Author Archives: flyonthegallerywall

FLY RECOMMENDS…..

As the art world winds down its year, FLY has found some great shows in Toronto that she recommends you do not miss.

First off is a double show at the Paul Petro Contemporary Art Gallery located at 980 Queen St West in downtown Toronto. First is Shell Sounding Long – Boring Earth running November 15 to December 21st, with the opening reception in Nov 15th 7-10pm. Artists are an earth-based collective concerned with building more-than-human mutualisms and relations among living environments. It’s a collaboration between Patrick Cruz and Laila Fox, and a slippery roster of rocky, watery, animal, vegetal, and bacterial bodies. Details on website, linked below.Running at the same time is Za zay gaa mitig by Michel Dumont. Za zay gaa mitig is Ojibway for “decorated tree”. Pictured below are his forget-me-not mosaic ornaments. The motif is inspired by Métis and Ojibway florals that make up the flora of the Robinson Treaty area. The exhibition will morph into a grouping of allies and familiars come the opening of the galley’s Christmas Spice on November 29.Paul Petro Contemporary Art has been exhibiting Canadian and international artists by invitation since 1993, and has become a stalwart of the Queen Street West arts & culture community. Paul has an extensive curatorial background and takes great care in presenting shows that provoke, intrigue and engage. Details of present and future shows + artists represented: www.paulpetro.com

Orillia Museum of Art & History hosts exciting landscape show launching Oct. 26

FLY had an exciting day yesterday, travelling to Orillia, 2hrs north of Toronto, with artist friend NANCY BENNETT (pictured below) who was dropping off her large canvas that’s being featured in the upcoming exhibition (starts Sat. Oct. 26 and runs thru early next year).Such a lovely drive with so many wonderful ‘fall colours along the way. Mother Nature is a wonderful artist, too, don’t you think?We arrived in downtown Orillia in less than 2 hrs and dropped off Nancy’s landscape painting …FLY was able to grab a quick interview with Arts Programming Coordinator Tanya Cunnington who is curating the show.

Nancy and FLY spent a few minutes walking around the gallery as other artists dropped off their works – all very exciting.Nancy (below left) chatted with other artists and even met a lady (below r.) who expressed an interest in her work even before it was unwrapped! Thank you again to Tanya for telling FLY all about the show…and good luck to Nancy and her fellow artists for a successful exhibition – hope you all sell everything! Visit the gallery’s website for details www.orilliamuseum.org
And visit Nancy’s site to view all her beautiful works: www.nancybennett.ca

CELEBRATING CONTEMPORARY ART GLASS GALLERIST SANDRA AINSLEY’S 40th ANNIVERSARY

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.

RIVERDALE ART WALK PRESENTS ANOTHER GREAT SHOW WITH LOTS OF NEW ARTISTS

Come along as FLY buzzes around the grassy aisles of this year’s RIVERDALE ART WALK at Jimmy Simpson Park on Queen St East. This year, FLY discovered some fabulous new artists as well as saying hi to old friends whose work FLY adores. The show runs today through tomorrow (June 2) and the weather should be lovely so FLY recommends you pop by to view all the beautiful works of art….and take your credit cards, too!!

Let’s start with WENDY CHO (pictured below) who captured FLY’s imagination with her adorable wee critters that appealed to the kids and the grown-ups who stopped by her tent. FLY flew off with 4 of her mini greeting cards that will be sent to friends or kept for personal adoration! www.onceuponadesign.ca Next tent FLY visited was DEEPTI SAXENA who uses canvas, paper and other mixed media to produce stunning textured masterworks. Check out her large format paintings at https://theartofdeepti.ca/ Further along another aisle, FLY found TUEAI LA with her giant peonies and other colourful blooms….so gorgeous! You gotta check out her website: https://www.tueaila.ca/Lovely to run into JEFF WALKER who creates portraits of robots, real or imagined! FLY actually has one of his smaller portraits previously purchased at the Rosedale Art Fair – Jeff will be at that show next weekend so you can check out his work in person…or visit his website https://www.gowalkergo.com/

FLY had a lovely chat with CAROLYN LAIDLEY (pictured below) who is the new Chair of the Artists’ Network, which hosts the exhibition each year. An accomplished artist herself, Carolyn’s tent was full of beautiful canvases…lots more for viewing on her website: https://www.carolynlaidleyarn.com/MICHAEL SACHTER is a first-timer at this years Art Walk so FLY asked him to share his feelings about the experience…

