Stitching Together a Legacy: Jean Hillis and the Growth of ICAC

One of Jean Hillis' gorgeous quilts, featured at her show on May 1st, 2026 in Woodstock. The event featured a wide selection of Hillis' work from her vast artistic career. Picture by the Oxford Quilters' Guild. (Kyrah Smith Photo)

Kyrah Smith, Echo Correspondent

At 97 years old, Jean Hillis remains one of Canada's most respected quilters and a passionate advocate for the arts. A founding member of both the Canadian Quilters' Association and the Oxford Quilters Guild, Hillis has spent decades helping foster creativity in her community.

Born and raised in Guelph, Hillis began her journey in Ingersoll while teaching at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI). She has been quilting since 1976 and is also one of the charter members of the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre (ICAC), where she has played a role in the organization's growth since its beginnings in 1972.

The Echo invited Hillis to take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the early days of the Art Centre.

"It all started when the Ingersoll Recreation Board realized there was more to recreation than just men's sports," Hillis said with a laugh.

She explained that the community lacked a dedicated space for creative pursuits, prompting the Director of Recreation to organize a large craft show. The event proved to be a tremendous success.

"It brought together a lot of people who were all interested in crafts under one roof," she recalled.

The success of the show soon raised an important question: where could local artists and crafters gather on a regular basis?

Hillis remembers that about a year after the initial craft show, the Town of Ingersoll purchased a house on King Street that was originally intended to serve as a daycare facility.

"The house wasn't adequate for daycare," she explained. "So, all the craft people got together and created a proposal."

The proposal was accepted by the town on a one-year trial basis, and the experiment quickly proved successful.

However, the road was not always easy.

"After three years, the town wanted to get rid of the Art Centre," Hillis recalled.

She remembers the many challenges involved in finding a permanent home for the growing creative community, from structural issues with potential locations to the need for more suitable space.

Then, in 1988, the group was offered a vacant building in Victoria Park.

"It was originally an office building for the Canada Cement Plant," Hillis explained. "Then it was given to the Scout and Guide groups, but it was too expensive. That's how we came to be in the park."

Hillis and fellow members worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Art Centre, and with support from the community, the facility continued to grow and expand.

"And it's been growing ever since," she said. "It's been wonderful to be a part of the Centre and watch it flourish. It's a place where people can come together and show their creative side."

In recognition of her many contributions, Hillis was officially honoured by the Province of Ontario as an Exceptional Senior in 2008.

Even today, she remains a passionate advocate for both quilting and the arts.

"I'm always happy to promote anything quilting or Art Centre related!"