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Nothing says “You’re so special I almost made you something myself” like the gift of original art. Plus, putting a little cash in the hands of a starving artist at this time of year is good Christmas karma. Here are six of the many art sales on right now – see art listings for more.Nothing says “You’re so special I almost made you something myself” like the gift of original art. Plus, putting a little cash in the hands of a starving artist at this time of year is good Christmas karma. Here are six of the many art sales on right now – see art listings for more.
Square-foot finds
PANORAMA at Spin Gallery (1100 Queen West), to December 19. 416-530-7656.
For this large group show, curator Juno Youn gave 111 artists a year from the past century and asked them each to create a 12-by-12-inch work inspired by the time they were assigned. Plenty of really great artists are involved, and each piece goes for a mere $200. But here’s the catch: you don’t know who you’re buying until you buy it.
Pony up
PLUSHTASTROPHE! at Magic Pony (785 Queen West), to January 2. 416-861-1684.
Anyone who likes to curl up after a big, tryptophan-filled turkey dinner will love a stuffed animal to drool on. Magic Pony has assembled the plush works of over 50 artists, including notable sock-sculptor Seth Scriver , for a unique and huggable show. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $400.
Redhead ready
HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER at the Redhead Gallery (401 Richmond West, unit 115), opens tonight (Thursday, December 9), 6 to 9 pm, to December 18. 416-504-5654.
The Redhead Gallery , an artist co-op where everyone contributes to maintaining the space, gives us another big group show with great artists. You may never see works by the likes of Andrew Wright , Catherine Heard and Eldon Garnet , among others, for $300 again. At least not until next year.
Photo finish
Photorama at Gallery TPW (80 Spadina, suite 310), to December 11. 416-504-4242.
Chromogenic prints, digital outputs, photo lithographs, RC silver and gelatin silver prints, blurry and sharp by photographers of various skill levels from hack to genius – a picture for everyone of all tastes and preferences. Sadly, most are sold, so look for the “more available” option or get there earlier next year.
Proof positive
Artist Proof Sale at Open Studio (401 Richmond West, suite 104), to December 23. 416-504-8238.
Appreciation of a work of art changes when you think about buying it. Suddenly, it matters how it would look outside the gallery. Keep this in mind when perusing the Artist Proof Sale. They’re artist proofs for a reason, and many lack the professionalism your home walls deserve. Some of the stronger works are silkscreen prints.
RedEye lands
Christmas Show at RedEye Studio Gallery (55 Mill, Case Goods Warehouse, suite 102), to December 31. 416-366-3393.
If you covet something by one of the five artists at this gallery – Jennifer Hinrichs , Sheila Jonah , Sandy McMullen , David Millar and Michael Steinhauser – now’s the time to buy. For holiday shoppers, these artists have brought out smaller, more affordable works. Unfortunately, it’s the larger works, running around $900, that show the most talent. More frugal shoppers might be interested in the cards and unframed work also on sale. art@nowtoronto.com
