THE BREWERY SUPPORTS TORONTOS ART COMMUNITY WITH THEIR MONTHLY SHOWCASE BY LOCAL ARTISTS
From "Here and There" by Kellen Hatanaka and Jim Mezei
Story by Megan Leahy
Steam Whistle Brewery is one of the city’s true gems, a fact that Torontonian’s often fail to appreciate. Once home to the John Street Roundhouse – a steam locomotive repair facility that was built in 1929 and operated until 1988 – the building has character and is deemed a national historic site. Located across from the Rogers Centre, it is the perfect spot to grab a beer before a Jays game. It is as a great venue to catch a local band at their monthly UNSIGNED concert series, and is home to Toronto’s greatest Hallowe’en bash.
Unbeknownst to most, the brewery also serves as gallery and hosts a monthly art exhibit showcasing local talent. Some of the artists exhibited are long established, while for others Steam Whistle provides their first break. The exhibits are free, and no commissions are taken from the artists. At the end of each exhibit, the brewery keeps one artwork to add to their permanent collection. In all, it is an excellent way to support the city’s art community.
Showing now until the end of April, “HERE and THERE” consists of 5 artists’ interpretations of the city’s impact on the environment. Drawing attention to the animals’ struggle to survive as the urban landscape expands, the exhibit is meant to encourage viewers to contemplate the consequences humans have on their surroundings.
During the month of May, the gallery will take part in the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. Co-curated by Christopher Hume of Toronto Star and Gary Miedema, Chief Historian at Heritage Toronto, the exhibit “Building Storeys” will showcase Toronto’s transportation heritage. What better a backdrop for images of railways and marinas than the city’s historic train repair shop?
Building Storeys’s opening reception is May 2 from 7 to 11pm. The Steam Whistle gallery is open Monday to Thursday Noon to 6pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 5pm.
