Local News
New coffee table book takes a delightful look at Winnipeg’s rich repository of mural art
By BERNIE BELLAN Back in the fall – when our brief dalliance with the relatively loose Covid restrictions that had been in place over the summer started to come to an end, Kayla Gordon found herself with time on her hands.
Now, for anyone who knows Kayla, she’s constantly buzzing with ideas – whether it’s to create a new theatre project or, as has been more recently the case, to take her camera out somewhere and start taking photos.
As a matter of fact, under the tutelage of expert photographer Keith Levit, Kayla herself has fashioned quite a reputation as a photographer. She could often be seen at Jewish events, such as past Negev Galas, working taking photographs in tandem with Keith.
Thus, for someone who’s always been positively bursting with energy, having to hunker down again during the reimposed social distancing rules in the fall, Kayla says that “if I didn’t have a creative outlet of some sort, I would have gone crazy.”
Because travel was difficult during Covid, Keith and Kayla set out to take photos of buildings close to home. While they were out shooting it hit her, she explains: “There are literally hundreds of murals all over Winnipeg walls. Why not take photos of the incredible art around the city….”and so they did.
Thus began a project that has now culminated in a beautiful hardcover 80-page coffee table book titled “The Murals of Winnipeg”.
Kayla says that she first emailed Bob Buchanan, who runs a website devoted entirely to murals in Winnipeg, known appropriately enough as www.themuralsofwinnipeg.com. He wrote her back saying and there was no way a book like this could be created unless several organizations were involved. One of the main organizations was Take Pride Winnipeg. So, Kayla did some research and found out she knew the president of the board and he put her in touch with Tom Ethans, the executive director of Take Pride Winnipeg. Tom loved the idea and Kayla convinced him that it could be a fundraising book to raise money for emerging artists and for future murals. In addition, to help defray the printing costs. Kayla approached two Winnipeg financial companies: Lawton Partners and Sigurdson Financial Group, to become sponsors of the project.
While only 110 copies of the book have been printed thus far, as Kayla says, “If they sell out, we can always order more.”
So, what did Kayla and Keith do to get the photos for the book?
Beginning in October they went out looking for every possible mural they could find. The website themuralsofwinnipeg.com steered them in the right direction, but as Kayla points out, “Between the two of us we took almost 2000 photos of about 500 murals in and around Winnipeg”.
The next step was to narrow it down to 300 photos of a variety of murals and then, with the help of Bob and Tom on many Zoom sessions, they narrowed it down to 170 photos that made it into the book… a small percentage of all the murals in the city perhaps- but it was important that the murals had some connection to Take Pride Winnipeg or to one of the Biz’s in the city – either by way of a commissioned project, or a project that was created through Take Pride Winnipeg, also or through the West End BIZ, Transcona BIZ, etc. That was key.
When it came to creating and producing the book, Kayla explains that it was important that they obtain the permission of the artists. All the murals reflect work done by living artists, and each mural represented is included with the permission of the artist or artists – who were thrilled to have their work represented, Kayla says. “We wish we could have included more.” she adds, “but it would have made the book too large”.
Probably the best-known mural artist in this city is Charlie Johnston, whose works are almost instantly recognizable, and whose murals certainly form a major part of the book. Other well-known mural artists such as Mandy van Leeuwen and Jennifer Mosienko also have their works prominently featured in the book.
Each photograph is accompanied by the name of the artist or artists who were responsible for producing that mural.
In speaking with Kayla, I wondered whether anyone had ever attempted to produce a similar book in the past.
The answer, perhaps surprisingly, was “no”.
She added this comment: “This book has been a labour of love. We had no idea there were so many wonderful murals in our city. It has been a pleasure photographing the work of so many incredibly talented artists. We were thrilled to collaborate with Take Pride Winnipeg on all the many components of the book. We look forward to seeing more new murals in the future, and we hope you enjoy the book as much as we enjoyed photographing the art.
“Thank you to all the artists as well as the following:
“Tom Ethans – Executive Director, Take Pride Winnipeg
“Bob Buchanan and the Murals of Winnipeg website
“(Bob also contributed some of the photos.)”
As someone who has had the opportunity to preview the project (albeit only online), I must say that it’s a gorgeous looking book. And, for only $50 (which will also fetch you a tax receipt to boot), the book is a steal of a deal.
The book is now available from Take Pride Winnipeg.
Here is how you can order your copy of the book:
“With a tax deductible $50.00 donation to Take Pride Winnipeg, you will receive a free copy of “The Murals of Winnipeg”.
“Visit the website takepride.mb.ca and click the “Donate Now” button. In the “Message for Take Pride Winnipeg Inc” section, indicate that your donation is for the mural book, and include your address/phone number for delivery. A charity receipt will be sent by CanadaHelps.
