As summer winds down, Winkler Arts and Culture is bursting into a new season of creativity, connection, and community. From after-school art classes that spark imagination to monthly newcomer gatherings and fresh exhibits, fall promises to be one of the busiest and most exciting seasons yet at the local gallery.
After-school art programs filling up fast
Two after-school art classes are already open for registration, and spots are limited. Jered Hildebrand, Director of Winkler Arts and Culture, says kids looking for a creative outlet should sign up soon.
“If you haven’t signed up yet, now is definitely the time,” said Hildebrand. “There’s typically only about 10 seats available per class. We like to keep it manageable so everybody’s enjoying it.”
The first session, Texture Exploration, begins September 10 and runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 13. Hildebrand says the class goes beyond traditional painting.
“It’s a painting class, but there’s a twist. We’re going to be mixing things into the paint, layering, and even using tools you wouldn’t usually paint with,” he explained. “The nice thing about art is there are no rules, so we can make some of this up as we go—and it works.”
Another class, Mixed Media, will also give kids the chance to experiment. “Mixed media is about using different mediums together,” Hildebrand said. “You could be painting, adding clay to a canvas, or crafting with unexpected materials. The end result is one unique art piece.”
Building friendships and community through creativity
Beyond technique, Hildebrand says these programs create lasting connections. “We know we’re a sports town, but there’s certainly a niche we can carve out for our arts kids,” he said. “Some of our students come back year after year and make lifelong friends through these classes and camps.”
He adds that many kids are involved in both sports and art. “A lot of our sports kids are interested in the arts as well, so it’s a great mix. Everyone finds their place here.”
Newcomer Welcome Evenings continue this fall
One of the most community-driven programs at Winkler Arts and Culture is the monthly Newcomer Welcome Evening, run in partnership with Regional Connections. The next event takes place September 17th.
“It’s a great way for people to come out and meet new people, whether you’re new to Winkler, new to Manitoba, or new to Canada,” said Hildebrand. “We often have special guests, and people leave having learned something about Winkler they didn’t know before.”
Fresh exhibits on display
The gallery is also preparing for new exhibits this fall. “The Faces of Winkler exhibit wrapped up last week,” said Hildebrand. “Next, we’re excited to bring in the Peer-to-Peer exhibit organized by the gallery in Carman, which travels throughout the Pembina Valley.”
Related stories:
- Newcomers and neighbours are the focus of the 2025 ‘Faces of Winkler’ exhibit at the Winkler Arts + Culture
- Everyone can be an artist (and win prizes) with WA+C’s chalk project
Manitoba Showcase comes to Winkler
While the focus this fall is on local programming, Hildebrand says the upcoming Manitoba Showcase will be a special highlight. From September 18–20, the Manitoba Arts Network will bring artists, workshops, and performances to Winkler.
“It’s incredibly exciting to host it here for the first time,” said Hildebrand. “There’s everything from exhibitions and networking to live performances. It’s a great resource not just for arts promoters like me, but for individual artists to learn and connect as well.”
More programming on the way
With September just around the corner, Hildebrand says this is only the beginning. “There’s so much that we have planned and a lot of it’s coming up in September,” he said. “We’re just putting the finishing touches on everything.”
Stay connected
Winkler Arts and Culture encourages residents to keep checking for updates as additional programs are announced. Registration for current classes, including Texture Exploration and Mixed Media, is open now at winklerarts.com. Updates are also regularly posted on the organization’s social media pages and events calendar.