This company started because of the community of talented artists I live in, when my friends and I decided that their beautiful creations and music deserved their time in the spotlight. So we created Mystic Forest Festival to provide them with a platform. During the 3 years of production for this festival, we took testimonials from artists and musicians about their struggles in the community and found that almost all of them were struggling in the same way. They could not gain the proper exposure or opportunities they needed to profit from their art or music and therefore could not create a sustainable career based on their passions in life. This is devastating. Everyone deserves to be able to pursue what they love in life.
From this, we created the Mystic Forest Music And Art Agency. A company that provides resources for struggling artists and musicians to help them burst through the industry. We developed programs to suit the diversity of needs and skill levels through artists and combined them with our booming festival to optimize our promotional and profitability opportunities for not only our company but the artists as well.
Artistic talent is an under-appreciated and undervalued skill in our society that leaves several people who have amazing skills unable to develop to their full potential. Mystic Forest was created to help highlight their value and beauty with an increased presence both locally and online. Through multiple events and several methods of promotion, we plan to shine a light on the artistic and musical wonders hidden within our own people.
Art is, by definition, the expression or application of human creative skill, imagination, and emotion. In a society driven by corporate success and professional pressure, art is the last pure form of emotional satisfaction.
When we started this festival in 2017 I started a mission best described in this segment from my opening poem:
“Each one of us behind the scenes at Mystic has a dream we want to share with the world.
It all starts with becoming a community and learning to love and support everyone,
To come together and make a difference we can all say we’re proud to have done.
Let’s teach ourselves that our passions and dreams are more than just an enjoyable pastime
That art of all varieties is the purest joy our hearts can find.
So even though this message began and progressed with great friends and alcoholic shots,
We’re setting out to start a revolution and give everyone a chance to show off what they’ve got.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came to participate, help out, and of course have fun,
Just by being here today, you are proving a dramatically important, but forgotten point to everyone.
That I, and every other person here has a voice and a dream that matters just as much as the rest.”
I have always believed that my purpose in life is to help those around me realize their worth and potential. Combined with my core belief that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, tells me undoubtedly that I am the right person for this job. I believe in my clients, because I believe in me.
Over the years Shyanne has moved on to different endeavors although has remained a valued consultant while Micheal and I started to plan methods to develop our creation into a service company that benefits the artistic community. We gained a talented DJ named Justin Cole with over 15 years of experience making music and building involvement in the concert and event industry. As well as Ashley Downing, a talented artist with a shared passion for artistic and musical expression and a background in education. Both Justin and Ashley bring valuable assets, bridging the gaps in our current team. Tragically Micheal passed away early in February of 2024 unable to see our full vision of the passionate supportive community we planned for, causing our team's drive to accelerate in his honour.
Perks
Get your name added to the public memoir page on our website to gain recognition as one of our top supporters and showcase your commitment to the arts and music in our community. this is a wonderful opportunity to highlight your contribution and inspire others to join in supporting local creativity. your name will stand alongside other passionate advocates, celebrating the collective effort to enrich our community!
Become a part of our exclusive early access list and get the first opportunities to purchase your event passes! You'll enjoy priority access to all our upcoming events, ensuring you dont miss out on any of the exciting experiences we have in store. Join us in celebrating local talent and creativity while securing your spot at these unforgettable gatherings!
Gain exclusive access to our executive member event at our local gallery and be the first to experience our exhibitions, meet the talented artists behind the works, and engage in inspiring discussions that celebrate creativity and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and support the vibrant arts community in Saskatoon.
Gain behind the scenes access with the purchase of your event passes, allowing you to explore the creative process first hand. you'll have the chance to interact with artists and organizers, learn about the inspiration behind their work, and gain insights that enrich your overall experience. this exclusive access will deepen your appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into each event.
Highlights
See all activity1Our vision & Mission
Our vision is to create a company that promotes all kinds of artists and their creations therefore driving both personal and professional success. By highlighting and promoting art and music through live events and varied methods of promotions, artists are able to build more of an audience and customer base thus driving their professional careers.
Building a community of different levels of artists leaves room to grow and progress both professionally and through the company. We aim to create a company that is inclusive to everyone and helps them to step up within the art and music industry from whatever point they’re currently at. Partnering with existing companies in the community not only creates a network of inter-company support but several options to benefit the artists involved.
