What a wonderful celebratory event yesterday, Saturday Sept. 21, at the Sandra Ainsley Gallery in Toronto, marking Sandra’s 40 years of  presenting the finest glass artists in the world in her spectacular 6,000 sq. foot gallery. I’ve had the opportunity of attending several exhibitions over the past decade, but this was a really special occasion with a dozen of the 60 international artists she represents joining  Sandra along with collectors and friends to mark this curatorial milestone.  Here’s the lady herself…
The Sandra Ainsley Gallery is one of North America’s leading contemporary glass galleries. Founded in 1984 by Sandra Ainsley, the Toronto-based gallery has been recognized as a force in the international glass market. The Gallery represents the world’s leading artists working primarily in glass, as well as a roster of diverse, contemporary emerging artists. For over 35 years, the Gallery has established strong relationships with both private and corporate clients, assisting them in finding the perfect piece for their collection. Located in a converted warehouse space, with 22-foot ceilings, dramatic lighting, and an open concept layout, the Gallery is the ideal backdrop to exhibit the outstanding collection of glass sculptures. Sandra Ainsley Gallery has represented world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly (below) since 1989.

About Sandra: Since she established her first gallery in Hazelton Lanes in Toronto’s Yorkville area in 1984, Sandra has developed and nurtured her passion for glass into a thriving and successful business. She expanded in 1989 to become the premier gallery in the Financial District’s Exchange Tower. This location allowed Sandra to better meet the needs of both private and corporate clients with an impressive roster of international artists. Today Sandra Ainsley is one of the leading dealers of contemporary glass in North America.  The Exchange Tower space launched in 1989 with a Dale Chihuly exhibition then her gallery at The Distillery opened November 2002, with over 2000 people in attendance, and pioneered the largest exhibition by Dale Chihuly in a private gallery.
In September 2012, Sandra Ainsley Gallery relocated to an industrial warehouse in Toronto’s Don Valley Parkway and Eglinton Ave area at 100 Sunrise Ave, Unit 150. It was a surprising move but the space, with its 22 foot ceilings, is an ideal backdrop to show sculpture, especially the pieces with scale. This location enables Sandra to spend quality time with her clients and artists, many of whom Sandra has represented for over 3 decades and she enjoys her long standing relationships with them. The gallery works with private collectors, corporate clients, designers and architects in placing major pieces and installations as well as more intimate sculptures. She has become an integral part of the international glass community, establishing herself as one of the leading dealers of contemporary glass in world. Arriving early in the day, FLY was able to watch as Sandra’s clients, friends and artists arrived, filling the gallery with so many ooo’s and aaah’s and lots of heartfelt congratulations and love. She truly does care about her artists and it was lovely to meet a number of them in person: Wilfried Grootens‘ work was fascinating and so beautiful (and tactile). Here he is with his intriguing pieces that offer mesmerizing illusions for the viewer…. Loved meeting Jason Christian whose work included the colourful “yo-yos” in the key photo as well as this friendly dragon who greeted visitors… And it truly was exciting to see 2 pieces by FLY’s favourite Australian artist Noel Hart (below) for whom Sandra created a live Zoom seminar a couple of years ago. Noel bases many of his pieces on the colourful birds of the Australian bush. Such a wonderful afternoon, complete with speeches from Sandra and the artists, and so many gasps of appreciation for all the work.  The special anniversary show runs until November 15, and you can get all the details, directions, gallery hours at Sandra’s website: www.sandraainsleygallery.com

FLY highly recommends you visit the Sandra Ainsley Gallery to enjoy the impressive and remarkable glass art.