Entries by Angelica San Juan

STEINBACHONLINE: Ian Sherwood opens Steinbach Arts Council’s 2025 Concert Series

This article was originally posted on SteinbachOnline: https://steinbachonline.com/articles/ian-sherwood-opens-steinbach-arts-councils-2025-concert-series The Steinbach Arts Council is gearing up to kick off this year’s Concert Series with the first of five shows.  Performing Arts Coordinator Tara Schellenberg says the season opener is set for Thursday, October 9.  “We’ve got Ian Sherwood coming. He is from the East Coast of Canada. He’s a singer-songwriter. He’s been awarded for both his singing and his songwriting. He’s won a Canadian Folk Music Award.”  The performance will take place at the SRSS Theatre, starting at 7:30 p.m.  “He’s going to do some singing, play some guitar, play some saxophone. He does live looping at his concerts, which is really cool.”  Schellenberg explains that looping involves recording short instrumental parts and playing them back live to create the sound of a full band, all by one musician.  “It’s a one person show, but it has the effect of a whole band. Very, very cool to see that happening live, and you can only see that when you’re in the room where the magic is happening.”  She adds that during a time when the world feels divided, performances like this help bring people together.  “When you’re sitting in a concert like that, you’re not just being entertained, everybody is having a shared experience. And it’s going to be unique. There are never two shows that are going to be the same. And so, you’re going to walk out of there having being entertained, inspired, and now having a shared experience with a big group of people. And I think it’s really a very lovely way to build connections with your community.”  Schellenberg says this year’s Concert Series will feature a wide range of genres.  “This is the first of five. And this one is going to be kind of like folk pop, and this is the only one that’s like this year. So if that’s kind of your jam, then you want to come out to this one this year, because we’ve got lots of other cool stuff happening.”  Attendees can expect everything from theatre to symphony to classical performances.  “You’re going to get world-class music right here in our community, which is cool. We search high and low, far and wide for the best talent across Canada and even internationally. And we bring it right to your door. So, you’re going to hear top-notch musicianship and you’re going to be inspired.”  Here’s a look at the upcoming lineup in the Concert Series:  “Both of those musicians, David Liam Roberts and Godwin Friesen, they’ve both been named to CBC’s top 30 under 30 classical musicians. So, these guys are going places. We’re kind of getting them on their rise to classical notoriety.”  “And they’re going to come and they’re going to perform actually with the SRSS Chamber Choir. So a bit of community added to that show.”  “We have the Manitoba Theater Center finishing off our concert series with a play called Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad, that I think maybe people will be able to relate to.”  Schellenberg says tickets are available online at the Steinbach Arts Council website or by calling 204-346-1077.  “And if all of those concerts sound appealing to you, this is kind of your last chance to enjoy the season subscriber pricing. We still are selling a few season tickets.” 

SAC Photo Club Exhibits Photography at SAC Hall Gallery

Steinbach, MB – The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is proud to announce the upcoming photography exhibit, “Elements and Encounters,” by the SAC Photo Club, showcasing the exceptional work of local photographers. The exhibit will take place at the Hall Gallery, located within the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre (304 Second St), on Friday, October 17, with an opening ceremony at 6PM. The SAC Photo Club brings together photography enthusiasts of all skill levels to share their passion, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. The Club’s mission is to foster a supportive environment that enhances members’ photography skills while promoting appreciation for the art of photography within the community. Exhibit artists of the SAC Photo Club currently include Patrick Friesen, Jeremy Dueck, Dennis Fast, Jim Reimer, Don Reimer, John Neufeld, Andrew Penner, Andrew Bell, and Bill Rupert. The exhibit, “Elements and Encounters,” is a testament to the SAC Photo Club’s dedication to capturing the beauty and essence of the world around us. As the collective artist statement eloquently puts it, “In Elements and Encounters, we explore the intersection of the seen and the felt — the primal forces of nature, emotion, and chance that shape our world and our way of seeing.” Through their photographs, the artists invite viewers to reflect on the quiet power of observation and the unexpected beauty of connection. Cassandra Kornelsen, Manager of Community Programs, remarks, “The SAC Photo Club is a perfect example of the exceptional talent and creativity that thrives in our community. Emerging, award-winning and renowned photographers professionally meet monthly at SAC to connect and share their work. Our hope is that there may be more of these groups that find us to be their home as we provide support through our programs such as our exhibits.” Plan your visit to the Hall Gallery. For more information, visit SteinbachArts.ca/Exhibits. As a proud showcase of local and regional art for over 25 years, the Steinbach Arts Council Hall Gallery relies on community support to continue sharing the creativity and inspiration of our talented artists. In lieu of an admission fee, viewers can drop donations to the hallway drop box or make other payments such as cheques or credit cards. The community’s contribution is always greatly appreciated and helps SAC create community through arts and culture. ### To arrange an interview, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077

