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| Art by Marissa Schiesser via artterra.ca |
More often than you can imagine, I've been asked this question:
Where can I buy art in Toronto? -and across Canada
While the answer has changed a bit over the past couple of years (say before and after 2020), I figured I could put together a list of some of the places I often recommend in case you are looking for original art by local artists but you're not sure of where to start looking.
*While many of these sites are based in Toronto, some offer shipping across Canada.
Partial is a platform and marketplace to rent or buy original works by Canadian artists.
On their site you can browse through hundreds of works and filter by artist, style, size, curated collections and even location.
What's really cool about renting artwork through Partial is you can enjoy original artwork and choose to refresh your space without having to make a big investment or a long-term commitment. Plus, if you really like one piece, you can choose to rent-to-buy it as well!
2. Ninth Editions | nintheditions.com
Ninth Editions offers a highly curated selection of original works and prints by exciting and up-and-coming artists at affordable prices. The mastermind behind this project is the one and only Ashley Mulvihill, who has remarkably curated collections for the Drake Hotel Properties, Fitzrovia Real Estate and RioCan, amongst others.
3. Artist Project | theartistproject.com
Every spring, Artist Project comes to Toronto for a weekend. What's cool about this art fair is that, rather than visiting booths representing galleries, you can meet and buy directly from over 200 independent artists from across Canada and support the next generation of Canadian artists.
4. Toronto Outdoor Art Fair | torontooutdoor.art
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is Canada’s leading contemporary outdoor art fair. #TOAF takes place every summer and it is has been running for over 60 years. In addition to the in-person event, recently they’ve added an online component with curated works by participating artists.
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| Photo via Toronto Outdoor Art Fair |
5. Art Galleries | Toronto Art Galleries
If you are more familiar with the local art scene, you can visit your favourite gallery and buy original works by the artists they represent. Some galleries will also have a shop section (like the AGO, Open Studio or Patel Brown) and many of these will also run fundraisers and special events throughout the year.
Tip: You can use this Toronto Art Map to discover art galleries and exhibition spaces across the city.
6. Art Toronto | arttoronto.ca
Art Toronto is the largest art fair in Canada. The fair takes place every fall and it's the perfect place for seasoned art lovers and collectors to discover the newest work by the artists represented by the participating galleries.
Even if you are new to the art world, visiting an art fair is a fun way to discover new artists and learn about their work.
Other platforms you can visit:
• Hello Art | Art for commercial spaces.
• Arterra | Curated paintings, sculptures, jewellery, textiles and more.
• Twenty-Twenty Arts | Not-for-profit supporting initiatives on mental health, homelessness, addiction, and climate change.
• Art Match | Curated online art gallery & consultation service featuring works by Canadian artists.
Tips for buying local art:
- Instagram is your friend. I know it might sound a bit obvious but try searching for #torontoartist "your location artist" or #torontoart "your location art" and browse through the results.
- If you like an artist in particular, chances are you can buy directly from their website (if they don't have gallery representation) or they might even accept commissions.
- Fundraisers organized by galleries, museums and local charities.
- End of the year group shows.
