We asked and they answered. The Lobby Gallery.
Get to know your local gallery.
The Lobby Gallery, opened in 2017, is a unique gallery in Regina involving a partnership between Theatre Regina, the Regina Art Collective, and the Sâkêwêwak Artists' Collective. Together the partners transformed the reception area of the Regina Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) into an art gallery that hosts a series of exhibitions year-round covering a wide range of themes. The Lobby Gallery is open to the public five days a week and showcases fine art to the thousands of patrons who attend performances in the Centre’s theatre throughout the year.
We asked the Regina Performing Arts Centre’s Erin Missick to tell us more.
SG: Why was The Lobby Gallery opened?
EM: The Lobby Gallery is located in RPAC, which is owned and operated by the non-profit organization Theatre Regina. They are committed to assisting community arts organizations and to facilitating cooperation among its member groups. Creating an art gallery in the Centre’s reception area enables Theatre Regina to fulfill its mandate to support the visual arts, nurture collaboration in the broader arts community, and provide opportunities for expanded programming.
The RPAC’s lobby has abundant wall and floor space making it conducive to moderate-sized showings, and because it is an event venue, visual artists benefit from increased exposure to their works. The Lobby Gallery is a positive addition to the Centre and elevates the overall experience of RPAC’s users and patrons.
SG: What is your favourite piece or item in your vault?
EM: Unfortunately, space does not allow us to have a vault for an in-house art collection, however, this may be pursued in the future. The artworks we receive from the Regina Art Collective and the Sâkêwêwak Artists' Collective continue to impress and excite us with each exhibition. Our favourite aspect of all the exhibitions is the diversity and talent of Saskatchewan art that is showcased. There is always something new and exciting.
SG: How did the concept of The Lobby Gallery come to be?
EM: Harvey Linnen, an avid art collector and president of the board of directors for Theatre Regina, originally had the vision and saw the potential and opportunity in creating The Lobby Gallery.
RPAC and The Lobby Gallery are governed by a volunteer board of directors and staffed by a building manager, theatre technician, and customer service representatives. Theatre Regina’s board and staff have a strong affinity for the arts and have committed many hours to strengthening and sustaining Regina’s cultural community. The Lobby Gallery has afforded the group an opportunity to expand Theatre Regina’s mandate beyond the performing arts and to facilitate fruitful partnerships.
SG: Why did you name your gallery The Lobby Gallery?
EM: Based on its moniker, you wouldn’t think that a lot of thought went into the naming of The Lobby Gallery, but this was not the case. After serious deliberations, it was decided that an uncomplicated approach was best. Because the gallery is housed within a larger facility, a simple name was adopted.
SG: Why should someone come to your gallery?
EM: The Lobby Gallery provides a unique opportunity to view and purchase the diverse works of local Indigenous and Saskatchewan artists. The gallery is open during the Regina Performing Arts Centre’s regular business hours and during events and performances. Centre staff is welcoming and helpful, and the space has a warm, pleasant ambiance.
The Lobby Gallery is operated as a year-round artist show space, with a primary focus on Saskatchewan artists in two- and three-dimensional work. The two participating artists collectives – the Regina Art Collective, and the Sâkêwêwak Artists' Collective – curate their individual exhibitions, alternating throughout the year.
Learn more about The Lobby Gallery on their website, or Facebook.
Check out their current Art Now Online exhibition here.
Harvey Linnen of Theatre Regina and The Lobby Gallery.
“Our favorite aspect of all the exhibitions is the diversity and talent of Saskatchewan art that is showcased. There is always something new and exciting.”
Inside The Lobby Gallery
