Connor Gottfried of Calgary, Alta., formerly of the Swan Valley, is flexing his creativity and trying his hand at creating contemporary art, art that has grown from an experimental hobby to finding a footing with an international audience.
Gottfried has taken to making interactive sculptures that is inspired by video games and culture of the 1980s and ‘90s, putting playable screens inside replicas of video game boxes as well as incorporating other technology and creating modified icons of the era.
“I’ve always been inspired by contemporary art, especially street art from my years skateboarding and snowboarding, and around 2016, I decided to buy some canvases and try to create some large artworks,” he said.
“I started with paint scraping and soon realized that I could print sheets of paper from my computer and glue them to the canvases to add digital realism in spots. Then, in 2019, I had an idea to put a small screen into a canvas that could play video games on it. Something clicked and it just resonated with me to explore the intersection of art and technology.
“I started building pieces with larger screens and these started doing well on the internet, with lots of people connecting with me on Instagram and a feature in an online magazine,” Gottfried continued. “Seeing how much joy these were bringing people really inspired me to create more.”
The first two pieces Gottfried made were intended to be prizes for the local-to-him University of Calgary campus radio station CJSW, to benefit annual fundraiser.
“Initially, I was just exploring an idea that I thought might be a cool prize for someone who donated to the station,” he said. “When that piece was featured on a popular American blog, it made me realize that it was connecting with something larger.”
The pieces are comprised of two categories of components: the electronics; and the sculptural aspects. In general, Gottfried buys the electronic components from Amazon since the small pieces are difficult to find in brick-and-mortar stores. Some items he’s also been able to source directly from China to lower costs.
“For the sculptural elements, I design the piece in Photoshop using layers and then these layers are printed onto an Aluminum Composite Panel, or ACP, at a print shop in Calgary,” said Gottfried. “ACP is a material commonly used in signage which has a layer of aluminum on either side of a plastic core. It’s both strong and lightweight so it’s perfect for these.
“I provide the print shop with the images and the tracing paths, and they use the tracing paths to cut out the parts for me using either a laser or a CNC router. This way, I can get 100 percent accurate pieces to assemble.”
Tinkering with computers and technology has been a lifelong passion for Gottfried, with his parents bringing home an Apple II computer when he was only five years old. In the 1990s, Gottfried was also involved with the local AccessTV committee, what is now known as a WCGtv Community Media Committee that produces local content for WCG cable, as well as being a major part of bringing internet connectivity to the Swan Valley. Today, Gottfried remains a leader in his company Leara eLearning, which provides a software e-learning and training product.
“When I was young, I was really blown away by the concept of an interactive game, how you could control the character in a virtual world, a world that you could create through programming,” said Gottfried. “Seeing this evolve over my lifetime into what it is now has been fascinating. I think it’s interesting how, in a sense, we shared a childhood with technology itself. We played together with the technology and, as we matured, so did the technology.
“Now, technology has matured into things like AI, which is highly complex. There will never be another generation who will experience the innocent relationship to technology that we had in our youth.”
Many of Gottfried’s pieces feature Nintendo properties such as the Super Mario Bros., Pokemon and the Legend of Zelda, as well as other video game icons – such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Tetris – and wider pop culture staples such as the Golden Girls, the Simpsons, Mr. T, Spongebob Squarepants, and more.
Gottfried’s collection has connected with an audience enough to soon find its way into a contemporary art gallery in Taipei, Taiwan, where he will display 65 pieces in the Dopeness Art Lab beginning on April 12.
His first piece went viral on Instagram in December 2021, and he has also had a solo exhibition at the S16 Gallery in Montreal, as well as contributed pieces in group shows held in Toronto, New York City, New Orleans and Los Angeles.
“I definitely have a personal love for video games of that era,” said Gottfried. “I’ve also chosen games that I think will help the audience feel nostalgia for themselves, so I often create pieces for games that I’ve never played. The underlying connection with all these pieces is the concept of play, which is why I’ve called my collection ‘Play’. Play is where we take risks, problem-solve, and explore curiosity and our imaginations. It’s an integral part of human development, but we often stop playing as adults for a variety of personal and social reasons.
“One of the things that I find interesting is that in this early era of video games, not only were the players playing, but the game designers and hardware designers were playing as well. They were taking risks, experimenting and problem-solving in playful ways, and so the whole industry was in a state of play at that time. With this exhibition, I’m inviting the audience to re-engage with that sense of wonder and to both physically play with the art while also considering how they play – or don’t play – in their daily lives.”
Gottfried also feels like having a solo display at the Dopeness Art Lab is very significant for him as an artist.
“The Dopeness Art Lab is the most visited gallery in Taiwan.” he said. “They have a beautiful gallery space, so it will be really cool to see all of the pieces together in that environment. It’s also significant for me to exhibit in Asia, since this is the birthplace of the video game industry and many of the game characters that we cherish in North America. I’m excited to see how they respond to this exhibition.”
Gottfried added that the Canadian, American and European art scenes have so far been welcoming to him. He has sold pieces in Canada, the US and Europe and would love to do a solo exhibition in the US or Europe in the coming years. In general, his local art community in Calgary is more focused on a different style of art, leaning towards “western” art, so he’s had to reach out to other locations to connect with artists and curators who are interested in exploring technology-related art.
Gottfried’s pieces sell for between $2,000 and $6,500 USD, with all sales now going through Dopeness Art Lab. While he has previously done one-of-a-kind pieces, he now typically will produce five of each kind, allowing more than one person to collect a piece.
Gottfried concluded that even he is now connecting with a global audience with his work, his art and his passion, he doesn’t forget that it was cultivated in the Swan River Valley.
“When I was growing up in Swan River, I was exposed to skateboarding and snowboarding at an early age. At that time, both of these sports were considered outsider activities and were frowned upon by many people in Swan River,” he said. “The sports, however, had a vibrant culture of art and music that was disseminated through videos, clothing and skateboard graphics and this enriched our lives as youth in the Valley.
“This connection to a global culture of visual design, punk music, freedom of expression and joy changed the course of my life and I see this as the root of my artist practice.”
Gottfried also sent a special shoutout to the old Short Stuff store that used to sell and rent video games – video games whose packaging tapped into his wonder with design – as well as his former art teacher Paul Freed, who taught him freedom of expression at an important time in his life.

