Gallery
888 History
Gallery 888 - lucky numbers - particularly for Elizabeth Russ. In the summer of 1999, Elizabeth acquired a building at 888 Queen Street East and, in February 2000, Elizabeth opened Gallery 888. "There are many lucky things about the space", says Elizabeth. "For instance, a beautiful 25-ft. stained glass window that was buried under wallpaper, a large copper ceiling that had been painted over, and a sunny grotto out the back door that was strangled with vines." Just some of the features of Gallery 888, which is a bright and modern art venue in Riverdale with over 70 linear feet of display space. This is the area Christopher Hume, former art critic for The Toronto Star, has called "Toronto's next Bohemia". In July 2000 Hume wrote at length about Queen-Broadview's art scene, including Gallery 888, in his article "Where Have All the Artists Gone". It would seem that a number of outstanding new artists have gone to Gallery 888.
"My principal motivation was to provide a forum for emerging artists whose talent is larger than their opportunities to show their work", says Elizabeth. The gallery, which charges no commission, is available on a rental basis, preferably by artists who can assist with sitting their own show. On offer are not just the spacious and well-lit facilities, but experience and guidance to assist artists in launching an interesting and stimulating exhibit that matches their own art. But this is no vanity gallery. A graduate of OCAD, Elizabeth curates submissions and then offers help with installing the artwork, media promotion, catering for opening receptions, printed labels for the gallery's mailing list, printing contacts for announcement materials and other such valuable assistance.
The happy outcome is that Gallery 888 is consistent in meeting its mission of showing work of technical and artistic merit. It is a sought-after venue for leading-edge artists wanting bright, modern exhibit space, as well as a mecca for art lovers who want to acquire affordable artwork with a difference. In early June Gallery 888 is a key site on the annual RAW - Riverdale Art Walk.From March to June and September to December Gallery 888 is open Wed, Thurs + Fri 1-6pm, weekends 11-4pm and by appointment (416-462-9930). During February/March we host mini-weekend exhibits and during July/August Gallery 888 is open some specific and some random hours. Throughout the Spring and Autumn seasons, Elizabeth has exciting new shows lined up on an ongoing basis. So take a stroll in Toronto's next Bohemia, enjoy a coffee or brunch in one of the colourful local cafes and stop in Gallery 888.
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