“Fear[full]: We shall [not] be consumed” was the theme at this year’s Mennofolk, an annual event that celebrates art and music made by people associated with the Mennonite community in southern Manitoba.
More than 30 artists submitted artwork to the event, held on March 25, 2017, at X-Cues, a café and lounge in Winnipeg’s West End. Local bands Rosebud and Darling Twig performed.
Given the current political climate in North America, fear seemed like an appropriate theme for the show, said Jami Reimer, a member of the event’s planning committee. “In the face of fear, arts are one of the most powerful modes of conversation we have at our disposal,” the 26-year-old said. “Investing in that when we’re feeling afraid brings communities together, and it’s just plain healthy.”
Reimer added that part of what she enjoys about Mennofolk is that it gives people who are not professional artists an avenue to showcase their work. “All kinds of people have hobbies and modes of expression that maybe they keep sequestered outside of their real life,” she said. “This is a place to invite those voices to come together and celebrate it.”
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