Sioux Valley Dakota Nation released a statement today announcing they would be taken over management of the Grand Valley Park RV and Tube Park with the intention of reopening the park in the spring of 2023,. From the release: "Under our direction, we are planning to expand the park’s amenities which would include more campgrounds, recreational opportunities, and cultural experiences in addition to the services it now provides. To make the park a welcome and inclusive place for all visitors, we will be collaborating closely with the community and other stakeholders." The Grand Valley Park RV and Tube Park is located directly off of the Trans Canada Highway approximately 8kms west of Brandon.

The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is thrilled to announce an upcoming exhibition entitled Here 6 There by Brandon-based artists Patricia Beech and Jean David. The exhibition will run from January 10th to March 18th, 2023. Here & There presents the work of two self-taught artists working in the realm of imaginary landscapes and idealized memories, reminiscent of Henri Rousseau and other so-called “naïve artists” of the early 20th-century. Patricia Beech paints a vast Canadian frontier that is removed from the present, with structures and characters who hold a profound historicity. Those figures are, in turn, overpowered by momentary and potent phenomena–a sunset, a flood, a rainbow. Jean David’s environments are, in contrast, decidedly not of the Canadian Prairies. His shores and waters are vibrant blue and his valleys and hills are abundantly floral. They are exaggerations that adorn a dream, and speak to a connection with something divine. Like nostalgia itself, Here & There fluctuates between the grief of physical distance and the ecstasy of mystic presence. Lucie Lederhendler, who curated the exhibition, Says that she connected the artists' work almost immediately. ”Even though you instantly notice how different their techniques are, what really Cannes through \s the artists’ imaginations. These paintings feel like a glimpse into their minds’ eyes. ” She adds that while the artists are both Brandonites now, they took very different routes here. “Th s is one of those times that curating feels a bir like alchemy-two people, who might never cross paths in rheir lives, who I was introduced to in totally different ways, both put Ehis work out into the world , and now it's in an independent conversation.” The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, January 26th, at 7 PM at the AGSM. Light refreshments and drinks will be served. The AGSM would like to thank the Kaye5 Family Fund, City of Brandon, Manitoba Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts for their sustained supporr of the gallery’s programming.

Tomorrow you can head out and get your Christmas shopping started early. Choose from unique one of a kind items and find something for everyone at the East End Community Centre's craft sale. Twelve vendors will be on-hand selling a variety of wood crafts, wreaths, diamond art, honey, knitting, etc. Admission is free and the sale happens on Saturday, November 12th from 10am-5pm.

At first when you look at these photos, you think is this in Norway or Finland. Well no, this is actually only 20 minutes south of Brandon, towards Wawanesa. The Oak Haven Oasis has just opened for business with a truly cool and unique business. The general idea is for a couple to go and relax and "unplug" and enjoy peace and quiet in one of the three luxury domes. Domes include private deck - bbq - hot tub - fire table and sitting area. Each dome has board games and free coffee.  Plus high speed internet as well. Contact Taylor Penner 204 380 2980 https://oakhavenoasis.ca/

The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is pleased to announce the return of their annual arts and crafts sale. Now in its 34th year, The Gala of Gifts, a unique holiday market, will feature creators from all across the Westman region on Friday, November 25th and Saturday, 26th. New this year is a SoupArt Bowl fundraiser event, where participants will have the opportunity to sample soups from local vendors like Komfort Kitchen, Benny’s Restaurant, and The Dock on Princess, and to take home a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl, handmade by members of the AGSM community. Tickets are currently being sold on the AGSM website or via phone for $45 each, perfect for staff appreciation closer to the holidays. This year’s event will showcase 17 Westman-based artists and artisans in the Main Gallery. Returning patrons and first-timers alike will be delighted to find a wide variety of items for sale, including honey and bee products from Raven Creek Farm, stylish handmade moccasins and mukluks from Dianna’s Creations, one-of-a-kind oil paintings and pencil drawings by Marin Curtis Fine Arts, and much more! Visitors will be welcomed into the AGSM, which will be transformed into a decorated Winter Forest, by a keen group of volunteers. The youngest family members can satisfy their creativity in the children’s studio during two clay classes on Friday evening starting at either 4:00 or 5:45PM, and Saturday morning at 10:00 or 11:30AM. The Gala of Gifts would not be complete without the return of our raffle, where every ticket purchased is a chance to win one of many items donated from our vendors, as well as other exciting prizes! Admission is just $2, and children 5 & under are free. The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is located at 710 Rosser Avenue. It can be accessed either from the Town Centre parkade, or from the first floor of the Town Centre Mall through the elevators near the library. Parking in the Town Centre is FREE for AGSM visitors and on the weekends.