Visit Michael’s website to see lots more samples of his photographic art https://www.michaelsachterphotography.com/

Nice to see SUE MACKAY being busy in her tent – lots of interest for her beautiful paintings… www.suemackay.com And then FLY flew into MORGAN JONES‘ tent where he, too, was busy chatting to potential buyers. Hope you made that sale, Morgan!
www.morganjonesart.com Another newbie found! FLY had never seen KATHY BYRNE‘s work before but oh what a wonderful surprise awaited FLY in the tent. Just look at these gorgeous portraits of humans and flowers. www.kathydoespaint.com
And below, Kathy shares her thought via video…

A lovely surprise to run into artist Nancy Bennett (not exhibiting this year) who was visiting contemporary abstract artist PAUL BRANDEJS (below). www.paulbrandejs-art.com. So many different styles, sizes, mediums…there is something for every wall! Ta-daaa! FLY found everyone’s favourite artist, ROB CROXFORD, but he was gobbling down a rushed lunch so instead of snapping a pic with his mouth full, FLY focused on his booth (below) where visitors were gobbling up his prints and originals. So much fun! https://www.robcroxford.com/#/ Finally, FLY found an exciting photographic artist whose work reflects her love of all wee beasties…esp. chickens. JANET HOLMES proudly explained her support for rescue chickens and those who give them sanctuary away from the massive egg-laying batteries. She is also donating 100% of sales this weekend to rescue sanctuaries in Ontario so please go visit and pick up one of her pictures…they are lovely. FLY adores the proud chook with the red head shown below. www.janetholmesphoto.com For directions and more details on the weekend show, visit the official website: https://riverdaleartwalk.ca/
Good luck to all the artists and FLY thanks you for your hospitality.

TORONTO’S KIRK SUTHERLAND SHARES HIS COLOURFUL, ENERGETIC CANVASES & HIS THOUGHTS ON THE CREATIVE PROCESS

For several years, FLY has been following Kirk Sutherland‘s canvas stories painted in vibrant colours with shapes and swirls that draw the viewer in to create one’s own story and meaning. FLY was first introduced to Kirk at Urban Gallery in downtown Toronto where he presented a solo show several years ago, and it was love at first sight! The large energetic canvases practically jumped off the walls, drawing gallery visitors in and engaging them in conversations with each other and with the artist himself. FLY recently checked in on Kirk and asked him to share his thoughts on his work and arts in general…..

What (or who) first inspired you to take up a career in art? For me it was never a matter of being inspired nor have I ever considered what I do as a career. Everyone comes here with a life purpose; some may never know what that purpose is and others do. I recall from an early age I inherently followed what was naturally instinctive to me. I was inventing, creating and building things almost unconsciously. There wasn’t a logical reason, it was simply a process and something I had to do. Making art is an extension of who I am, call it a mission from my higher self.Where did you study or are you predominantly self-taught? I graduated from OCADU from The Faculty of Experimental Arts where I studied for 4 years intensely. I was there during what could be defined as the Golden Age of OCAD. Between 1987 to 1991, I studied under some of Canada’s masters: trailblazers like Graham Coughtry, Gordon Rayner, Paul Sloggett, Dan Solomon, Jim Tiley and Robert Hedrick. I was also honoured to spend two years studying colour with Francois Thepot who gained an international reputation as an artist, designer and color theorist. In my opinion he was cut from the same cloth as Joseph Albers. Through his guidance I quickly realized that there are no limits to the element of colour.You have such a vibrant & colourful palette – are there certain colours that “speak” to you or guide you across the canvas? I tend to paint with chords, not notes. My old professor Paul Sloggett coined that phrase. What I mean is there are so many hues within each colour. Every colour, shade, tint and tone has its own identity. Every colour has a unique chromatic DNA. The process of working with colour is more aligned to the synergy one may have in a romantic interaction. In reality every color has purpose and meaning and each one holds equal importance, whether subtle and introverted or extroverted and intense. You experience synesthesia which enables you to use all your senses when tackling a painting – can you explain what that’s all about? Having synesthesia is a neurodivergent reality So my brain does not function like a neuro-typical brain does. As far as creating and painting is concerned, I find myself in a balanced position between the conscious plane of existence and the more ethereal. My creative process is partially choreographed and deliberately linked with a need to surrender control to spontaneity, intuitiveness. It’s much like a merging of classical compositional practice with the unconscious realities of serendipity and the unknown. My paintings dwell in the realm of the unseen and metaphysical where innovation and ingenuity are paramount. With this being said I purposely seek to feel a degree of discomfort for the purposes of not becoming predictable.Obviously, Covid shut down in-person gallery exhibition opportunities – how did that affect your working habits? Covid didn’t really affect me directly because I’m an introvert and I generally spend long periods of time away from people. It didn’t really matter to me, in fact, I was quite comfortable the whole time. Shutdowns probably helped to eliminate any distraction which may have existed, hypothetically speaking. I work and live alone in a quiet space where originality exists as well as my enormous need for independence. I do have a lot of empathy for the many galleries and businesses that didn’t survive the lockdowns.2023 resulted in several high-profile shows for you, what gallery events are planned for Kirk Sutherland this year? I’m anticipating a few shows in Toronto this year. I will also potentially be collaborating in a couple of projects which, at this point, are only in the conceptual stage of development. I have great gratitude for whatever is made available to me.

