Mission Statement
Our mission is to inspire and help individuals discover and embrace their artistic identity, fostering a collective sense of creativity that enriches and unites our regional communities.
Winnipeg River Arts is passionately dedicated to enhancing the North Eastman Region by providing support, empowerment, and connectivity through the arts
Services
WRAC looks forward to serving residents, visitors, artists and arts groups within the Winnipeg River corridor (east of Highway 11 and north of Highway 317). The region is culturally diverse and home to many talented artists and arts organizations that provide opportunities for arts and culture. WRAC’s regional structure will help community arts organizations, schools and recreation services work together to plan larger regional arts initiatives by facilitating the sharing of resources, information and talents. WRAC seeks to contribute to economic grow by promoting the region’s arts and cultural assets to residents and tourists.
Artist Of The Month
Featured Organization – Pinawa Library – Issue #155
June 2025
How Pinawa Got Its Library (a tale of books, boxes, and big ideas)
For this month, Winnipeg River Arts Council features Pinawa Library. Back in the early 1960s, the families moving from Deep River to the brand-new town of Pinawa, Manitoba, quickly realized something was missing: books! No bookstores, no libraries—just lots of curious minds and empty shelves.
So, what did they do? They got creative. A group of determined locals kicked off a book drive, putting out the call for donations. The community responded with heart—and books started pouring in. With nowhere else to go, the growing collection took up residence in the Gilbert School, stored in boxes and shared on a help-yourself basis. It wasn’t fancy, but it was a start.
Soon enough, people realized the book situation needed a serious upgrade. They took action—petitioning the government and making a trip to Winnipeg to lobby for funding. The province agreed to help, but with one condition: they’d pick the books. The residents politely said, “Thanks, but we’ve got this,” and took charge of their own collection.
Margaret Sweatman
Volunteers rolled up their sleeves, catalogued books, organized shelves, and made the whole thing work. Eventually, a Library Board was formed, staff were hired, and the Pinawa Public Library began to grow—not just in size, but in spirit.
Current head librarian is Lois Bernardin, supported by library assistants Cheryl Michaluk, Jennie Miller, and Denise Van Den Bussche. They also have two student assistants, Mika Rasmussen and Raquel Long. Patrons can access the internet via the computers, use the free WIFI, get books from other libraries, make photocopies, borrow walking poles and pedometers, and select videos from a huge collection. Drop-in activities include The Knit Shift and children’s story time.
Today, it’s more than just a library—it’s a hub of stories, learning, and community. From books to videos, radon detectors, toys, and games, it offers something for everyone. With fun programs like StoryWalk, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Little Free Library, author visits and presentations, it continues to thrive—powered by dedicated volunteers, creative fundraising, and a whole lot of hometown pride.
