It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since the idea of a gallery became a reality!
In our first several glorious years we occupied three different storefronts in the legendary Mirvish Village while we became an international gallery. Followed by an appointment only approach, we eventually landed in Harbord Village. Who knows where we'll be next? Stay tuned....
We're very proud to have showcased Canadian artists around the world where they've received a lot of love and applause!
Thank you to all who have supported us in so many ways at home and abroad! With your support, hopefully we can do this for a few more years!
20th Anniversary Activities
We'll be celebrating this 20th milestone for the rest of the year!
We'll introduce you to our amazing artists that form the backbone of the gallery.
Offer you, our supporters, 20% discounts on select pieces from select artists for this 20th anniversary!
(Join our mailing list and check your junk mail for these announcements - Next featured artist will is Sandra Di Leo.)
Host a few auctions because we love auctions and it'll bring back fond memories of our past programming.
Showcasing The Diversity of Canadian Art
About the Gallery
Spence Gallery has built a reputation for its curation of artwork from a roster of artists known for innovation, challenge, and diversity. In 2005, founder Joan Spence got inspired to establish an art gallery where inclusion was encouraged rather than exclusivity. Joan envisioned a gallery space that embraced different contemporary artistic voices and removed entry barriers to acquiring fine art.
From the outset, Spence Gallery offered original artworks by mostly Canadian and a few international artists at accessible price points. The gallery also became a platform where first-time visitors, art enthusiasts, and seasoned collectors alike could engage with fine art without feeling intimidated.
Joan has championed and journeyed with most of artists since the early days of the gallery. With participation in over 50 art fairs in the past 10 years, the gallery has provided the artists exposure to an international audience. As a frequent exhibitor, Spence Gallery has gained honourable mentions and accolades by organizers of the international Affordable Art Fair.
Our Artists
Spence Gallery continues to serve as a launching pad for emerging and mid-career artists whose diverse biographies and artworks continue to captivate the attention of local and international audiences. The gallery connects you to these brilliant artists whose artworks can be found in both private and public collections.
Our artists’ works encourages responses from the delightful to the profound. Behind every artwork, there is a story that unfolds or remains untold. We are here to help you explore our collection and provide additional insights as needed.
We welcome you to discover our selection of thoughtfully chosen artworks by an eclectic stable of artists who explore the representation of the figure, portraits, abstractions, landscapes and surrealism through paintings, mixed media works and sculptures.
Our Services
Are you looking to find a statement piece or something to pull together the design elements of your living space? We are here to guide you in the process. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, first time buyer or seasoned collector, we will help you find art that matches your personal taste, intentions and budget. We offer original artwork ranging in price from $500 to $5,000.
We work closely with our clients, giving them personalized service until they find the right piece - whether you are privately viewing art in the gallery space or purchasing from outside of Canada for the first time. We look forward to sharing with you our insider’s perspective and the latest updates from our artists.
We have embraced technology to better serve our international customers and look forward to interacting with you virtually. We ship locally, nationally, and internationally and provide a safe and secure client experience. Wherever you’re from we look forward to meeting you. Reach out and let us help you discover your favourite piece of art.
Send us your questions. We love questions!
Who We Are
Joan Spence, Founder and Gallery Director
Joan founded the gallery in 2005, because of her deep love of art.
Sheldon Rose, Manager - Special Projects In partnership with the Gallery Director and armed with years of expertise in the art world, Sheldon manages Special Projects
Andrea Victory-LaCasse, Gallery Manager
Andrea manages the gallery marketing and admin.