Any advice for emerging artists looking for career inspiration? My greatest advice is to educate yourself and become a student of art history. There is no such thing as pure creativity, everything has an origin and we must be influenced. It is also vitally important to observe the world and be true to yourself, because there are only two genres of art – honest and dishonest. Also be willing to experiment and take risks. For true art is not meant to be decoratively precious, but instead it’s an extension of who we authentically are within. Lastly, believe in yourself and overcome the challenge of self-doubt, because art making is a purely solitary act. Only create art that you want to see!

If you would like to learn more about Kirk Sutherland, visit his website at: https://www.kirksutherland.com/ And follow him on IG & Fcbk (linked via his website)

IN AUSTRALIA, VISIT THE ASTOUNDING EXHIBITION OF WORKS BY INDIGENOUS ARTIST VINCENT NAMATJIRA, GREAT GRANDSON OF LEGENDARY PAINTER ALBERT NAMATJIRA.

The National Gallery of Australia (Canberra, ACT) is presenting the first survey exhibition of acclaimed Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira, Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour, which charts the artist’s career, revealing the power of his painting and the potency of his words.

Renowned for producing paintings laden with dry wit, Namatjira has established himself in the past decade as a celebrated portraitist and a satirical chronicler of Australian identity. His paintings offer a wry look at the politics of history, power and leadership from a contemporary Aboriginal perspective.Showcasing Namatjira’s burgeoning artistic practice, this major exhibition brings together paintings, works on paper and moving image from public and private collections nationwide. The exhibition will also feature a selection of watercolours from the national collection by the artist’s great-grandfather and critically acclaimed Western Arranda artist, Albert Namatjira.

Read all about the show and the artist here: https://nga.gov.au/stories-ideas/welcome-to-the-past-present-and-future/

As a little girl, FLY loved Vincent’s great grandfather Albert’s iconic Australian paintings of desert landscapes featuring stunning gumtrees (below)…. …..and now, Vincent is winning major national art prizes (The Archibald) and securing his own place in Australian art history. He was the winner of the 2019 Ramsay Art Prize, the first Indigenous artist to win the Archibald Prize in 2020, and in the same year was recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in honour of his contribution to Indigenous visual arts.His work reflects a definite political point of view and features many pop-culture personalities and provocative images. If you’re Down Under in the next few months, FLY recommends you drop in to the National Gallery of Australia and visit Vincent’s paintings to learn more about the cultural issues still boiling under in Australia, and enjoy his colourful, brilliant images.

Vincent Namatjira
Australia in colour – 2 Mar – 21 Jul 2024

MEET WEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST STACY GARDOLL

A couple of years ago, FLY read on one of her Australian fine arts Facebook groups about a stunning new exhibition at the Zig Zag Gallery in Kalamunda, FLY’s old home town in Western Australia. The show featured the most spectacular gumtree blossoms painted on over-sized canvases and they were jaw-droppingly beautiful. The artist was STACY GARDOLL and FLY knew she had found her “spirit artist”. When FLY went home in 2022, it was just prior to learning about the gallery otherwise a personal visit would have happened but at least FLY can share Stacy’s story and her art, which is available for international shipping should you also be wowed by the large originals or prints. Stacy kindly responded to FLY’s interview request and she shared insights into her work and her life and career inspirations….Stacy, what first motivated you to pick up a paintbrush and start creating? I’ve been painting in different forms since high school, and it was there that I first started. As a student, I went on a week-long art camp to Rottnest (a beautiful little island off the WA coast famous for its quokkas), which was organized by the Art Gallery of Western Australia, where we rode our bikes and stopped to paint what we saw. It really changed the way I saw landscapes, and I mixed colours. It was also the first time I’d spent time with other like-minded people who loved art as much as I did! You have such a bold and distinctive style – did this come naturally or were you inspired by other artists? The boldness probably comes from my years working as a theatre set designer and painter. It was an aspect of the designing process which I particularly enjoyed, and over time my designs took on a very painterly aesthetic. As for the painting style itself, it evolved over time. Theatre scenery is obviously seen from a distance, under stage lighting, so painted elements need to be very textured and high-contrast in order to not look washed out or flat. This has definitely informed the way that I paint now – I much prefer high-contrast, saturated colours. This way I can paint what I see, but heighten different elements to highlight and set the botanicals apart from the background. Combined with the large scale of most of my work, it can also give a sense of drama. (below, Stacy with her Cinderella village scenery) Your botanical “portraits” are spectacular – have flowers always appealed to you as subjects for your canvases? Your landscapes are also vibrant and full of energy – which do you prefer? At the moment, I’m loving botanicals, but I’m certainly not locked in to any genre. I used to paint botanicals in my teens, and have always loved painting and drawing. I remember painting some close-up botanicals way back then, but thinking they weren’t possibly going to lead anywhere. Funny how life turns out!

I will always love landscapes though, and still look at the world through “frames”, much like photographers must do. It’s a way of seeing which is always with you, once you learn it. I grew up in Lesmurdie back in the 60s & 70s, on the crest of a hill overlooking the city of Perth. Back then it was considered “the bush” and our ½ acre block was full of wild flowers and tall trees. Are you lucky to live surrounded by gumtrees and wild indigenous plants or do you contend with close neighbours and “artificial” gardens? That would have been amazing growing up in such an untamed environment – I would have loved that! I grew up in Swanbourne, so was always drawn to the coast, and particularly loved being near the water. The beach still feels like “coming home” to some degree.
Where we’re living now is considered the foothills- so we really have the best of the bush at our doorstep, whilst also being close to the city when we want to be. We have a regular block, which I’m in the process of replanting with lots of Australian natives – I’m really looking forward to being able to paint WA native species from my own backyard.

Can Canadian or US art lovers purchase your work and have shipped over? (obviously purchaser would pay for shipping). Absolutely – original paintings can be sent framed or unframed, and paper or canvas prints can easily be sent in a tube. Do you have any upcoming shows and if so, where and when? Yes, I’m having my very own Open Studio next month, on April 28^th, which is really exciting. I participate in the Mundaring Hills Open Studios event every October, so I know what to expect, but it is really great to be having my own Open Studio event. It’s a wonderful way for visitors to view my art, and talk to me in my relaxed home environment. It’s a lovely chance to talk about the process and to show people my workspace, as well as the finished pieces.
I’m also participating in a group exhibition in September, which will be at the Moores Building, in Fremantle. There are 9 botanical and still life artists involved, including myself- and we all have thoroughly different styles and approaches. It will be called “Perfectly Still.”Stacy, thank you so much for chatting with FLY and I can assure you, FLY will be a fan for life! Some of your work shows the giant dinosaur-like cranes in Fremantle – something FLY witnessed herself and had one of those ooo-aaah moments driving by. Love these pieces…
If you want to learn more about this talented Aussie artist, please visit Stacy’s website and follow her on Instagram.
https://stacygardollart.com.au/ IG: @stacygardollart

JACKALOPE ART GALLERY LAUNCHES IN TORONTO THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 16.

FLY is thrilled to celebrate the upcoming opening of JACKALOPE GALLERY at 1558 Queen St East, Toronto, by artists GAIL WILLIAMS and TRACY DAVIES (pictured below) this Saturday 5-9pm.When Covid struck Toronto, we lost so many indie art galleries due to enforced isolation and closures. Now, as art lovers are craving their gallery fix, Gail and Tracy bring us a brand new space located in the east end of downtown Toronto. FLY recently spoke with Gail who shared her thoughts….

