COLUMN: Arts and Culture – Join SAC in supporting arts and culture access

As the year comes to a close, the Steinbach Arts Council invites the community to help expand accessible arts programming for children, families, and adults across the Southeast. As one of the largest rural arts councils in Canada, SAC continues to see record participation in its camps, classes, concerts, and outreach programs.

SAC is delivering more than 160 programs and events, from early childhood arts education to free programming for youth, free programs for seniors, and cultural workshops. Increased demand continues to highlight the important role arts and culture play in the well-being and quality of life of our region, resulting in new initiatives such as therapeutic arts and expanded youth mentorships.

SAC invites residents, businesses, and community partners to support this year’s giving campaign. Donations can be made online at SteinbachArts.ca, by phone, or in person at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.

Limited spots left for these winter classes

CULINARY KIDS: CLASS ONE (9-12)

SAC invites young chefs to join Culinary Kids! Explore the fundamentals of creative, tasty, and safe practices in the kitchen while we teach basic food handling, knife skills, and ingredient knowledge while baking and cooking in the kitchen.

Instructor: Cassandra Kornelsen

Schedule: Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m.

Sessions: Jan 6-Feb 24, 2026 |8 weeks

Class Fees: $125

Thanks to Main Bread & Butter for sponsoring this class.

COMIC 101 (Age 13-17)

In this fun and creative class, you will explore different comic structures, design original characters, and bring stories to life through expressive art. Learn how to use emotion, colour, and composition to make your panels pop, while collaborating and sharing ideas with fellow artists. Perfect for anyone who loves to draw, imagine, and tell stories!

Instructor: Nico Narvaez

Schedule: Mondays | 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Sessions: Jan. 5 to March 16, 2026 | 10 Weeks

Class Fees: $165.00

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED POTTERY (Age 16+)

Take your pottery skills to the next level in this split-level class, where you’ll refine techniques to increase the size and consistency of your pieces. With guidance and support, explore independent project ideas and delve into advanced methods for adding texture and surface embellishments. This class offers the perfect blend of structure and creative freedom, allowing you to push your artistic boundaries and produce sophisticated, unique pieces that reflect your personal style.

Instructor: Donna Garofalo

Schedule: Saturdays | 9 to 11 a.m.

Sessions: Jan. 10 to March 28, 2026 | 12 Weeks

Class Fees: $285.00 + Material Fee: $40.00

CHILDREN’S SPANISH LEVEL 1 & 2 (Age 6-11)

This engaging and interactive course introduces children to the basics of the Spanish language and culture in a fun and age-appropriate way. Designed for beginners, the program focuses on building foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through games, songs, stories, and creative activities.

Instructor: Juan Erazo

Schedule: Thursdays | 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Sessions: Jan. 8 to March 12, 2026 | 10 weeks

Class Fees: $105.00

To register for these classes, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call us at 204-346-1077.

Be part of the annual community exhibit!

Applications for the annual Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit is now open! This celebrated platform encourages artistic expression and invites artists of all ages and all skill levels across the Southeastern Manitoba region to participate.

SOJE accepts various mediums, from painting to photography, and more! Applications are available for Juvenile and Adult submissions in both competitive and non-competitive categories. Apply until Jan. 23, 2026.

To submit your application and learn more, visit SteinbachArts.ca/SOJE.

Christmas art sale at SAC

The Steinbach Arts Council is excited to present its annual Christmas Art Sale once again this year. Find the perfect gift for the special people in your life. Discover discounted artwork, magnets, coasters, jewelry, and more from our Buy or Lease Art Program and Gift Shop. Visitors are invited to view the discounted artwork and Gift Shop items on display in the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre from now until December 19. Support local artists this holiday season!

Visit the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre at 304 Second St. or view our catalogue at SteinbachArts.ca.

Join us for Workshops at SAC!

Adult Needle Felting (15+)

Discover needle felting by creating a 5” x 7” landscape and learning to blend and layer colours.

Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Herdan Sylianka – Ukrainian Beading (12+)

Explore the folk artistry of traditional Ukrainian beaded necklaces (Herdan Sylianka) and practice foundational stringing techniques.

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Southeast Event Centre

Galentine’s Charcuterie and Cocktail (18+)

Learn to craft charcuterie boards and mix festive cocktails for a fun Galentine’s celebration.

Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 | 7 to 9 p.m.

Youth Needle Felting (11-15)

Learn the basics of needle felting, including shaping and layering techniques, to craft adorable felted sculptures.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Métis Jigging Workshop (8+)

Learn the basic steps, techniques, and cultural significance of the lively Métis Jigging dance style.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sourdough Bread (14+)

Master the process of making sourdough bread, including maintaining a healthy starter and understanding fermentation.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nutrition & Healthy Habits (12+)

Learn mindful nutrition principles and practical habit-building tools for sustainable, long-term wellbeing.

Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Soup & Biscuit (15+)

Learn to make quick, flaky dinner biscuits and hearty soups from scratch, including mastering a roux.

Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Acrylic Painting (12+)

Learn the essentials of acrylic painting, including colour mixing, blending, and layering techniques to create an original piece.

Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Fernwood Place

Traditional Ukrainian Necklace Shelesty Workshop (6-10)

Create a traditional Ukrainian Shelesty necklace using special beads and bells, learning about its cultural significance.

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Our Cultural & Heritage Workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Feeds & Hatchery.