My top 5 small Art Galleries in Winnipeg after visiting over 10 galleries, some on multiple occasions, throughout this year.
Photo: Saturday morning collage workshop at Fleet Galleries
It was devastating to learn that Fleet Galleries is closing by the end of the year. I spent a wonderful series of Saturday mornings and afternoons in this gallery, learning and practicing Collage. Fleet Galleries is a well-known establishment in the Exchange District owned and operated by Jeff, who many, including himself, refer to as "the Mayor of Albert Street". He loves to teach and mentor young creatives and would regularly host all types of creative workshops, as well as art receptions.
Location: 65 Albert Street, Winnipeg, MB
Description: Well-established small art gallery fronting a strong framing business. Closing soon.
Photo: Art exhibition au CCFM
As a francophone, I feel right at home at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (au CCFM). If you rarely frequent this culture center, then you might not know that there's an art gallery, a publishing house "Éditions du Blé", a radio station "Envol 91 FM", a bar "Le Patio 340 ", a theater "Cercle Moliere", and Stella's. The gallery, founded in 1975, features up and coming as well as more experienced Francophone artists.
Location: 340, boulevard Provencher, Winnipeg, MB
Description: Small gallery, showcasing a multitude of mostly Francophone local artists all year round.
Photo credit: Cole Cancilla
It has now sort of become a little tradition of mine to attend Lennard Taylor's fashion shows where I always have the most wonderful time. I find that this is an important gallery because, although it's not the star of the show - that spot is reserved for Lennard's atelier and store to which the art gallery leads - it contains the values and the meaning behind his brand's story. Currently touring Canada and the US with his pop-up stores, Lennard is definitely a creator on an inspired mission. Go check him out!
Location: 290 McDermot, Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Description: small gallery showcasing 1 artist all year round. The gallery is connected to the artist's fashion atelier and clothing store.
Photo credit: Cole Cancilla
This is an especially bustling gallery on certain Friday nights throughout the year. Those Friday nights are usually on First Fridays, a recurrent event organized by the Winnipeg Arts Council, the Manitoba Arts Council, and the Exchange District BIZ. This gallery is a great place for up and coming artists, and the perfect place to network with and meet other artists.
Location: 63 Albert St, Winnipeg, MB
Description: Small gallery that serves as owner's studio during inactive periods. Gallery is busiest on First Fridays.
Photo credit: Cole Cancilla
I can't tell you how many times I've spontaneously wandered into this gallery while on a date in the Exchange District. It is the perfect brief get-away from the sunny or busy or freezing streets, depending on the type of date you're having, into a quiet meaningful moment of wonder as you browse through the hundreds of art works this gallery houses. The business was founded, and is still operated by Rod Sasaki, in 1979.
Location: 222 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Description: well-established medium-sized gallery fronting a strong framing business and showcasing a multitude of local artists.