As the province moved into step 2 of its reopening strategy, there were plenty of businesses that could finally see more clients coming in. For other organizations, the pandemic provided an opportunity to view how they operated and make changes that would affect their business even after restrictions were lifted.

While the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum wasn't affected by the shutdown in the fall they still felt the effects. Openings were severely restricted since people were no longer allowed inside in numbers.

Instead, the Gallery & Museum decided to hold a new type of opening outside, as director Amber Andersen explains.

"We actually had art pieces that we had throughout Woodlawn regional park we called them plexiglass plinths but they're basically like pedestals with plexiglass lids," said Andersen. "We have a scavenger hunt, it was such a popular thing that we're doing it again this year."

The Gallery still has events that are indoors planned for the future - they have two upcoming in July.

Though they stayed open through the fall, the second step that the province is taking will help out by letting more people see their exhibits.

"Since the reopening in June of 2020, we've been open to the public. As restrictions are lifting, it's good because we can have more people in."

There's also a new program being hosted at the Gallery - an "artist in residence", thanks to a grant they received from the government.  They'll be hosting artist Ruth Langwieser, an artist in the Estevan community who mainly creates ceramic and clay pieces.

"(Ruth) gets to spend the whole year working with the community. 50% of their time is split between offering programs for the community via workshops or classes or outreach, and the other 50% of the time is invested in them working with their own individual practice."

The program will end in a year, with one final exhibit as a send-off to the artist.