We see a society that respects and values the amount of passion and talent that goes into our miraculous music and art culture, providing economic balance that allows artists to thrive and share their creativity with the world. in this environment, creativity is not only celebrated but also supported through promotions and exposure, ensuring that future generations can continue to express themselves through various forms of art and music. this commitment to the arts enriches our lives, fosters innovation, and strengthens the bond within or cultural expression that is both diverse and inclusive.
Our mission is to create a network of talented individuals and artistically driven companies to accelerate the progression of personal and professional development and increase overall artistic value. We exist for artists with a dream that feels outside of their reach. No matter the experience level we have options available to progress their career. We aim to support, encourage and assist the talented artists in our community achieve their artistic goals. We support passion and creativity while promoting talent and progression. Anyone can create art or music but a true artist pours their heart and soul into every creation. Mystic Forest is for the artists that spark emotion, beauty, and creativity into life because we believe that they deserve a bigger spot light.
How It Works
The agency is composed of 3 programs designed to accommodate artists of all styles and skill levels.
The Aspiring Artist Program begins with a 2 day workshop offering the opportunity for beginners to work directly with experienced artists, develop their artistic skills and learn everything they should know to break into the music and art industry. They are then offered additional class options before working with a Mystic Forest agent to develop a digital portfolio. The next 6 months are to be used to create a submission for the annual festival where they can participate in public activities with the rest of the artists.
The Assisted Artist program is designed to help artists who have already defined and perfected their passions but would like some help reaching their audiences. This program guarantees two public experiences to present their creations. Mystic Forest agents will then assist their clients in creating a web page of their own and have it promoted on Mystic Forests' public platforms highlighting their art as well as themselves as the artist.
The Ambitious Artist program is for artists ready to take their art career to the next step. Clients will work with an agent to build a personalized website, access professional photography or studio time, perform or present at their own events, and outsource financial opportunities to progress their artistic careers.
The agency is complimented by a large-scale music and art festival. In this 3-day event, artists can display and sell their art and musicians can perform their original music whilst immersed in a diverse, inclusive environment. Throughout the weekend campers and artists will be surrounded by art, music, like minded friends and nature nestled into the trees. This weekend presents DJs, musicians, dancers, painters, sculptures, and many more kinds of artists displaying their talents creating an incredible and unique show every year.
Several smaller events serve as promotional events for our annual festival while also giving more performance and presentation options.
Our office will include a public gallery between 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. This gives artists an additional opportunity to present their pieces to the public. 90% of funds generated from pieces sold will be directed straight to the artist.
Mystic Forest is operated by a small team of talented individuals. Kiri Friesen, the organizer of the Mystic Forest Music And Art Festival. An artist with 8 years of experience primarily in acrylic canvas work, sculpting and 5 years of experience organizing events both personally and professionally. Our Technical analyst and Musical coordinator Justin Cole, is a talented house DJ with 16 years of experience in the music industry with over 30 performances under his belt. The agency manager Ashely is also an artist with over 5 years of experience in acrylic canvas and a background in education. Our agents and teachers are selected for their experience in the art or festival community as well as their artistic talent.
For any questions or concerns, including program pricing and additional details please contact us at MysticForestFest@gmail.com and we would be happy to help!
Get your name added to the public memoir page on our website to gain recognition as one of our top supporters and showcase your commitment to the arts and music in our community. this is a wonderful opportunity to highlight your contribution and inspire others to join in supporting local creativity. your name will stand alongside other passionate advocates, celebrating the collective effort to enrich our community!
Become a part of our exclusive early access list and get the first opportunities to purchase your event passes! You'll enjoy priority access to all our upcoming events, ensuring you dont miss out on any of the exciting experiences we have in store. Join us in celebrating local talent and creativity while securing your spot at these unforgettable gatherings!
Gain exclusive access to our executive member event at our local gallery and be the first to experience our exhibitions, meet the talented artists behind the works, and engage in inspiring discussions that celebrate creativity and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and support the vibrant arts community in Saskatoon.
Gain behind the scenes access with the purchase of your event passes, allowing you to explore the creative process first hand. you'll have the chance to interact with artists and organizers, learn about the inspiration behind their work, and gain insights that enrich your overall experience. this exclusive access will deepen your appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into each event.
