It’s been a busy year on a number of fronts for the city’s Cultural Services Department. The umbrella organization covers the Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery, the Original Humboldt site, the Humboldt Water Tower, and public art projects positioned throughout town. Board Chairperson Carol McLaren and Vice-Chair Susan Bellamy appeared virtually to deliver the annual Cultural Services report to City Council at its Monday meeting.

One of the highlights at the Museum over the past year include “I Do Not Have My Words”, a travelling exhibit by Saskatchewan Indigenous artists Joi Arcand, Catherine Blackburn and Audrey Dreaver. Dreaver was featured in an artist's talk on her experiences in recovering her Cree language. 

“Setting a Place for You” exposed visitors to the historic importance of sharing meals at a common table. The exhibit featured food preparation tools of the day like butter churns and cream separators. 

The Gallery featured exhibits by faces both familiar and new. St. Peter’s College instructor Clint Hunker was highlighted, along with fellow artist Lorenzo Dupuis, in the exhibition “Quiet.”

“Context is Everything” by Monique Martin focused on the dandelion as a symbol of beauty and resilience in a potentially harsh world. “Terrain” by Edie Marshall translated thumbnail images of prairie and desert landscapes in a sweeping world of art in a voyage from the Canadian prairies to Arizona. The year also included welcome staples such as the St. Peter’s College Art Exhibit and the Members Show and Sale. 

Public art continued to evolve in the city with engaging activities like Morse Code messages on the summer sidewalks, a collaboration with the Humboldt and Area Pride Group on the rainbow coloured Pride Crosswalk, and the replacement of the interpretive CN mural at the corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue. 

Cultural Services also played a role through the year in promoting actions toward Truth and Reconciliation. The Horizon School Division invited Mayor Michael Behiel for its ceremony on National Indigenous Day. Collaborations with the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce led to virtual “Lunch and Learn” sessions on Treaties, Indigenous Economic Development, and various public engagements. One key initiative will lead school children in the development of an important public art piece along the north side of City Hall. Kevin Peeace worked with area school children as part of the process. 

There were many highlights throughout a busy year for Cultural Services, and with a return of public gatherings, this year promises even more in the offing.

The full report is available here.