Straight from the art

Exchange District

West End

Riverview

A local art-themed event will continue to show the love as it returns to the West End Cultural Centre for a third successive year.

Art from the Heart, a community show and sale presented by Artbeat Studio, will showcase approximately 150 creations by local artists who are on lower incomes, live with a disability, or hail from the inner city. Each participating artist could enter up to two works in the show and, in keeping with Artbeat Studio’s community-first mission, participating artists will keep all the proceeds from sales of their work.

Uyen Pham, executive director of Artbeat Studio, said one of main goals of Art from the Heart is to help level the playing field and provide artists with a broader outlet for showcasing their work, regardless of their circumstances, income or challenges they may be facing.

“It’s about accessibility to art and giving people the ability to sell their art,” Pham said, noting Artbeat Studio took over the stewardship of Art from the Heart in 2024. It began as a volunteer-led initiative at the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre in 1999. “Sometimes artists don’t have the means or the funds to have a show.”

“It’s a big undertaking for my team, and it brings the community together. It’s a way to engage and stay creative, as well,” she added.

Pham said Artbeat Studio plays an important role in the community, not least because it helps bridge different needs.

“We’re a unique organization in that we are a health organization, as well as an art organization. We focus on the well-being of the community when we’re being creative, and it’s important to have a goal and work together.”

Ember Boulay will be taking part in his third Art from the Heart event next month. The West End resident said he appreciates the fact participating artists are promoted and championed by Artbeat Studio, including a photo and bio.

“It’s a really neat opportunity. You can go and meet people, talk to everyone, and hang out. It’s a free event, and there are no limitations on how many people can come and visit,” he said, noting his preferred mediums include acrylics and mixed media.

Boulay said the “inclusive, accepting environment” fostered by the event helps him create art and be himself. In the last three years, his artistic confidence and development have grown exponentially, he said.

Art from the Heart will run at the WECC (586 Ellice Ave.) on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is free and open to everyone, and a number of Winnipeg businesses have donated prizes for a raffle.

Visit artbeatstudio.ca/community/events/art-from-the-heart for more information.