Instinct Gallery
A vibrant artist collective and studio space in Toronto, fostering community and showcasing diverse local talent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Open house events are common
Instinct Gallery
Best Time
Open house events are common
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant artist collective and studio space in Toronto, fostering community and showcasing diverse local talent.
"A warm and creative place filled with talented and kind artists, fostering an inspiring community."
🎯 Engage with Artists
Don't hesitate to chat with the artists; they're friendly and happy to share their inspiration and process.
🛍️ Support Local Art
Many artists sell their work directly, from prints to large paintings. Perfect for unique souvenirs!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artist Studios
Inside the gallery
Explore cozy, well-lit studios filled with diverse artwork and creative energy. A true glimpse into the artistic process.
Community Exhibitions
Gallery space
Witness curated shows featuring talented local artists, offering a chance to discover and purchase unique pieces.
Susan Stewart's Art
Gallery and studios
Admire the work of Susan Stewart, the driving force behind the collective, known for her large-scale paintings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Toronto's Artistic Heart
Connect with Local Artists
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The Most Under-imagined City in the World
🎯 Engage with Artists
Don't hesitate to chat with the artists; they're friendly and happy to share their inspiration and process.
🛍️ Support Local Art
Many artists sell their work directly, from prints to large paintings. Perfect for unique souvenirs!
📍 Prime Location
Conveniently located near OCAD U, Grange Park, and the AGO, making it easy to combine with other city sights.
✨ Cozy Atmosphere
Experience a warm, homey vibe that's perfect for focused work or a peaceful visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Engage with Artists
Don't hesitate to chat with the artists; they're friendly and happy to share their inspiration and process.
🛍️ Support Local Art
Many artists sell their work directly, from prints to large paintings. Perfect for unique souvenirs!
📍 Prime Location
Conveniently located near OCAD U, Grange Park, and the AGO, making it easy to combine with other city sights.
✨ Cozy Atmosphere
Experience a warm, homey vibe that's perfect for focused work or a peaceful visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Instinct Gallery, also known as Flick the Switch Artist Collective, is highly praised for its warm, creative, and supportive community atmosphere. Visitors and artists alike commend the affordable studio spaces, the diverse range of artwork, and the opportunity to connect directly with talented local creators. While generally positive, some may find the variable hours a minor inconvenience.
"Flick the Switch Artist Collective is such a warm and creative place! The studios are full of talented and kind artists. I love its perfect location next to my OCAD U, Grange Park, and the AGO. Thank you to Susan and everyone for building such an inspiring community."
Gulay Alpay
"Flick the Switch is a great collective to join if you are an artist in Toronto looking for a community of creatives to share ideas and opportunities with. Since I joined in January 2023 I have been fortunate enough to help curate and show my work in a gallery alongside my peers. The studio spaces are awesome overall - they feel very homey and are fairly affordable compared to others in the city. Love it here and would highly recommend!"
marina doukas
"This is my second year at Flick the Switch (Parkdale), and I can’t say enough positive things about it—and no negatives! The space is great and the light is brilliant. There’s a cooperative and helpful ethos among the diverse group of artists (diverse ages, backgrounds, mediums, styles, career stage, etc) For me, as a new painter, the opportunity to learn from more experienced and accomplished artists, is a godsend. And we couldn’t possibly have a more able supporter, motivator and networker than artist Susan Stewart who runs Flick the Switch."
Marlene Webber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Instinct Gallery, also known as Flick the Switch Artist Collective, is located in the heart of Queen St West. It's easily accessible by public transit, with streetcar stops nearby. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the area around OCAD U, Grange Park, and the AGO.
Street parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's often recommended to use public transportation or consider ride-sharing services for easier access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Instinct Gallery operates as an artist collective and studio space. While not a traditional ticketed gallery, they often host open house events. It's best to check their social media or website for specific visiting hours and event schedules.
As a working artist studio, hours can vary. They are known to be open during specific events like open houses. For studio visits, it's advisable to contact them directly or check their community updates.
Yes, Flick the Switch offers studio spaces for artists. Reviews highlight them as affordable and homey compared to other Toronto options, fostering a cooperative and helpful environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Instinct Gallery showcases a diverse range of art from talented local artists. You can find original prints, paintings, and other unique creations, reflecting various mediums, styles, and career stages.
Absolutely! Many visitors have purchased unique pieces, from earrings to large-scale paintings, directly from the artists. It's a fantastic place to find original art and support emerging talent.
The atmosphere is consistently described as warm, creative, friendly, and cozy. It's a place where artists share ideas and opportunities, making it inspiring for both creators and visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, taking photos for personal use is acceptable, especially to capture the art you admire. However, it's always polite to ask the artists if you plan to photograph their specific work or studios extensively.
The studios themselves, filled with ongoing projects and art supplies, offer a unique behind-the-scenes look. The exhibition spaces, when set up for shows, provide a gallery-like setting for capturing art.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While not a dedicated children's museum, the community-driven nature means there's often a welcoming vibe. It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to the concept of art creation and support local artists. Consider visiting during an open house for a more lively experience, but be mindful of studio spaces where artists are actively working.
🎨 Aspiring Artists & Creatives
Even if you're not renting a studio, visiting the gallery and engaging with the resident artists can be incredibly inspiring. Hearing about their journeys, techniques, and the business side of art can provide practical insights and motivation for your own creative path.
🛍️ Budget-Conscious Art Lovers
Furthermore, the low-key nature of the gallery means you can often visit and browse without any pressure to purchase. It's a fantastic way to experience art, soak in the creative atmosphere, and perhaps find an affordable gem to take home.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Flick the Switch Artist Collective Experience
Susan Stewart, an artist herself, is the driving force behind Flick the Switch, acting as an able supporter, motivator, and networker for the collective. Her involvement is frequently highlighted as a key factor in the positive experience of artists renting space. The studios are described as homey and fairly affordable, especially when compared to other options in Toronto, making it an attractive proposition for emerging and established artists alike.
For visitors, the collective offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with local artists and witness their creative process. It's a chance to discover original artwork, from prints to larger pieces, and to support the vibrant Toronto art scene. The gallery's location on Queen St West also makes it an accessible and integrated part of the city's cultural landscape.
Discovering Unique Art and Supporting Local Talent
The opportunity to buy directly from the artists is a significant aspect of the experience. This not only ensures that a larger portion of the sale goes to the creator but also allows for conversations about the artwork's inspiration and creation. This direct interaction is frequently cited as a highlight, transforming a simple shopping trip into a memorable cultural exchange.
Whether you're a seasoned art collector or simply appreciate creativity, Instinct Gallery provides a platform to invest in the local art community. The diverse range of styles and mediums means there's something to appeal to every taste, and the supportive environment fosters a genuine appreciation for the artistic endeavors happening within Toronto.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit