Rural Manitoba artists are taking centre stage in Winnipeg this fall through a new group exhibition titled Creative Crossroads, now showing at 210 Gallery — an extension of the Manitoba Arts Network dedicated to showcasing rural and northern artists.
Located at 210 Princess St., the gallery offers free public access and features a wide range of works by members of the Green Acres Arts Collective (GAAC) based in Teulon. About 80 per cent of the paintings on display are available for purchase, and the gallery’s gift shop sells smaller handmade items provided by the artists to help cover operating costs.
The exhibition runs until Oct. 25 and reflects the diverse perspectives and artistic journeys of its 12 participating artists, most of whom live in the Interlake region.
“Creative Crossroads came about because we’re all at different stages in our lives and our art processes,” explained Rozanne Nevakshonoff, one of the exhibiting artists. “Most galleries choose a single theme, but our work is so varied that these two words seemed to encapsulate the spirit of the show.”
The participating Interlake artists are Heather Gushulak, Dione Murphy, Jim Duncan, Lisa Carter, Debbie Stewart, Christine Walls, Dawn Mitchell, Brenda Tarrant, Rozanne Nevakshonoff, Vera Fullard, Graham Clarke and Hermina Hildebrand.
The GAAC group meets weekly to share ideas, learn techniques, and support one another’s creative growth. Two long-time members — Lisa Carter and Hermina Hildebrand — are credited as the driving forces behind the exhibition’s organization, with other members contributing by offering public mini-demonstrations throughout the show.
“GAAC is really where we gather to learn, share and uplift each other,” Nevakshonoff said. “This show wouldn’t have happened without that sense of community.”
The artists were selected based on interest and readiness to exhibit their work. Each brings a distinct style and story, creating a collective snapshot of rural creativity and resilience.
The Creative Crossroads exhibition continues through Oct. 24 at 210 Gallery, 210 Princess St., open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
