This article was originally published on SteinbachOnline: https://steinbachonline.com/articles/camps-at-steinbach-arts-council-filled-to-capacity-this-summer It has been a packed summer at the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC), with day camps running at full capacity and new programming on the horizon.  Cassandra Kornelsen, Manager of Community Programs at SAC, says this year’s camps expanded to full days and two additional weeks. “The day camps have been just—the word is great. We are full, full, full,” she says.  Highlights from summer camps  The camps featured a wide range of activities and field trips that kept children engaged throughout the season. Kornelsen notes that campers enjoyed a visit with horses from Cloud 9 Rance, gymnastics at Flippers, and learning about animals through Prairie Exotics and Wildlife Haven.  Special theme days also stood out, including Medieval Week with Jeremy Plett, volleyball with Olympian Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, and trips to the Mennonite Heritage Village. Kornelsen adds that daily swims at the Aquatic Centre were another highlight.  “Our field trips have been a huge hit,” she says. “The kids have been having such a great time.”  Fall programming filling up  As summer winds down, SAC is turning its attention to fall and winter programming. Registration opened in mid-July, and Kornelsen says demand is already strong. “We’re trying to figure out how we can plug in some more classes in the different empty spaces,” she explains. “There is still room to register, but we are starting to really notice an increase.”  This season includes more than 30 workshops ranging from stained glass to canning, paper design, and holiday gift making. In November, a Filipino lantern-making class will add a cultural element to the lineup.  Arts for all ages  Kornelsen emphasizes that SAC programming is designed for all ages. The Arts for Tots preschool program, led by Miss Pam and Miss Jamie, returns this fall, while music lessons with Southeast Music Centre, dance through Boss Dance Academy, and theater with the Backyard Theatre Company offer options for older children and youth.  A new musical theatre program for ages six to 16 will also launch this fall, divided into two age groups. Kornelsen says more details will be released in the coming weeks.  Building community through the arts  Kornelsen says providing accessible arts programming is a meaningful part of SAC’s work. “It’s a very heartwarming feeling. We work really hard at the Arts Council to do what we do best, and that’s provide for the community, show our passion and really build those community relationships,” she says.  Information on fall registration is available on the Steinbach Arts Council website or by calling 204-346-1077 or visiting the centre. 

The Steinbach Arts Council is thrilled to announce its lineup for the 2025-2026 Hall Gallery Exhibit Season. The Hall Gallery will once again transform into a dynamic canvas, featuring diverse mediums and perspectives from local and regional artists. The exhibits curated annually by SAC fulfill its mission to create community through arts and culture. “Our local artists represent diverse backgrounds and express themselves through various forms,” shares Mallory Stang, exhibit contact for the Steinbach Arts Council. “Art has a unique power to unite people, spark dialogue, and reflect shared experiences. While strengthening community ties, we’ve welcomed contributions from groups like the Steinbach Christian School, the SAC Photo Club and we’ll also be displaying artwork by our SAC students. As with every year we are excited to see the exhibits on display to learn and be inspired by our selected artists.” Below is the schedule for the 2025-2026 Hall Gallery and Ledingham Studio Exhibit lineup: September 5 – October 10, 2025• “Dual Impressions” by Textile and Fibre Artists of Manitoba• SAC Student Exhibit October 17 – November 21, 2025• “Elements and Encounters” by Photo Club November 24 – January 2, 2026• Buy or Lease Christmas SaleJanuary 9 – February 20, 2026• “Tension: A beautiful conflict” by Steinbach Christian School February 27 – March 26, 2026• Southeast Open Judged Exhibit April 10 – May 15, 2026• “Sisters” by Cynthia Hiebert• SAC Student Exhibit May 22 – June 26, 2026• “Shifting Realms: Ocean, Earth & Ether” by Tanya Penner• “Woven in the Wild” by Leah Bernard The opening ceremonies for the individual exhibits are held at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre at 6 PM unless otherwise stated. The Steinbach Arts Council encourages the community to mark their calendars and experience what each exhibit this season promises to deliver. You can find information about the artist and their artwork by visiting SteinbachArts.ca/Exhibits. ### To arrange an interview, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinator204.346.1077 | marketing@steinbacharts.ca

The Steinbach Arts Council is thrilled to announce registration for 2025 Fall Classes will open to the public on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Continuing the momentum from the success and growth of last year, with many sold-out classes and workshops, the Steinbach Arts Council is excited to offer quality, creative, and unique learning opportunities for the community. “The growth in participation in classes and the consecutive learning in classes were highlights of the year. We know that there is an increasing demand for arts, culture, and recreation in our community, and we’re excited to offer more great opportunities this year. We saw hundreds of participants in our classes last year, and we had an outstanding response to the increase in programming, receiving positive and supportive feedback from those who participated,” says Cassandra Kornelsen, Manager of Community Programs at the Steinbach Arts Council. The Steinbach Arts Council offers a diverse range of programs from children to adults, including its flagship programs, such as the Arts4tots Preschool Program, sponsored by Oakridge Garden Centre, and the Backyard Theatre Company, sponsored by Nature’s Farm. SAC is also home to the Steinbach Children’s & Youth Chorus and offers introductory dance classes in partnership with BOSS Dance Academy. Additionally, SAC hosts culinary arts classes, sponsored by Main Bread & Butter, and provides a variety of visual arts classes, from pottery to painting, drawing, and more, catering to all skill levels. This fall season, the free After School Arts Programs will return, featuring classes in improv, culinary arts, guitar, fiddle, pottery, and visual arts for students in grades 5-12. SAC is also particularly excited about continuing to offer more cultural and heritage workshops, including Metis Finger Weaving, Metis Driftwood Windchime Making, Paper Cutting Art, Filipino Parol Making, and more, made possible by the generous support of Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Hatchery & Feed. The Steinbach Arts Council has dedicated instructors, whose passion and expertise enrich the community. These instructors, both long-time contributors and new additions, are integral to SAC’s mission of creating community through arts and culture. The community is encouraged to check out the updated class list and register through the Steinbach Arts Council’s website, SteinbachArts.ca, or by calling 204.346.1077. To arrange an interview, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinator204.346.1077 | marketing@steinbacharts.ca