Art in Toronto: Spaces to get you inspired

by YP Contributor

Toronto is a North American Mecca for innovative art galleries, tech-based maker spaces, craft supplies stores and captivating art events. The following is a list to keep you artistically inspired all-year long, whether you are making art - or just appreciating it. [Image credit: iStock.com/laflor]

Makerspaces are all the craze these days, as Toronto develops into an international tech-hub. Check out MakeWorks for all your 3D printing and laser-cutting needs or Hacklab.TO for programming and group hacking sessions (newcomers welcome Tuesday nights). If you are less electronically oriented, try Paper House Studios for workshops in embroidery, paper cutting and printing, or The Shop for ceramic and crafting classes. If that’s not enough, The Toronto Library offers a list of even more makerspaces in Toronto.

Because what’s an artist without their tools?

• Gwartzman's Art Supplies is a standby for cheap, good quality canvases and acrylics.
• If you are a certified teacher in the TDSB, hit up the Arts Junktion, which offers free classroom supplies, from stickers to costumes, to those working with children.
• Craft Ontario Shop exhibits and sells gorgeous handmade arts and crafts from Ontario, including many works from Inuit and Aboriginal artists.
• Midoco Art and Supplies has a great selection of cartooning pens and gifts for your artistic friends and family.

From smaller indie art hubs, such as hipster hotspots, 811 and Milk Glass, to heavier hitters, like The Powerplant, Toronto is packed with extremely diverse gallery spaces for all tastes. Located in a former industrial area around Sterling road, The developing Sterling Art and Design District is worth checking out (especially 276 Sterling Studio for filmmaking, Black Cat Artspace for activism-based art shows and Gallery TPW for media installations). The Aga Khan is another great option, especially for those interested in Islamic artists, as is the Clint Roenisch Gallery for avant-garde exhibitions. For modern art enthusiasts, check out our list of cool contemporary galleries in the west end.

Toronto is filled with spaces to connect, collaborate and create:

• 401 Richmond is a huge complex with over 140 artists and makers working and exhibiting, including Tangled: Art + Disability gallery, which features work by disabled artists for free. Also, check out the Contemporary Textile Studio and Co-operative and the Faustwork Mask Theatre, located in the same building.
• The Gladstone is a hotel and venue that is huge for regular art events, including their Wednesday night life drawing classes.
• The CSI Coffee Pub (and all CSI-associated venues across the city) are great places to host and attend workshops in social innovation. They’re also great meet-up spots.
• The Art Gallery of Ontario offers classes in everything from printmaking to sculpture.

Needless to say, if you’re an artist in the 6, your options for creativity are boundless. Whether stocking up on sweet supplies, taking a class in landscape painting, or attending a weekly art class, you’re sure to find inspiration somewhere in our art-soaked city.