West end art crawl: Indie art galleries in Toronto
If you’re hungry to take in some Toronto culture – perhaps of the visual persuasion – the city’s rich community of independent art galleries is a great place to start. These west end spots host innovative curators and eye-catching artwork worthy of your Saturday stroll. [Image credit: iStock.com/1001slide]
General Hardware Contemporary
1520 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A4This hardware store turned art gallery has a trendy interior while still keeping its rustic bones. There are many mediums featured at the gallery, including video and film screenings, contemporary paintings, photography and sculptures. Located in Parkdale, this cozy spot shines a light on a medley of established as well as emerging artists.
Edward Day Gallery
200-952 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G8With origins in Kingston and Yorkville, and now on Queen West, the Edward Day Gallery gallery specializes on artwork which is primarily Canadian. The area's rich culture and history are embraced through all types of artwork including sculpture, painting, drawing, and much more.
Paul Petro Contemporary Art
980 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H1The tiny Queen West location showcases big artistic talent. The gallery has presented hundreds of projects over the years, exhibiting works in all types of mediums. They focus mainly on Canadian and international contemporary art by emerging and experienced artists and display about 18 exhibitions per year.
Lennox Contemporary
12 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y7Located in the Dundas West neighbourhood, The Lennox Contemporary strives to preserve any media made with paper. It is also renowned for its book collection, made up primarily of used books that focus on art. In addition to the books, the contrast between antique and contemporary prints is one of the gallery's highlights.
Inter Access
950 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M6H 1Z2Where art meets technology, you’ll find this unique gallery. Inter Access supports any forms of art that collaborate with and associate technology. The futuristic gallery also functions as an educational facility and a production studio, further assisting with the development of technology-informed art and media.
Stephen Bulger Gallery
1356 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y2This Queen Street West gallery was founded by a Toronto born and bred artist, Stephen Bulger. Its focus is on international contemporary art and historical photography. The revolving exhibitions at the inspired space are most worth visiting the next time you’re window-shopping on Queen. They are known for creating an interesting juxtaposition between the modern and the historical.
