Exhibit gives glimpse of northern life

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/07/2016 (3677 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Striking portraits by artist Kirk Sauer fill the walls of Fort la Reine Museum’s gallery.

The painter, who now resides in B.C., captured the facial expressions of some of the First Nations residents he met while teaching in remote northern Manitoba communities. The exhibit, Reflections of the North, also contains Sauer’s depiction of the landscape surrounding the communities.

Museum executive director Tracey Turner said Sauer’s work primarily focuses on his relationships with elders, the seasonality of the landscape, and traditional knowledge coming from living on the land.

The exhibition will be displayed until the end of August and can be viewed with museum admission. The museum is located at 2652 Saskatchewan Ave. E in Portage la Prairie.

Turner said the museum is offering a weekly event called Meet-U held Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each evening features an expert in a specific field and includes demonstrations and audience participation. Blacksmith Matt Jenkins from Cloverdale Forge will be discussing and demonstrating this historic skill on July 27.

Meet-U evenings will continue in August and are listed on the museum’s website at www.fortlareinemuseum.com/upcoming-events

Mystery at the Museum, an event that proved to be popular in previous years, is being held again on Sept. 16, 17, 23 and 24.

“It’s based on true Manitoba stories,” Turner said.

This year’s theme is Case of the Murder Oak, depicting the story of one of the five local crimes that resulted in capital punishment for the offenders.

The murder mystery involves audience participation, and Turner suggests that it’s more suitable for older teens and adults than for children.

A family-friendly event is planned on Sat., Oct. 22 as the museum’s many historic buildings will be turned into a haunted village complete with spooky audio-visual effects and costumed characters.

Last year’s Ghost Walk attracted more than 3,000 guests, Turner said.

“We’re expanding it this year with a haunted mansion.”

The museum’s 2016 season ends with the second annual Dicken’s Christmas on Sat., Dec. 3.

“It was really well-received,” she said.

Families can enjoy sleigh rides, visit with Father Christmas and listen to story tellers and carolers.

Facebook.com/TheHeadlinerWPG
Twitter: @CanstarHeadline