Sarah Winn

Sarah Winn is an artistic powerhouse. Recently awarded a Quinte Arts Council (QAC) Arts Recognition Award for her contributions to the artistic community in the Quinte region, she is back again with an exciting new show. Known for her bold, edgy, unconventional and sometimes rebellious style, Winn is presenting her never before seen show Happily Ever After opening February 1st, 2024 from 4-6pm and running until March 1st, 2024. 

Fairy tales and nursery rhymes are told to children as they grow up as stories and lessons to learn how the world works. Disney grew from a small animation company to the world-wide corporation it is now, because of the enduring love people have for fairy tales. Happily Ever After is about the hidden meanings behind fairy tales and nursery rhymes. There’s a lot behind the stories that people don’t know and that’s what interests Winn. 

“I have always been interested in the origin stories of bedtime stories or nursery rhymes. I love learning new things, so I thought a show on the subject would be not only fun, but also educational.”

Many know Winn for her 100 Day Project, where she paints one painting a day for 100 days. She would post daily to social media allowing everyone to enjoy her project online before seeing them in person. For Happily Ever After Winn has kept the entire show underwraps so when it opens on February 1st it will be a surprise for the public to come and enjoy. The only image that has been shared for the show is the one featured on the poster. 

The show has come together over the past year with a lot of research into the stories behind the stories. The pieces are a mixture of acrylic paint, cardboard, paper machê, and anything else that helped Winn bring her vision to life. The messages behind the stories are impactful. 

“The subject can be dark in nature, although I have lightened up many of the messages,” says Winn. “There will be provocative ideas, which might make you feel … something.”

With a love of art instilled in her from her parents Winn says she was surrounded by art growing up, she feels like she was born with a paintbrush in her hand. 2024 will be a busy year for her with projects at Theatre in the Wings, creating costumes and props for Chatterbox Theatre’s production of Cabaret, taking part in an upcoming juried show at the Parrott Gallery and she’ll have a new show at These 4 Walls in December. 

Winn wants to remind people that her pieces for Happily Ever After will have lots of detail and text explaining some of the hidden meanings. 

“Bring your glasses! There will be descriptions to read. Besides that, I hope you enjoy the show.”

Happily Ever After will be on display at the QAC Cultural Hub, 36 Bridge St East, 

until March 1st. Opening night with an opportunity to meet the artist will take place February 1st from 4PM-6PM.