Local News
Winnipeg Jewish Theatre breaks new ground with co-production with Rainbow Stage
By MYRON LOVE Winnipeg Jewish Theatre is breaking new ground with its first ever co-production with Rainbow Stage. The new partnership’s presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof” is scheduled to hit the stage at our city’s famed summer musical theatre venue in September 2026.
“We have collaborated with other theatre companies in joint productions before,” notes Dan Petrenko, the WJT’s artistic and managing director – citing previous partnerships with the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts in Montreal, the Harold Green Jewish Theatre in Toronto, Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon and Winnipeg’s own Dry Cold Productions. “Because of the times we’re living through, and particularly the growing antisemitism in our communities and across the country, I felt there is a need to tell a story that celebrates Jewish culture on the largest stage in the city – to reach as many people as possible.”
Last year, WJT approached Rainbow Stage with a proposal for the co-presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Rainbow Stage management was really enthusiastic in their response, Petrenko reports.
“We are excited to be working with Winnipeg’s largest musical theatre company,” he notes. “Rainbow Stage has an audience of more than 10,000 people every season. Fiddler is a great, family-oriented story and, through our joint effort with Rainbow Stage, WJT will be able to reach out to new and younger audiences.”
“We are also working to welcome more diverse audiences from other communities, as well as newcomers – families who have moved here from Israel, Argentina and countries of the former Soviet Union.”
Helping Petrenko to achieve those goals are two relatively new and younger additions to WJT’s management team. Both Company Manager Etel Shevelev, and Head of Marketing Julia Kroft are in their 20s – as is Petrenko himself.
Kroft, who is also Gray Academy’s Associate Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, needs little or no introduction to many readers. In addition to her work for Gray Academy and WJT, the daughter of David and Ellen Kroft has been building a second career as a singer and actor. Over the past few years, she has performed by herself or as part of a musical ensemble at Jewish community events, as well as in various professional theatre productions in the city.
Etel Shevelev is also engaged in a dual career. In addition to working full time at WJT, she is also a Fine Arts student (majoring in graphic design) at the University of Manitoba. Outside of school, she is an interdisciplinary visual artist (exhibiting her work and running workshops), so you can say the art world is no stranger to her.
(She will be partcipating in Limmud next month as a member of the Rimon Art Collective.)
Shevelev grew up in Kfar Saba (northeast of Tel Aviv). She reports that in Israel she was involved in theatre from a young age. “In 2019, I graduated from a youth theatre school, which I attended for 11 years.” In a sense, her work for WJT brings her full circle.
She arrived in Winnipeg just six years ago with her parents. “I was 19 at the time,” she says.
After just a year in Winnipeg, her family decided to relocate to Ottawa, while she chose to stay here. “I was already enrolled in university, had a long-term partner, and a job,” she explains. “I felt that I was putting down roots in Winnipeg.”
Etel expects to graduate by the end of the academic year, allowing her to focus on the arts professionally full-time.
In her role as company manager, Shevelev notes, she is responsible for communications with donors, contractors, and unions, as well as applying for various grants and funding opportunities.
In addition, her linguistic skills were put to use last spring for WJT’s production of “The Band’s Visit,” a story about an Egyptian band that was invited to perform at a cultural centre opening ceremony in the lively centre of Israel, but ended up in the wrong place – a tiny, communal town in southern Israel. Shevelev was called on to help some of the performers with the pronunciation of Hebrew words and with developing a Hebrew accent.
“I love working for WJT,” she enthuses. “Every day is different.”
Shevelev and Petrenko are also enthusiastic about WJT’s next production – coming up in April: “Ride: The Musical” debuted in London’s West End three years ago, and then went on to play at San Diego’s Old Globe theatre to rave reviews. The WJT production will be the Canadian premiere!
The play, Petrenko says, is based on the true story of Annie Londonderry, a young woman – originally from Latvia, who, in 1894, beat all odds and became the first woman to circle the world on a bicycle.
Petrenko is also happy to announce that the director and choreographer for the production will be Lisa Stevens – an Emmy Award nominee and Olivier Award winner. (The Olivier is presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognize excellence in professional London theatre).
“Lisa is in great demand across Canada, and the world really,” the WJT artistic director says. “I am so thrilled that we will be welcoming one of the greatest Jewish directors and choreographers of our time to Winnipeg this Spring.”
For more information about upcoming WJT shows, readers can visit wjt.ca, email the WJT office at info@wjt.ca or phone the box office at 204-477-7515.
Local News
Rising Canadian comedy star Rob Bebenek to headline JCFS’ second annual “Comedy for a Cause”
By MYRON LOVE Last year, faced with a federal government budget cut to its Older Adult Services programs, Jewish Child and Family Service launched a new fundraising initiative. “Comedy with a Cause” was held at Rumor’s Comedy club and featured veteran Canadian stand-up comic Dave Hemstad.
