Step into a world where history, creativity, and community come together in a vibrant celebration of Saskatchewan’s artistic legacy. The Saskatchewan Art Showcase is your destination for inspiration, reflection, and discovery—right in the heart of Hall A. All shows and activities are free to enjoy with EX General Admission.
Since the Saskatoon EX begain in 1886, the creative arts have been integral to the fair’s overall programming. Local artists, expressing their creativity in a variety of mediums, have brought their work to the festival for display, competition, and sale in the categories of Creative Art, Fine Art, and Photographic Art. The Saskatchewan Art Showcase is an art lovers’ paradise with works ranging from paintings and photographs, to sculptures, quilting, woodworking, and more!
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a quiet moment at the fair, the Saskatchewan Art Showcase is a must-visit destination at this year’s Saskatoon EX.
Sharing the Past, Celebrating the Present, Looking to the Future
Explore a captivating visual timeline featuring extensive photographs and over 300 newspaper clippings that chronicle the rich history of the Saskatoon EX. From its humble beginnings to its present-day grandeur, this exhibit is a walk through time.
Every Quilt Tells a Story
Marvel at a stunning collection of 100+ year-old quilts, lovingly preserved and once proudly submitted to the exhibition. Each stitch tells a story of craftsmanship and community.
The Art of George Gingras
George Gingras is a multidisciplinary artist working in pencil, paint, and photography. He specializes in Imaginative Realism and explores the foundational principles of Hyperrealism. His work is defined by a dynamic interplay of precision and fluidity, weaving motion, mystery, and narrative into every piece. Deeply rooted in his Métis heritage, Gingras’s art practice blends cultural storytelling, ancestral lore, and visionary imagination. Inspired by nature, world mythologies, and the unseen, Gingras’s work moves between worlds, balancing stillness and motion, past and future, form and emptiness.
From Fibre to Floor
Discover the artistry of traditional textile techniques with a colourful and intricate display of Métis braided and hooked rugs, showcasing the beauty of handmade heritage. This display has been created in partnership with the Gabriel Dumont Institute and includes the Margaret Harrison collection. Not to be missed!
Hudson’s Bay Company Collection
Delve into a rare and compelling collection of Hudson’s Bay Company artifacts, including iconic capotes, blankets, and copper pieces that reflect the deep roots of trade and tradition in the region.
Todd Fontaine Collection
This remarkable collection showcases a wide array of historical and cultural artifacts, including Indigenous beaded moccasins, mukluks, and traditional apparel. Spanning over five decades of dedicated collecting, it reflects a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse heritage of the Métis people. The collection also includes archaeological finds, natural history specimens, and items that speak to the enduring traditions of Indigenous craftsmanship. Through years of exploration, the collector has assembled a body of work that offers insight into the interconnected stories of land, culture, and community.
Live Demonstrations – All New for 2025!
This year brings a fresh lineup of interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Stay tuned for the full schedule—there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn. Demonstrations will take place from noon until 8:00 pm daily.
2023 Featured Exhibits
Todd Fontaine Collection
Todd Fontaine was born at St. Boniface, MB on the shores of the Red River and has been an avid collector for over 50 years. Since his first discovery in 1972 at Nutimik in the Whiteshell Provincial Park, he has spent his summers combing the Winnipeg river shorelines learning about archaeology, nature, and history. His expertise increased through his friendship with the memorable Joseph “Joe” Duncan Robertson, with whom he tanned hides. Todd’s collection is vast and his passionate quest for information and artifacts weaves together the rich and vibrant history of the Métis people, of whom he is a proud member.
Ribbon Skirt Display
2023 Demonstrations
Fly Tying
Friday, August 11, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Cameron
Weaving & Spinning
Tuesday, August 8, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Judi & Kara
Weaving & Knitting
Saturday, August 12, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Malcolm & Randy
Knitting
Tuesday, August 8, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Chris & Paulette
Wednesday, August 9, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Diane & Lynn
Wednesday, August 9, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Neil & Kathy
Thursday, August 10, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Diane & Jean
Friday, August 11, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Glenda & Neil
Sunday, August 13, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Paulette & Lorraine
Needlework
Thursday, August 10, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Linda
Saturday, August 12, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Thecla & Debbie
Sunday, August 13, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Debbie & Gloria
Quilting
Friday, August 11, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Pat & Evelyn
Saturday, August 12, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Berna & Miriam
Sunday, August 12, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Pat & Evelyn
Stitching
Wednesday, August 9, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Chris & Paulette
Thursday, August 10, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Denise & Caroline
You're Invited to Participate!
One of the best ways for the community to get involved with the Saskatoon EX is by entering their artwork into the Saskatchewan Art Showcase. This is a non-juried show with a number of categories, divisions and classes for every experience level and age group. If you’re interested in learning more, please click the button below.