2023 Donor Story

Thanks to the vision and support of long-time art historian, teacher, and philanthropist Professor Roger Lee, student artists at the University of Regina will be able to showcase their work in the recently renewed Fifth Parallel Gallery on main campus. The revitalized gallery welcomes participation from all University and Regina communities and expands the range of artistic practices that can be exhibited.

Fifth Parallel Gallery is now better equipped to present contemporary art practice and art on the edge, as a result of Lee’s generous financial support for the creation of the new suspended ceiling grid and electrical system.

“I’m grateful to the University of Regina for having given me travel funding and sabbaticals for the opportunity to travel widely to conduct research, which contributed to my art historical practice that I was able to bring back and share with my students and the public,” said Lee. “The inspiration behind this gift was to encourage students to be involved in the exploration of contemporary, multidisciplinary, and experimental art practices."

Professor Lee taught from 1966 to 1999 in the Department of Visual Arts, and was instrumental in building the arts community in Regina. In the early 1970s, he established The Department of Visual Arts Gallery, which presented faculty, visiting artists, and graduating-student exhibitions and exhibits of interest to the Department.

I hope the revitalized Fifth Parallel Gallery will stimulate BFA and MFA students in visual arts, film, theatre, music, and creative technologies, as well as the entire University and Regina communities, where time-based and digital art practice can be shown and experienced.   – Professor Roger Lee

Fifth Parallel Gallery has a rich history dating back to 1986 when it was founded by Professor Leesa Streifler to encourage and support student art exhibitions. Named by her students, the Fifth Parallel Gallery pays tribute to the Regina Five, and the five traditional areas taught in the Department (drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics).

More than a decade later, in 1997, Professor Lee, in collaboration with Professor Streifler and members of the Visual Arts Department, established the gallery at its current venue in the Riddell Centre, where it is funded by the University of Regina Students’ Union and supported by the Visual Arts Department.

On behalf of the students and entire visual arts community, the University honours and acknowledges Professor Lee for playing such a fundamental role in preserving the legacy of the Fifth Parallel Gallery, investing in its future, and enhancing its exhibition possibilities.