Inspired by a lake she saw in Northern Saskatchewan, Lorelle Meyer's painting 'Gratitude' sold for over $800. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Celebrating the Arts

Prince Albert art exhibition celebrates 50th anniversary

Mar 13, 2026 | 11:39 AM

For 50 years, the Prince Albert Winter Festival Art Show and Sale has been a proud tradition at the Mann Art Gallery.

Over 160 pieces are on display, and all 21 different awards, sponsored by various organizations and businesses, have already been announced. 

The gallery’s interim artistic director Jesse Campbell, has been involved with the festival since 2015. She explained the exhibition originated out of a need for local artists to have an opportunity to share their work with the general public, and to also get perspective and feedback from a guest curator. 


“So the format of the show has remained very similar for the last five decades, but what has grown is, I think, a diversity of artist backgrounds and viewpoints, the type of art that we’re seeing in here, and it’s just increased in size,” she said.

Mann Art Gallery Interim Artistic Director Jesse Campbell was blown away by the talent at this year’s Winter Festival Art Show and Sale. #community #arts #saskatchewan pic.twitter.com/qjXOMPCYkT

— Nigel Maxwell (@NigelMaxwell) March 13, 2026

Celebrating the Arts

Prince Albert art exhibition celebrates 50th anniversary

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Campbell explained an exhibition like this is totally unique within our province, adding there are other galleries that do members’ shows and sales, but not to this extent, and not with a professional guest curator.

“They have two days to not only design what the show looks like and think about the story that they’re telling through curating the show, but their job is also to designate recipients for the awards. And that’s probably the most difficult part because there’s so many that are interesting and deserving.”

In Loving Colours: The Dawn Bear Memorial Award went to Orlanda Flett’s artwork ‘Threads of Resilience.’ (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

One might say there is something fishy about this piece. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Lorelle Meyer grew up in Prince Albert, and this is her third time being at the show. Her acrylic painting ‘Gratitude’ will likely hit home for anyone who has walked the beaches in northern Saskatchewan

“I remember, first of all, being a student, a young child, just across the street at Central School, and when the time of the year came when we get the big pulp paper, and we’d be able to all create this poster for the winter festival. 
It was a really exciting time, and now fast-forward 50 years, and I’m participating in the actual winter festival exhibit,” she said.

Recalling the first time she presented a piece at the exhibition, Meyer acknowledged she was very nervous and excited, but added she has great admiration for everybody who participates in the event.

“I think it’s really key for young people to get in here and see that even people my age are, after all these years, are kind of starting up in their art again, and taking that leap of faith. You know, just go out there and show what you can, and take this opportunity to learn from all these other styles that artists are showing, and there’s just so much vibrancy and variety in this entire exhibit that you’re sure to be inspired,” she said.

Grieving the loss of his mother, Laird Goulet has expressed his emotions through his art. pic.twitter.com/C4mriycbxz

— Nigel Maxwell (@NigelMaxwell) March 13, 2026

Laird Goulet grew up in The Pas, MB and is a former award winner. His mother, who was from Cumberland House, passed away as a result of kidney and heart disease. Goulet explained his piece ‘Missing You’ brings awareness to the diseases happening in our province’s communities.

“It’s almost like an epidemic in our communities, so I want to bring awareness with with my art. It’s become a way for me to just express what I would to see in the world changing and to get better services, for sure like dialysis machines, and stuff like that.”

The Prince Albert Winter Festival Art Show and Sale runs until March 21 and the Mann Art Gallery.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell