Graven Feather is a relatively new addition to Queen St W. I happened upon it by chance when a…read moremodest sandwich board stopped me in my tracks. Graven... feather? Following a short flight of stairs I was led down into a wee little basement gallery. This brightly lit and warm space is serves double-duty as a gallery and studio space. The lovely lasses working there told me they are planning on hosting workshops on screenprinting and lithography. Sounds neat. The gallery, though small, was full of oil paintings. They are presently showcasing the work of Kari Minchin, though they change up the artist frequently. There were also some cool gift-ables, like handmade notebooks, greeting cards, and these truly brilliant screen-printed calendars. When I was there they had just put out a limited edition of the calendars which featured artistic embellishment and accents on each month. Those will probably get snapped up pretty quickly. A very pretty shop. I need to bring my kid sister here. Obligatory Title Pun: CARVE out some time and get DOWN here. Menu Readability: Their guestbook in a graph-paper notebook was a nice touch. Need to mention: Check the calendar on their website for events and workshops. What this place teaches me about myself: Is there an Association of Twee? I'd like to be the treasurer.

My first CMYE! (Stands for "Community Manager Yelp Event"!)…read more This event transported me back to the days of art class! ... and printing presses! I haven't done any "crafty" hands-on artwork since high school! So this was exciting! The studio is this cute quaint haven tucked downstairs at one of the tiny shops along Queen St. West. The venue is an extension of Artscape. We were immediately greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by the instructors, who happen to be local artists; Jessica Bromley Bartram, Pam Lobb, and Erin Candela. The instructors were extremely sweet, friendly and informative about the process, and the use of the presses. Every student there learned quickly, and used the machines it like a pro! Provided for us were textured paper, ribbon, lace, q-tips, popsicle sticks, and paints in the colors of blue, red, and green. I'm sure other colors are available upon request. Then it was time to get dirty! (Oh behave! You know what I mean!) Lessons today were Letter Presses and Monoprints! I was so delighted to see the vintage press machines! We commented on how ODD it felt to create anything hands-on these days! Sigh ... The Letter Press is the use of block letters and characters (think large metal block stencils) to create type on paper. Monoprinting meant creating positive & negative shadows & color to create a pattern. We used fabrics & paints & other scrap materials to etch patterns on an ink medium. I thoroughly enjoyed the light music playing in the background! Nice soothing touch to add to the ambiance! Given the small space, it felt spacious with it's open concept, all-white minimal decor and bright lighting! For such a small space, the maximum group size is 8 people. Any more and there wouldn't be enough room, or time, for everyone to enjoy every station! Cost is typically $25 for a class, materials is extra. Our class tonite was $35 per person, including material. Yay! (NOTE: CASH ONLY) I felt I didn't have enough time, but that just means I was having TOO much fun! I highly recommend letting your inner artist loose here! It's a fabulous way to spend a relaxed and inspired afternoon with the boyfriend, (or in my case, husband), mom, sister, or catching up with an old friend! I'm so happy Toronto has this hidden gem! Awesome job, Vivek S.!!! Now I'm feeling the yelptitude!

I visited the Angell Gallery recently for the launch of Canadian Art's fall issue. Apparently this…read moreis a new location for it - it used to be on Queen? Anyway, now it's on Ossington just north of Queen. The gallery space is quite nice - one large room and three smaller ones (including a perfect little film-screening space) on two levels. The layout is kind of interesting without being anything exactly special - it's a nice place to wander, and there's lots of wall space - there were probably three or four exhibits going on at the same time without anything feeling crowded. It was completely packed for the opening, and there were definitely bottlenecking problems with that many people trying to circulate (and get at the open bar), but I imagine that under most circumstances that wouldn't be a problem.

This gallery is located a hop, skip, and jump from Queen St. W. on Ossington. If you haven't…read morestopped by, you should check it out. Not that I'm a little biased or anything, but seriously, Jamie Angell always has interesting art on display. And the gallery itself is very spacious, so the work has adequate breathing room around it. If you can, come on an opening night and enjoy the mix of artists, art lovers, and random socialites.

One of my new fave galleries in TO!…read more Owned by two absolutely fab women who are professional artists themselves, this gallery features a new exhibit every four weeks. They focus on photography, and like to showcase local, and often up & coming talent. The space is bright and beautiful; small but great for intimate viewing of each piece. Furthermore, Akasha offers framing services. I had a number of pieces framed by them, and they were extremely helpful (and patient) through the process. I say patient because my husband and I changed framing direction on them a few items. Check my blog for reviews on their last two exhibits: fabulouslyaverage.com.

This hidden GEM is located in the Village. I noticed the sign outside...saying it was a GEM...and I…read moreverified it. I walked up the stairs revealing a beautifully open and well lit gallery featuring Bret Culp's Mystical Ireland Collection. My warm welcome by the girl watching the place explained every 4 months they feature a new exhibit. in addition to the featured art...this gallery offers professional custom framing and art installation services. Great place :)

If I was an artist with art here, I'd not be happy…read more I can't remember the last time I walked into a business (and don't forget, a gallery is a business) and the person working there literally didn't even bother to look up from their book. The woman working ignored me to a spectacular, purposeful degree. The work was fine, but the art IS for sale - but even if I'd liked it enough to buy, I'd have had to abstain on principle. Perhaps there is some silence code in the art world that I don't know about, some layer of coolness that I'm supposed to expect. Perhaps I'm meant to be grateful for the opportunity to browse around undisturbed, but at the VERY least... saying hello to people who enter on a Saturday afternoon should be expected. So rude.

If you're a fan of rock music and art, Analogue Gallery is the place you want to visit…read more The gallery exhibits photographs of the most iconic people in music: Dylan, the Beatles, Marley, Bowie, and Blondie, to name a few. The photography is gorgeous and beautifully framed. All of the works have been taken by live music photographers from around the world. If you're an aspiring live music photographer, come here and study the works. You will be inspired. I believe some of the prints, if not all, are for sale unless otherwise noted. The gallery is also used as a venue space for private and public events. Check their blog to see what's coming up.

We had such a lovely experience at Canvas. We are new to the world of art and canvas has a really…read morewelcoming, friendly and open environment. You are free to peruse the art although staff is extremely helpful. There is a wonderful selection of Canadian artists here. You are able to provide a picture of your space and see what the art would look like as well as take a piece home to see how it will fit in person. Celeste was so helpful and friendly and made our experience great! I would definitely return.

One of the best galleries in the city to purchase original, Canadian art. It's simple and…read moreunpretentious. You walk in and there's beautiful paintings hanging everywhere or leaning in a pile against the wall. You're free to sort through them yourself. It's inside the G.H. Johnson's, all the way in the south-east corner. I found myself browsing art instead of furniture on my first visit. Even though I stepped into the building with the intention to buy furniture, it was Canvas that won me as a customer, not .G.H. This is where I fell in love with Steven Nederveen's works. At the time I was a poor student but they let me take the painting I loved home to try it out. It worked beautifully with my decor and style but in the end practicality prevailed and I returned the painting without purchasing it. Almost two years passed and I stopped in again to look at furniture but found myself back looking at the Steven Nederveen's. Low and behold, they still have the painting I loved and it was meant to be. I bought it as Christmas present to myself and an investment in art. The staff were great, marvelling at how this piece from his first set of works was passed over for so long and that it finally found it's home with me. I can't give a better recommendation to any gallery in the city.

I've walked by this gallery several times, finally took the plunge and walked in. The entrance is a…read morelittle interesting but don't let it fool you, you have to walk through a side gate to access the gallery door. Once you enter the door opens into a wide space and you are welcomed by the gallery director. I particularly like this gallery because they are so heavily involved in community and arts education. The gallery is actually in an old police station and has three gallery's in it, with three different shows running at the same time. Everyone there is very friendly and the rotating exhibitions are something to keep your eye on!

Located in an old police station, Gallery 1313 is a must-see in the Parkdale neighborhood. In my…read moreview, the exhibitions are always amazing and very inspiring. Additionally, discovering something new each time you walk into Gallery 1313 is guaranteed as they have new exhibitions every two weeks. The nice and positive staff they have is also convincing. Giving emerging and established artists chances to display their work, I do think that places like Gallery 1313 are essential. We definitely need more places like this! Gallery 1313 is a great place for visitors as well as artists. Make sure you don't miss it!

This is my favourite gallery in Toronto. I live outside the city, but when in town, try and stop…read morein.I love the selections, the space and the welcoming atmosphere. Jay Belmore, the owner, who is also a fine artist, is knowledgable and friendly. His up-to-date website reflects his honesty by listing prices ( take note other galleries!) I visit gallery websites all the time: find a piece that i love and can afford, and then go into the gallery. It saves time . This gallery is in a great location,close to the subway,and always worth visiting. There is never any pressure to buy. Loving art is all that is required.

I discovered this place during the time when I was frequenting Jet Fuel, the wicked coffee…read moreplace/espresso bar up the road on Parliament. This is THE BEST PLACE in the city to get any framing work done. They are meticulous and helpful too! I have taken so many special pieces of art as well as photos here to be turned into the PERFECT addition to my house - you can even just describe the sort of aesthetic you're going for, bring him your piece and he will turn it into a masterpiece for you. My Dad also swears by this place! I have also used it in my work in the theatre business - creating framed picture/plaque messages as opening night gifts for each cast member. They were gorgeous! So although pricey, you are paying for extra attention to perfection and an expert eye.