YELLOWKNIFE - Over the years, Yellowknife's arts community has emphasized the need for public, accessible art space. And now they have an answer.

Terry Pamplin, of Head Space Studios, building owner John Alexander (behind sun mask) and Daron Letts, of Squatterz Books and Curiosities, show off their new shared digs at the old Dinosaur Museum in Old Town. All hope to use the space as a communal arts centre in Yellowknife. - Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

Tomorrow, Squatterz Books and Curiosities, Head Space Studios and Eagle Vision Healing will join forces to create a communal art space and place of business in Old Town.

Opening in the old Dinosaur Museum, Squatterz owner Daron Letts said he was excited at the opportunity to bring something new to Yellowknife.

"I'm thrilled," he said. "It's an interesting experience to be here."

The well-known building will house Letts' used book store and magazine stand, Terry Pamplin's studio (Head Space) and Elyse Parchoma's plant spirit medicine studio (Eagle Vision), while creating a welcoming space for visitors, and dedicating wall space to emerging artists.

"It's a space where young artists, if they can't find gallery space, (have) space here they can fill," he said.

As Letts and Pamplin gave the guided tour, Letts described some future plans for the space. In the front, for example, chairs would be added for regular buskers to add a little music to the yard.

The building's owner, former Dinosaur Museum curator John Alexander, said the transition from dinosaurs to modern art and business was natural.

"I couldn't do dinosaurs forever," he said. "The next artform is art."

"We can do cave art now," he said with a chuckle.

Pamplin said the reason for his move across the street was simple.

"It's more space for less money."

He said he was also excited about the new opportunities the space would open for communicating with new artists, sharing art and even running the odd workshop.

He said he hopes it will be a good place for Yellowknifers to just "soak up the atmosphere," where they can "sit and talk and discuss."

"They don't have to buy anything; they can just sit and read," Letts added.

At present, the venue features pieces by Pamplin, Parchoma (who is also an accomplished visual artist), Barbara Alexander, Diane Boudreau, Bev Anderson, Jen Walden, John Gruben, Wanda Hatfield, Azure DeGrow and Roy Sangris, with more to come in the future.

"It's just going to get better and better," Pamplin said.

The public can take in the new space during an open house/triple grand opening 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday.