When Alison Goodwin, owner of the Village Gallery, began thinking about ways to expand her business, she didn't want to open another retail space. "I wanted to do something a little bit more nontraditional," she said. So Goodwin created a series of events called Art Beyond Walls, which she launched with her first pop-up gallery and art show at the Berkeley Field House Tuesday. “The concept is not brand new, but for galleries it’s not done, so that seemed to be the best option," she said of the pop-up. "The thing that I have the most fun doing is hosting events. That’s what drives the business at my permanent location ... so that’s where the concept was born.”
Tuesday's event, which attracted a crowd of more than 200, showcased the work of three Canadian artists—Justine Fernie, Alison Hodson, and Andrew King. “I wanted to launch with all Canadian artists, emerging artists, people who don’t have representation at a permanent gallery in Toronto," Goodwin said. “We’ve been working on the brand and the concept for the past year. The artists and I joined forces in the spring, so they’ve all been working for six to eight months towards the show.”
Musicians Daniel Neill and Tyler Emond performed for guests, and staff at the Berkeley created a Spanish menu with a paella station and hors d'oeuvres like Manchego in smoked paprika empanadas with quince paste, and blue cheese shortbread served with black pepper and date chutney and pistachio. “We wanted to add some fun elements that make a great party—great food, great drinks, and live music," Goodwin said. "Each time we have an event there will be a different aspect so it’s not a carbon copy. Every event won’t be the same. The venue will change. We’re already working on our next concept."
Goodwin, who plans to host four Art Beyond Walls events each year, said she conducted an extensive search for a venue. "Obviously, for the first event you really want the right feel, and sometimes you don’t know what you’re looking for until you get out there. I wanted something raw, somewhere where the artwork would show well," she said, adding that apart from the food, she didn't want the art show to have a theme. "There's nothing thematic about tonight. The artists aren't related in any way. I wanted the event to have lots of different flavours."
Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Creative Works Studio at St. Michael's Hospital, an art therapy centre for people recovering from addiction and living with mental illness. "We wanted to have a tie with a charity," Goodwin said. "There’s a very obvious relation between an art show and an art therapy centre."
