Photo credit: me.
Traveling to Morden, Manitoba can inspire visions of corn and apples (at its annual festival), fossils (at the discovery centre), or even roses (from the research centre’s plant cross breeding program) – certainly not canvases and paintbrushes. But visiting the Pembina Hills Arts Centre will change that mindset.
Located in what was the town’s original post and customs office, complete with a functional clock tower, the centre – run by the Pembina Hills Arts Council – is easily spotted blocks away from its location at 352 Stephen St.
Creating awareness and encouraging artistic expression in the 7,000 strong community began in the 1960s, but was spearheaded in the 1980s by Pamela York-Hardy who “was an artist from B.C. who came up here and went ‘this place needs some culture’,” said Monica Friesen, the centre’s administrative director.
York-Hardy didn’t have to look far: today, the council represents 16 communities from Pilot Mound to Altona, in an area – which may surprise some tourists – teeming with amateur and professional artists.
“It’s kind of a paradox,” said Friesen, “It’s a very prominent Mennonite area which means historically [the people were] humble, simple, peaceful, quiet, don’t be proud. But then we have this burst of artistic talent.”
Admission is free, and visitors can browse the four galleries, two of which currently display the centre’s March exhibit: a tribute to the work of the late Margaret Dykman, along with equally impressive paintings and sculptures from her father, husband, son, granddaughter, and niece.
Upstairs, galleries three and four house a variety of local work (landscapes, portraits, and abstracts) as well as classrooms for drawing, painting, and pottery which occupy what was once the postmaster’s residence. The living quarters, including the kitchen and bathroom, are well intact and explained in detail (complete with a ghost story) by Friesen, who offers group tours of the building.
This rich blend of history and art makes the centre an important asset to the community.
“Arts is everywhere and people don’t realise it,” said Friesen. “They’re reluctant to come into an arts centre and go ‘I don’t get it’ or ‘this is boring’, but when you look at the history and the story of these artists, we’re all connected.”
This is true even for artists originating outside the community. William Reed moved to Morden from Saskatchewan and has several acrylic paintings in the centre showcasing his self-taught skills.
“To be accepted into a new community, I wanted to show in the community art gallery. [Now] I’m making friends and [I get to] share information with fellow artists.”
Visitors can share in the fruits of the artists’ labours in the centre’s sizable gift shop containing all things handmade: dinnerware (pottery mugs as low as $15); jewelry (earrings starting at $20); paintings; photography; corn and apple shaped beeswax candles; and soup, cake, and beer bread mixes.
The Pembina Hills Arts Centre is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5 PM in Morden, about a two hour drive from Winnipeg. Visit www.pembinahillsart.com or www.mordenmb.com for more information.
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