CBC: Thriving Steinbach arts community bucks national trend

This article was originally posted on CBC.ca: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/steinbach-manitoba-arts-council-growth-1.7650548 The Steinbach Arts Council has doubled its registrations and donors in two years at a time when other arts organizations have struggled to rebound from the COVID pandemic. Steinbach is doing new things that other arts councils can learn from, said Lise Ann Johnson, Canadian Council for the Arts director general for arts granting programs. “They’re checking all of those boxes,” said Johnson. Those boxes included mergers with other organizations, free programming, offering something for all ages and getting out of their own facilities to other places where people are. Johnson said some other groups are starting to see a turnaround, but in a poll by the Canadian Council for the Arts, which funds 1,464 art organizations, 91 per cent of the organizations that responded had challenges maintaining their programming impact. “Primarily attendance and consumption changed profoundly in the pandemic. They were ruptured. People got very used to not going out. They got used to their digital platforms,” she said. Rebounding from the pandemic is important, as the arts scene plays a large role in the country’s identity, Johnson said. “I think this moment of cultural sovereignty is a really interesting one in this kind of Trump era. Whether it’s tariffs or whether it’s just rethinking our relationship to our neighbour in the south, I think there’s a real interest in how arts and culture play a really important role in defining who we are as Canadians,” she said. Top 10% in country At the annual general meeting of the Steinbach Arts Council in September, it was announced that program spending has passed $1 million in the city of 18,000, about 50 kilometres south of Winnipeg. A doubling of donations in two years has pushed Steinbach into the top 10 per cent of arts councils in the country for total dollars spent. That’s ahead of large Canadian cities like Mississauga, with a population of 800,000, and London, with a metro area population of 550,000, according to data from the Canada Revenue Agency collected by federally funded arts data collector Mass Culture. There were more than 2,000 registrations in over 140 programs last season, and the council plans to have even more, with workshops including one for tots as young as one with their parents. The Steinbach Arts Council used to run most of its programs in its Second Street building, but with the growth, workshops have moved out into places like seniors homes and the Mennonite Heritage Village museum. The arts council is also putting on four concerts and bringing in a play by the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre this season. Chris Winkler, Steinbach Arts Council’s member of the year, considers himself an example of how the arts council draws people in. The mortgage broker became more involved two years ago, and convinced his father, Bob Winkler, and 10-year-old daughter Clara, to join him in last season’s Fiddler on the Roof. It sold out all four planned shows in the 300-seat theatre at Steinbach Regional Secondary School, and an added fifth performance also quickly sold out. “You connect really, really deeply with these people really fast. You’re all rowing in the same direction… to ultimately give to other people, and I think that’s so special,” Winkler said. Post-pandemic boom The arts council also offers free after-school programming taught by artists from the community, offering everything from improv to culinary classes. Kerean Vogt got to try the fiddle for the first time at one of those programs. He recommends it to everyone. “You get to just move along the strings and boom, music,” said Kerean. “It’s really fun.” Fiddle teacher John Taves reached out to the arts council in 2020 to get involved. He said the free programming, which offers other options like culinary and improv, is essential to give people access to the arts world. “It’s a really big deal, actually. There’s a lot of costs that come with playing a stringed instrument,” Taves said. Working together Steinbach’s success has been helped by a merger with the Southeastern Manitoba Festival, which brought teachers and students under one organization. Steinbach Arts Council executive director David Klassen said re-engagement with the community that started during the pandemic resulted in what he called a slingshot response. “So many people wanted some sort of recreation and they sought it out online. We took that as a challenge,” said Klassen, who joined the arts council in 2019. “We believe in many ways, we’re the heartbeat of the city,” Klassen said at the arts council’s AGM.

“Elements & Encounters” by SAC Photo Club

Photo by Jeremy Dueck ©

Elements & Encounters by SAC Photo Club

October 17, 2025
An opening ceremony on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 6PM


“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself.” – Ernst Haas

In Elements and Encounters, we explore the intersection of the seen and the felt — the primal forces of nature, emotion, and chance that shape our world and our way of seeing.

