We asked and they answered. The Woods Art Space.

We caught up with SaskGalleries’ newest member, The Woods Art Space in downtown Regina. The gallery is located on the second level of a house that Is also home to The Junction Creative Studio, a hairstyling studio, and a shop of locally made products.

We asked owner Kristina Hallwas to tell us more. 

SG: When did you open your gallery? 

KH: The Woods evolved as an extension of The Junction Creative Studio, which opened in September 2015.

SG: What is your favourite or most surprising item in your backroom?

KH: Wow, loaded question! Tough choice, I mean, we have everything from glow-in-the-dark art, to furry skateboards, and scrap metal ufo's - not much surprises us anymore these days. We've recently received a beautifully painted door by Becky Nielsen. This piece is up-cycled, breathtaking and functional; what more could you ask for? I can imagine it on sliding "barn door" type hardware to finish off a bedroom or office. I mean, everyone has a need for a door... why not include the added benefit of original art?

SG: What was your first job? 

KH: My very first job was slinging extra wide jeans and button up flame shirts at Randy River in the Northgate Mall, ha ha. My 15 year old self thought it was pretty cool. Ever since, I've stayed within the realm of customer service.

SG: Why did you name your gallery The Woods Art Space?

KH: We actually had a guest artist, Savannah Holt, come in around the same time, and we decided that the arts space deserved its own name, aside from "the upstairs room at The Junction.” After a quick brainstorm sesh, Savannah came up with it. It kind of has an eclectic, mysterious, Narnia type vibe... so obviously we loved it.

SG: Why should someone come to your gallery? 

KH: You never know what you're going to see when you come to The Woods. We are a welcoming environment for all folks with an eclectic offering of visual arts. Whether you're an art collector, or a human who likes to look at stuff, this is the space for you. Every show that we host is completely unique from the previous - you might laugh, you might cry, you might be a bit confused. All in all, you're guaranteed to feel something. 

If that's not enough to pull you in, we work with local artists within our community. We are so proud of the talent within our city, and want to support them as much as possible... ahem... we can't do that without you.

SG: Final thoughts? 

KH: The Woods Art Space wouldn't be able to do what we do without The Woods Art Collective. These creative cats work very closely with the gallery team to brainstorm, organize and maintain the space. More minds are always better than one, together we can create positive change within our industry, annnnd beyond… da da daaaa!!!

Learn more about The Woods Art Space on their website, or on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

View The Woods Art Space’s latest Art Now Online exhibition here.

Gallery owner Kristina Hallwas

“You never know what you’re going to see when you come to The Woods. We are a welcoming environment for all folks with an eclectic offering of visual arts.”

Gallery directors, Danielle Dumelie and Patrick Fernandez doing planning in the studio space

Artist Becky Nielsen and her "Door of Perception", spray paint on wood, 2019, $800, available at The Woods Art Space