Art lovers and curious festival-goers will find plenty to celebrate at this year’s Summer in the City festival in downtown Steinbach, especially within the vibrant hub that is Artists in the City. Cassandra Kornelson, one of the event organizers, describes the area as "the heartbeat of the artist part of the festival," where the creative spirit of the Southeast takes centre stage.
A Tent Full of Talent
This year's Artists in the City has expanded both in size and scope, with a new showcase stage nestled inside one of the extended tents. The stage will feature a diverse mix of performances, from theatre and puppetry to live demonstrations by Fit Kids, Healthy Kids and collaborators from the Steinbach Family Resource Centre.
"It's going to be very versatile," says Kornelson. "Everyone can come and watch different artists or performers. It really adds a new dimension to the experience."
Demonstrations that inspire
Festival-goers can expect a packed schedule of live art demonstrations throughout the weekend. The tent will host returning favourites like pottery and painting, as well as some unique additions.
"We have watercolours, acrylics, a jewelry artist, nail painting as an art form, wood carving, possibly even a chainsaw carver," Kornelson explains. "There’s something for everyone, and the demos run back-to-back. If you miss one, just stay for the next three."
A highlight for many is the pottery wheel, with well-known Steinbach Arts Council instructor Darlene captivating audiences with her hands-on demonstrations. "She’s interactive and fun, which makes watching the process even more mesmerizing," shares Kornelson.
Workshops for all ages
This year, the focus has shifted from large-scale collaborative art projects to more intimate, interactive workshops. A dedicated creators' tent will offer hands-on opportunities for kids and youth, led by instructors like Nico from the Steinbach Arts Council.
"He's fantastic with the kids," says Kornelson. "And when he's not leading, we have other local artists stepping in with more crafts and classes."
No registration is required – participants can simply drop in! If a class is full, staff will let guests know when the next session begins. The goal is to make it as accessible and flexible as possible.
Celebrating local creativity
For Kornelson, showcasing local talent is at the heart of Artists in the City. "We have such a large, gifted community," she says. "Whether artists are amateurs or experienced professionals, this is a chance for them to share their passion and for others to learn."
She adds that the personal connection between artist and audience is invaluable. "When someone is doing a demo, they’ll take the time to explain their process and why they love it. It's a one-on-one with an artist right at your fingertips."
A festival with a heartbeat
Beyond the tents and stages, it’s the overall energy that draws Kornelson back each year. "I love how the festival hums," she says. "There’s an actual heartbeat that flows from the main stage. I love the whole festival. I'm not going to keep that a secret."
With its expanded programming and welcoming atmosphere, Artists in the City promises to be a highlight of Summer in the City 2025 – a place where creativity thrives and community comes together.
To learn more about everything you can experience at Summer in the City, check out summerinthecity.ca!