Gallery Arcturus

Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem? Gallery Arcturus is just that. It’s tucked away on Gerrard Street East in Toronto’s Garden District. This isn’t just another art gallery. Gallery Arcturus is a portal to contemporary North American art. It’s a vibrant space brimming with over 200 pieces. You’ll find everything from thought-provoking paintings and captivating collages to striking sculptures and photographs. Gallery Arcturus opened its doors in this very building in 1997. But its roots go back to 1994. It was established by the Foundation for the Study of Objective Art. This organization had a simple yet powerful mission. They wanted to make art accessible to everyone. And they certainly succeeded. Admission to Gallery Arcturus is always free. The building itself has a rich history. Built in 1858, this Georgian Revival-style building is also known as the Green House. It even features in a 1912 painting, “Houses, Gerrard Street, Toronto,” by Lawren Harris of the Group of Seven. You can see this painting at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Inside Gallery Arcturus, nine unique exhibition spaces await. The Genesis Gallery is where artists respond to inquiries from curator Deborah Harris. The Up North Gallery showcases landscapes inspired by northern Canada. The Library, currently featuring works by Inuit artist Floyd Kuptana, also houses books and artworks by E.J. Gold. Explore collages in the aptly named Collage Gallery and ascend through the Ascending Gallery, featuring works by artists like Simeon Posen and Sae Kimura. The third floor offers three distinct experiences. The Drawing Room features works in pencil, ink, and charcoal. The Dark Room and the Photographic Gallery showcase photography from the permanent collection and past exhibitions. Gallery Arcturus isn’t a static collection. New exhibitions rotate every six to eight weeks, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. So, next time you’re in Toronto, step off the beaten path and explore the captivating world of Gallery Arcturus. You might just find yourself inspired.