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
Rick McCalder – Focus on Local Artists – Issue #149
December 2024
Rick McCalder.
For this month, Winnipeg River Arts Council features sculptor Rick McCalder. Born in Winnipeg, he grew up in Elma and went to school in Whitemouth. Almost 51 years ago, he moved for a welding job at Tanco Mine, arriving in Lac du Bonnet with wife Janet and a toddler. Two more girls were born in Pinawa and all three daughters graduated from Lac du Bonnet Senior School.
He makes art from used cutlery, pieces of metal, beer cans, wood, and other found materials. His works are mainly welded, using recycled and used metals. He also dabbles in wood carving and photography. In 1992, he took classes at Red River College and received a certificate of photography.
McCalder said, “All my metal work is coloured by heat, not paint. I love creating golfers and fishers from railroad spikes, and flowers from sheet metal. I also hand cut saw blades to fabricate scenes in the metal.”
In 1966, he took up welding for a career and, at 76 years old, he continues to use these skills. With this expertise, he learned to construct various “characters” in his spare time out of nuts and bolts and other ornamental objects. Like many artists, he put aside most creative activities while earning a living and raising a family.
He said, “Over the years, art got pushed onto the back burner of life. But I always made something for a gift or for myself. I’ve always been inspired to do metal art and crafts. Now I’m almost retired, art will be on my menu.”
McCalder is also known as a former Lac du Bonnet Blues team’s general manager. When the hockey league folded at the end of 1988/89 season, he spent all spring and summer reviving it. After a successful season, two Winnipeg teams withdrew and the league folded again. He said, “We had great players, volunteers, and a following. It was a great experience.”
Although he hasn’t exhibited his work or received awards, he sells his art privately, by word of mouth. He has taught others how to weld for work reasons, not art. Also, he wrote two articles, one for the Clipper and one for Lac Du Bonnet Living.
In 1975, he took flying lessons, as one of six people in the new Airpark school’s first class. After leaving Tanco, his work life took different directions. He worked for Holden Wild Rice, building cabins on their lakes and harvesting wild rice. He hauled pulp to Pine Falls and Kenora, and .hauled fuel on winter roads to northern reserves. In Red Lake area, he flew his own aircraft, maintaining fly-in camps.
In the 1980’s, McCalder opened a small welding shop, where he also repaired small engines, and sold riding mowers, chainsaws, and trimmers. For 4 years, he flew an aircraft part-time for Hampshire Baits. After he sold the welding shop, he worked as a mechanic and welder for Manitoba Conservation While juggling these various jobs, he did welding at his home and worked for a local boat vendor, Watertown Incorporated, doing prop repairs.
His closing comment: “Finally, I have time for my art. I like making it and hopefully someone appreciates and likes it.”
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