Gallery sights in Canada
-
A
Goethe-Institut Gallery
This esteemed German cultural centre presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary fine arts emphasizing the avant-garde from Europe and across Canada. German language courses, German film screenings with English subtitles ($5 per person), concerts and dramatic readings are also on the agenda. Check the online schedule.
reviewed
-
B
Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec
Anyone curious about Québec art needs to carve out at least half a day for a visit to this museum, one of the best in the province. There are expert permanent exhibitions that range from art and artists in the early French colonies to Québec’s abstract artists. There are also individual halls devoted entirely to the province’s artistic giants of the last century. The do-not-miss permanent exhibitions include one devoted to Jean-Paul Lemieux (1904–90) and another to Jean-Paul Riopelle (1923–2002), which includes L’hommage à Rosa Luxemburg (Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg; 1986), his largest work. The Brousseau Inuit Art Collection of 2639 pieces spanning 50 years…
reviewed
-
C
Fonderie Darling
Tucked away in a little-visited corner of Old Montréal, the Darling Foundry hosts avant-garde, often large-scale exhibitions in its two sizable showrooms. The brick industrial building, which dates back to the early 1900s, once housed a prosperous iron foundry and is today home to the gallery and live-work studios for artists. The space also houses the Cluny Artbar (entrance around the corner on Rue Prince), a fine spot for coffee, desserts or light lunch fare. In the summertime, the foundry hosts occasional Thursday-night street parties (when admission is free). Check the website for upcoming exhibitions.
reviewed
-
Les Galeries d’Art Beauchamp
With seven galleries and counting, this important contemporary-art company features the work of Québécois, Canadian and international artists. While the works themselves never disappoint, the gallery also hosts special events like virtual exhibitions and a nonprofit organization to bring art to underprivileged children in Québec City. Artists also come to paint on-site in the Artist in Gallery program. Visit the website for other gallery locations.
reviewed
-
Five Nations Village
The largest Iroquois art gallery in the country is in the Five Nations Village and you can also take an hour’s guided tour of the Kahnawake Indian Reserve; kids in particular will enjoy seeing the deer and buffalo that wander the pastures. Traditional dance performances are staged for tour groups and independent travelers can call ahead for the schedule and are welcome to take part.
reviewed
-
Banff Center
Banff Centre, off St Julien Rd east of downtown, contains one of Canada's best-known art schools, complete with facilities for dance, theater, music and the visual arts. Exhibits, concerts and various other events take place regularly. During the Banff Summer Arts Festival, which happens throughout the season, students and internationally recognized artists present pieces in workshops and performances.
reviewed
-
D
Ice House Gallery
A short walk from the center, Cow Bay is a delightful place for a stroll. The eponymous spotted decor is everywhere but somehow avoids seeming clichéd. There are shops, cafés and a good view of the waterfront. See the bounty of Rupert's vibrant creative community at the artist-run Ice House Gallery .
reviewed
-
E
Klondike Institute for Art & Culture
The Klondike Institute for Art & Culture has an impressive studio building, galleries and educational programs.
reviewed
-
Gallery Stratford
In a renovated 1880s pump house, Gallery Stratford exhibits innovative contemporary art with a Canadian emphasis. If your timing's good, there are regular art studios, movie nights and family days. A community studio lets kids create their own pieces. Bring a picnic and wander over to Queen's Park afterwards.
reviewed
-
F
Le Lieu
With art installations, sound art, video art and other multidiscliplinary exhibitions, this St-Roch artist center is more than a gallery. Visitors are welcome to browse and experience this local art community hub, which also aims to share Québec art with the world.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
G
Edmonton Art Gallery
The Edmonton Art Gallery is going through some growing pains at the moment. With a new purpose-built structure set to be unveiled in 2009, its temporary location feels a bit, well, temporary. The art is fantastic, however, and definitely deserves attention.
reviewed
-
H
Art at 80
Across the road from 401 Richmond, this small gallery complex houses six contemporary galleries – Albert White, Leo Kamen, Moore, Ryerson, Trias and Toronto Image Works – spread over four levels. Photography and painting are the focus here.
reviewed
-
I
Prince George Native Art Gallery
The Prince George Native Art Gallery in the Native Friendship Centre sells works by local artists. Myths and mythic beings form the basis for many of the works, which can be quite spiritual. It also has an excellent gift store.
reviewed
-
J
Canada House Gallery
A large private gallery that sells work by Canadian artists and those from the Rockies in particular, Canada House Gallery is an excellent place to see recent trends and works.
reviewed
-
K
Corner Brook Arts & Culture Centre
The Corner Brook Arts & Culture Centre features a 400-seat performing-arts facility and an art gallery of local works.
reviewed
-
RiverBrink Gallery
Further north of the homestead, this gallery houses the Samuel E Weir Collection of Canadian art, which includes early landscapes of the Niagara Peninsula and works by the Group of Seven.
reviewed
-
L’Espace Contemporain
This dynamic little art gallery has an ever-rotating showcase of beautiful contemporary works, and hosts many vernissages for solo and thematic group shows.
reviewed
-
L
Two Rivers Gallery
Another excellent place to both view and buy works by local artists is the Two Rivers Gallery. It has frequent special exhibitions and a striking design.
reviewed
-
Macdonald Stewart Art Centre
Worthwhile shows are held in the Raymond Moriyama–designed galleries of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre, specializing in Inuit and Canadian art. The Donald Forster Sculpture Park outside features gravity-defying cubes, beached boats and cell phones spiked onto agricultural sickles.
reviewed
-
Art Gallery of Windsor
The jaunty glass-and-concrete prow of the AGW has an awesome permanent collection focused on contemporary Canadian sculpture and painting.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
M
Art Ark
Art Ark shows and sells a wide range of works (paintings, sculpture, photography, mixed media and so on) by western Canadian artists.
reviewed
-
N
Nanimahoo's Native Art Gallery
Nanimahoo's Native Art Gallery has a stunning collection of native art from more than 40 artists. The carvings are extraordinary.
reviewed
-
O
No Gold Gallery
No Gold Gallery is an enthusiastic supporter - and dealer - of local artists. Bombay Peggy's also displays and sells local works.
reviewed
-
Galerie Jeannine Blais
The noteworthy Galerie Jeannine Blais in North Hatley is devoted entirely to art naïf.
reviewed
-
P
Walter Phillips Gallery
The Walter Phillips Gallery shows changing displays of contemporary art that are often provocative.
reviewed