Wynick/Tuck Gallery facts for kids

The Wynick/Tuck Gallery is a special art gallery in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It's owned by Lynne Wynick and David Tuck. They started it in 1968, and it was first called Aggregation Gallery. Over 45 years, they showed more than 500 art exhibitions!

In 2012, the gallery changed how it worked. Now, it mainly sells art privately and helps people find out how much their art is worth. Since 2016, you usually need an appointment to visit. But sometimes, they still have open houses for everyone to enjoy.

Amazing Artists

Many famous artists have shown their work at Wynick/Tuck Gallery over the years. Some of these include Monica Tap, Lawrence Weiner, Janice Gurney, and William Kurelek. Other well-known artists are Doris McCarthy, Gerald Ferguson, and Greg Curnoe.

Even today, the gallery still works with artist Ted Rettig. They also look after the art collections of the late Doris McCarthy and Greg Curnoe. You can find many artworks for sale on their website. These include pieces by artists like David Bierk, Mary Pratt, and Michael Snow.

The gallery also has art from its early days, when it was called Aggregation Gallery. This collection includes works by George Hawken, Norval Morrisseau, and Joshim Kakegamic.

Gallery's Journey

The Wynick/Tuck Gallery has a long and interesting history. It started small and grew into an important art space.

How it Started: Aggregation Gallery

The gallery began in 1968 as Aggregation Gallery. It was first run by four art students and artists working together. Soon, John McDonald and Roman Kowal left. This left Lynne Wynick and David Tuck in charge.

Back then, it was one of the first galleries to show only Canadian contemporary artists. It might have been the first in a downtown warehouse. To pay for their space, they also ran a framing business. The gallery helped many young artists. They had a busy schedule of art shows.

Over 14 years, they moved to two bigger gallery spaces. Wynick and Tuck first wanted to be artists themselves. But they decided to focus completely on the gallery instead. In 1972, Aggregation Gallery moved to 82 Front Street East. This was a large old warehouse.

David Tuck also helped protect historic buildings in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. He worked to save places like the South St. Lawrence Market building.

Moving to Spadina Avenue

In the early 1980s, David Tuck and Lynne Wynick, along with another art dealer, decided to move their galleries. They chose the King and Spadina area. This area used to be for clothing factories, but many were leaving.

In October 1982, Tuck and Wynick opened their new space at 80 Spadina Avenue. This was when it became the Wynick/Tuck Gallery. Their first big show featured Canadian painter John Hall. A critic from The Globe and Mail newspaper praised the new 6000-square-foot space. By the end of the 1980s, the King and Spadina area became a lively art community. Many old buildings became offices, galleries, and shops.

From the mid-1980s, Wynick/Tuck Gallery took part in big international art fairs. They went to Art Cologne in 1986 and Art Chicago six times. People there really liked the quality of the Canadian art they showed.

Besides shows for single artists, Wynick and Tuck also created themed exhibitions. These shows combined works from many different artists. One popular series was called "Informal Ideas." They showed art from both famous and new artists. This created a mix of exciting artistic ideas.

Wynick also put together special exhibitions. She brought together artists like Lawrence Weiner, Gerald Ferguson, and Greg Curnoe. These shows helped find new ways to present art in a gallery.

New Home at 401 Richmond

In 2001, Wynick/Tuck Gallery moved again. Their new home was a large old industrial building at 401 Richmond Street West. This building was being developed to support the community.

Wynick and Tuck made their new space perfect. It combined the best parts of their old galleries. It had a big main area and smaller, cozy spaces for looking at art up close. It was also on the ground floor, making it easy to visit.

At 401 Richmond, the gallery continued its art shows. They keep a record of all their past exhibitions on their website. The gallery also helped with charity events. For 13 years, they supported the Casey House Art Auction. They also helped the University of Toronto raise money for a new art gallery.

How the Gallery Changed

In 2012, Wynick and Tuck announced a big change. They decided to close their large public gallery space. They wanted to focus more on selling art privately and helping with art appraisals.

The gallery still operates from a smaller space at 401 Richmond. They continue to work with a few artists. They also resell art from many artists they used to represent. Much of this art is listed on their website.

Helping the Art Community

Lynne Wynick and David Tuck have both played important roles in the art world. They served on many different boards and committees.

David Tuck was on the board of the Art Dealers Association of Canada for many years. He helped shape important government rules for visual arts and artists. He also worked with the Art Gallery of Ontario on community projects.

Lynne Wynick served on the Canadian Cultural Property and Review Board for five years. This was a time when the Cultural Property Act became widely used. She worked closely with artists to make sure any changes helped the art community. Wynick also served on the board of Power Plant Art Gallery. She helped the gallery stay connected to the community while becoming known internationally.