There’s something special happening at Winkler Arts & Culture this summer—The Faces of Winkler 2025 exhibit is back, and this year it’s focused on celebrating relationships, belonging, and newcomer stories through local art.
This year’s exhibit is a collaboration with the Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PV LIP), and the theme is “Stories of Our Neighbours.” It’s all about highlighting the connections between people—especially when one is newer to the community, and the other has been here for a while.
“It’s a celebration of what makes Winkler special. We hope this year’s exhibit inspires people to reflect on their own connections, and maybe even start new ones.” -Jered Hildebrand, Executive Director of Winkler Arts & Culture
Building belonging one friendship at a time
“We wanted to put a fresh spin on Faces of Winkler this year,” says Jered Hildebrand, Executive Director of Winkler Arts & Culture. “Instead of just focusing on individuals, we’re telling stories of pairs—coworkers, neighbours, classmates, or friends—who represent what belonging looks like in Winkler.”
Kevin Driedger, Community Liaison with PV LIP, says this ties perfectly into their goal of helping newcomers feel at home. “Belonging is something we all need. So instead of showcasing just newcomers, we’re highlighting the relationships that help people settle in and feel connected.”
Whether it’s two people who work together, volunteer side by side, or simply check in on each other as neighbours, those everyday connections are at the heart of this year’s exhibit.
“It’s a great opportunity to be part of something that blends storytelling with visual art.” -Hildebrand, Executive Director with Winkler Arts & Culture.
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- Artist brings 200-year-old photography process to Pembina Valley
Know two people who should be featured?
Nominations are now open for pairs who have a great story to share. One person should be "new" to the area, and the other someone who’s lived here longer. You can nominate yourself and a friend, or two people you admire.
“All we’re looking for is a meaningful connection that’s helped someone feel welcome,” says Hildebrand. “That story deserves to be shared.”
Driedger has already nominated his mom. “She’s built a lovely friendship with a woman from India who lives nearby. They walk together, talk about life, and support each other. It’s exactly the kind of story we’re hoping to collect.”
Calling all artists and photographers
Local artists and photographers are a huge part of bringing these stories to life. Each nominated pair will be photographed by a local photographer, and their portrait will be interpreted by a local visual artist in their own unique style.
“Sometimes the artist paints directly from the photo, other times they offer their own creative interpretation,” Hildebrand explains. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of something that blends storytelling with visual art.”
Interested in being part of the creative process? Now’s the time to sign up.
The deadline to sign up or submit a nomination is May 5th, 2025.
Exhibit launch this Summer
The Faces of Winkler: Stories of Our Neighbours exhibit will open on June 26, 2025 at Winkler Arts and Culture, and will run through August 30.
“It’s a celebration of what makes Winkler special,” says Hildebrand. “We hope this year’s exhibit inspires people to reflect on their own connections, and maybe even start new ones.”