This article was originally published by SteinbachOnline.com: https://steinbachonline.com/articles/steinbach-arts-council-celebrates-their-45th-with-new-ts-concerts-and-community- Photo courtesy of SteinbachOnline.com The 45th anniversary celebration of the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) continues with newly printed tees hot off the presses.   Executive Director, David Klassen says, “What better way to celebrate than putting on a T-shirt with a big 45 on it?”  Klassen notes that the t-shirts come in a variety of colours and in all sizes.   Then when it comes to their 45th anniversary Concert Series, Klassen notes there are still tickets available for Friday night’s performance by The Orontes Guitar Ensemble at the Grace Mennonite Church.  “These professional musicians are bringing a whole bunch of Syrian folk music to our community, as well as some other genres. We are very excited to feature new cultures and to embrace things that other groups have to teach us. What’s pretty special is that they are world-class musicians, performing right here in Steinbach.” Klassen adds that the SACS is still offering their “Wine Tasting” Fundraiser.  “We put food and wine in people’s homes and raise funds for the Steinbach Arts Council. It’s been a really popular fundraiser again.”  Bringing up the topic of their current Hallway Art Exhibit, Klassen notes that they’ve created more wall space within their facility, so they can put up more artwork.   “And, coming up we have a historic exhibit coming up in November, and we’re excited to talk about that. It’s going to be a really good opportunity for us to talk about the history of this building (the former Kornelson School) and the history of art in our community.”  Klassen encourages local amateur artists to submit their applications for the 2025 Southeast Open Judged Exhibit starting on November 14, 2024, with the exhibition taking place from February 28 to March 28, 2025.   The Steinbach Arts Council’s Winter Class registration is coming up next week, and Klassen says,  “Take a look at all of the classes. We have approximately 140 classes and workshops available to our community this year. It’s an amazing array of opportunities for arts recreation. So check it out, there really is something for everyone. We’ve decided to really come to the table by meeting the needs of the community. They’re asking for more classes and more opportunities and we’re providing them.”   Klassen adds that classes fill up quickly, and he encourages residents to register soon.   With “Fiddler on the Roof” rehearsals beginning soon, Klassen says there is already a lot of excitement around the project.   “Which has started a buzz in the community. We are having such a good time this year, it’s off to such a great start, and we’re just happy to be a part of such a large, amazing community, here in the southeast, that really embraces arts and culture recreation.” Concert tickets and T-shirts can be purchased by contacting the staff at the Steinbach Arts Council at 304 2nd Street, Steinbach, or by calling 204-346-1077. 

This September, the Steinbach Arts Council teamed up with Oakleaf Promotions to make local art a part of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  Featured on our orange shirts is artwork by two local Métis artists, bringing extra meaning to our shirts and their significance as we acknowledge the impact that residential schools have had in Canada. “I hope these efforts encourage awareness and compassion for the Indigenous children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools,” says artist, Pierrette Sherwood. Artist, Janine Lemay-Troche reflects: “It was important for me to participate in this project to help bring awareness to what my people the Métis and other indigenous peoples, especially children, have suffered.  It was a great injustice to indigenous families to have them separated from each other and to have their children sent away.  I have a heart and passion for children, and it was an honour for me to work on creating a design for the ‘Every Child Matters‘ Orange Shirt Day.  I want to be a part of remembering the lost children and the survivors of residential schools and help their families find healing.” Wearing an orange shirt is symbolic—it’s a powerful statement of resilience, reconciliation, and remembrance. The orange shirt itself represents the story of Phyllis Webstad, a third-generation residential school survivor, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school, symbolizing the stripping of Indigenous identity and dignity. “By partnering with a Steinbach business, we were able to make ‘local shirts’ possible. We believe it’s important to celebrate artists from the southeast and build strong relationships. This was one way we felt we could help—building a deeper connection to the intent of Orange Shirt Day, which is to recognize the impact that residential schools have had on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families across Canada,” says David Klassen, Executive Director of the Steinbach Arts Council. Artists: Pierrette Sherwood, a French-Canadian Métis artist with roots to the Cree Nation, transforms reclaimed metals into captivating art. Her work, which spans sculpture, mosaic, and assemblage, has gained local and national attention. Pierette’s upcoming solo exhibit at the Prairie Fusion Gallery (Portage la Prairie, MB) in November 2024 will showcase her innovative approach to art and storytelling. Janine Lemay-Troche, proudly identifying as Red River Métis is the great-great-niece of Louis Riel, Manitoba’s founder and first Premier. An accomplished artist, quilter, and ribbon skirt maker, Janine dedicates her craft to sharing her rich French/Métis heritage with future generations. Klassen says, “Many of us are taking ‘first steps’ toward Reconciliation, and by demonstrating a desire to learn and engage, we are brought closer to restored relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. We believe that engaging with art helps us appreciate different perspectives, encouraging understanding and empathy, and this was one way we could continue creating a community that understands each other.” All proceeds from this project will be donated to Pathways of Healing, an initiative of the Southern Chief’s Organization Inc.