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Art may be in the eye of the beholder, but there’s no question about the gorgeous sophistication of the venues it’s showcased in. Toronto has a number of independent art galleries with event-friendly spaces that will draw rave reviews for your next intimate to mid-size gathering. Minimalist white walls (or fashionably exposed brick) and excellent lighting are art gallery trademarks. Throw in the cachet of the art industry's own signature approach to elegant “openings” along with gorgeous artwork décor and planners have move-in ready-space for a sublime reception, product launch or client mingle. Clustered gallery locations in trendy neighbourhoods let planners connect with local eateries and other art venues for a moveable event. Tie into an exhibit's theme or simply complement its colour and textures in your hospitality service. Special permits for alcohol and additional staffing and security charges are par for the course. Double-check event insurance to ensure coverage of any disastrous art faux pax. Check out www.slateartguide.com for gallery listings and exhibitions, or begin with a few of our gallery-cum-event-space favourites: Sandra Ainsley Gallery-Original brick walls and timber ceilings are signature Distillery District for this former barrel-making facility: its rough-hewn beauty a magical juxtaposition for the breathtaking splendour of the gallery's brilliantly coloured glass and mixed media art. Open space flows through arched doorways into several gallery areas for 7,000 sq. ft. However, events are strictly limited to corporate in nature, 90 people sit-down and up to 150 reception-style. Small kitchen available for catering needs. Artcore-Victorian architecture meets industrial loft design in this grand 6,000 sq. ft. Distillery District gallery with soaring 26-ft. high ceilings. Accommodating up to 360 seated with stage or dance floor, or 800 stand-up, space is easily reconfigured with collapsible walls. Light pours in from skylights and four cathedral paned windows. Two library nooks make natural bar stations. Wireless Internet throughout with two mezzanine-level conference rooms equipped with presentation technology. Onsite catering kitchen available.
Stephen Bulger Gallery-Boasting teak floors and tin ceilings, this popular photography gallery has a long and narrow open concept with the front two rooms accommodating 140 people reception-style. Events can spill over to the gallery's Camera Lounge, a nifty event space accessed both from the street and by an interior door. The lounge (capacity 60) houses a state-of-the art projection room for up to 50 people. Show your own presentation or enjoy a regularly scheduled film screening (Atom Egoyan runs the programming). A working fireplace adds intimacy and a huge vintage smoked mirror behind the bar lends to the artsy ambience.
Spin Gallery-The event industry is quickly catching on to the cool vibe and versatile space of this happening Queen West gallery. Draw on the lively atmosphere of downstairs neighbour The Social Bar for a pit stop before ascending the cement and glass staircase (gorgeous when lit with tea lights!) to the gallery's 5,000 sq. ft. loft. Hardwood floors have character. Floor-to-ceiling paned-glass windows and five skylights add to view and lighting. A great sound system, ideal staging area and small industrial kitchen are event perks. Accommodates 300 reception-style. DeLeon White Gallery-At 6,000 sq. ft. it's warehouse-spacious with 18-ft. ceilings on the main floor (it's already a film location favourite). Mobile large-screen projector walls make for ultra-flexible presentations. For roaming space, take stairs to the second floor, or head up to the third for the rooftop deck's city view. This Queen West gallery specializes in contemporary environmental or ecological art revolving around nature, culture and society-great theme!
Edward Day Gallery-A Queen West contemporary art gallery event gem offering 3,500 sq. ft. of wide-open space. A small anteroom and split-level layout provides catering and reception area versatility. Accommodates 300 reception-style, 90 seated. In warm weather, open up retro roll-top garage doors for fresh breezes and a direct-connect to the pretty brick and wrought iron courtyard (shared with the Museum of Canadian Art). Artwork is here and now.
Drabinsky Gallery-This Yorkville gallery mainstay, located on Scollard Street, features light spilling in on two levels through huge semi-circular window frontages-very '70s retro. The clean, modern space of 1,800 sq. ft., punctuated by warm wood flooring, creates an intimate showplace for artwork and events. Host cocktails upstairs before ushering groups down the winding wood-and-glass staircase for food service and main event on the lower floor. Wall projections can be arranged throughout. Petroff Gallery-A treasure trove for unique corporate and speaker art gifts, this Eglinton West gallery lends itself nicely to event hosting with 2,300 sq. ft. A former bank building with marble floor and wall accents (20-ft. ceilings no less!), also features moveable display fixtures for event set ups accommodating 140 reception-style. Back of the front window fixture makes for ideal projection area. Consider event themes around Canada's largest collection of kaleidoscopes or the gallery's zany one-of-a-kind clock art by Roger Wood.
www.sandraainsleygallery.com • www.artcoregallery.com
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