The Art Gallery of Hamilton is saddened to hear about the passing of artist April Hickox on August 15, 2025 after an extended battle with cancer. April’s work graced many exhibitions at the AGH throughout the years and she was a good friend of the Gallery.
“Over a 40-plus year career as a visual artist, April demonstrated her passion for environmental issues, the climate crisis, land stewardship, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world through her wonderful work,” says Melissa Bennett, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art at the AGH.
Born in Oakville, Ontario in 1955, April and her family moved to the Toronto Islands when she was a young child. She studied photography and graphic design at Twickenham College of Technology in England and obtained an AOCA degree from Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD U) when it was known as the Ontario College of Art. April went on to teach at OCAD U for more than 30 years, and she chaired the Photography program from 1998 to 2007.
At the time of her passing, she was a long-term artist-in-residence at the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts. An active community leader, April was founding director of Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography, and a founding member of Tenth Muse Studio and Artscape Toronto.
“We first met in the early 2000s when I was working at Gallery 44,” Melissa recalls. “I was immediately struck by her humility, generosity, and kindness. We kept in touch over the years, and I was delighted when she called me at the AGH to express interest in donating pieces to our collection.”
The AGH owns 74 photographs by April, many of which were donated by her – including Blue Car, which is currently featured in the exhibition Taking Root: Recent Acquisitions.
Her work has also been on view at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, the Canada Council Art Bank, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, and the Burnaby Art Gallery. Her installation, Fields, is currently on display at the TTC’s Donlands Station in Toronto.
“April inspired so many people through her work, and through her strong commitment to mentorship,” says Melissa. “She enjoyed sharing her knowledge and experience with others – helping them develop as artists and reach their full potential. April leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that will live on in the many lives she touched. We miss her dearly.”
