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March Monthly Musing
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to the March edition of the Mann Art Gallery newsletter, where we're thrilled to share the latest updates, events, and inspirations in the Prince Albert arts community!
Current Exhibition
All Things Winter Festival...
Celebrating Our Artists: 2026 Winter Festival Art Show & Sale Award Winners
A Record-Breaking Weekend at the Mann Art Gallery
What Showing Up Looks Like
Inside the Mann Art Gallery’s 50th Winter Festival
In this op-ed, Sask Art Alliance Executive Director Em Ironstar reflects on the Mann Art Gallery 50th Winter Festival Show & Sale — an event that offered a clear example of what happens when artists, civic leaders, volunteers, and community members gather with intention.
Join guest curator for an exclusive Curator Walk-Through of the 50th Annual Winter Festival Art Show & Sale. Explore the exhibition alongside the curator, gain insights into the curatorial process, and learn more about how the work is presented within the show.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Call for Submissions:
The annual High School Juried Art Show at the Mann Art Gallery is a testament to the power of art to inspire, provoke, and unite communities, while nurturing the next generation of artistic talent.
Beyond simply showcasing individual artworks, the exhibition also serves as a celebration of the importance of arts education and creative expression in the lives of young people. It provides an opportunity for students to gain recognition for their talents, connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts, and inspire others to explore their own artistic passions.
The Idea of North: A Permanent Collection Exhibition
April 16 - June 6, 2026
May 2016 marks ten years since Joe Fafard’s Mahihkan was installed near the entrance of the Mann Art Gallery. As a commission with no restrictions, Fafard decided to create a piece that was emblematic of northern Saskatchewan. His large-scale, bronze wolf was envisioned to encourage harmonious relationships between humans, animals, and the natural world, stemming from his many visits to La Ronge and area.
Drawn from the Permanent Collection of the Mann Art Gallery, The Idea of North uses Joe’s concept for Mahihkan as a jumping off point to explore works from lived experiences, inspirations, and ideas of what it means to be in northern Saskatchewan. This exhibition reflects a variety of artistic approaches, historical contexts, and contemporary characteristics that contribute to our understandings of life in the north.
Since the Mann Art Gallery’s Permanent Collection was established by former Director/Curator Grace Eiko Thompson in 1993, it has come to house artworks that speak to local and regional histories, interests, and characteristics. The Permanent Collection is part of the Gallery’s purpose to support artists, preserve and share artwork, and promote critical thinking and meaningful dialogue. It is formed by gifts of artwork from multiple donors and acquisitions thanks to the generous, unique support of Diane & Roger Mann.
Events and Programs
Upcoming programs and events can always be found on our event calendar
Art for Lunch | 50th Winter Festival | March 20, 12-1:00 PM
High School Juried Art Show; Drop-Off Week for participants | March 24-28
Free Art Day, Landscapes | Saturday March 21, 12-4:00 PM
High School Juried Art Show; Opening Reception | Wednesday April 22, 6-8:00 PM
Events in the Region
From 50
Generously supported by the Prince Albert Council for the Arts
Curated by the Mann Art Gallery
February 1 - March 23, 2026
In From 50, we are pleased to display a selection of artworks that have been purchased from past Winter Festival exhibitions for the Mann Art Gallery’s Permanent Collection. From 50 coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Annual Winter Festival Art Show & Sale.
Janaya McCallum: Carousel of Time
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 2nd, 5:30 PM
February 1 - March 23, 2026
In Carousel of Time, emerging visual artist and young mother Janaya McCallum makes space for viewers to come and ponder the passing of time. Through her hyper-vibrant, kaleidoscopic approach to landscape and still life, she boldly explores themes of prairie identity, heritage, and our relationship with the land. Featured in this collection is the stark and recognizable beauty of the “kokum scarf” or “hustka” as McCallum contemplates the profound history of the textile and how its Ukrainian and Indigenous roots intertwine.
In a world where reality grows more and more evasive, McCallum’s grounding work invites those who encounter it to be reminded of the land, experiences, people, and colours that have made them who they are. In bold visions of migrating geese, flowing scarves, patchwork farmland, and resplendent mountains, the beholder is welcomed to allow their mind and memory to steep in the nostalgia.
Upcoming Programs:
Art for Lunch | Janaya McCallum: Carousel of Time | April 17, 12 - 1:00 PM
Browse the Winter Program Guide (Jan–March):
Ballet Jörgen | March 12, 7:30 PM
Glass Tiger | March 25, 7:30 PM
Community Call Out
The Town of Blaine Lake would like to restore the murals painted by our loved local artist Doreen Kalmakoff and others as a Centennial gift in 2004-2005, and they would like to put the word out to local artists.
• 117 Main Street [81 ft x 18 ft] and 201 Main St [66 ft x 16 ft]
• Elevators mural on the south side of the skating rink.
They hope to keep close to the original essence of the murals in the restoration. Council is open to the best offers in terms of quality restoration and price/cost estimates. They have some equipment they could offer artists to offset the cost of renting scaffolding and/or a lift.
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