MARCH 2025 | STYLE MANITOBA MAGAZINE 

Art for All | Lea Currie
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For many, art seems unattainable. Beyond basic pieces that are mass-produced and available in retail stores, fine art is often deemed too expensive and difficult to access for the average individual. Gallery showings and exhibits can sell out of reach as pieces sell for thousands of dollars. But one local nonprofit is striving to get creations into the hands of all art-loving Manitobans. The Winnipeg Fine Art Fair (WFAF) showcases the creative work of local artists to the general public, providing art in an approachable environment.

“I think that there is a portion of the population who have never been to a gallery; maybe they think they don’t know enough about art and it feels intimidating, or they think all the art will be out of their price range. The fair feels accessible, and because we have emerging and established artists, the public will find a wide range of price points,” says Elowen Braunstein-Black, WFAF board chair.

The fair was first held in 2024, immediately becoming the province’s biggest art show. It provides art enthusiasts with the opportunity to see thousands of artworks from 70 distinct artists in one location.

It shows you a curated content of select artists. Our show has a more open framework in which artists can experiment and test new approaches to their artistic practice without the restriction of the museum effect,” says Braunstein-Black. “This allows for new ideas, perspectives and forms in art and culture to emerge.”

This more comprehensive approach provides for a vast landscape of art with a range of works and styles, from traditional to contemporary pieces, The local artists on display, selected by a jury, boast a variety of work from different mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media and fine craft, such as pieces created from glass, wood, metal and fibre.

“The public can expect a diverse sea of colour, texture and content from local artists as they display and sell their best artwork. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your local artists and find out about the inspiration and creation of your favourite pieces as well as the opportunity to bring home treasures to adorn your home,” says Braunstein-Black.
The second annual event will see the return of many artists, as well as new faces. Nearly all work is from Manitoba creators, with only 10 percent of space being offered to out-of-province participants. The fair supports a broad range of voices in the arts, from established names including Robert MacArthur, Lucas Kost and Kaelan Black, to those emerging on the scene such as Tanis Gray and Treeteens.

In addition to the benefits and beauty for the public, the artists themselves can gain valuable opportunities by taking part in the fair. Not only is this a much-needed accessible exhibition space, but it also provides artists with the chance to speak to admirers, connect with and learn from fellow creators, and develop themselves within the arts community.
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This celebration of Manitoba’s diverse art community offers the chance to connect with art in an inspiring and community-centric way. Whether you are an art lover, an avid collector or just curious to see what’s out there, a show of this magnitude is sure to inspire passion and appreciation of the arts, and cultivate the growth of this vital part of our cultural landscape.