The Pembina Hills Arts Council is stepping into fall with a lineup that blends creativity, community, and even a little bit of spookiness. From hands-on classes to drop-in opportunities and seasonal ghost tours, the Morden-based arts hub is making sure there’s something for everyone.
“Delivering high quality and accessible art to the community is very important,” she said. “Art is healing—you can de-stress, heal your mental wounds, and connect with the community. Arts are the best way to connect.” - Director of Pembina Hills Art Council Anna Ishkhanyan
A new director with a passion for community
This fall marks the first season under the leadership of new director Anna Ishkhanyan, who joined the team just over two months ago.
“I am amazed with the creativity and the artistic potential people have here,” Ishkhanyan said. “Despite the fact we often mention Winkler, Morden, or Carman as small cities, there are so many artists and they are all amazing.”
Her background includes 15 years in nonprofit work and time with an art-focused organization. That experience now fuels her excitement to connect local residents with the arts.
“It’s excitement all day,” she shared. “The feeling is like when kids are excited all day—it’s the same with me.”
Fall classes cover every interest
The fall session includes nine classes spanning pottery, poetry, painting, drawing, and more. The pottery program is especially popular.
“We have a kiln, so we also work with artists,” Ishkhanyan explained. “We have a pottery studio where artists can come and learn and take their time and do their own arts.”
Other highlights include:
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Knitting classes with instructor Agatha Macy
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Stained glass workshops with Judy Peterson
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Watercolor with David Stobey and acrylic painting classes
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Cartoon, comic, and superhero drawing with Scott Bell, designed to appeal to teens
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Slow stitching workshops with artist Katie Friesen
“What is amazing about our stained glass class is that a lot of people have been requesting it,” Ishkhanyan noted. “Students can choose a project and end the class with their own stained glass piece.”
Free drop-in programming
Thanks to support from the Morden Area Foundation, the arts council is also offering free drop-in sessions.
“Free programming is very important for our community to make it accessible for everyone,” Ishkhanyan said.
Visitors can try pottery, painting, origami, printmaking, sound healing, and even yoga. “What we wanted to do, and I think we succeeded, is suggest a variety of classes,” she said. “When a person doesn’t like something, they can choose another.”
These sessions are designed to introduce people to the arts and help them discover new interests.
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Exhibits that change every few weeks
The Pembina Hills Gallery, located in Morden’s historic Clock Tower building, rotates exhibits every five to six weeks.
“Right now we have Show of Hands by Rosmalie Pilotkin, who is a wonderful felting artist,” Ishkhanyan said. “Our next exhibition will also feature the art of felt with three different artists, along with a workshop and opening night.”
Ghost tours and a haunted house
The popular ghost tours are also back, blending local history with a touch of the supernatural.
“We have a basement and now it’s a creepy ghost tour basement,” Ishkhanyan laughed. “What is cool about it is that apart from being scary, it also tells the history of the building, which was once a post office and then a library.”
And just in time for Halloween, the council will open a haunted house experience.
“For Halloween, we are planning to do something similar, like a haunted house, which will last for two weeks,” she said. “We are definitely doing that again this year and we’ll try to make it even more fun.”
Art on the trail at Lake Minnewasta
The council continues its work beyond the gallery walls with Art on the Trail at Lake Minnewasta.
“We try to install artworks on the lake to encourage physical activity and connect people with eco-friendly art,” Ishkhanyan said. “We plan to install at least four pieces this year.”
Local artists are encouraged to apply through the council’s website for the opportunity to create nature-based installations.
Art that connects and heals
For Ishkhanyan, the mission of the council goes beyond teaching skills or showcasing exhibits.
“Delivering high quality and accessible art to the community is very important,” she said. “Art is healing—you can de-stress, heal your mental wounds, and connect with the community. Arts are the best way to connect.”
With a packed calendar and growing momentum, Pembina Hills Arts Council is making sure fall is filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit.
For more information or to register for classes, visit pembinahillsarts.com.