Franz “Frank” Johnston was a founding member of the Group of Seven and had meaningful connections to the Midland area. His wife’s family was from nearby Hillsdale, and the couple spent time at a family cottage in Balm Beach, where Johnston became familiar with the light, shoreline, forests, and rural scenery of southern Georgian Bay. Later in life, he lived and painted in the Wyebridge area of Simcoe County, continuing to draw inspiration from the local landscape.

Johnston’s ties to the region also connected him with other local artists, including Midland associate artist W. J. Wood. Today, Huronia Museum preserves an important collection (one of Canada’s largest) related to Johnston and the Group of Seven, including sketches, photographs, sketchbooks, and other archival materials connected to Johnston’s personal estate.