112 Scollard Street (Lower Level)
Toronto, Ontario
Tel: 647.436.9784
Contact: Serge Chriqui
www.scollardstreetgallery.com
June 4, 2007                                                                                                                                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A DIFFERENT FRAME OF MIND:
New Yorkville Gallery Offers Photography, Fine Art, and Open Doors 

Toronto, ON – Scollard Street Gallery will celebrate its grand opening on June 7, 2007, marking the beginning of what gallery owner and local fine art photographer Serge Chriqui hopes will be a new day for art in the Yorkville district. Showcasing his own work - primarily black and white landscapes; and that of more than a dozen other artists, Chriqui is addressing what he sees as a growing desire for quality photography and fine art among those who might not be typical gallery-goers. And by focusing on photography, Chriqui aims to further distinguish his gallery in a challenging market.

“You see very little photography in Yorkville,” says Chriqui, adding that while some galleries may show photography from time to time, none has made it a prominent and ongoing exhibit. “I am hoping to have a permanent presence with photography, and to attract talent interested in exhibiting it.”

Chriqui is also welcoming curious newcomers to Scollard Street Gallery. “If you are an individual with some interest in art and wish to explore your options, it is very easy to get a little overwhelmed by the gallery experience,” says Chriqui, who describes his gallery as relaxed and casually elegant. “It is my sense that there is a real gap between the market and people who have perhaps a casual appreciation for art and wish to learn more. I am trying to bridge that gap.”   

In addition to featuring Chriqui’s own fine art photography, Scollard Street Gallery represents artists J. Allison Robichaud, Leon Soriano, Zora Buchanan, Aili Kurtis, Paul Aiello, Sandra Crozier, Gail Fularski, Judy Geller, Sari Grove, Sean Hollis, Lisa Kaffenbaum and Monique Richard; and photographers Henry Feather, Peter Mason, Leesa McLellan and Angel Di Zhang. The gallery also offers full custom framing services.

Chriqui turned a lifelong passion into a career two years ago when he began exhibiting his photography at various art shows and galleries in and around Toronto. Encouraged by the positive public reception to his work at the Distillery District’s Artisan Market, Chriqui sought a permanent home for his work and founded Scollard Street Gallery.

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The June 7th grand opening reception runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to attend the gallery opening please RSVP at info@scollardstreetgallery.com or call Serge at 647.436.9784.