To kick off their 40th year as an organization, the Steinbach Arts Council held their first hallway gallery of the season Wednesday evening.

Two artists, Photographer Paul Reimer of Steinbach, and Painter Wayne Letkemen of Morden, were given the opportunity to debut their works and both were pleased to be made a part of this special occasion.

Reimer is glad to have the opportunity to display his work locally.

Reimer teaches photography at the SRSS and says it is typically his students’ work that is showcased across the city. He was happy to be this event’s token local artist.

“It’s always an honor to be part of the beginning of a new season,” he comments, “and hearing that 1,100 people come through here every week, well that’s great exposure.”

If the well-attended event is any kind of indicator, Executive Director Cindi Rempel Patrick says the SAC looks to be in for another successful season.

“The start of the season is big. Besides kicking off these exhibits, we are also kicking off over 60 programs for fall," she continues, "and it’s registration week, so there is a lot of hustle and bustle and energy around the arts centre.”

Letkemen explains his work to a curious onlooker.Rempel Patrick hopes the level of excitement present during Wednesday’s exhibition will continue as the Steinbach Arts Council celebrates this milestone.

Reimer shares this sentiment: “I only hope that the arts continue to get more and more local exposure, cause we know society is damned when the arts get cut off.”

The SAC gallery, decorated with Reimer’s “Paul’s Pics” display and Letkemen’s “Landscapes and Seascapes”, will be available for viewing during until September 27.