The Swan Valley Health Centre was home to students from the Rural Interest Group, learning from physicians and paramedics directly for their schooling...

City council held a pair of public hearings related to the lagoon project set to kick off this spring to open its regular meeting, Feb. 3.

The hearings centred on Bylaw 02/2025 and Bylaw 03/2025, which allow for financing $9.1 million of the City’s portion of the $20 million project.

Bylaw 02/2025 authorizes the expenditure and borrowing of $4,692,500 as a local improvement to be paid through taxation, while Bylaw 03/2025 allows for a further $4,692,500 to be paid back by way of a utility surcharge.

Additionally, the City’s portion will be topped up with $58,000 from the Gas Tax Reserve Fund and $971,000 from the Water and Sewer Reserve. The remainder of the funding comes by way of a $9,135,000 grant through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Added to taxes

Councillors opted to add to receivable accounts to the tax rolls in the amount of $469.18. That total is comprised of $201.07 owing at 38 7th Ave. SE for weed control costs and $268.11 outstanding at 108 3rd Ave. NE, also for weed control costs.

Recreation

In her report to council, city manager Sharla Griffiths updated on the efforts of senior administration pertaining to recreation. Hours of discussion have resulted in some direction for Dauphin Recreation Services to consider in both the long term and short term. The City remains committed to working collaboratively with the RM of Dauphin to establish a fair and sustainable recreation agreement that ensures the long-term success of local recreation programs and facilities, given that both councils recognize the vital role that recreation plays in enhancing the quality of life for residents and the importance of ensuring that facilities remain accessible, well-maintained and financially supported.

Performance management

Griffiths informed councillors administrators have been working on a performance management policy and review forms to better deal with employee performance in a fair and consistent manner. Performance management, she said, is a tool to measure an employee’s performance and to track their progress throughout their time with the City.

Radon plan

Deputy city manager Lisa Gaudet updated councillors on the radon file. Utilizing a $15,000 grant through Health Canada’s Radon Outreach Contribution Program, Gaudet has raised awareness about the dangers of radon in the community and has developed a draft of a City of Dauphin Radon Action Plan, to guide a  radon education and action campaign in the future. Gaudet hopes the plan serves as a model for other municipalities to  follow, igniting further action at the provincial and federal levels to support radon action.

