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A Record-Breaking Weekend at the Mann Art Gallery

  • 6 hours ago
  • 3 min read
Photo credit: Noelle Drimmie (member)
Photo credit: Noelle Drimmie (member)

50th Annual Winter Festival Art Show & Sale

What an unforgettable weekend at the Mann Art Gallery! The 50th Annual Winter Festival Art Show & Sale opened on Friday evening with record-breaking attendance, followed by an inspiring curator walk-through on Saturday. With over 300 guests in attendance on opening night, this year’s celebration of local artistry was truly one for the books.


A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Guest Curator


Photo credit: Noelle Drimmie
Photo credit: Noelle Drimmie

First and foremost, we extend our deepest thanks to our guest curator, Jason Baerg, for leading what has become the most anticipated show of the year. Jason brought an incredible energy of positivity and excitement that was both contagious and inspiring. His presence elevated the entire experience with his thoughtful remarks during the ceremony to his time spent engaging with artists and guests.


We are especially grateful for the private workshops Jason hosted with Studio Q and the Studio Qrew. We are thrilled to share that their Self-Portrait Series won an award in this year’s exhibition. Congratulations to the group on this well-deserved recognition!


A special and moving moment of the evening was the presentation of a star blanket gift from Jason and Studio Q to our Artistic Director, Jesse Campbell, a gesture that will not soon be forgotten.



Gratitude to Our Award Sponsors


We are incredibly thankful to the many sponsors who supported this year’s exhibition awards:


  • Art Placement (Saskatoon, SK)

    • Award for Accomplishments in Acrylic

    • Award for Accomplishments in Oil

    • Award for Accomplishments in Watercolour

    • Award for Accomplishments in Drawing

  • Prince Albert Spinners & Weavers Guild – Fibre Art Award

  • Kyla Art Group (Prince Albert, SK) – Kyla Landscape Award

  • Northern Image Photographers Club – Photography Award

  • Lemon Yellow Art Studio (Prince Albert, SK) – Award for Creative Exploration in Any Medium

  • The Creative Stitchers Guild – Needlework Award

  • Prince Albert Council for the Arts – Lorraine Mathiason Memorial Pottery Award

  • Hues Art Supply Store – Award

  • Men Who Paint (Saskatoon, SK) – Mackenzie Lee Award for Expressing Canadian Identity Through Landscape Painting

  • Prince Albert Woodturners Guild – Frank Sudol Memorial Award

  • Dana Wareing Popescul Memorial Award

  • Peggy & Sandy Kerr Memorial Award

  • John & Marjorie Hicks Memorial Award

  • The Green Soup Emporium Award

  • On the Avenue Artisan’s Gallery (Prince Albert, SK) – In Loving Colours: The Dawn Bear Memorial Award

  • Third Place Prize – Sponsored by the Prince Albert Arts Board

  • Second Place Prize – Sponsored by the Prince Albert Council for the Arts

  • Mayor’s Prize / Best of Show – Sponsored by the City of Prince Albert and On the Avenue Artisan’s Gallery


Your generosity makes this celebration of artistic excellence possible.


Thank You to Our Sponsors & Funders


We gratefully acknowledge the support of:


  • Northern Light Community Development Corporation

  • Lake Country Co-op (Event Sponsor)

  • Prince Albert Daily Herald (Media Sponsor)

  • Diane & Roger Mann

  • SaskCulture

  • SaskLotteries

  • SK Arts

  • City of Prince Albert

  • Canada Council for the Arts


Honouring Our Dignitaries


We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests who helped mark this milestone celebration:


Photo credit: Noelle Drimmie
Photo credit: Noelle Drimmie

  • Opening Prayer by Elder Liz Settee

  • Remarks from MLA Kevin Kasun

  • Remarks from Mayor Bill Powalinsky

  • Remarks from Guest Curator Jason Baerg


A sincere thank you to the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for allowing us to host this year’s ceremony in the theatre, an excellent decision given the incredible turnout!


A Night to Remember


From the excited faces of award recipients, to the proud family and friends gathered around their loved ones’ artwork, to first-time visitors and long-time supporters attending for the 50th time, this was truly a community celebration. Despite changing weather and challenging road conditions, so many of you came out to support the arts, and we are deeply grateful.


Of course, none of this would be possible without our exhibiting artists. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and courage in sharing your creations. Your commitment to your practice is what makes this show shine. We are honoured to showcase the incredible talent within our region.


The Show Continues


If you haven’t yet visited the exhibition, there is still time! The show runs until March 21, 2026.

Gallery Hours:

  • Thursday–Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM

  • Saturday: 12 PM – 5 PM


We invite you to vote for your favourite piece for the People’s Choice Award, and perhaps even take home an original artwork of your own, several pieces have already found new homes!


Join us as well for a Free Public Tour on March 20 from 12–1 PM. This informal walk-through will highlight stories and standout works from the 160 artworks featured in this year’s exhibition. All are welcome.


Thank you to everyone who made this milestone year so special. Here’s to 50 years of celebrating art and to many more to come!


We can’t wait to see you at the gallery.


 
 
 

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