The Market Gallery 2006 Exhibits & Events

October 7, 2006 - February 25, 2007

Building Blocks: Queen Street West 1847-1890

Building Blocks: Queen Street West 1847-1890 shows Queen Street West during Toronto’s first period of tremendous growth through photographs, maps, plans and drawings.


The history of Queen Street West can be traced back to ‘tender calls’ which appeared regularly in The Globe newspaper. The tender calls were part of a competitive process to achieve the highest quality construction at the lowest possible price. The descriptions of the ‘tender calls’ and the subsequent construction reflect changes in architectural style, from Gothic Revival to Second Empire; in technology, from curtain walls to elevators; and in materials, from cast iron to plate glass.

Focusing on housing, commercial and institutional properties, Building Blocks reflects a 40-year period in which Toronto was literally transformed. Historical images from the late 1800s and contemporary images by Patrick Cummins provide a perspective on what has changed and remained.

This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Toronto Architectural Conservancy and will feature materials from the Archives of Ontario. You can download the PDF of the postcard here.

May 20 to October 1, 2006

From Scorchers to Alley Cat Scrambles: The Amazing History of the Bicycle in Toronto

The Market Gallery, in partnership with the Community Bicycle Network, presents the fascinating history of the bicycle in Toronto from “scorchers,” the pioneering daredevils of the 1800s, to the late-night “alley cat” races of today’s bicycle messengers. The exhibit tells the story of the revolutionary changes to transportation in Toronto and how the bicycle contributed to improving our roads, liberating women and modernizing consumerism, tourism and professional sport.

From Scorchers to Alley Cat Scrambles features items from the collections of the City of Toronto Culture Division, Museum & Heritage Services and the Toronto Public Library. It also highlights Lorne Shields’ exceptional collection of historic bicycles, related posters, memorabilia and ephemera. Mr. Shields, a collector for over 50 years, donated much of his collection to the National Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa. This exhibit is the first occasion that items of this scale and quality have been gathered together.

For full-size poster (PDF, 1.3 M) click on the image above.

The exhibit is guest-curated by Steve Brearton, with layout and design by Marc Sullivan of crackle design and Kirsten White. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th, 1 p.m. Steve Brearton will speak about the historic role of cycling groups and individuals in encouraging the growth of cycling in Toronto. Please RSVP (416-392-7604) as seating is limited.

The Community Bicycle Network is a community-based bicycle organization with the goal of promoting and stimulating healthy, active, and neighbourhood-friendly sustainable transportation initiatives in the City of Toronto.

Saturday, May 27th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Doors Open Toronto

Join us starting at 10 a.m. for a history presentation and behind the scenes tour. Every hour on the hour.

At 2 p.m., the Gallery is pleased to welcome Sarah Hood, author of Practical Pedalling: A companion for everyday cycling in Toronto and Toronto Unknown City (with Howard Akler). Sarah will discuss how cycling infrastructure builds community and community builds cycling infrastructure.

April 1 to May 14, 2006

Written in Stone: An Exploration of the Design Conventions and Decoration on Jewish Cemetery Monuments

This exhibition featuring the art of Susan Brown documents through photographs, painting and sculpture the artist’s personal reflections and artistic gesture to the art and heritage in Jewish funeral monuments in Toronto.

Historical and contemporary photographs document the carved symbols on these stone monuments. Using these as a springboard for her mixed-media paintings, Brown illustrates the ‘life-cycle’ in Jewish culture. These graphite and acrylic works remind her of old family photos and events that signify the passing of lives. "My work in this exhibit represents fleeting glimpses of my imaginary passing through other people’s lives, " explains Brown.

As a gesture to the monument artisans, Brown created a series of cast paper sculptures. Titled ‘Minyan’, these works represent the artist’s interpretation of conventional subjects found on Jewish cemetery monuments. The Hebrew word minyan defines the minimum number of men needed to recite prayers for Jewish ceremonial practice.

If you missed Jeffrey Canton's storytelling performance (see below) during the Toronto Storytelling Festival, consider this extraordinary opportunity to experience his presentation on a Sunday afternoon in early May at the Market Gallery. To reserve you seat, call 416-392-7604 or e-mail the gallery and we'll contact you about the date and time.

Saturday April 1st, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Toronto Zachor: The Early Years of Toronto’s Jewish Community

Join Jeffrey Canton as part of the Toronto Festival of Storytelling as he brings to life stories from the first 150 years of struggles and successes of Toronto’s Jewish community. The stories will be told amidst the exhibit Written in Stone.

February 11, 2006 to March 26, 2006

Windows, Gables, Gingerbread & Gargoyles

From gargoyles on homes in the historic Annex neighbourhood, to gingerbread and peaked roofs of 19th century cottages, this exhibit focuses on the unique and fascinating architectural features of many buildings in Toronto. The exhibit will feature over 50 works by Linda R. Goldman in various media including watercolours, photography and textiles. Linda R. Goldman has captured these iconic features of Toronto buildings in her work for over 35 years. A former student of Central Technical School and the well-known artist Doris McCarthy, Goldman first began portraying the facades of houses in her outdoor still-life classes. She began painting, photographing and eventually designing wall hangings of old houses and street scenes. Goldman’s work reveals her passion for a cross-section of Toronto’s celebrated architecture.

26 Kensington Avenue (2005) Linda R. Goldman, watercolour on paper, 38.5 x 28.2 cm. Collection of the artisit.

	The exhibit will also include art from the City of Toronto’s collection featuring work by Lawren Harris and David Seaton-Smith. Historic photographs will document various 19th century buildings with descriptions of various architectural styles such as Gothic and High Victorian. Reception: Saturday, February 11, 2006, 1 - 3 p.m. Light refreshments. Please RSVP (416-392-7604) if you plan to attend.
The full-size (11" x 17") exhibit poster is available in PDF. Note: 1M filesize.

February 2006: Special Exhibit for Black History Month

A Glimpse of Black Life in Victorian Toronto 1850-1860

Produced in collaboration with the City of Toronto Culture Division, Mackenzie House and guest curator Afua Cooper, Ph.D., this exhibit will be on display in the main lobby of the South St. Lawrence Market for the month of February. A Glimpse explores the many contributions made by members of Toronto’s Black community during the 1850s.