The plan will be presented for council’s approval at its next regular meeting, Feb. 24.

Accounts approved

Council authorized the issuance of 26 cheques totalling $287,007.82 to cover outstanding accounts. Three electronic payments were also approved, totalling $17,320.23.

Curling rink chiller

Councillors gave Dauphin Recreation Services the go ahead to order a new chiller for the Parkland Recreation Complex curling rink at a cost of approximately $220,000 plus applicable taxes. While such purchases would normally wait to be included in the City’s operating budget,  the lead time for procurement and installation prior to next curling season meant the request had to be expedited. The purchase will be financed by funds withdrawn from the City’s Active Living and Recreation Reserve.

DRS also sent requests for additional 2025 capital expenditures including a pool change room rooftop unit at an estimated cost of $62,000, pool sandblasting and painting at a total project cost of $25,000 (with $10,000 already allocated by DRS) and a paint sprayer for ice making at an estimated cost of $16,000. Those requests were forwarded to budget deliberations.

To see the full story, read this week's edition of the Dauphin Herald.

Many families have created legacies within the Swan Valley based on their contributions, time and effort given to projects they are most passionate about. For Carolyn and the late Harvey Baldwin, skiing was something that brought them together and a sport they shared with their family and generations to come.
“When I moved to Swan River in the mid 70’s, what drew me the most to Thunderhill Ski Club was its beauty and that it was not far from my doorstep,” said Carolyn Baldwin. “After a few years of skiing, I decided to join the board in the late 70’s. It was just a small club at that time.
“It was on the slopes where I first met Harvey and well, that’s a story in itself. Our family grew, when we had two girls, LeeAnne and Lana. The Thunderhill Ski Club was our family time, where they learned to ski, work, and volunteer. Now I am enjoying teaching my 2-year-old grandson Coulter to ski.”
Both Carolyn and Harvey were active in the Thunderhill Ski Club. They both saw many positive changes and expansion of the facility over the years.
“Being part of the Thunderhill Ski Club board for 40 plus years and managing day-to-day operations for approximately 25 years, I have seen many changes and projects,” said Baldwin. “The Chalet expanding, the new shop installed, and new slopes being developed.
“The biggest project of my time was upgrading the T-bar. 2011 began the long project of installing the Brandson Express and JB Construction lifts. Harvey came on board helping with the installation and moved to being the hill manager.”
Carolyn accredits Thunderhill Ski Resort’s growth to all the people who worked there together to make things happen. Everyone pitched in to get things done and helped it to grow into what it has become today.
“In all the years I have been with Thunderhill Ski Club and the projects I worked on, the one thing I know is it’s the team that makes it happen,” said Carolyn. “Thunderhill Ski Club has a big team behind it.
“Throughout the time I managed the hill, I always had an awesome team supporting me, from staff to board members and volunteers. I was so grateful to have that support.”
Recently the Thunderhill Ski Club presented a special tribute to the Baldwin family and their efforts to help the facility improve and grow. One of the ski runs has been named after them and will be there for all to enjoy as much as the Baldwins have enjoyed skiing.
“It is an honor to Harvey, myself and our daughters to recently have Homeward Bound renamed to Baldwin’s Bend,” said Carolyn. “As well as being recognized along with those who have come before us and those who will continue the legacy of Thunderhill Ski Club.”

The Westwood Inn and Conference Centre was home to PC Party leadership candidate Obby Khan this past weekend (Feb. 8), learning and connecting with Khan about Manitoba...

The Pas and Area Animal Shelter held an open house and Pet Care 101 event last Saturday, January 31. This gave people a chance to stop by the animal shelter and learn more about the organization, but most importantly, meet the pets available for adoption.
There are lots to consider before becoming a pet owner. People need to understand all the responsibilities associated with being a pet owner.
“Families should discuss and make sure they are ready to take on a cat or dog before doing so,” said The Pas and Area Animal Shelter Manager Tina Donaldson. “Things to consider are costs involved when getting a pet, making sure one can vet and feed them, give them the exercise and attention they need. It also helps to research the breed of pet to help owners get a better understanding of the pet’s traits.
“When adopting from a shelter, be patient. Training may be needed with some of the pets. Some have come from abusive or neglectful backgrounds. Give them time to adjust to their new environments, to gain your trust and make them feel safe and loved.”