These images are born from encounters both serendipitous and sought, where the photographer becomes witness, participant, and translator. As a collective we share a common pursuit: to reveal the extraordinary in the elemental, the intimate in the vast. Whether through abstraction or documentary, stillness or movement, our work invites the viewer to consider the quiet power of observation and the unexpected beauty of connection.

In this space, elements converge. Encounters unfold. And through the lens, we hope to invite you into that fragile space where experience becomes image — and image becomes 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.

STEINBACHONLINE: Steinbach Arts Council gets $30K grant increase from City

This article was originally posted on SteinbachOnline.com: https://www.steinbachonline.com/articles/steinbach-arts-council-gets-30k-grant-increase-from-city Steinbach City Council has given preliminary approval for a $30,000 increase to the annual grant for the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) starting in 2026.  Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra says the decision reflects both the growth of SAC programs and council’s desire to recognize the value of the organization’s work in the community.  “We did take a look at the history and the work that’s being done by the Arts Council,” Zwaagstra said. “And so we decided that it was the time, an appropriate time to increase their funding. Their funding had been frozen for several years, at least, in terms of what was coming from the City. And so in 2026, they will have a $30,000 increase on the net grant that they receive.”  He clarified that this funding is separate from the rent arrangement between the two parties. The City owns the building that houses SAC, charges rent, and then provides a grant to cover those rental costs.  “This is completely separate from that,” Zwaagstra explained. “You can think of this as the operating funding that we are giving. And this is a portion of the funding they get. But we felt that because of the hard work that the Arts Council is doing and the expansion and the programs that we’re seeing, we do want to make it clear that we support the Steinbach Arts Council and we value our partnership with them, and that’s why we have decided on the $30,000 increase for the upcoming year.”  SAC responds to funding boost  SAC Board Chair Taylor Brandt says the funding comes at an important time as the organization continues to expand programs and serve more people.  “We’ve had a really great relationship with the City of Steinbach for decades and decades, since really when we started, and the City owns our building,” said Brandt. “Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in our programs and in foot traffic and an increase in cost. And so this is really timely. As we are planning to grow even more, this is coming at a really good time to be able to help us get to that next level.”  Brandt explained that part of SAC’s mission is to ensure programs remain affordable and accessible to as many people as possible.  “This helps our operating budget as a whole and makes sure that we can have the facility that’s needed for the people that we are hosting,” Brandt said. “Making sure that all of our programs are accessible to a majority of people that are in the Steinbach and surrounding areas. So that’s what our operating budget goes towards as well as making sure that we’re able to subsidize to keep things affordable.”  Expansion through satellite programs  Looking ahead, Brandt says the increase will allow SAC to consider expanding programs beyond its downtown facility.  “It’s going to open up some of our doors that allows us to have some more satellite programs,” she said. “So not just programs that are run out of the Steinbach Arts Council building, but some satellite programs as we’ve started to see around the Mennonite Heritage Village and hopefully some other satellite programs that we’re able to run in different areas.”  She added that this growth also has the effect of opening doors to larger grant opportunities. With a bigger operating budget, it makes SAC eligible for more grant opportunities, Brandt explained. “Which is really exciting for the Steinbach Arts Council because we’re getting to be looked at as a non-for-profit at a new caliber, which is just getting us more eyes on the Steinbach Arts Council. As we are in the top 10 per cent of arts councils, of programs that are out of organizations that do what we do across Canada, we are among the 10 per cent.”  Strengthening community impact  SAC Executive Director David Klassen says the additional funding will support long-term sustainability.  “Everything we do is about community impact, and added funding will help us to ensure that we can sustain the level of programming we’ve built over the last few years,” Klassen said. “We’re excited to see how this will benefit all of our participants, allowing our community to thrive. We appreciate that the City of Steinbach sees the value in what we do for residents of Steinbach and surrounding communities.”  Long-standing partnership  For Brandt, the funding decision highlights the strong relationship between SAC and city leadership.  “Thank you so much to the City of Steinbach,” she said. “We have a great relationship with Mayor Earl Funk as well as all of the other councillors. And so we’re just really excited and very proud of that relationship.”  And Zwaagstra says, “We value our partnership with them,” he said. “That’s why we’ve decided on the $30,000 increase.”  The increase is part of Steinbach’s preliminary 2026 budget planning and will be finalized later this year. 

