From Mmmosaics
So you’ve been to the Art Gallery of Ontario more times than you can count, but you want to spend the day immersed in art. Or maybe even creating it! The good news is, you could fill a day gazing at oil paintings and contemporary art without needing to leave Mount Pleasant Road.
Here are 8 places to bring the art lovers in your life. From maps to mosaics, Mount Pleasant has it all!
Art-Kitect
Art-Kitect Conservation Inc. is a network of cultural heritage experts that specializes in museum quality fine art services and the conservation, preservation, and restoration of fine art and architecture. However, you don’t need to be a collector to enjoy what Art-Kitect has to offer! The Art Academy at Art-Kitect offers classes to the youngest Mount Pleasant residents (ages 4-7) as well as art classes for adults! Whether you fancy yourself a Picasso or would like to learn how to paint, there is something for you at the Art Academy!
From Instagram @artkitect_conservation
Alexandre Antique Prints, Maps and Books
Alexandre Antique Prints, Maps & Books are specialist dealers in 15th to 19th century Prints, Maps and Books. The gallery is able to offer one of the largest selections of Prints and Maps available in North America! For those whose art preferences lean towards the vintage, this is the place for you! Set aside a good hour or so to explore this extensive gallery!
From their website
Bernardi’s Antiques
Bernardi’s Antiques has been a staple on Mount Pleasant for over 40 years. With 2500 sq ft to explore, this charming store is chock full of art objects.
From gorgeous paintings, to glass art, pottery, and so much more, an art lover with an appreciation of the past could spend a whole day in here!
Creative Clay Studio
At first glance, this spot looks like a gallery. It’s windows are full of fantastical clay creations, making it an ideal stop. However, Creative Clay Studio offers a wide variety of services! For the beginner, the studio offers seasonal classes where you can learn create your own masterpieces. For the more seasoned artist, you can purchase passes to learn and create at your own speed.
Creative Clay Studio also offers private classes and workshops, perfect for that upcoming birthday party you keep meaning to plan.
From Instagram @creativeclay.studio
Frame Master
If you find a beautiful piece of art at one of the other spots on this list, you can head to Frame Master afterwards to have it framed! Frame Master was a major dealer of Andy Warhol’s work in Toronto after the owner meet him in the 80’s, and their commitment to quality has led them to create a name for themselves!
If you’re still looking for a great piece of art, Frame Master carries originals, limited editions, and reproduction.
XC Art Restoration
At XC Art Restoration, you will find professional services to meet the needs of your artwork. Their skills, practice and expertise are in the conservation of paintings, objects and paper. XC Art Restoration offers custom conservation grade framing, and provides clients with a variety of frames to select from, which are products of the top frame manufacturers.
However, if you don’t have any art yet that you feel is frame-worthy, check out their storefront gallery which represents numerous pieces of incredible original artwork from a wonderful group of Canadian artists.
The Frame Up
With such a witty name, it’s no surprise The Frame Up has been a favourite with art lovers and photographers alike since 1976. With over 2000 frames to choose from, The Frame Up is committed to making your art, photos, and documents look their best.
Experts in all things glass, matts, and frames, The Frame Up has earned their spot on this list.
MMMosaics
Located at 687 Mount Pleasant Rd is MMMosaics. Here Mehtap and her husband, Cüneyt, have created a space that is the perfect fusion of their passions: A speciality coffee house, At Origin Toronto, decorated with Mehtap’s stunning artwork.
You don’t even need to step foot in the building to benefit from Mehtap’s artistry. Just look down! She has repaired the sidewalk outside of the store with beautiful mosaics! Inside you will find her work on tables, walls, and on pastry domes! At Origin also regularly features artwork by local artists on their walls, so this is the perfect spot for art lovers. MMMosaics offers workshops, so be sure to check those out.
Aside from these fantastic businesses, Mount Pleasant is also home to many public art projects. Keep your eyes peeled for them, including a new mural that will be popping up soon at the intersection of Manor and Mount Pleasant Road.