The announcement of Peavey Mart closing spread like wildfire when the franchise first announced it was closing operations only in certain parts of Canada. That quickly changed into the franchise closing its doors permanently and leaving Swan River with another loss.
The Star and Times reached out to Peavey Mart for comment and they declined to answer any questions but released the following statement,
“Peavey Industries LP ("Peavey" or "the Company"), Canada’s largest farm and ranch retail chain, announced today that it has sought and obtained an Initial Order for creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) from the Court of King’s Bench Alberta.
Following the recently announced closures of 22 stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia, the Company will now begin store closing sales at all remaining locations across Canada. This includes 90 Peavey Mart stores and six MainStreet Hardware locations. The closures and liquidation efforts will commence immediately.

The Opasquia Trails are working on becoming fully accessible so that people with mobility issues or parents who have children in strollers can soon enjoy the trails. As a result of the work being started, some parts are closed off to the public.
“Right now, the snowshoe and forested hiking trails are closed,” said Opasquia Trails Secretary Heather Perchaluk. “However, the boardwalk and trailhead area remain open for public use. We also ask that people stay off the ice road for safety reasons.

Manitoba Harm Reduction Network (MHRN) released their 2023-2024 yearly report with the focus being to create a safer, more inclusive Manitoba by challenging harmful systems and advocating for respect and safety for all.
“There are many positive outcomes which you can see in our annual reports and evaluation on our website at mhrn.ca,” said MHRN Executive Director Shohan Illsley. “We have engaged people who use substances and are impacted by colonial and structural harms, also known as peers. We have over 800 peers engaged in the province, most of who were not accessing any services before connecting with MHRN. This has increased in peers engaging with social and health care services, including STBBI testing and linkage to care through peer-led events and access to addiction services including RAAM and treatment.
“There has also been an increase in education through community-based outreach and education events in line with national and international activities such as Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week and others. We have over 300 service and health care providers engaged in local harm reduction networks where they identify and address local community needs regarding sexual health, STBBIS, and substance use.”

As the health region spending the most, Prairie Mountain Health has been directed to reduce private agency nursing costs by 15 per cent by the end of this fiscal year.

Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara issued the directive last week as part of a systemwide effort to refocus funding on nurses in the public system.

“Prairie Mountain Health has consistently been dealt a bad hand,” said Asagwara.

“Alongside the challenges in the area, the previous government gave the region little to no support by cutting services, closing ERs and firing nurses resulting in millions overspent on private nursing agencies. Enough is enough. It’s time to put a hard stop on private for-profit nursing agency over-spending and re-invest in the public system. Our government is committed to working with all health regions to bring nurses back into the public system.”

In an emailed statement Prairie Mountain Health indicated patient care will be a priority as it works to fulfill the government’s directive.

“Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is committed to providing consistent, safe, reliable and quality care. PMH commends the work of the Province in reducing reliance on agency nursing. We are diligently working to reduce our dependency on private agencies,” the statement read.

“The recent issue of the request for proposal referenced in the provincial announcement is a step toward redirecting nurses into the public system. In addition, reducing the number of agency organizations will assist in streamlining administrative processes, and in reducing costs. Utilizing the provincial travel nurse team is also proving to be an effective way to reduce agency nurse usage.”

The statement also indicated the health authority remains committed to hiring nurses into the provincial system.

“We remain focused on recruitment strategies including promoting the advantages of working for PMH versus agency.  PMH offers robust staff wellness resources, a pension plan and benefits that are not usually available through private employers,” the statement read.

“Regional recruitment initiatives also include attendance at career fairs, offering student practicums, and local and provincial grants and incentives.”

PC Health Critic Kathleen Cook said attempts by the government to shift the focus to PMH is simply a distraction from their own failures to address problems in the system.

Documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests show agency nursing costs in PMH have increased by 25 per cent this year, with the province on track to spend more than $25 million on agency nurses in Prairie Mountain Health alone.

Read the full story in this week’s edition of The Dauphin Herald.