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Gareth Brandt with his latest book, "Radical Roots" (Facebook)
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Gareth Brandt with his latest book, "Radical Roots" (Facebook)
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The Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) is gearing up for a meaningful event next week, as they welcome local-born artist, scholar, and poet Gareth Brandt for a special exhibit and talk on Wednesday, June 18th at 7 p.m. 

Brandt will be presenting a temporary art exhibit titled “Radical Roots”, showcasing his original paintings and poetry that reflect on the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism. The exhibit will run from June 18 to June 28. 

"This will be a temporary exhibit," explained Garth Doerksen, MHV’s Assistant Curator. "We’re featuring Gareth Brandt’s work, his paintings, his poetry, and his reflections on Anabaptist history. He’ll be here to give a talk on opening night, and his art will be on display until the end of the month." 

Who is Gareth Brandt?

Brandt may be familiar to many in the Steinbach area; he was born here, though his career has taken him across Canada.

“He’s served as a pastor in several provinces, from Ontario through B.C.,” said Doerksen. “And he’s taught Anabaptist history and theology. He calls himself a freelance artist, speaker, and scholar.” 

The timing is significant, too. “With this being the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, it’s a perfect time to hear from someone who not only knows the history but has really reflected deeply on what it means for today,” added Doerksen. 

A Night of Art, Poetry, and Thought-Provoking Conversation 

Brandt’s talk, titled “What happened 500 years ago? Why was it significant and why does it matter today?” will explore the roots of Anabaptism and its relevance in our current time. Guests can also expect poetry readings from his book, which blends art and storytelling. 

“He's a poet as well,” said Doerksen. “And he weaves that into his presentations. His new book, Radical Roots, is a collection of paintings, stories, and poems. It will be available for purchase in our gift shop.” 

The event is free and open to the public.

“We’ll have coffee and snacks afterward, and folks can take time to browse the exhibit, the galleries, and the gift shop too,” said Doerksen. “Our gallery right now is also showcasing the 150th anniversary of Mennonites arriving in Manitoba.” 

Looking Ahead: More Brandt Events to Come

Brandt’s involvement with the MHV doesn’t stop next week. He’ll be speaking again at MHV’s Gala Night on June 27, where he’s also donated one of his paintings for auction. 

“He’ll be back again for Pioneer Days later this summer,” Doerksen noted. “He’ll be doing talks out at the Dirk Willems Peace Garden, so there will be several chances to hear from him.” 

Doerksen emphasized how meaningful it is to mark this 500-year milestone.

“We’ve had a number of significant anniversaries lately, from the arrival of the Russländer to the 150th of Mennonites in Manitoba. Now, it’s the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement. It’s a great opportunity to reflect, and Gareth helps us do that in a creative and thoughtful way.” 

Event Details: 
  • What: Exhibit opening and talk with Gareth Brandt 

  • When: Wednesday, June 18 at 7:00 PM

  • Where: Mennonite Heritage Village, Steinbach 

  • Admission: Free 

  • Extras: Coffee and snacks, gallery and gift shop open 

For more info, visit the MHV website or stop by the museum. 

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