The art of creating community

St. Vital

Assiniboia Downs

Creating works of art can be a solitary pursuit, at times, with artists often spending countless hours with just their canvasses for company. However, the solitary pursuit doesn’t have to mean solitary confinement — groups such as St. Vital Art Group provide members with a like-minded community that shares ideas and support.

St. Vital Art Group members meet on Wednesday mornings at the United Church in Meadowood (1111 Dakota St.), and are preparing to hold their annual show and sale at the church on Friday, April 17 from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 25 artists will showcase their work at the event, which will also feature a raffle, door prizes and a bake sale. The canteen will be open on the Saturday and admission is free.

Nikki Braun, the group’s co-chair, said many members live in the south end of the city.

The fact there’s a waiting list for prospective members is testament to its desirability. Many of its members are retired, Braun said. John Toone, the club’s president, confirmed the club is currently at capacity — 32 members — and there is a two-to-three year waiting list.

“It’s definitely a meeting place for people to get together with other artists,” said Braun, who lives in Grande Pointe, just south and east of the city. “It gives them a chance to get out and socialize and share perspectives and receive feedback on their work.”

Braun — an abstract painter who likes to paint acrylics and also uses pen and pencil — noted that feedback is important, as artists tend to become so invested in their creations that an outside perspective — someone acting as a buffer — can be invaluable.

Group member Robin Rice, who also prefers acrylics, said many of her pieces are nature themed. She’ll also be selling homemade greeting cards bearing her creations.

“I’m a birder. I love birds and all animals, and feed birds all year-round,” said Rice, who lives in Island Lakes. “I’m pretty good at identifying them, and I love painting them.”

“I’ve also lived in the country, and I developed a love for fields, marshes, trees and wide-open spaces. As an artist, you’re always looking for things to paint,” she added.

Rice said her Wednesday morning sessions at the church have nurtured lots of camaraderie and friendship.

“If, for some reason, I don’t go, people are texting me to see if I’m OK. It’s a wonderful board, that’s wonderful at keeping us informed. It’s a well-received group in the city. The show can have hundreds of visitors over the two days,” Rice said.

Braun is also the chair of the Winnipeg Fine Art Fair, which will feature 78 artists at its third annual event. The Fine Art Fair will run the weekend before the St. Vital Art Group’s event, at Red River Exhibition Park (3977 Portage Ave.) on Friday, April 10, from 4 to 9 p.m.; on Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It’s a place to come and see lots of art, lots of different styles, and come and talk to the artists,” Braun said. Featured media will include acrylics, oils, watercolours, fibre art, photography, and sculptures.

Braun said the fair’s organizers are big supporters of diversity and inclusion and award a number of bursaries to “support artists, help give them a voice, and help them grow in their artistic journey.”

“Buying a piece of art makes me feel so good. Art is so good for people, and I think visiting art makes you feel better,” she said.

Visit St. Vital Art Group on Facebook to learn more, and you can find the Fine Art Fair at www.winnipegfineartfair.com