Entries by Angelica San Juan

Steinbach Arts Council expands community reach with workshops

The Steinbach Arts Council is thrilled to announce the expansion of our workshop series, designed to connect community members with the arts in exciting new ways. This year’s offerings extend beyond the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, reaching out to community spaces through satellite workshops including Fernwood Place, Rest Haven Care Home, Pat Porter Active Living Centre and the Mennonite Heritage Village. The initiative, a key component of SAC’s commitment to creating a community through arts and culture, brings enriching and hands-on learning experiences directly to residents, it also makes SAC programming accessible to a wider audience and allowing for more workshops to be facilitated due to increasing demand and nearly full capacity at the current SAC location. This workshop series caters to a wide range of interests and skill levels.  Participants can delve into cultural heritage through workshops like Cultural Papercutting Art, inspired by Swiss, Japanese, and Mexican traditions.  Indigenous art is also highlighted with Métis Finger Weaving, and Métis Driftwood & Windchime Making workshops. The holiday season kicks off with a festive workshop on creating the iconic Filipino Christmas lantern, the Parol and continues with Holiday Dips and Charcuterie Board workshops.   Beyond cultural exploration, participants can acquire practical skills like preserving food with canning, learning beginner stained glass techniques, mastering the art of sourdough bread baking, or creating beautiful candles. These practical workshops aim to ignite the community’s personal passion for a craft, offer avenues for professional development, or even inspire new small businesses. All workshops are taught by dedicated instructors, experts in their craft and strongly connected to the cultural traditions they share, ensuring a rich and authentic learning experience. “There is something for everyone at The Steinbach Arts Council especially with the addition of several workshops at SAC and newly developed satellite workshops throughout the community,” says Cassandra Kornelsen, Manager of Community Programs at the Steinbach Arts Council. “Notably, there has been an increase in requests for more workshops throughout the fall, winter and spring.  We have created a workshop calendar that will provide more to the community with a great range of variety. “ SAC’s Culture & Heritage workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Hatchery & Feeds. For a complete schedule and registration information, visit SteinbachArts.ca/Workshops or call 204.346.1077. For interviews, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications & Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077

“Dual Impressions” by Textile & Fibre Artists of Manitoba

Okanagan Dream, Greenwell Susan ©

Desert Dreaming, Filyk Elaine ©

Dual Impressions: Textile & Fibre Artists of Manitoba

September 5th – October 10th, 2025 
No opening ceremony will be held for this exhibit


The two TFAM exhibit organizers envisioned a body of work showcasing how individual artists approach their artwork using diverse techniques, materials, and styles to represent unique perspectives. Krista and Coreen challenged TFAM members to pair up, select a meaningful theme, and then create a piece of artwork reflecting their interpretation of the theme. Most participants were unaware of their partner’s piece, making the first showing a truly inspiring experience.

While all pieces in “Dual Impressions” are fibre-based, each participating TFAM member employed their preferred style, design, and materials. These included felting, appliqué, embellishment, hand-stitching, embroidery, painting, technology integration, intricate machine stitchwork, 3D techniques, crocheting, and a wide variety of fabrics and fibres. The exhibit’s dynamic nature stems from its embrace of artistic individuality.

Artist Collective Statement: Artists interpret the world in different and unique ways, sharing their viewpoint and inspiring reflection. 

Plan Your Visit

See more at the Hall Gallery, located in the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre at 304 Second St. You’re welcome to enjoy the artwork during our office hours. A toonie admission is appreciated and can be left in the donation box in the hall.

