Supporting Arts and Culture in our Community
The Watrous and Area Arts Council has a long and vibrant history of supporting arts and culture in the community.
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 3pm
Our Story
1967 - 1981
Watrous Salon
The WAAC roots can be traced back to the Watrous Salon (1967–1981), show casing artists and crafts people from across Saskatchewan.
Endorsed by the Saskatchewan Arts Council and the Department of Culture and Youth, the Salon attracted participation from many well-known provincial artists, both as exhibitors and judges.
1979
Project Committee Formed
Discussions initiated in 1977 but it was not until April of 1979 that, with the support of the Town of Watrous that a project committee was formed.
The Arts Council itself was established as a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to bringing both performing and visual arts to Watrous and surrounding area.
For more than 45 years, the organization has sponsored performing arts presentations through the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC), while also providing children’s programming for local and regional schools.
1980's
OSAC Touring Shows & Biennial Juried Exhibitions
In the 1980s, the Arts Council expanded its programming to include visual arts. Early exhibits—including OSAC touring shows & biennial juried exhibitions—were hosted in a variety of locations. These locations included the Civic Centre, Credit Union, Town of Watrous, Royal Bank, Oddfellows Hall, Sewing Centre, and the library. While these rotating venues allowed art to reach the community, they also highlighted the need for a dedicated gallery space.
2010
Gallery on 3rd Opens
That vision became a reality in 2007, when the Town of Watrous provided a building for the Arts Council.
Following two years of renovations—supported by grants, fundraising, and countless volunteer hours—the Gallery on 3rd officially opened in May 2010. This permanent space marked a significant milestone, allowing for consistent exhibitions, workshops, and educational programming.
Today
Hub for Artistic Activity
Since then, the Gallery on 3rd has become a hub for artistic activity in the region. It hosts regular exhibitions featuring both local (showcasing approximately 60% local talent) & provincial artists (showcasing 40% artists across Saskatchewan).
The Gallery also includes an Art Shoppe, where local artists can sell their work.
Our Mission
Community engagement remains central to the Arts Council’s mission.
Programming includes biennial juried art shows and quilting exhibitions, summer art camps for youth, workshops for adults and seniors, and partnerships with local schools that bring arts education directly into classrooms.The Council also supports regional initiatives such as the Spirit of Manitou Studio Trail and collaborates with groups like the Saltwater Players, a local drama troupe formed in 1992 that presents bi-annual dinner theatre productions as a key fundraiser.
With the continued support of dedicated volunteers, funding partners, & the Town of Watrous, the Watrous and Area Arts Council has grown into a self-sustaining organization serving approximately 1,500 attendees annually. Its ongoing mission is to provide quality cultural experiences and foster artistic expression for residents of Watrous, Manitou Beach, and surrounding communities.
Upcoming Events
Check our calendar so you won't miss a thing!