A celebration of diversity is currently underway at the Golden Prairie Arts Council (GPAC). Running until the end of March, the Fibre Festival at the local art gallery aims to highlight the richness of various art mediums through an inclusive lens. The exhibition features an array of tapestries and quilts in different shapes, sizes, and colors, showcasing a medium often overlooked in the art world.
GPAC Executive Director Nigel Bart explained that planning for the Fibre Festival began in the summer of 2024. Their original vision was ambitious, involving the idea of wrapping the entire train station in a large sweater. However, after refining their concept, GPAC opted for a more traditional exhibition format. With the recent opening of a new space within the building, GPAC could host this festival alongside another exhibition.
“In GPAC’s definition, fibre art is art uniquely identifying with the world of fibers, strands, fabrics, and any and every way of assemblage,” said Bart. “There are traditional ways of understanding fiber art like quilting for example, and there are more specific definitions. The definition that GPAC uses is a more open definition that is not exclusive to one or another.”
The Zed Gallery, which opened in GPAC in February 2025, was established at no cost—through rearranging existing furniture. This extra space allows for more artistic opportunities and presentations. Bart noted a significant demand for showcasing art, making this new gallery essential.
“We want to join a tradition of honouring and celebrating the fibre arts within the general milieu of art history,” said Bart. “Fibre art has been dominated primary by female artists and underappreciated. We want to celebrate them.”
Bart, who moved to the Carman area five years ago, quickly realized how popular fibre art was among locals. This medium emerged after the Second World War, gaining momentum in the 1970s as artists began experimenting with knotting, twining, plaiting, coiling, pleating, lashing, interlacing, and braiding. The resulting pieces celebrate patterns and colors, bringing a vibrant atmosphere to the community.
“Our community has a wealth of fibre artists unique to this region and we were inspired to ‘show them off,’” said Bart. “We are very much about diversity and inclusion.”
The artists featured in the exhibition were primarily found through word of mouth and small promotions, with many participating on short notice. Bart emphasized that any fibre artist from the region who wanted to display their work was welcome, ensuring inclusivity. The GPAC Fibre Festival showcases quilts, blankets, avant-garde sculptures, tapestries, and clothing, totaling 25 pieces on display. While housed at GPAC, the festival’s primary goal is to inspire attendees to broaden their perspectives on art-making. Visitors can view the exhibition during regular business hours, which are Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“I think and hope that people should come to any display in a gallery to talk about and experience the cultures we live within,” said Bart. “Freedom of dialogue in a community art gallery is a very precious thing. GPAC wants to promote a very relaxed environment with much curiosity and wonder and space to open up about any topic without consequence.”
After the Fibre Festival concludes at the end of March, the Zed Gallery will feature a series of photographs that capture the community’s memories. Titled “Odyssey into Memory,” this exhibition is in partnership with the Manitoba Flash Photographic Festival and will have its opening reception on April 5.
