The 'Up Close' and 'Ode To A Saturday Morning' art exhibits are now displayed at the Steinbach Arts Council.

Artist Steve Friesen says he has always been interested in art and it was a special time growing up when his dad would pull out the canvas. He adds he's always had a pencil in his hand, so to speak, but in 2003 decided he wanted to start painting and experiment with oils and water colors.

"Probably just get started," notes Friesen when asked how people can get into art.

Wendy Winther (left) and Steve Friesen (right) giving opening speeches at art exhibit opening. (Photo by SAC)."Allow yourself to make mistakes. Learn from people or do it together with people whose work you like. For me, a lot of what I have learned has come through my dad and through practicing on my own."

He adds a lot of people these days are 'self-taught artists' because you can find tutorials on the internet to learn various mediums.

Artist Wendy Winther says she began painting after enjoying a class in Folk Art Painting in 1991. Over the years she has continued to improve her skills while being inspired by other artists. Winther adds she expresses her creative side through her garden as well, and that usually becomes a source of inspiration for her.

Friesen notes art has become a therapeutic outlet for him; a place where he can balance life out when it becomes overwhelming.

The exhibit is open until January 11.