“Dual Impressions” by Textile & Fibre Artists of Manitoba Initiates 2025-2026 Gallery Exhibit Season

The Steinbach Arts Council is proud to present “Dual Impressions,” an exhibition featuring the Textile & Fibre Artists of Manitoba (TFAM). This exhibition, which marks the start of the 2025-2026 Gallery Exhibit season, aims to create community through arts and culture. The exhibition will run from September 5th to October 10th 2025. The Textile and Fibre Artists of Manitoba (TFAM), a non-profit fibre arts group established in 2017, comprises 70 members across Manitoba and Canada. TFAM is recognized for its active participation in numerous events and exhibitions, including past shows like “Manitoba Moments.” The organization supports its members through monthly meetings, workshops, and collaborations with groups like the Manitoba Craft Council, cultivating an active fibre and craft community. TFAM’s commitment to community contribution is demonstrated by their donation of funds from member-created postcards and the inclusion of their 2020 COVID Fibre Art Journal Challenge Exhibit in the Manitoba Museum’s permanent collection. Visitors to the Hall Gallery can expect a fibre arts collection where pieces are arranged in pairs, encouraging exploration of interconnected works and artistic concepts. Separately, in the Ledingham Studio, the SAC Student Exhibit will display works created during SAC’s visual arts programs. This dedicated space highlights the creativity and skill developed by its students under SAC’s dedicated instructors. “The artistic talent we have in our region and in our province is something truly special,” says Mallory Stang, our Gallery Exhibit Contact. “Dual Impressions shows off the active art community we have here in Manitoba, and it’s a great way for us to give local creators a place to share their unique work. We’re honored to host TFAM, and I’m sure their pieces will garner a lot of appreciation from the community.”   The artists’ collective statement for “Dual Impressions” reflects the significant impact of art: “Artists interpret the world in different and unique ways, sharing their viewpoint and inspiring reflection.” While no formal opening ceremony is planned for either exhibit, the public is welcome to experience them at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, located at 304 Second Street. We encourage you to plan your visit by checking our centre’s hours of operation on our website at SteinbachArts.ca. A $2 admission, payable via the donation box, is encouraged to help support future gallery programming. For interviews, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communication and Outreach Coordinatormarketing

2025 Annual General Meeting

Attention: Steinbach Arts Council Members and Board of Directors Members of the Steinbach Arts Council Community Arts Organizations, Artist, Crafters and Musicians User Groups of Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre Business Owners, City of Steinbach and RM of Hanover Council The Steinbach Arts Council Board of directors would like to remind our members and stakeholders of our upcoming Annual General Meeting, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 7:30PM. The meeting will be held in the SCU Studio, Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre located at 304 Second Street. Public is invited to attend.  All SAC members receive one vote. Agenda: For more information, please contact:  David Klassen, Executive Director                                         Dklassen@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077

Camps at Steinbach Arts Council filled to capacity this summer

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. 

Canadian folk music award winner Ian Sherwood comes to share his soulful music in Steinbach.

The Steinbach Arts Council is proud to kick off the 2025-2026 Concert Series with award-winning East Coast singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood, performing live on Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 PM at the SRSS Theatre. A masterful guitarist and saxophonist with a voice that earned him a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer, Sherwood is known for bringing light, energy, and connection to every stage he steps onto. Blending folk roots with pop sensibilities, his music is rich in storytelling and emotional depth. “To see Ian perform live is to be truly entertained,” says Tara Schellenberg, the Steinbach Arts Council Performing Arts Coordinator, “He’s an amazingly gifted musician and songwriter, and his storytelling is rich with humour and charm. His live-looping on stage allows him to bring a full sound to a solo show – and it’s fascinating to boot!” Ian Sherwood’s charismatic live performances thrive in intimate theatre settings, drawing audiences in with warmth, wit, and musical brilliance – an experience you won’t want to miss. The Steinbach Arts Council would like to thank Herbsigwil Farms for sponsoring this concert. Tickets are $34 for adults and $17 for students, and will be available for purchase beginning August 14th, 2025. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204.346.1077. To arrange an interview, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinator204.346.1077 | marketing@steinbacharts.ca