So many indie galleries closed down due to Covid – what prompted you and Tracy to open a gallery now? It was serendipity really – I met Tracy at a Cornwall gallery and we got talking about a collaboration and decided to look for a gallery space in Toronto. We found the right with a wonderful landlord who bought into the concept of an art gallery and work studio. My studio is actually there, too, so I have a lovely creative space in which to work.You offer wall space to other artists – how do you plan to promote their works as well as your own? Both Tracy and I are very savvy with social media and have created an Instagram account for Jackalope and will be launching our Facebook one, too. We’re thrilled to celebrate other artists via regular postings, show announcements and a monthly newsletter.You put out a call for artists and ended up with numerous submissions – what was your curatorial process to select the artists for your first show? We first decided upon a theme for our debut show and that was “courage” so we reviewed all the submissions to find art pieces that reflect boldness and uniqueness. We also made sure that the individual artists had active websites and social media accounts themselves to enable us all to cross-promote and support each other.

How many shows do you plan to present over the coming months? We’re planning a period of 4 weeks for our curated shows – this enables artists to invite their family, friends and followers down to see their work hanging on our walls. We’re also presenting artist workshops and other special events as we move forward through our first year….it’s all so exciting. And we already have 500 online followers with 200 people signing up for our monthly newsletter.

GOOD LUCK to Gail and Tracy, and if you want to keep up with news from the gallery, check out the website and social media…. https://www.thejackalopegallery.ca/
Instagram: @thejackalopegallery or the artists themselves: @gailwilliamsartist @tracydaviesart

..in the meantime, FLY will be buzzing around the gallery on Saturday to report on the launch. Check back with us for the big blog.

FLY’s HOMETOWN DOWN UNDER LAUNCHES INAUGURAL KALAMUNDA ART AWARDS THIS SATURDAY

FLY RECOMMENDS…..Formerly the Lions Club Art Awards, this year, the City of Kalamunda, located in the hills overlooking the city of Perth, Western Australia, is putting together their inaugural art awards. ZigZag Gallery hosts this open exhibition showcasing artworks by established and emerging artists. The Art Awards is an exciting new opportunity to explore the many flourishing artistic practices and stories of the City of Kalamunda and Perth surrounds. Exhibition opens Saturday March 16.

Featuring works from Adrianna Wasinska-Fabian, Allison Snell, Andrew Taylor, Anne Bennett, Anne Farrell, Anne O’Leary, Ashleigh Whyte, Barbara Gell, Basil Antonas, Carrol Dunford, Cath Inman, Charlene Blumenfeld, Christine Oxberry, Clara Cook, Cole Baxter, Colin Jefferson, Colin Smith, Corinne Lorraine, Craig McKeough, David Lazaro, Dot Ulijn-Blaszczak, Emma Lashmar, Esti Nagy, Gabrielle Bruce, Geofrey Fooks, Gordon Mitchell, Ian Moss, Isabel Stuart, Janine Judge, Jessica Fisher, Jo-Anne Maire, Johanna Zeelenberg, Karen Price, Karin Hotchkin, Kathleen Szalay Mulholland, Lia Simmonds, Lurlene Murray, Marika Oost, Mary-Jane Malet, Mavis Paskulich, Merribeth Ainsworth, Merry Robertson, Michelle Fleur Knowles, Mikaela Castledine, Mike Leadabrand, Moira Court, Natasha Adamson, Neil Douglas Elliott, Neil Gray, Olaf Rosentreter, Paul Johnson, Paul Moro, Petra Smeets, Pip Milton, Renee Rose, Robyn Beardsell, Rodney Blumenfeld, Ronald J Bailey, Sandie Schroder, Shanti Gelmi, Shirley Spencer, Stephen Castledine, Steven Bentley, Sue Bass, Sue Doorey, Tammi de Rooy, Tom Hogg, Trent Budding, Una Bell, Vic Bullo, William Ferrier, Zali Morgan, and Zofia Paluszak.For more information about the Zig Zag Gallery visit – www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/gallery The gallery thanks event sponsors @whiteroomframing and the Lions Club of Kalamunda.

