Gallery filled with 133 entries, help determine the winner of People's Choice Award

There are 133 entries in the 25th Annual Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit, running all month at Steinbach Arts Council. 

"We are ecstatic to announce that this year, we have a record-breaking number of adult entries and total amount of entries,” exclaims Exhibit Coordinator Tonya Godee. “We received 76 adult entries this year and a total of 133 entries.”

Executive Director David Klassen is impressed by the quality of entries for all categories.  

“Some of the more advanced juvenile entries are so impressive, you would never know the difference between their piece and somebody who has a 30- or 40-year career of professional visual artistry behind them,” he says. 

The month-long exhibit includes photography, pencil drawings, watercolor and acrylic paintings, sculpture, and pottery, just to name a few. And Klassen says each piece tells a story. 

“Every time you look at that same piece, you notice something different,” he says. “And so many times, you are drawn to what is beyond that picture, what is beyond that horizon, what is beyond the skyline? And what is the purpose of this whole scene that is before you?” 

Klassen says the high number of entries and the quality of artwork proves that we have a lot of talent, skill and creativity in the Southeast. 

“Our community is very creative, they're innovative, and they want to be putting something on our walls that is unique and also of the highest quality possible,” says Klassen. “So, there's tons of enthusiasm, tons of creativity and it's definitely something that everybody should take a look at some point in the next month.” 

The exhibit opened Friday evening and runs until March 31. Stop by the Steinbach Arts Council to view the artwork and vote on this year’s adult and juvenile People’s Choice Award winner.  

The winners will be announced at the end of the exhibit to give everyone a chance to get their votes in. Ballots can be picked up at their office.  

Entry to the Hall Gallery is free and donations, through cash or online, are always welcome, says Klassen. 

You can also visit steinbacharts.ca to check out the virtual gallery.