Newly Selected Artists To Exhibit During the 2025-2026 Season

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

Steinbach Arts Council Announces Dynamic 2025-2026 Concert Series

The Steinbach Arts Council is proud to unveil its 2025–2026 Concert Series, featuring an outstanding lineup of music and theatre that promises to entertain, inspire, and connect audiences of all ages. With five captivating performances from across the country, this season showcases the best of Canadian talent in music and drama—all right here in Steinbach. Kicking off the season on Thursday, October 9, Ian Sherwood’s concert, sponsored by Herbsigwil Farms Ltd, brings east coast charm to the SRSS Theatre. A Canadian Folk Music Award winner known for his rich storytelling and genre-blurring style, Sherwood’s charismatic performance combines folk-pop songs with saxophone, guitar, and sharp wit.  On Sunday, November 2, the spotlight shifts to classical brilliance with Prairie Debut artist, Prairie Sons—a powerhouse duo featuring cellist David Liam Roberts and pianist Godwin Friesen. Hailing from the prairies and named to CBC’s “Hot 30 Classical Musicians Under 30,” this pair delivers electrifying and emotionally rich performances that showcase their deep musical connection. Ring in the holiday season on Tuesday, December 2 at Crossview Church with the beloved Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Tour featuring special guests Erin Propp & Larry Roy. With holiday favourites and featuring local talent, this heartwarming, family-friendly event sponsored by Three Way Builders is a festive tradition that is sure to sell out quickly. The series continues into the new year with Proximus 5 on Friday, February 6 at Grace Church. This acclaimed male a cappella group from Winnipeg stuns audiences with impeccable harmonies and a genre-spanning repertoire—from ancient choral music to contemporary pop. This concert will include a special collaboration with the SRSS Chamber Choir, directed by Kristel Peters. Rounding out the season is a theatrical gem from the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s Regional Tour. On Sunday, March 1, Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad hits the SRSS Theatre stage—a hilarious and heartfelt play about finding love in the bleachers of a minor hockey rink. Full of sharp dialogue, emotion, and Canadiana charm, this production will resonate with theatre lovers and hockey fans alike. Season tickets are now available and offer great value—just $130 for five shows (seniors: $120), plus SAC membership. Individual concert tickets are $34 for adults and $17 for students and will be available for purchase beginning August 14th, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable season of music and theatre in your community. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204.346.1077. ###For interviews, contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077

Steinbach Arts Council Continues to Offer High Quality Programming in Fall of 2025

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

KR Barkman Concerts in the Park – Free Outdoor Concerts Celebrate Community

The Steinbach Arts Council is pleased to announce that your favourite FREE outdoor concert series is back this summer. KR Barkman Concerts in the Park are for the whole family, featuring local performers across a variety of genres – folk, pop, classical, punk, Southern Gospel, classic rock, theatre, and more! “The KR Barkman Concerts in the Park series is a great way to celebrate the talent in our region and kick off the summer season in Steinbach,” says Tara Schellenberg, Performing Arts Coordinator. “We had many performer applications this year and we’re looking forward to hearing both familiar groups as well as some newer emerging artists!” Everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blanket to the KR Barkman Park on Tuesday, May 27th at 6:30pm for the first outdoor concert of 2025, and plan to enjoy the music through to June 10th. To find KR Barkman Park, head southeast down Main Street, just past the Steinbach Fire Hall, and look for the gazebo. Weather cancellations will be posted on the Steinbach Arts Council social media. 2025 KR Barkman Concerts in the Park Schedule May 27 – Paradise on Fire, Acorns & Armchairs, Kites & LightsMay 29 – Abandoning Abby, New Covenant Quartet, Darryl Marsch BandJune 3 – Mother Burden, P NoiseJune 5 – Father & Son, Louden King, The ChammartinsJune 10 – Looking Glass Theatre, Southeast Brass Quintet The Steinbach Arts Council is delighted to partner with the Barkman Concrete Foundation to continue this summer tradition of featuring local artists and bringing our community together in celebration of music and arts. Thanks to Barkman Concrete Foundation for their support in providing free community concerts.