By Becky Hinch
Working with the Museum of Lennox and Addington has been an absolute blast. From the very first conversations, I knew this would be a project that pushed me both as an artist and as a storyteller. What began as a spark of an idea has become an exhibit two years in the making—a body of work that I’m incredibly proud to finally share with the community.
Breaking Out of the Frame
When JoAnne first told me that I would have access to the entire hallway gallery space, something shifted in my imagination. No longer confined to the traditional rectangle of a photograph on the wall, I could dream of pieces that spilled outside the frame, suspended from the ceiling, and surrounding the viewer in unexpected ways. It felt like permission to play, to explore the boundaries of what portraiture could be.
I knew immediately that I needed a partner who could help bring this expanded vision to life. Michelle, from Trotter Trades, was the perfect collaborator. Her creativity, attention to detail, and willingness to experiment meant that my ideas could actually take shape in physical, tangible forms. Together, we were able to create an exhibit that feels immersive—an experience rather than simply a display.
Portraits with a Touch of Magic
From the start, I knew I wanted this exhibit to stay connected to portraiture. Portraits have always been my artistic heartbeat. They are how I make sense of the world and how I tell stories. But I also wanted this collection to feel different, to have a sense of wonder and enchantment woven through it. That’s where the magical elements came in—details that hint at the unseen, gestures that extend beyond the photograph itself, and a layering of meaning that encourages the viewer to step closer, look deeper, and imagine their own place in the story.
A Photographer’s Journey
Photography has been part of my life for 25 years. I began with a photography diploma, and since then I’ve never lost my love for the process—the planning, the quiet work behind the lens, and the final reveal when an image comes to life. This exhibit feels like a culmination of that journey so far, but also a stepping stone into new ways of creating. For me, being an artist isn’t about staying still. It’s about growth, experimentation, and always asking: What’s next?
Inviting the Community In
One of the most exciting parts of this exhibit is the opportunity to connect with the community in new ways. On October 4th, I’ll be leading a children’s activity at the museum, and I can’t wait to welcome young artists into the space. We are working together to create their very own tornados. There will be a selection of items that they may find it their neighborhoods if a twister were to form. Add in some science and creativity. And we will have something really special. There’s something special about watching kids engage with art—seeing their curiosity spark and their creativity take off. I’m looking forward to a morning filled with imagination, laughter, and hands-on storytelling.
Looking Ahead
Even while this exhibit is on display, I’m already sketching out ideas for what comes next. The creative process never really stops—it’s a cycle of curiosity, experimentation, and expression. Each project opens the door to the next, and I find so much joy in following where those ideas lead. At the heart of it all is a simple truth: I love being an artist. I love the challenge of taking an idea and bringing it to life. I love the way art connects people, sparks conversations, and makes room for wonder. And most of all, I love the privilege of curating the art of people’s stories—because in the end, that’s what this work has always been about.