That evening was so successful that – by popular demand – JCFS is doing an encore. “We were blown away by the support from the community,” says Al Benarroch, JCFS’s president and CEO.
“This is really a great way to support JCFS by being together and having fun,” he says.
“Last year, JCFS was able to sell-out the 170 tickets it was allotted by Rumor’s,” adds Alexis Wenzowski, JCFS’s COO. “There were also general public attendees at the event last year. Participants enjoyed a fun evening, complete with a 50/50 draw and raffle. We were incredibly grateful for those who turned out, the donors for the raffle baskets, and of course, Rumor’s Comedy Club.
“Feedback was very positive about it being an initiative that encouraged people to have fun for a good cause: our Older Adult Services Team.”
This year’s “Comedy for a Cause” evening is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25. Wenzowski reports that this year’s featured performer, Rob Bebenek, first made a splash on the Canadian comedy scene at the 2018 Winnipeg Comedy festival. He has toured extensively throughout North America, appearing in theatres, clubs and festivals. He has also made several appearances on MTV as well as opening shows for more established comics, such as Gerry Dee and the late Bob Saget.
For the 2026 show, Wenzowski notes, Rumors’ is allotting JCFS 200 tickets. As with last year, there will also be some raffle baskets and a 50/50 draw.
“Our presenting sponsors for the evening,” she reports, “are the Vickar Automotive Group and Kay Four Properties Incorporated.”
The funds raised from this year’s comedy evening are being designated for the JCFS Settlement and Integration Services Department. “JCFS chose to do this because of our reduction in funding last year by the federal government to this department,” Wenzowski points out.
“Last year alone,” she reports, “our Settlement and Integration Services team settled 118 newcomer families – from places like Israel, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Each year, our program supports even more newcomer families with things like case management, supportive counselling, employment coaching, workshops, programming for newcomer seniors, and more.”
“We hope to raise more than $15,000 through this event for our Settlement and Integration Program,” Al Benarroch adds. “The team does fantastic work, and we know that our newcomer Jewish families need the supports from JCFS. I want to thank our sponsors, Rumor’s Comedy Club, and attendees for supporting us.”
Tickets for the show cost $40 and are available to purchase by calling JCFS (204-477-7430) or by visiting here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/jcfs-comedy-for-a-cause. Sponsorships are still available.
Local News
Ninth Shabbat Unplugged highlight of busy year for Winnipeg Hillel
By MYRON LOVE Lindsay Kerr, Winnipeg’s Hillel director, is happy to report that this year’s ninth Shabbat UnPlugged, held on the weekend of January 9-11, attracted approximately 90 students from 11 different universities, including 20 students who were from out of town.
Shabbat UnPlugged was started in 2016 by (now-retired) Dr. Sheppy Coodin, who was a science teacher at Gray Academy, along with fellow Gray Academy teacher Avi Posen (who made aliyah in 2019) – building on the Shabbatons that Gray Academy had been organizing for the school’s high school students for many years.
The inaugural Shabbat UnPlugged was so successful that Coodin and Posen did it again in 2017 and took things one step further by combining their Shabbat UnPlugged with Hillel’s annual Shabbat Shabang Shabbaton that brings together Jewish university students from Winnipeg and other Jewish university students from Western Canada.
As in the past, this year’s Shabbat UnPlugged weekend was held at Lakeview’s Hecla Resort. “What we like about Hecla,” Kerr notes, “is that they let us bring in our own kosher food, it is out of the city and close to nature for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.”
The weekend retreat traditionally begins with a candle lighting, kiddush and a traditional Shabbat supper. Unlike previous Shabbats UnPlugged, Kerr points out, there were no outside featured speakers this year. All religious services and activities were led by students or national program partners.
The weekend was funded in part by grants from CJPAC and StandWithUs Canada, along with the primary gift from The Asper Foundation.
Kerr reports that the activities began with 18 of our local Jewish university students participating in a new student Shabbaton – inspired by Shabbat Unplugged, titled “Roots & Rising.”
In addition to Shabbat Unplugged, Hillel further partnered with Chabad for a Sukkot program in the fall, as well as with Shaarey Zedek Congregation and StandWithUs Canada for a Chanukah program. Hillell also featured a commemoration of October 7, an evening of laser tag and, in January, a Hillel-led afternoon of ice skating.
Coming up this month will be a visit to an Escape Room – and a traditional Shabbat dinner in March.
Kerr estimates that there are about 300 Jewish students at the University of Manitoba and 100 at the University of Winnipeg.
“Our goal is to attract more Jewish students to take part in our programs and connect with our community,” she comments.