The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum has had a busy and inspiring summer, offering a mix of community programming and engaging exhibitions. Curator and director Tye Dandridge-Evancio shared that the gallery’s summer kids’ camp was fully booked and well-received, giving local youth a hands-on introduction to art.
The gallery also continued its Inside Out program, a site-specific initiative that brings art into public spaces. This year, artists Bethany Dittman and Ruth Langwieser displayed their work at Woodlawn Regional Park in specially designed plinths, allowing visitors to experience art in a natural setting. Both artists also led popular courses, which were well attended by the community.
On August 23, the gallery hosted one of its first arts and crafts sales in years. Assistant programmer Cody-Lynn Hoffort helped organize the event, which drew a large number of vendors and visitors. Dandridge-Evancio said the positive response highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for local arts initiatives.
Currently, the main gallery features Wilbur Sargunaraj’s exhibition Exploring Cultural Intelligence. The show combines photography from his travels around the world with a program aimed at expanding cultural literacy and encouraging understanding of different ways of life. Visitors are invited to explore global cultures and reflect on similarities and differences across communities.
The second gallery hosts Brianna LaPlante’s multimedia installation Indefinite. The indigenous artist incorporates printmaking, painting, and installations, including circular canvases arranged to represent the lunar cycle. Dandridge-Evancio described the exhibit as both thought-provoking and visually striking, offering visitors a unique perspective on art and nature.
Looking ahead, the gallery will launch its fall after-school programs, with details available on its website and social media channels. The annual fall festival is scheduled for September 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature 11 vendors, activities in partnership with the Souris Valley Museum, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, games, and food. Admission is $2 per person or $5 per family.
With its mix of exhibitions, workshops, and community events, the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum continues to be a vibrant hub for art lovers of all ages.