by Élyse Gamache-Bélisle
Whether you're a lover of art in all its forms or a newcomer in search of artistic discoveries, there’s sure to be an art gallery in Montreal to satisfy your curiosity and artistic sensibilities. Here are just a few of the many art galleries that are worth a visit in this city where creativity thrives on every street corner!
Since 1996, contemporary art gallery Art Mûr has been a staple of the visual arts scene in Montreal. Located on St-Hubert Street since 2002, the gallery has seven exhibition halls with almost 14,000 square feet over three floors. This art gallery, whose exhibitions often carry a strong and challenging message, proudly represents just as many artists from Quebec as from the rest of Canada and as many men as women.
For co-owner Rhéal Olivier Lanthier, it is very important that the artists' approaches reflect the gallery's values – that is to say, raising awareness of their own environment. If you like art that challenges you and makes you think, you'll like Art Mûr
Located on Rachel and St-Hubert, Artgang is a leader in the co-production, sharing and sale of contemporary and avant-garde art. The gallery features artists at the top of their game who have a strong philosophy. As a multidisciplinary space, Artgang continually reinvents itself, so you'll need to return a few times to get the full picture!
Located on Bernard West, Bref is a unique concept that its two creators, Maude St-Louis and Cynthia Moreau, had carried at arm's length and in their hearts for many years. It's essentially a coming together of a shop, art gallery and multidisciplinary space where artists display objects created exclusively for monthly themed exhibitions. Imagine a perfect blend between the art gallery and shop; and you can pick up the art at reasonable prices!
Art gallery Dare-Dare (pronounced "dardar"), is located at the intersection of Atwater Avenue, Greene and Doré Street. Founded in 1985, this multidisciplinary art centre has always focused on the distribution and promotion of art by young people aged 18 to 35. Over the years, the gallery's mission has been refined and updated. To meet the new needs of the artists, the gallery space has been reduced to be extremely versatile and modular.
