Contributed by andi argast

Angell Gallery owner Jamie Angell has been described as an "elder statesman" by the National Post, but don't let this fool you into thinking that his curatorial practice is staid. Exhibiting work from both emerging and mid-career artists, this mix of fresh blood and more established artists guarantees an exciting and diverse mix of shows.

Situated on Queen St. West just past Trinity Bellwoods Park, Angell Gallery opened in 1996 - about a decade before the "West Queen West Art + Design District" took shape (hence the "elder statesman" moniker), and has since "established a reputation for forward-thinking, unconventional, and intelligent programming." Guest curators, a focus on international collaborations, and of course, an impressive roster of artists have kept Angell on the forefront of the Toronto art world.

"I hope that the gallery's willingness to always take risks, openness to new ideas and ways of thinking [has given] others permission to do the same. There's a lot of freedom in doing so," says Jamie, when asked how the Angell Gallery has contributed to Toronto's burgeoning arts scene.

Firmly established on the now gallery-laden stretch of West Queen West, Angell openings are a comfortable yet professional affair. Stopping by a recent opening, I notice many of the attendees conversing on the sunny back patio, while Jamie chats with prospective collectors in the bright interior space. The familiar ambiance isn't surprising, considering that many of these people have been attending openings here for over ten years.

To get thus far, Jamie - a hairdresser in his former life - has relied greatly on his instincts in the past decade.

"Coming from a non-artistic background has done nothing but allow me to trust my gut instinct, which is what it's all about for me on a personal level. I've been introduced to a lot of fabulous art over the years and after a while you just know when something makes sense...it's some sort of inexplicable prompting I receive," he says.

From his choice in venue, to his curatorial selections, Jamie Angell seems to have an exceptionally good intuition for what's up and coming.

"When I started the gallery almost 12 years ago I had a vision for the neighborhood, yet another 'prompting,'" he says. "A neighborhood that was creative, inclusive and supportive and I think there is not a shortage of it at this place in time."