AGO and OCAD

I can't have a blog about art in Southern Ontario without mentioning the most recognised art gallery in the are. The Art Gallery of Ontario (or AGO) has been around since the early 1900's but went through a vast architectural change and in 2008 re-opened the doors to one of the most unique looking buildings in the city. The museum has over 80, 000 works of art spanning from 100 A.D right up to the present and it holds pieces from some of the most well known artists of the world including Picasso, Monet, van Gough, and of course The Group of Seven. 

Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird
by Frida Kahlo
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The gallery is also known to put on really fantastic exhibits showcasing iconic works, recently they ran an Andy Warhol exhibit displaying some the artists' famous pieces mixed with earlier works. Right now would be a great time to go down because they are opening their newest exhibition on October 20th featuring the work of Frida Kahlo (known for her surreal self portraits) and Diego Rivera. The exhibit will also have pictures documenting their relationship and work together. If you want to book tickets to this event click here.

Above Ground Art Supplies next to OCAD
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Once you're down in the area another great place to check out would be the Ontario College of Art and Design (or OCAD). This is the university located right next to the AGO and is known to give public viewings of the student's work, if you're into installations and very modern art I would definitely check out their exhibitions. The only thing is that the exhibitions are usually periodic, they take place mostly at the end of semesters so the students can show their final products but check the website for an up-to-date calender: http://www.studentgallery.ocad.ca/current-exhibition

Lastly I should mention the really fantastic art store that is located in the same vicinity of these to places called the Above Ground Art Supply Store. They have anything and everything you can think of in terms of art supplies and have been known to have huge sales certain times of the year.