This past Monday marked the start of the 4th Annual Assiniboia Arts Retreat, which features several different artists coming together to collaborate on projects throughout the week.

The event is being co-hosted by the Shurniak Art Gallery and Assiniboia & District Arts Council. As the Manager of the Shurniak Art Gallery Gail Mergen explains, any artist, experienced or not, is invited to come to the retreat.

"We have an invitation for artists from anywhere really to join us for the Monday to Saturday experience of creating whatever projects they had in mind. There's no instructions, just lots of collaborations between artists."

Mergen goes on to say that although many experienced artists come, it's still a very good opportunity for younger, unknown artists to get their name out there.

If you're only interested in coming once, Mergen has some advice on when you should stop by.

"There is an art show and sale on Friday afternoon from 1-5 and that's a really great time for people to come and see what's been produced, as well as speak to the artists on their ideas and process."

Events at the Shurniak Art Gallery run through the week, and the final day of the retreat will be on Saturday.