Pembina Hills Arts Council

Pembina Hills Arts Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage and facilitate growth and diversity of arts and culture in the Pembina Valley Region.

We have year-round exhibits that are free to the public, classes & workshops, opportunities for artists to show & sell their work, membership perks and gift shop showcasing local artisans.

The Pembina Hills Arts Council is located on Treaty No. 1 territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota Nations and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis, and honour their contributions to the past, present, and future. We express our gratitude for the land and water that sustains us, and we commit to learning from and working in partnership with the original caretakers of this territory.

READ ABOUT US!
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History

Pembina Hills Arts Council (PHAC) was founded in 1988 and incorporated in 1992. It covers a vast region and represents approximately 60,000 residents. The population continues to grow with newcomers and new industry which results in a dynamic culture rich in diversity.

PHAC has identified clear objectives and vision statements which correspond to their founding mission statement. An action plan has been generated to carry out the work necessary to meet the objectives.

The Pembina Hills Arts Council, as an umbrella organization, operates the Pembina Hills Arts Centre located at 352 Stephen Street, Morden. Through this location, we host a wide range of visual arts programs, exhibitions, and events aimed at increasing cultural awareness and engagement as we strive to improve the quality of life for the community. We operate four satellite galleries at the Manitou Opera House in Manitou, MB, Neubergthal Commons in Neubergthal, MB, 500 Stephen St. Morden, Morden Food Hall and Market, and MMJS Law Morden.

Our Vision

Pembina Hills Arts Council is a non-profit organization that encourages and facilitates the growth and diversity of arts and culture for the Pembina Valley Region by providing an inclusive and dynamic environment where creativity is experienced, developed and shared.

Our Vision

To be a welcoming and inclusive hub where people can connect with and through the arts.

Our Values

Diversity and Accessibility - Welcoming and accommodating all people

Education and Enrichment - Offering a diverse programme responding to an ever-changing and fluid art world

Community Input - Responding to people’s interests in the arts

Fostering Creativity - Offering a safe environment for artistic expression

Building Relationships - With the staff, artists, instructors, volunteers, partners and communities

Financial Sustainability - Effectively utilizing time and resources

Truth and Reconciliation - Committed to learning how we can incorporate this into our organization and taking action

Meet the Team

Jenny Smirl

GALLERY DIRECTOR
Jennifer Smirl has worked as a studio ceramicist and painter for over 20 years. She finished her studies at the School of Art in 2007 and has exhibited in Winnipeg and across Canada. She works both in functional and abstract stoneware and currently is focusing on stoneware and raku firing.
Evelyn Goodfellow

GALLERY ATTENDANT

Originally from Montana, Evelyn moved to Canada for love. She joined Pembina Hills Art Council in hopes of starting a career in bringing the arts to the community. Evelyn currently runs several small artistic studios in the Pembina community, and has so many ideas to bring to you for fun exhibits!(Forgive the photo. She is a wild and kooky character and this was the best photo we could fin of her.)

Board of Directors
2025 - 2026

Lorne Stelmach

CHAIR
Originally from Winnipeg, I have now called Morden home since 1987, and my career has been in working with the local community newspapers – first with the Morden Times and now more recently with the Winkler Morden Voice.
I have long held an interest in photography as well as writing some poetry, and from early on in my time here, I have recognized how Morden has a vibrant artistic and cultural community – something that has only further advanced with the growing diversity of the city.
With that in mind, I was motivated to get involved to help the arts continue to build and grow in Morden by joining the board of directors of the Pembina Hills Arts Council.
Throughout my tenure, I have strived to not only help maintain the stability of the arts council but also hopefully help it move forward, and I very much encourage others who value the importance of the arts to get involved as well.
Cyndy Kutzner - Treasurer

TREASURER
Bio to Come
Karen-Denise Cyr

DIRECTOR

Karen-Denise and her family live in Morden. They are new to the city, having moved from Winnipeg in 2024 to work as the Executive Director at C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre in Winkler.
Karen-Denise brings professional experience in healthcare administration, emergency management, volunteer management and has served on numerous not-for profit boards, including Past Chair of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and is currently on the boards of the Winkler and District Healthcare Board, Carman Community Health Centre Board and the Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce.
She is passionate about supporting the arts and is excited to engage as a member of the PHAC board to help grow and sustain our region’s diverse and vibrant arts community.
Terri Clark

DIRECTOR
My children and I volunteered for the 2024 Haunted Gallery. When I realized how much time I was spending there, joining the board was what I had to do. I hope to bring in fresh ideas that will make the Gallery flourish more.
I am a child care assistant, education assistant, and tutor for grade school, home school and English as a second language.
Currently, I volunteer as the children’s tent organizer for the Corn & Apple Festival and as a Language Buddy with Regional Connections.
My hobbies and interests include being involved in any social group that gets them noticed in the local community.
Jahangir Alam Talukdar

DIRECTOR
I’m currently working as a Financial Representative at Kognitive Sales Solutions, and beyond my professional role, I’m deeply passionate about community development and cultural engagement.
As the founder of Morden Through The Lens, I’ve spent the past eight years capturing the heart and soul of Morden through photography—especially during events like Morden WinterFest, which I’ve proudly covered each year. Photography has become a meaningful way for me to tell the stories of our town and connect with the people who make it special.
Community service is also close to my heart. I’m honoured to serve as President of the Morden Roaring Lions Club, where I work alongside an amazing group of volunteers dedicated to making a difference both locally and globally. I also volunteer with the Manitoba Bangladeshi Friendship Club Inc., helping organize cultural events that bring people together and celebrate our shared heritage.
These experiences have allowed me to build lasting relationships and contribute to the community in ways that are both fulfilling and inspiring.
Inna Rasitsan

DIRECTOR
Inna Rasitsan recently moved to Morden from Toronto. She is adjusting to small-town life with the elegance of a cat riding a bicycle. Despite this, she loves to give back to this wonderful, welcoming community and volunteers for local organizations whenever possible.
Most recently, she has conducted a summer-long "speaking circle" for Regional Connections and is now volunteering as a language buddy in her spare time.
While Inna's specific passions are literature, poetry, and creative writing, she has a strong interest in visual art, and, in particular, mixed media. Inna is interested in the ways in which art can influence social change; support and mobilize communities in times of crisis; and allow for the exploration and witnessing of challenging events.s here
Michelle Stelmach

DIRECTOR
Bio to Come
Michelle Stelmach

DIRECTOR
Bio to Come