The Market Gallery 2007 Exhibits & Events


One of the most contentious episodes in Toronto’s history – the Spadina Expressway affair – revolved around a stretch of highway. From the late 1960s until its cancellation on June 3, 1971, Torontonians fiercely debated the impact of a highway designed to link the suburbs with downtown and surrounding communities.

Demonstrators walking down Spadina Avenue. December 6, 1969

Focusing on actions taken by the various groups involved in the struggle, particularly the Stop Spadina Save Our City Co-ordinating Committee, the Spadina Expressway Affair will investigate the strategies used by activists and lobbyists on both sides through photographs and other materials. The posters, buttons, books, song lyrics, artwork and films produced serve as visual reminders of the extent of the anti-Spadina movement, but also hint at its legacy for future generations. Guest curated by Tim Whalley and with promotional support from Spacing Magazine, the Spadina Expressway Affair will include historical materials on loan from the Clara Thomas Archives, York University and the City of Toronto Archives. The 11 x 17 inch poster is available for download in PDF (7.25M).

The Spadina Expressway Affair featuring storyteller chris cavanagh. The Market Gallery participates again this year in the 29th annual Toronto Festival of Storytelling. Free Admission. Please RSVP as seating is limited. 416-392-7604.




For Customer Appreciation Night, historian Bruce Bell will be offering a free tour of The Hidden Treasures of the St. Lawrence Market. Meet in the Market Gallery at 7 pm. Get an invitation from your favourite merchant and join us for complimentary food and entertainment.




Wall-to-Wall: A History of Carpeting in Toronto surveys imported and domestic wool floor coverings common in Toronto from the 1850s to the 1920s. The exhibition charts the progression of carpet styles and weaving technologies that ultimately made textile floor coverings widely available and affordable to middle class households. An exploration of carpet sweepers and early vacuum cleaners demonstrates the relationship between the changing trends in domestic carpeting and advances in the treatment of household cleanliness during this period.

In addition to carpeting as a floor covering, the show investigates the use of carpeting in the production of chair seats, carpet bags, door stops and other household items. Period photographs illustrate local department store buyers in the Middle-East in search of Oriental rugs for the local market, images that highlight how retailers used imagery to boast the product’s exotic pedigree. Guest-curated by Neil Brochu.




In the 19th century, Toronto was a centre of antislavery organizations and Black cultural and political activities in Canada West. Hear about the men and women of the community — their tribulations, achievements and contributions to the City — as we visit some of the sites known to them. Presented by Mackenzie House.

START: Market Gallery. Call 416-392-6915 for more information.




A lot happened to Toronto in the 1830s: cholera epidemics, incorporation as a city in 1834 and armed rebellion in 1837. All these events had an impact on this neighbourhood. Visit the original site of the Town of York and learn how it transformed from a 10-block colonial outpost to a bustling city full of commerce, industry and interesting characters. The St. Lawrence Market, St. James Cathedral, Irish Town and Toronto's First Post Office are just some of the sites that helped shape Toronto's history.

Presented by the Market Gallery and Toronto's First Post Office as part of the Heritage Toronto 'Heritage Walks' Series.


Selected from over 300 entries, more than 50 works will showcase the talents of new and established artists working in this medium. Established in 1925, the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (www.cspwc.com) has worked to promote knowledge of, and experimentation in, water colour and has drawn public attention to this vibrant medium by staging annual open exhibitions. The original inspiration for this Society lay with 11 artists, including well-known members of the Group of Seven, A.J. Casson and Franklin Carmichael.

The first of many exhibitions was held in April 1926 at the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto) and continued on a yearly basis for many years. The Society has also been involved in many national and international exhibitions. This represents the third time the annual juried exhibit has been held at the Market Gallery.




Join artist Doug Mays on World Watercolour Day to celebrate the art of watercolour. Doug will be in the Gallery from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Known for a loose, impressionistic painting style, this award-winning artist has established himself as a personable and effective watercolour instructor. He is an elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour and conducts workshops for numerous art groups and art schools in Ontario and Quebec. To view some of Doug’s work visit his website at arrowsinthequiver.com.



In partnership with the Robbie family, this exhibition will feature the work of Enid Robbie including her series of cities and paintings of buildings.