See
The Art Scene: Turn A Corner.
Simcoe's enclave is called the Discovery District, considering its proximity to Toronto's hottest, most revered galleries, it may as well be called Art Central. For your first art hop: head south and meet your locals.
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TEXTILE MUSEUM OF CANADA
55 Centre Avenue Dedicated to letting fabric tell its own story, the nearby Textile Museum takes a warp and weft approach to the art of fabrics with a collection that spans almost 2000 years and 200 countries. From ceremonial clothes to quilts, you begin to understand the cultural narrative contained in every pattern, print and stitch. Don't miss the themed exhibitions – or the yardage sale held in late May. -
ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO
317 Dundas Street West Not everyone has a world-class gallery down the street. With its Frank Gehry facelift, and impressive Canadian and international collections, how can you go wrong? If you're the type who adores the thought of popping in to see a Gerhard Richter on the spur of the moment, buy a membership ($100). After all, you're close enough to check it out, and then go home inspired. Add the various performances, concerts, art classes, lectures and events that deepen and expand the art experience – not to mention Frank, the restaurant – and you can see why the AGO is such a cool neighbour. BTW: Wednesday evening, free night, is when all of Toronto's scenesters go. -
BAUX XI GALLERY
CONTEMPORARY FINE ART
315 Dundas Street West Located in the strip of Victorians opposite the AGO, Baux Xi is one of Canada's top indie, galleries and your local go-to. With over 75 artists, and with contemporary as its moniker, the oeuvre is distinctly modern, the offerings eclectic. Start in the lower gallery and don't forget upstairs. What you might catch: Casey McGlynn's bold, colourful narratives, Bratsa Bonifacho's mashed discourse of letters, numbers and phrases, or the darkly mysterious Canadian landscapes of Ken Lochhead. Don't miss the Saturday openings, and little sister Baux Xi Photo just down the street. -
PRIME GALLERY
52 McCaul Street Located just around the corner from the AGO, this is where the other aspect of art viewing comes to life. A mix of painting, photography, ceramics and textiles, this gallery embodies the Arts and Crafts and presents it with an often witty - sometimes bawdy – aesthetic. Nodding to the conceptual, but with a strong regard for the functional, Prime is a favorite of everyone who loves the decorative arts. Don't worry if at times the art seems a little risqué: it's part of the gallery's mandate to add a little erotica and humour to this provocatively curated mix.
Noteworthy
Lausberg Contemporary
326 Dundas Street West Dedicated to the optical surprise, this is a gallery to approach with the expectation of seeing the unexpected. You won't be disappointed.Baux Xi Photo
324 Dundas Street West A couple of doors down from big sister Baux Xi Gallery, Baux Xi Photo is two floors of photography that show our world through the eyes of Canada's, and the world's, top art photographers.Red Head Gallery
401 Richmond Street West Collectively run, this space always surprises with its diverse and often visually provocative multi-media offerings. Afterwards explore 401 Richmond's other art offerings - A-Space, Open Studio and more.Leo Kamen
80 Spadina Avenue Contemporary painting, sculpture and photography in one of Toronto's airiest art galleries. (Don't miss the other galleries in this gallery-centric building).Ingram Gallery
49 Avenue Road A mainstay of Yorkville's thriving art scene. Ingram offers the classic and contemporary in two galleries. For a tour of other Yorkville galleries, don't miss the Yorkville Art Walk on the first Thursday of each month.
