Last year I had a fun time going to different stores and galleries as research for a post about places to buy affordable art in Waterloo Region. You can read it here. (Unfortunately, Gallery M has since closed). At the end of that post, I asked for suggestions of places I may have missed and got a lot of responses on the post and also on social media, so this is a follow up post.
1. The People’s Gallery. 91 Caroline St. S., Waterloo
You’ll find The People’s Gallery inside The ArtStore of Waterloo. The gallery provides emerging and experienced artists a space to display and sell their work. New pieces are brought in monthly. When I visited, there was a variety of art ranging from stained glass, sculpture, and photography, starting at $100. I was asked not to take any pictures so you’’ll have to take my word that this space is beautiful and well lit. Better yet, go and see it for yourself and buy some art.
2. Art District Gallery. 185 King St E., Kitchener
The Art District Gallery is an artist run, not-for-profit co-operative dedicated to supporting its member’s artistic endeavours by providing the opportunity to show and sell their work. The gallery opened in downtown Kitchener in 2015. After a move to St.Jacobs, the gallery is re-establishing its presence in downtown Kitchener. Here you’ll find a variety of artwork in various mediums starting at $35.
3. Cedar Lake Studios. 19 Ainslie St N, Cambridge
This store features art from seven or eight provinces, so far. Store owner Susan Benton told me that her goal is to eventually feature artists from every province. You’ll find $5 art cards, $50 8”x8” pieces, $200 limited edition etchings and so much more. One of the things that makes Cedar Lake Studios unique is that Cedar Lake started online. There is a full virtual gallery as well as the brick and mortar store. Benton has shipped Canadian art across Canada and to many people in the United States as well. She has found that Americans seem to really appreciate our Canadian artists.
4. No Words. 29 Ainslie St N, Cambridge
No Words opened in October 2017. The shop is curated by owner Donna and provides opportunities for local artists to showcase their work. She told me that it was a long time dream of hers to open a gallery. Here you’ll find work from Cambridge and area artists ranging from $2 buttons, to art cards for $5.50 to $75 acrylic on canvas pieces and up. There’s no purchase online option, so you’ll have to go in and spend some time looking at buying the beautiful art.
5. Homer Watson House & Gallery. 1754 Old Mill Rd, Kitchener
Homer Watson House was one of the suggestions that was made on my last post as a gem with a quaint gallery. They were between exhibitions when I was doing my research for this post, and were closed, so I didn’t get there, but am listing it here anyway.
6. Artisanal Design Co. 2157 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener
Artisanal is the brainchild of event planner Danielle Green. Here you’ll find art prints from local artists starting at $25, as well as other unique handmade items from local makers. Green envisions the boutique to be a place to connect, talk, support local artists, and learn. She plans to build on past successes and hold workshops in the space.
What are your local favourite places to shop for affordable art?
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Article by Glodeane Brown.
Photos of The People’s Gallery and The ADG by Glodeane Brown. Cedar Lake photos provided by store owner, Homer Watson House photo found online, Artisanal store photo by Stephanie Canada Photography.