Find Yourself in Art, Saskatoon Galleries
Saskatoon lounges in a bend on the South Saskatchewan River on Treaty Six territory. Known for beautiful bridges and breathtaking views, Saskatoon also happens to be home to some exceptional art galleries.
Years ago, Kathryn Dueck walked into the store at 2207 1st Avenue North with the intention of buying a new framing saw. She ended up purchasing the business and changing the name to Dandelion Art Framing & Gallery. “The reason I named it Dandelion is because it is a sturdy, homey and not-going-anywhere type of plant. Durability is the spirit of the Saskatchewan people.”
Dandelion supports 61 artisans, most coming from Saskatchewan. “I think it’s really important and I feel they are an underrepresented group. I am absolutely amazed at the skills we have in this province.”
Dueck works to bring that Saskatchewan vibe into the shop and tries to capture different feelings by featuring vignettes throughout her space. “I attract people who are intimidated by purchasing art, I want to keep it comfortable and eclectic. I set it up to feel very homey, I want people to feel at home and comfortable.”
Before taking on this new venture, Dueck worked as a mobile framer. This experience gives her shop the unique position of having a certified picture framer on staff guiding customers through all their framing needs.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
“When I come into the store it is serene, peaceful and beautiful. I look forward to coming to work everyday.”
Dandelion Art Framing & Gallery is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
Just down from Dandelion, at 465 1st Avenue North, sits Dervilia art + design.
After 25 years as an interior design company, Adele Tosh transitioned Dervilia into a gallery as the Covid pandemic took off in March of 2020. “Not the best timing,” she laughs while also noting the pandemic helped people become more comfortable making purchases online.
During a pivotal, life-changing trip where Tosh spent two weeks walking around Paris and visiting a variety of galleries, she fell in love with art on a deeper level. Upon her return from this fateful vacation, Tosh realized she had to somehow keep art in her life.
And that she did. Dervilia currently represents thirty-two diverse Canadian artists from coast to coast with a focus on emerging artists.
Dervilia is a unique gallery because of Tosh’s interior design background. As Tosh points out, “Buying art is scary. Being able to explain and show the impact on a room eliminates some of the fear of buying art and make the customer comfortable.”
“We are very welcoming to everyone and love kids. The space is very kid friendly. We want to nurture the little artists and be a source to nurture these talents.” She stresses that there is no pressure to feel like you must buy. “We want people to feel comfortable buying art whether it’s a ninety-five dollar watercolour or a ten-thousand dollar piece. Our motto is art is for everyday, art is for everyone.”
Dervilia has been a member of SaskGalleries — the not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting, developing, and encouraging the growth of Saskatchewan professional art galleries – since they opened. “I feel supported by them constantly. They are out here working for us every day with tons of energy. They are an amazing organization.”
Dervilia Art + Design is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5pm.
A few blocks south of Dervilia, The Gallery / art placement inc. can be found in Saskatoon’s downtown.
art placement presents a year-round schedule of solo and group exhibitions, showcasing contemporary, modern, and historical works by notable artists from Saskatchewan and throughout Western Canada. As a founding member of SaskGalleries and a long-time member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada (ADAC), they are proud to represent the work of over fifty artists and artist estates.
Levi Nicholat and Donald Roach purchased art placement from founders Bonnie Bentham and Robert Christie in 2013. Three years later, it was expanded and relocated to a much larger street-front space on 3rd Avenue South.
“Many of our collectors across Canada have prairie ties and are proud to share these diverse works which explore our land and tell our stories with a larger audience,” says Gallery Manager Linda Stark. “Our province has an incredibly vibrant arts community with a rich history; one that unites students, artists, educators, museums, artist run centres, and collectors.”
“Despite the many changes that each year brings (new exhibitions, programming, etc.), we are continually reminded of the strong support for the visual arts within our community and province. The connections and relationships formed between our artists, visitors, and collectors span generations and communities across Canada and beyond.”
They offer a range of gallery services for first time buyers as well as established collectors and corporations including art consultation and installation for home or office, fine art appraisal services for works by established regional and national artists, museum quality custom framing, facilitating shipments of work across Canada as well as connecting their clients with art conservators.
The Gallery / art placement inc. is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.