Born in Copper Cliff and raised in Sudbury, Helvi Moore was trained to be a public school teacher. After teaching for eight years in Muskoka and while raising her family, she studied oil painting with Hug Olms during weekly night classes in Bracebridge. Subsequently, she studied oils, watercolours and pastels. Helvi also taught herself how to paint with acrylics. Since 1975, Helvi has won many awards for her work. The paintings by the members of the Group of Seven particularly interested Helvi. Some of her favourite subjects were rocks, pines and water—all typical features of the north. In addition, Helvi enjoyed painting subjects that had local historical significance, such as the old railway station in Bracebridge. Helvi joined Muskoka Arts & Crafts at its inception and regularly showed her work at the Spring, Christmas and Summer Shows.