Fifteen hundred years ago, in the written rules of the monasteries of the Benedictine Order, there was a directive stating that inside the gates, there should live a porter– a wise old man whose wandering days were ended. It was his charge to welcome visitors, to deal with inquiries, and to give whatever help was required. With each knock on the door, he was to issue one of two calls to the person on the other side. The porter’s call was either, “Thanks be to God.” or “Your blessing please.” From this ancient document the mission of Porter's Call was founded–to welcome artists to our door and help them find their way to what they need.