Steinbach Arts Council Offers Free Parents & Tots Workshop Series with Grant Funding

Steinbach, MB – The Steinbach Arts Council is thrilled to launch the Parents & Tots Art Workshop Series, a free 5-session program for families with children aged 1-4. Funded by the Healthy Child Coalition South East, this program brings arts and culture to the community at no cost. It addresses the growing demand for toddler programming and aligns with SAC’s mission to create community through arts and culture. The series focuses on arts-based learning and healthy lifestyles, making it an excellent opportunity for young families to engage in arts and culture. “As we continue to evolve and grow, we’re always looking for more ways serve our community. Our tots programming is a great example of this. We took a chance two years ago with our Tots Summer Arts Day Camp, and the response was fantastic including recent participants from our Arts4tots Preschool Program attending. It was clear that there is a need for this type of programming, and we’re thrilled to be building on that success with our new Parents & Tots Art Workshop Series. This initiative not only reaches new audiences but also allows us to continue facilitating meaningful and inclusive programs to the community,” Manager of Community Programs, Cassandra Kornelsen says. The Parents & Tots Art Workshop Series will introduce participants to various arts disciplines, including culinary and nutrition, visual arts, creative wellness and movement, theatre, and music and sensory exploration. Each workshop will be led by qualified instructors and will include a healthy snack, promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness. The following sessions are scheduled: Session 1: Visual Arts Workshop – Instructor: Nico Narvaez, Date: Fri. Oct 24th, 2025 Session 2: Music & Sensory Exploration Workshop – Instructor: Katie Schroeder, Date: Fri. Nov 14th, 2025 Session 3: Culinary Arts & Nutrition Workshop – Instructor: Cassandra Kornelsen, Date: Fri. Dec 5th, 2025 Session 4: Creative Wellness & Movement Workshop – Instructors: Pam Peters & Jamie Newransky, Date: Fri. Jan 16th, 2026 Session 5: Theatre Workshop – Instructor: Akecia Peters, Date: Fri. Feb 13, 2026 The workshops will take place on Fridays in the preschool program classroom at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre located at 304 Second St, with two sessions per day: 9:00 am – 10:00 am for tots aged 1-2, and 10:00 am – 11:00 am for tots aged 3-4. Families are encouraged to register online at SteinbachArts.ca or to call 204.346.1077. A SAC Membership is not required to attend this program. ### For interviews, contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca 204.346.1077

Steinbach Arts Council Presents Prairie Sons – World-Class Talent With A Fresh Prairie Spirit

The Steinbach Arts Council is proud to present Prairie Debut artists Prairie Sons, the acclaimed cello–piano duo of David Liam Roberts and Godwin Friesen, to the SRSS Theatre on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Their program, A Love Letter to the Prairies, features classical composers such as Rachmaninov and Poulenc alongside more contemporary works by Canadian icons such as Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, reimagined and arranged for cello-piano duo. Prairie Sons are not only rising stars—both named to CBC’s “Hot 30 Classical Musicians Under 30”—but also rare talents whose youthful energy and surprising creativity are changing the way audiences experience classical music. Their performances combine dazzling virtuosity with prairie warmth, offering a brand-new look at a timeless art form. “We’re thrilled to welcome Prairie Sons to our community,” says Tara Schellenberg of the Steinbach Arts Council. “These emerging artists bring world-class skill, fresh ideas, and an energy that makes classical music feel alive and relevant today. They will change the way our audience thinks about classical music!” Formed at the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School of Music, Roberts and Friesen discovered a shared passion for creating programs that reflect both the depth of their prairie roots and their drive to reimagine tradition. Their Steinbach performance promises an evening of powerful, moving music—at once masterful, heartfelt, and refreshingly new. As part of their visit, Prairie Sons will also share their music with the residents of Fernwood Place in a free afternoon concert. These Steinbach Arts Council seniors outreach performances are generously supported by the Million Dollar Round Table. Tickets are on sale now at SteinbachArts.ca/Prairie-Sons or by calling 204.346.1077. Don’t miss this chance to experience two of Canada’s brightest young stars live on stage for an evening of music that resonates with both heart and home. For interviews, please contact: Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca 204.346.1077

