COLUMN: Arts and Culture – Quilted portrait series celebrates regional talent

The Steinbach Arts Council presents a new exhibition called Sisters by Manitoba artist Cynthia Hiebert in the Hall Gallery. The exhibit is open for public viewing from April 10 through May 15 at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.

The exhibition introduces a series of quilted portraits and forms created through her process of assembling small pieces of fabric that function as individual elements within a larger composition. Hiebert describes her method as one that begins with planning before shifting into a more intuitive stage as the work progresses, allowing unexpected results to surface. She has participated in various quilt shows within Manitoba and has received recognition in several quilt challenges, making her work a fitting addition to SAC’s annual Hall Gallery Exhibit season.

As a long standing showcase of local and regional talent, the Steinbach Arts Council relies on community support to continue presenting meaningful arts experiences. Plan your visit to the Hall Gallery today. Toonie admission is encouraged.

Enrolment for the Arts4Tots preschool program opens for the 2026-2027 school year

Registration for the 2026-2027 Arts4Tots preschool program officially opens on April 15. SAC is committed to providing accessible, high-quality early childhood experiences that serve as a foundation for lifelong artistic involvement and community connection.

Arts4Tots offers a unique, community-focused environment where children ages three to five engage in a Montessori-inspired curriculum. Students have regular access to professional music, theatre, visual arts, culinary arts, and dance clinicians. Under the guidance of experienced directors Miss Pam and Miss Jamie, children develop essential skills from literacy and math to self-expression and confidence.

Registration & program details:

• Registration Launch: April 15

• Program Term: Sept.14 to June 3

• Schedule: Half-day sessions, 2 days per week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday options)

• Location: Steinbach Arts Council, 304 Second Street

To secure a spot or learn more about the curriculum, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077

We would like to thank Oakridge Garden Centre for sponsoring our preschool program.

Steinbach Arts Council seeks performers for KR Barkman Concerts in the Park

The Steinbach Arts Council is once again looking for artists to share their talents with the community at the 2026 K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park. This free outdoor concert series returns to the K.R. Barkman Park gazebo on Main Street throughout May and June. Applications are open to bands, soloists, dancers, choirs, and artists of all disciplines—including family and cultural groups and youth ensembles.

Apply to be a performer by April 27 online at SteinbachArts.ca. Please include a short bio, media samples, and a promo photo with your submission.

The Steinbach Arts Council is delighted to partner with the Barkman Concrete Foundation to continue this tradition of bringing local and guest artists together for our community.

2026 Summer Arts day camps open for families in the Southeast

Summer Arts day camps are back! Explore eight creative, themed weeks for children in age groups three to four, five to eight, and nine to 12. These camps are intentionally designed to nurture well-being and personal growth, offering a safe and supportive environment where experienced instructors lead campers through music, dance, theatre, visual arts and culinary arts.

The Steinbach Arts Council is dedicated to removing barriers for families and opening doors for children through the Steinbach Dodge Creative Kids Bursary Fund, Roxanne Klassen Memorial Fund, and the Vera Friesen Memorial Fund, which provides support specifically for Summer Arts day campers. Apply for a bursary for camps online or in person at the SAC administrative office.

For the full camp schedule and to register for camps, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077. Thanks to Canadian Tire Steinbach for sponsoring the Summer Arts day camp program.

Steinbach Arts Council to celebrate an evening dedicated to possibility, generosity, and impact

The Steinbach Arts Council invites you to our annual fundraising gala on Friday, May 1. Featuring gourmet local cuisine, fine wine, local entertainment, and a curated auction. Funds raised directly support subsidized programs, bursaries, free youth programming, and the growth of therapeutic arts initiatives in our region.

Thank you to our generous gala sponsors. A full list of sponsors is available on our event website.

To reserve your table, contact sydney@steinbacharts.ca or call 204-346-1077.

Join workshops at SAC

Stained glass workshop (18+)

Learn the ancient technique of stained glass making and create two beautiful pieces during this full-day workshop.

Saturday, April 25| 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (one hr lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) | SAC | Fee: $105

Intro to warm glass kiln carving workshop (18+)

Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly day of glass art where you will create a unique wall vase and a custom 5 × 5 glass piece using fiber paper carving techniques.

Saturday, May 23 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | SAC | Fee: $90

For more workshops, visit SteinbachArts.ca/Workshops