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Local artist Shannon Desjardins’ new show “Joie de Vivre” is a collection of paintings done largely en plein air that she hopes will spark joy in others. “Art is communication, and so I hope that [viewers] also can experience the joy of what I saw,” says Desjardins. What the art may spark in its audience need not be the same thing that Desjardins felt while painting it. “Artwork can speak with different people in different ways,” she says, “in ways that words never could.”

Rrain Prior – Local Journalism Initiative

Desjardins’ began painting about twenty years ago, and credits working with a mentor for shaping her skills into what they are today. She now pays it forward by teaching art classes and working one-on-one with aspiring local artists to help them on their own journey.

While ArtsForward, which operates the Manawaka Gallery where the exhibit is being held, often fundraises for local organisations during its art openings, Desjardins has taken it further with this show. Anyone who makes a donation towards the high school’s drama department and their upcoming show this May can put their name in a draw to receive one of the paintings from the exhibit. The draw will be open right through the end of February.

Also on today’s episode of News & Views we see a preview of a new interview with the Neepawa chapter of Habitat for Humanity. including information on upcoming fundraisers, and we get a head start on spring with a special presentation from the Neepawa Garden Club.