Art has a bird’s eye view of Hurontario.  The Upstairs Gallery replaces The Fish Bowl Artist’s Studio.

As you walk the main street of Collingwood, at eye level you can see the boutiques and interesting retail spaces.  What is not so obvious is that there is a whole art culture that hovers on the second floors of the heritage buildings on the east side of the street.

Walking North to South, on the first block, you can view Contemporary Canadian Art at Level Gallery – 23 Hurontario.

A few doors down is the Magic of Children – 57A Hurontario - a non-profit organization focusing on children and youth art endeavours.  On the next block, the Lost Dog Studio – 81-1 Hurontario Street – is open only on Saturdays and hosts a bright, modern presence. 

Last, but not least, immediately next door to Lost Dog is The Fish Bowl Artist’s Studio – 87B Hurontario.  Started by Andrew Peycha over 5 years ago at Blue Mountain and at its current location in historic Maple Leaf Hall for the past 3 years, it is having it tank cleaned.  Andrew is moving to his own private studio and the Hurontario location will become UPSTAIRS GALLERY maintaining its bird’s eye view of the main street. 

The artists themselves and work spaces of Bonnie Dorgelo [jewelry & oil paintings], Sue Miller [oil paintings], Keli-Ann Pye-Beshara [acylics, oils, inks] and Jim Stacey [mixed media photography], can be viewed every day except Tuesdays.  Steve Corner [pottery] and Kevin MacLean [oddment art] also exhibit their wares in this inspiring space.  It is an opportunity to see artists working on their craft, to view completed pieces and to be in the company of the creative process.

To bring in the new name, UPSTAIRS GALLERY will be having an Open House on Saturday, 06 December 2008, from 11-6pm.  Drop by to see the works of 8 artists including Andrew Peycha.  Scott Campbell will be introduced as the new artist in UPSTAIRS GALLERY.  His portraits in oils will be hanging in his new space.

While on the second floor of 87B, take the opportunity to visit the Bay School of Art.  Michelle Fleming is having an Open House on the same day.

UPSTAIRS GALLERY is a public collective working space and gallery where full-time artists create fine art allowing art appreciators the opportunity to see the artists involved in their process and to acquire pieces directly from the artist.

For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with the artists, please call Keli-Ann Pye-Beshara at 428.3152 or 445.5907 or email Keli-Ann
at x@keli-annpye-beshara.ca