Portage’s Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment is alive with summer exhibits, music, and creative classes.
In the Prairie Portage Mutual Gallery, Karen Braden’s My Delta Experience is on display until September 4.
Manager of Gallery Operations Lee Beaton notes, “she really hopes that people will come in and purchase some of these pieces because she doesn't want to take them home.”
The collection features pencil and ink drawings, watercolor paintings, and pastels depicting cottages and scenery at Delta before and after the 2011 flood.
In the boardroom gallery, Kathy Painter’s Paper Gardens offers a colorful, whimsical look at collage work.
“Hers is a very colorful and whimsical display of artwork, and we just hope that people come in and check it out,” said Beaton.
Painter also teaches a mixed media course this fall, and her work reflects the gallery’s ongoing commitment to creative programming.
Beaton says Prairie Fusion’s fall lineup includes Saskatoon artist Monique Martin, whose upcoming installation focuses on climate change.
Martin previously exhibited dandelions and butterflies at the gallery, and Beaton remarks that the new installation will offer a fresh and engaging experience.
The gallery has seen steady visitor numbers this summer, particularly with local artists on display.
Concert series mixes music and entertainment
Prairie Fusion’s concert series features five performances this season. Season passes are $135 and available until September 14, Beaton says, providing a significant saving on individual ticket prices.
The season includes Quinton Blair on October 18, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in February, the ABBA tribute ABBA Revisited, the Comic Strippers, and the Dorina Harvey Band.
Beaton continues, “it's a very interesting mix and we think people will be really happy to come and see all of these shows.”
Fall classes and programs filling quickly
Registration for fall classes is open, and spots are filling fast.
"Some of the spots for some of the programming are going pretty quickly. So if you were a past dancer or in pottery or whatever, just sign up now and make sure that you save your spot,” says Beaton.
Currently, Prairie Fusion is running a two-day hip hop intensive for youth.
"The kids are really learning some great moves and they seem to be really having a great time,” she adds.
With visual arts, live music, and engaging classes, Prairie Fusion offers a range of creative experiences for the community this summer and into the fall.
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