Dictionary:
ar·te·sian (är-tē'zhən) - a confined aquifer containing ground-water that will flow upward through a well, called an artesian well, without the need for pumping.  A reference to our local wellspring of talent.

Contemplation:
At Mysteria Gallery, we have developed a niche for locally based professional visual artists to show modern, current, relevant work. Yet there are artists in Regina working in performance disciplines that need a versatile, central venue.  We wanted to assist the arts, music and culture community to cross-promote and build a larger audience.

Inspiration:
After hosting The Lazy MKs in our gallery for the Fringe Festival, we realized the demand for intimate spaces to showcase original music. As well, we co-presented BioBoxes with Curtain Razors and the audience was thrilled and eager for more.  So we had the idea of creating a venue for the wealth of local and regional talent.

Divine Intervention:
The right (church) building at the perfect location became available.

Temptation:
Thoughts of supporting the community spurred patrons of the arts, Debby and Vince Boczulak, to become partners in the project.

Restoration:
Built in 1950 and designed by Storey Van Egmond(!), the Calvary Evangelical Church was built solid and sound.  We have restored the beautiful yellow pine and fir windows, reopened the choir balcony, insulated the basement, removed exceptionally long electric blue shag carpet, and replaced the leaking steeple.  New front doors were salvaged from Herchmer School and the reception room doors were saved from Marian High School.  As much as possible, materials were reused in the renovation.

Contribution:
Advice and neighbourly support have been plentiful - in a grassroots, barn-raising sort of way.  A committee of culture professionals will select the main stage events - emphasizing original music, modern dance, modern theatre.  Private events such as weddings, cocktail parties, corporate events, will be welcomed.

Promotion:
We look forward to hosting events by Hagios Press, Curtain Razors, New Dance Horizons, etc.  Paper Umbrella will offer letter writing workshops in our lower level rehearsal/reception space.  This will be a great place for meetings, lectures, classes and workshops.

Connection:
By creating an alternate public space in the Cathedral area, it develops what the community is able to attract and offer to its residents and artisans. Intimate, well-curated and welcoming, this is a new kind of performance space.  Artesian is designed to arouse a forgotten sense of belonging and purpose in both the performers and their audience.

Destination:
Our long-term vision is to honour and encourage high-calibre talent with an appreciative, attentive audience.  A creative space to go to when you want to hear every note in an originally-written song; experience every nuance of a local playwright's work.

Supplication:
Join us in supporting our artists.  Remember that we have an amazing community of talented musicians, dancers, performers, writers, film-makers, and visual artists in the Cathedral Village as well as in the whole of Regina.  Culture creates community, breathing new life into a classic neighbourhood.  Watch for our website at www.artesianon13th.ca.