STEINBACHONLINE: Hanover asked to consider funding increase for Steinbach Arts Council

This article was originally posted on SteinbachOnline.com: https://www.steinbachonline.com/articles/hanover-asked-to-consider-funding-increase-for-steinbach-arts-council Council for the Rural Municipality of Hanover will be contemplating a funding increase to Steinbach Arts Council (SAC).  Executive Director David Klassen met with Council last week as part of a delegation. He updated councillors on the success and growth of the organization but did not make an official funding request. That, he said, would be coming later through a formal letter. Klassen told Council that while nearly 70 per cent of their participants are from Steinbach, approximately 25 per cent are from the RM of Hanover. And, he says community partnerships are at the heart of what they do. “Steinbach Arts Council is proud to be recognized as one of the largest rural arts organizations of its kind in Canada, and the RM of Hanover has a significant part in that,” Klassen told Council. “Our hope, is that together with all of you, we can restore our partnership and continue to offer our programs to Hanover residents the way we always have.” According to Hanover Reeve Jim Funk, the municipality provided a grant last year of about $2,500 to SAC. He notes that is down from the approximate $5,000 grant that was provided back in 2022. Though he did not make an official ask, Klassen says he would love to at least see funding restored to the level it was before.  “We would love to re-establish that amount at minimum, perhaps consider some inflation within that,” he adds.  By comparison, Klassen says the funding that comes from the City of Steinbach includes their building. “So, all of our costs, lease-wise, rent-wise and some maintenance, are covered by the City of Steinbach,” he explains. “And then there’s approximately a $40,000 operating budget that comes along on top of that.” Klassen says they are witnessing an explosion in the number of users and programs offered. He notes SAC has run out of space in its building and is currently looking at satellite locations.  “We just need space,” he says. “We are open to exploring other communities, sharing their recreational centres to find space to run programs. A few miles drive isn’t insurmountable.” Klassen told Hanover Council that they would absolutely be interested in potentially using some of Hanover’s facilities for their programming.  Meanwhile, Funk says Hanover has always contributed to the arts. He suggests that Council is open to working with SAC but will make a decision after seeing some of the numbers in the formal request letter. Funk says he was surprised to learn that one-quarter of all users at SAC reside in the RM of Hanover. 

STEINBACHONLINE: Steinbach Arts Council expands to satellite sites as programs outgrow building

The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is moving beyond its building as programs continue to grow and space becomes limited. Program coordinator Kristi Peters says the organization has reached full capacity, running more programs than ever before while balancing rentals, user groups, and special events. “Our building is bursting at the seams,” says Peters. “We have very full capacity basically 24/7. We continually want to expand our workshops, but we have no more space to do so. So this year we are really trying to focus on our satellite programming.” Three satellite locations this fall To meet growing demand, SAC is partnering with Rest Haven Care Home, Fernwood Place, and Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) to host workshops. Peters says these spaces were chosen because of their accessibility and the strong partnerships already in place. “For places like Rest Haven and Fernwood, it’s a really good opportunity to provide programming directly to their residents,” she explains. “Some residents don’t have the mobility to leave their building, so this way they can take part right where they live.” Workshops include a Filipino Parol Christmas lantern-making class at MHV, Métis finger weaving at Fernwood, and a driftwood wind chime workshop at Rest Haven. Peters adds that SAC hopes to expand to even more community locations in the future. New developments at SAC Along with satellite programming, SAC is expanding its long-running Backyard Theatre Company by adding a musical theatre program. “This will highlight all the different skills kids can learn under a few different instructors,” says Cassandra Kornelsen, Manager of Community Programs at the Steinbach Arts Council. “There are no auditions—it’s about building skills, singing, dancing, and having fun.” Kornelsen says the new program will complement existing opportunities in Steinbach and provide another entry point for young performers. She notes that interest in theatre and musical programming is consistently strong in the community. Looking ahead Both Kornelsen and Peters say the main challenge for SAC is space, but it is a challenge they welcome. “We have some really good problems on our hands,” says Kornelsen. “The pottery program is exploding, culinary arts continues to grow, and now we’re planning ahead into next summer and fall to make sure we’re prepared.” SAC also keeps an ongoing list of local artists who express interest in teaching, which Kornelsen says helps keep programming fresh and community-driven. “The growth excites us,” she says. “It’s such a great feeling to see so many people come through the Steinbach Arts Council and to expand opportunities across the community.”

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