COLUMN: Arts and Culture – SAC brings Dry Cold Productions to Steinbach for the first time

The Steinbach Arts Council opens its 2026–2027 Concert Series with Once Upon a Dream, an intimate musical theatre concert produced by Winnipeg’s acclaimed Dry Cold Productions. The single-night performance takes place on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the SRSS Theatre.

Led by Artistic Director Donna Fletcher, the concert features rising Canadian stars Alyssa Crockett and Julia Kroft. The duo first met during Dry Cold Productions’ Canadian premiere of The Prom and bonded over their shared passion for live theatre.

Once Upon a Dream offers audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on stage through humour, personal stories, and standout vocal performances of beloved musical theatre songs.

Tickets are $36 for adults and $18 for students, available online at SteinbachArts.ca/LIVE or by calling 204-346-1077.

Dawn Schmidt exhibits Places That Stay With Us at SAC’s Hall Gallery

Discover the expansive beauty of Manitoba’s skies, Lake of the Woods, areas in B.C. and urban landscapes in Places That Stay With Us, a captivating solo exhibition by Dawn Schmidt running Oct. 23 to Nov. 20, at the Steinbach Arts Council Hall Gallery.

A member of the Manitoba Society of Artists and the Federation of Canadian Artists, Schmidt uses luminous colour and expressive brushwork to celebrate familiar regional scenes.

Exhibiting alongside Dawn Schmidt is the SAC Fall Student Exhibit, sponsored by Ledingham GM, with works by students of visual arts instructor Nico Narvaez. This showcase invites audiences to experience our local surroundings through fresh, inspired eyes.

Viewing the gallery is free. Toonie donations are encouraged.

Corks & Canvas returns as an in-person event to raise funds for new initiatives

The Steinbach Arts Council invites you to the annual Corks & Canvas Wine Tasting fundraiser on Nov. 27, at Bentwood Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Enjoy an in-person event, with a sommelier-crafted tasting tour through Spain featuring six unique wines paired with a curated menu, alongside original local artwork and handcrafted items for purchase.

Proceeds support essential community outreach, including free senior programming, therapeutic arts, and youth musician mentorship program. Tickets are $100 with a tax receiptable portion. Call 204-346-1077 or visit steinbacharts.ca to reserve your spot.

Special thanks to our sponsors: onPoint, Chez Koop, Country Meat & Deli, Craft Financial Group, Re/Max Keith Unger Team, Gislason Targownik Peters, and Jones & Company Wine Merchants.

Help us raise funds for our programs

Support local arts during the SAC program fundraiser, running Sept. 28 to Oct. 30! All proceeds support SAC programs, helping keep community classes accessible and affordable for everyone.

Fundraising items available:

Nature’s Farm Pasta Boxes

Nature’s Farm Granola Boxes

Nature’s Farm Gift Cards: $25 denominations

Sobeys Gift Cards: $25, $50, $100, & $250 denominations

How to Purchase:

Stop by the SAC office (304 Second Street, Steinbach) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 204-346-1077.

Homegrown returns with Manitoba comedian Matt Falk

Homegrown, the Steinbach Arts Council’s signature celebration of local talent and community, returns on Friday, Nov.13, 2026, at the Steinbach Arts Council, 304 Second Street. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Every ticket includes a locally brewed craft beer from The Public Brewhouse and Gallery and appetizers by Smitty’s Restaurant. Tickets are $40, including food and a serving of beer, at SteinbachArts.ca or 204-346-1077.

This year’s headliner is Manitoba comedian Matt Falk. One of Canada’s top clean comedians, Falk has appeared on The Debaters and Laugh Out Loud, holds three #1 comedy albums on iTunes, and took second place at the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas.

Homegrown is sponsored by Loewen Body Shop, with thanks to event partners Smitty’s Restaurant and The Public Brewhouse and Gallery.

Creative Steps & Healthy Starts: Free Parent & Tot Art workshops return to Steinbach

The Steinbach Arts Council is offering a free Parent & Tot Art Workshop Series for families with children aged 1–4. Led by qualified instructors, these interactive sessions focus on arts-based learning and wellness, spanning dance, music, visual arts, theatre, and culinary arts. Each workshop includes a healthy snack to support active lifestyles.

Parent & Tot Art Workshop Series Schedule

Dance Workshop: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

Music & Sensory Exploration Workshop: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026

Visual Arts Workshop: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026

Theatre Workshop: Friday, Jan. 15, 2027

Culinary Arts & Nutrition Workshop: Friday, Feb. 26, 2027

This series is made possible with support from the Healthy Child Coalition – Southeast.

WORKSHOPS at SAC (October & November)

Join our engaging workshops designed for individuals of all skill levels, where participants will explore various artistic techniques and cultural traditions through hands-on activities.

Whimsical Pottery Teapot Series: Hand Built Teapots (Ages 18+)

Use hand-building techniques to sculpt a personalized, story-driven tea set complete with a teapot and matching cups.

Schedule: Saturdays | Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, 2026, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Free Bannock and Jam Workshop (Ages 10+) – Limited spots available

In this free workshop, prepare traditional Bannock and fresh jam while learning cultural traditions and kitchen skills.

Schedule: Thursday | Nov 12, 2026, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Our Culture & Heritage Workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Hatchery & Feeds, Southern Health-Santé Sud, and Healthy Together Now

Beginner Oil Painting Workshop (Ages 16+)

Learn core oil painting skills, including composition, colour mixing, and blending, to complete your own piece.

Schedule: Saturday | Nov 21, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Whimsical Pottery Teapot Series: Wheel-Thrown Teapots (Ages 18+)

Advance your wheel-throwing techniques by throwing, assembling, and glazing a complete teapot set.

Schedule: Saturdays | Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, 2026, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For the full list of workshops and to register, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077.

Announcement: Registration for Winter Classes & Workshops Open November 4 at 9am!

This January, we’re filling the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre with over 40 classes and workshops for every age and skill level: BOSS Dance, Beginner Pottery, Culinary Kids, Spanish language classes, Métis Jigging, Acrylic Landscape Painting… and so much more!

Registration opens Wednesday, Nov. 4.