle Lake Pow Wow

One of the largest Pow Wows in Ontario's Northwest is the Eagle Lake First Nation Pow Wow, held on the August long weekend. Contact the Eagle Lake First Nation Reserve by phone at 807-755-1586.

The Dryden High School holds events like Hoop dancing, Ukrainian Zirka dancing, and other traditional dances. Foods and refreshments, like Bannock, are often included. Contact the Dryden High School by phone at 807-223-2316.

Naked North Gallery and Gifts

Naked North Gallery and Gifts is a group of local artists that create:

• Fused and stained glass
• Clay sculptures
• Pottery
• Hand weaving
• Jewellery
• Wirework
• Willow furniture
• Portraits
• Pencil drawings
• Hand quilting
• Mixed media art
• Mosaics
• Acrylic paintings
• Walking sticks
• Photography
• Felted accessories
• Purses
• Pillows
• Metal works

Location: 284 Government Street (Highway 17)  Dryden, ON P8N 2Z3

Phone 807-223-2895

Pieces of Dryden - Mosaic Sculpture

This impressive mosaic sculpture is located in Johnston Park on Government Street in Dryden. The title “Pieces of Dryden” was chosen for the landmark because all of the pieces of mirrors, pottery, dishes, wall and floor tiles were donated by residents of Dryden and surrounding area. It is constructed of eight 4’ x 8’ panels and includes over 8,000 pieces with hundreds of hours of artist and volunteer hours.

The swaying white lines are created from tiles of residents whose donations have their names remembered forever. The natural beauty of Dryden’s Northwestern Ontario surrounding area is expressed in the flowing and continuous lines that move around the entire sculpture. The four basic elements of nature – earth, air, fire and water are represented in the total design. The sun is a stunning focal point with gold glass and silver mirrors radiating its warm rays across the panels. The moon is in contrast with its textured silver mirrors amongst the stars and dark blue night sky. The iridescent dark tiles that form the large triangular shapes encircling all the panels symbolize the forests of pine trees that envelope and protect us. 

Four benches are situated around the sculpture and reflect the four directions, elements and seasons.  [North, air, winter] – [West, fire, autumn] – [South, water, summer] – [East, earth, spring]. The total environment with the sculpture, benches, trees, walkways and landscaping completes the circular design which symbolizes the unity that we all strive for in our lives with nature and each other as human beings. Every piece of the mosaic shows that each of us is a piece of life’s puzzle and we should all live together in peace, love and harmony.

Hold on tight as you walk, suspended, over the fast-moving water of the Wabigoon River. Located along the Dryden Signature Trail, the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge is a unique feature of Dryden that offers unparalleled views of the Wabigoon River as it meanders through the heart of Dryden.

The Dryden Tree at Duke Street Dock

A great place to dock your boat in the heart of Dryden, take a break from fishing to stretch your legs with shops and restaurants just steps from the dock. The Duke Street Dock has a fantastic view of the river and of the Dryden Fibre Canada Mill. Home of The Dryden Tree, this monument was designed and fabricated by talented metal workers George Marchiorello and Tom Stratton, and serves as the dock centrepiece. Signifying the strength and beauty of Dryden’s primary resource, the tree stands tall on a granite base provided by Nelson Granite, and is adorned with 8 informational bronze plaques titled: Beginnings, The Railway, Agriculture, Gold Fever, Pulp and Paper, Booming Wood, Recreation, and The Present (as of 1988). These plaques take the reader back in time, recounting the history of the area land from 1670 all the way to the dock’s creation, thanks in part to funding from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. During the installation, Dryden High School students curated a time capsule and placed it inside the monument, which is scheduled to be opened in 2088.

Max the Moose

Born: July 19, 1962

Height: 5.6 Metres / 18 Feet

Weight: +/- 2 tons

Max the Moose has been proudly representing Dryden since his July 1962 arrival. He stands in honour of his ancestors, cousins and friends of the wilderness. Though not the largest Moose in Canada, Max is the oldest! This burly beast, with head raised, captures the spirit of Sunset Country. Be sure to stop by and get your photo with Max!

The Dryden Regional Arts Council (DRAC) organizes yearly art tours, arts shows and operates the Naked North Art Gallery & Gifts. You can contact the DRAC by phone at 807-223-2895, or by email at willene.moffatt@gmail.com.

Location:

284 Government Street (next to Max the Moose statue)

Mailing address: Dryden Regional Arts Council P.O. Box 601  Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1 

The Dryden Artists Association (TDAA) supports and encourages visual artists. You can contact the TDAA by Facebook or by phone at 807-936-0017.

Location:
Dryden Artists Association
258 Taylor Street
Dryden, ON P8N 1M6