11 Places To Buy Affordable Art In Waterloo Region

I was inspired by this article on blogTO to do a similar post for Waterloo Region. I know that there are several artists in Waterloo Region that offer art in different price ranges and mediums and they either sell it online, from their studio, or at art shows throughout the year. I also know that everyone has different views on what is "affordable". I had fun putting this list together and selected stores or galleries that have regular hours.

1. Iris. 43 Main Street, Cambridge

Iris Arts offers artisan retail downtown Galt in Cambridge. They stock locally handmade products from a variety of artists including pottery, jewelry, paper products, candles, paintings, and more! Artwork starting in the $30 range. The store has an eclectic vibe and a lot of variety.

2. Gifted. 181 Park Street, Waterloo

Gifted has unique, beautiful and practical gifts, home decor and paper goods. The store carries a lot of work by local artists, including prints, fine art photography, art postcards, and paintings. Price range from $12 to $225.

3. Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery. 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo.

Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery offers fine production pieces to magnificent and unique sculptures made by Canada’s finest artists. It's a treat walking through the gift shop. They have a wide range of decorative artisan pieces, as well as mugs and jewelry. Prince range from $25 to approximately $1000.

Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery gift shop.

4. Up Town Gallery. 75 King Street South, Waterloo. (The Shops at Waterloo Town Square)

UpTown Gallery is an artists' collaborative project. The artists take turns staffing the gallery. UpTown Gallery has a new show every two months. When I visited, the theme was "Colour Spectrum". The Gallery offers original artworks both small and large, from high realism to abstract, and in price ranges to suit purchasers of art as gifts or as an investment. The range of styles and techniques is wide, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, mosaics, original prints, paintings, photography, and fibre art. Art cards starting at $5, photography and paintings from $55 to $1500.

5. Art Haus 150. 150 Victoria Street South, Kitchener

Art Haus 150 features art from local artists, including work from store curator and artist Simona Zac. Price range $20 for small pieces, medium and large pieces from $250 to $2600.

6. Open Sesame. 220 King Street West, Kitchener

Open Sesame is a gallery that exhibits contemporary art. The shop also sells thoughtfully designed housewares, stationery, jewelry, accessories, toys, distinctive books, magazines, and zines. Art prints starting at $15.

7. Paula White Diamond Art Gallery & Design Studio. Unit 103-187 King St. S. (Bauer Marketplace in Uptown Waterloo

Paula White Diamond Art Gallery & Design Studio offers original fine art to both the public and design communities. Recognized by industry professionals as one of Ontario’s leading fine art sources, the gallery exhibits and sells work from both established and emerging artists that encompasses a broad spectrum of media, styles, and prices. Original work on canvas, sculpture, original work on paper and limited and open edition prints. The gallery is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year. The majority of the artists are local, work from Vancouver and Montreal based artists are also featured. Price range from $125. In November the gallery will put on their annual Square Foot Show (artwork 12" x 12" and priced at $225) & Big Ideas Show (artwork 30" x 30" and priced at $1500 and below).

8. Button Factory Arts. 25 Regina Street South, Waterloo

The mandate of Button Factory Arts is to enliven Waterloo Region by being an inclusive hub that inspires and facilitates artistic exploration and creativity and to offer arts education and promote engagement with the arts in the community. The venue often hosts art shows by local artists and also has a gift shop with art for sale. Art cards from $6, art prints from $25.

9. Paint By Munzy. 32 King Street N, Waterloo

Contemporary Canadian landscape art at the Paint by Munzy Art Gallery. The gallery features exclusive collections of original landscape oil paintings, premium stretched canvas art prints and blank greeting cards. Works showcase the colours and beauty of Canadian nature as well as iconic global landmarks interpreted by artist Jonathan Munz. Art cards $5, from $30 for unframed prints, from $95 for canvas unframed prints, from $$20 for oil paintings.

10. Krajewski Gallery. 63 Main Street, Cambridge

Krajewski Gallery offers art and gifts celebrating Cambridge and Ontario by Alex Krajewski. Landscapes & florals by Anna Krajewski. Corporate art and gifts. Custom Picture Framing. The gallery offers prints, photographs, original watercolours and original acrylics. Photographs starting at $20.

11. Gallery M. 57a Main Street, Cambridge

Gallery owner and artist Merryn Edgar opened Gallery M to help provide a platform for local artists and makers, with a further commitment to help raise awareness for the importance of supporting artists. The gallery also hosts workshops. A variety of art is available, including mosaics, oil paintings, fluid acrylic, and mixed media works. Mosaics from $110, paintings from $150.

What do you think? Do you have any favourites from the list? Any suggestions or honourable mentions?

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Article and photos by Glodeane Brown