Cedar Ridge Gallery
The Gallery | Exhibitions | Cedar Ridge Permanent Art Collection
What is Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery? | A Brief History
Carriage House Studios
The Gallery
The Cedar Ridge Gallery is programmed for ten months of the year hosting a diverse roster of exhibits. From January to March, the gallery sponsors the Contemporary Art Exhibitions (PDF), five, two-week, juried exhibits, featuring contemporary artists from across Ontario.
The 'See and Be Seen' (PDF) call for entry provides an opportunity for artists to rent the three rooms of gallery space. This program works on a 24 month calendar to allow more artists to exhibit their work. Calls for entry for both programs are mailed out annually at the end of June.
For more information please call: 416-396-4112 or 416-396-4026.
2012 Exhibitions
- January 3 – March 9, 2012: Contemporary Exhibits run January through March 9, featuring a series of two-week shows. Artists are juried into the gallery. For a list of artists on exhibit, call 416-396-4026.
- March 19 – 30: Cedar Ridge Creative Centre Students' Exhibit
- April 14 – 19: Canadian Guild of Folk Art Painters
Opening: Sunday, April 15 from 1 – 4 p.m. - April 21 – 26: Val Russell (paintings)
Opening: Sunday, April 22 from 1 – 4 p.m. - April 28 – May 10: Barry Chemel (sculpture)
Opening: Sunday, April 29 from 1 – 4 p.m. - May 12 – 17: Jumblies Retrospective (multimedia)
- May 19 – 31: Art Guild of Scarborough
Opening: Sunday, May 20 from 1 – 4 p.m. - June 3 – 14: Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery Members' Show
- June 10: Celebration of the Arts – annual summer art show & sale
Noon to 5 p.m. - June 17 – 21: University of Philippines Alumni Association
Opening: June 17 from 1 – 4 p.m.
Gallery hours are: Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cedar Ridge Permanent Art Collection
Cedar Ridge Creative Centre houses a special component of the City's Permanent Art Collection. The Cedar Ridge Collection is an historical and contemporary record of artists who have taught, exhibited and been supporters of Cedar Ridge. The collection has a representation of each of the mediums taught at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre including, paintings, sculptures, pottery, woodcarving, fibre art and folk art. The collection and gallery fixtures have been acquired through the fundraising efforts of Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery.
What is Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery?
Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery was the original founding organization of the Creative Centre and the first public gallery with teaching studios in the east end of Toronto. Today, Cedar Ridge Creative Centre is operated and programmed by the City of Toronto's Cultural Services.
Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery, a volunteer run, not-for-profit organization, programs the gallery, working in partnership with City of Toronto Cultural staff at the Creative Centre. Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery is very active within the Creative Centre, hosting two fundraising events each year in June and November, sponsoring Rakudu, a special one-day raku festival for schools, and provides special workshops.
Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery continues to be an active partner with the Creative Centre, carrying on its long history of contributing to, and advocating for the arts in Scarborough.
Print a copy of the Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery membership form (PDF).
A Brief History
In 1968, The Guildwood School of Arts and Crafts was founded by Barbara Jean Rodgers, under the patronage of Rosa and Spencer Clark. The school operated out of Corycliffe Lodge and the Log Cabin on the grounds of the Guild Inn. The school was a tremendous success and soon the buildings at the Guild couldn't accommodate the numbers requesting classes. Bethune House, a City of Scarborough owned building, was available and the school relocated, changing its name to Guildcrest Studios. In 1972, Guildcrest Studios, with a membership of over 500, became a federally chartered non-profit organization.
In 1976, plans were underway to enlarge the Bethune location to provide more studio space. However, in 1977, with the recent death of John Fraser, his estate ' Cedar Ridge' was acquired by the City of Scarborough through a land swap with Metropolitan Toronto. The Guildcrest Studios were invited by the City of Scarborough to redirect their fundraising activities to renovate Cedar Ridge, an opportunity to develop a gallery as well as teaching studios. The beauty of the original home was retained in the main floor gallery space. The upper floor and basement area were developed into studio spaces. Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery operated the gallery and studios from 1978 to 1985. In 1986, the City of Scarborough took over the daily operations of the Creative Centre. Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery, with a Board of Directors, has remained at the Creative Centre as a volunteer organization in support of the Creative Centre with a mandate to promote the visual arts and crafts in the community.
Carriage House Studios
The original estate included a gardener's cottage and a chauffeur's cottage, with attached three bay garage and stables for three horses. The garage was rebuilt in the 1930s after a fire had destroyed the original building.
In 1993, Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery took up the challenge to raise funds to renovate the chauffeur's cottage, garage and stables into working studio space. In 1996, the building was renamed 'Carriage House Studios', and it was officially opened by the Lieutenant Governor, the Honorable Hal Jackman. The studios offer a healthy, inviting and inspirational setting for artists.