The Zig Zag Gallery is located on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar land. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

TORONTO’S GALLERY 1313 CELEBRATES NEW YEAR WITH NOT-TO-BE-MISSED SHOWS

FLY has visited Gallery 1313 (located at 1313 Queen St West just a few blocks past Dufferin) many times and loves buzzing around their different showrooms, admiring contemporary multi-disciplinary art at it’s best.

Established in 1998, Gallery 1313 is a not-for-profit, charitable artist-run centre located in the Parkdale neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. The gallery exhibits local, national and international contemporary art offering four unique exhibition spaces that house over 70 exhibitions and many cultural events each year. Gallery 1313 supports emerging artists with professional development and career building opportunities, offers members a welcoming space to connect with colleagues, develop their practice, and contribute to the operations of the gallery, and engages the public with contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events through community outreach.

Gallery 1313 maintains accessibility to exhibition opportunities for artists at any stage in their career and working in any media or discipline including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, video, new media, installation and performance. The space is particularly suited to emerging artists and artist groups looking to gain exhibition experience and host their own exhibitions, and offers professional exhibition mentorship and support including promotion and installation assistance. Starting the new year off with a couple of amazing shows, Gallery 1313 is a must-visit venue for art lovers and artists. FLY recently spoke with Executive Director and curator Phil Anderson…

Have gallery visitors started to come back in full force now that Covid appears to be in our rearview mirrors? Visitors to the gallery welcome the opportunity to engage with art in a gallery setting after being confined to their digital screens during Covid. People are thrilled to be able to talk with artists about their art process and artists are excited to have receptions where they can mingle with visitors and other artists…the social interaction they missed during lockdown & isolation. Art also has become a welcome distraction to the weary news of war, climate change and a sagging economy. Occasionally art addresses those important issues and helps contribute to healthy dialogue about issues of the day.

What does 2024 hold for Gallery 1313 shows and artists – any unique shows or guest artists we can look forward to viewing? We have over 70 exhibitions a year so there is usually some work that visitors are attracted to and can identify with. We have 3 exhibition spaces plus a window gallery so a visitor may come for one specific exhibition and gets to see other shows. We’re somewhat unpredictable if you just happen to pop in, an endearing feature for some.Here are just a few of the upcoming shows…..

VASA presents BY A THREAD, a group exhibition
January 31- February 11. Reception Feb. 8^th 6:30pm
The Visual Arts Student Association (VASA) at York University is a student-run organization that represents the interests of visual arts students. They organize events, workshops, and exhibitions to promote the work of visual arts students and provide opportunities for students to connect with each other and the wider community. Artists include Andrew Atanasoff, Anoushak Anvar McCall, Angelina Cascio, Aman Gebrekidan, Brian Ginther, Chloe Acosta, Colin Arthurs, Danielle Alexander, Emily Horton, Grace Dixon, Hall Skelton-Dyck, Joely Sosnovich-Raphael, Kayla Cowan, Kile Brindley-Reid, Lishya Liu, Malika Sharma,Marissa Watson, Mihn Phuong Le, Nathan Dennis,Nadia Feller, Olivia LaFoy, Olivia Martin,Robyn Percy, Sara Bursey, Sam McLeish, Shin Tousi, Sonia Esmaeillou, Summer Ansari, Tamara Madramuthu and Vanessa Akinwumi.
ART & MUSIC by Sanghoon Kang presented by Cell Gallery & Gallery 1313
January 31 – February 11. Reception Feb.8^th 6:30pm
My art practice is inspired by Goethe’s words, “…architecture is frozen music” and my aim is to demonstrate my belief that architecture must evolve into something that, with its form, satisfies a spiritual thinking and into an artistic as well as cultural container – embracing human life.
Music notes move and I want to capture their sounds and movements onto canvas, frozen in a free form. They are created by the communication between all kinds of musical instruments, and they are related to each other within the fundamental principle of music from which would be formed various ‘imageries of music’.
Using geometry, I try to draw them up as if I complete architectural plans, provided that the establishment of architectural concepts could share common ideas with the composition of music, and at the same time, wishing that those who love music and art have all sorts of beautiful imagination. Sanghoon KangProcess Gallery: The Parkdale International Art Fair (continuing)
More artists exhibit their works in this curated exhibition of curated contemporary art. Participating artists include David McKevy, Kristen Stephen, Elaine Lauzon, Diane Sullivan, Patrick Stieber and others.