April Update from HMS

The backdrop for our new Hootenanny Stage, created by participants of last summer’s programming.

Harvest Moon Newsletter

April 2025

April is almost done so we’re about to kick it into high gear at the Harvest Moon Learning Centre. We’ve got a summer full of programming and artist residencies and workshops and we’re excited to start rolling it all out. If you have any questions or would like to register for an of our programs, please reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org.

Recent Graduate Artists-in-Residence

The next artists-in-residence at Harvest Moon will be Mae Desmond and Jessica Beaugrand. Graduating in May from the University of Manitoba’s School of Art, they’ve been selected by our jury to visit Clearwater for two weeks in early June. They’ll be provided studio space and will embed themselves in the Harvest Moon community, connecting with the people and the land as a way of informing their art.

We hope to schedule a workshop at United Community Arts in Pilot Mound, and they’ll give Artist Talks near the end of their stay (you can attend in-person or online). They’ll also be invited back to the Harvest Moon Festival in September to participate in our educational workshops.

Mae Desomond grew up in the small farm town of Swan Lake, MB and is currently based in Winnipeg. Her artistic journey began in Hawai’i, where she spent most of eight years living rurally and off-grid. During her studies at the School of Art, she expanded her practice to develop more conceptual work and with other mediums such as video, tattooing, textiles, and rug-making, though her primary focus remains oil painting.

Jessica Beaugrand is a Winnipeg-based visual artist whose work is rooted in realistic painting and emotional storytelling. Her practice is inspired by everyday scenes, personal moments, and sensory memories that shape the texture of daily life. Jessica invites her viewers to participate in finding meaning within the ordinary, bridging their individual memories with a collective feeling of community.

Women’s Health Day - May 10

We’re firming up the details of our “Rooted in Wellness” event with Dr. Jayden Dobson ND. The day will feature:

Topics:

Learn about the foundational areas influencing women’s health including hormones, metabolism, and more.
Discussions on pelvic floor health, common concerns, and supportive strategies.
Engage in mindfulness, nature, and gentle movement to build resilience.
Practice yoga to center the body and calm the mind.
Discover simple recipes for nutrient-rich snacks to fuel your day.

Speakers:

Jayden Dobson, Naturopathic Doctor
Julie Medwid, Physiotherapist
Cheryl Cohan, Psychotherapist and Horticultural Therapist
Carissa Quadfass, Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200)
Claire McKay - Independent Consultant

We’re going to try out a pay-what-you-can structure for this event, with a suggested cost of $15. Register with us at info@harvestmoonsociety.org.

Dorm rooms are available for those that would like to come out Friday night, or stay over Saturday.

Hunter Education

To qualify for a hunting licence in Manitoba, any person who obtained their first hunting licence after 1969 must be a graduate of the provincial Manitoba Hunter Education Course or a similar hunter education course from another province or state.

HMS is teaming up with Kerry Coleman of Crystal City to offer a Hunter Education Course over two days in early May. Kerry has over 50 years of experience and came recommended to us as the "best person you'll ever get to teach about hunting."

If there is enough interest, we may be able to grow this into a larger program. Spots are limited so email us at info@harvestmoonsociety.org to reserve your spot.

HMS Scholarship

Our deadline is approaching quickly, and we’re looking to hear from youths aged 17 to 21 who reside in Manitoba and are looking to further their education in the areas of environmental stewardship, sustainable food systems, and regenerative agriculture.

If you know of any youth who might be interested, please pass it along! More info and application details (and samples from past recipients) can be found on the HMS website.

Work Bee - April 26

Coming up this weekend, we’re inviting you to come help us get the Harvest Moon Learning Centre in shape for the growing season. We’ll have lunch brought in from the Clearwater Junction, so let us know if you’re going to join.

Jo-Lene’s got a list of tasks made up and we’re hoping folks can bring out some chain saws, clipper, shovels and forks. After the work is done we’ll gather around the campfire and maybe look at the stats. Let us know if you want to book a dorm room.

Prairie Ojibwe Environmental

Our friends Dave Scott and Finn Rachul from Swan Lake First Nation have released a website to spread Ojibwe environmental knowledge. Dave and Finn have given many talks and workshops a Harvest Moon, both at Society events and as part of the Festival. They’ve available for Indigenous Environmental Teachings (indoor or outdoor workshops), land audits, and public outreach. If you’re interested, you should visit them at Prairie Ojibwe Environmental.