Testimonials
From Artists Who Have Exhibited in Our Rental Galleries
“I recently had a solo show at Melt Studio & Gallery in PEC; it is at Base 31, an old Military Barack turned Art centre in this lovely town. 5 mins from downtown, it is a great spot with a combined uniqueness of a rustic yet dynamic, modern spot for art. There is a live music venue and food court nearby, along with other shops and interests in the Base. Susan Wallis, the gallerist and artist herself, is supportive and her inputs, ideas were helpful for an out-of-town artist like me. Organising a show is a challenge even with previous ones under my belt (in Toronto and beyond), from installing, marketing… Melt retains the rustic, calm feel but modern and energetic. The intimate space for Focus gallery is perfect for the theme of my show: social connections and human behaviour. My figurative art blended well with the ceramic and multi-media shows by the other artists and the main group show during the same period in Sept/early Oct. Susan’s wicked fruit bunch is unforgettable and her tray of munchies for the opening reception was fantastic! It was truly worth the long drive for artists and patrons alike, to experience art in PEC! Thank you Susan, for a great time.”
–Grace Dam, “Now What”, September 2024
"When I first moved back to Canada following the completion of my Master's degree in England, I found it daunting to return to the Canadian art scene when I no longer felt familiar with it. I found Melt Studio + Gallery through a call for submissions and so began a lovely relationship through several groups shows that continued until I moved to Australia. Following that return, I was more daunted than when I'd come back from England, but more determined than ever. I reached out to Melt Studio in regards to a solo show and their response really felt like coming home. We began discussions immediately and I knew the whole team was supportive and enthusiastic about the vision I had for the space. They offered me help through every step of the way and when I arrived after the long drive from Caledon to PEC to install, I was instantly welcomed and enjoyed one of the most wonderful installation days I have ever had. Susan and the whole team are incredibly professional, friendly, encouraging, and fun to work with. I loved how my show turned out and loved seeing the different articles, newsletters, and social media accounts that Susan and the team had reached out to in order to promote my show. The reception was incredible, with the team not missing a detail and really connecting you as an artist with the community they have already established as well as with new faces. It was such a joy to work with them and have my show in the FORMAT gallery. I look forward to a long lasting relationship with them as I continue in my artistic career!"
–Kristen Donoghue-Stanford, “Domestic Duties of a Ghost”, September 2024
"It is daunting to plan and set up a solo show, especially one that is a distance from home. Susan Wallis and her staff made the execution of my planning smooth and stress free. Her installer hung the show quickly and expertly, providing some curatorial advice. The Focus gallery is well lit and provides ample wall space to show off larger and small pieces. My work looked great in the room and I was very pleased with its presentation.”
– Cherie Daly, “Making Marks”, August 2024
“When I moved to the County ten years ago, I rented a barrack at Base31 to use as a studio for the summer, so renting the Focus Project Gallery last fall to display my work was very special for me. Base31 has now become an exciting cultural hub in the area, thanks to several creative entrepreneurs like Susan Wallis, artist and owner of MELT Studio+Gallery. There is always a lot of art for visitors to see inside her beautifully renovated WW2 barrack, where you also find the Focus Project Gallery, a bright and inviting space for solo exhibitions. My exhibition was well promoted and well attended, and the reception presentation was excellent. Susan and her fabulous staff are friendly, helpful, and professional. They take care of everything and are a delight to work with.”
– Karole Marois, “On an Even Keel”, November 2023
“Displaying my work in the Focus Room at Melt Sudio Gallery was one of the best experiences I’ve had as an artist so far. The staff and the owner Susan’s professionalism are second to none. They want to see artists succeed and share their expertise and knowledge wholeheartedly. The space is beautifully curated and Base31 is an excellent location that attracts both local and tourist visitors.”
-Agnes Bellegris | Show: “Blooming Bounty”, July 2023
“The Focus Gallery is a great venue for a show. Susan and her staff take care of all the details including professional hanging of your work. The gallery has a beautiful light and the popular shows in the main gallery will attract a new audience for your work. With every passing season, Base31 becomes a more relevant centre for the arts. Melt and its Focus Gallery is the place to be”.
-Sarah Palmer | Show: “More than Meets the Eye”, June 2023
“Renting the Focus Gallery was a uniquely positive experience for me. I was able to showcase my paintings separately and distinctly from other work and activities, but as part of the larger Melt Studio & Gallery benefited from exposure to a larger audience than I could have attracted on my own.The space itself is attractive and well-lit and the gallery handled all of the organization and logistics of the show – hanging, promotion, staffing, inquiries and transactions. Everything was completed most professionally; everyone was helpful and supportive during the exhibit.
I believe this to be a relatively inexpensive way to achieve wider recognition for my work and I am very pleased with the experience. I look forward to working with Melt gallery again in future.”
-Murray Gainer | Show: “Liminal Landscapes”, December 2022
“I just wanted to send a big thank you to Susan and the staff at the Melt Studio and Gallery. Our show “Transitions” ran for the month of September, 2022 in the Focus Gallery. It was wonderful to be able to show our work to a wide audience. Susan and everyone at Melt were kind, supportive and professional.”
-Ron Erwin and Graham Keenan | Show: “Transitions", September 2022
“Within this wonderful inspiring space is Focus Gallery, where I had my 1st solo show. Susan provided a very professional and well organized environment with gentle guidance and underdstanding for this first timer. Vanessa’s curatorial expertise shone with style and grace. For my first solo show, Melt Studio and Gallery was a very supportive and accessible. I look forward to working with Susan and Vanessa again”
-K Gregg | Show” “Aerial Landscapes”, August 2022
For inquiries about our project room rental fees and agreements please email us at info@meltstudiogallery.com
PAST SHOWS
Now What–Grace Dam, September 2024
Domestic Duties of a Ghost–Kristen Donoghue-Stanford, September 2024
Making Marks–Cherie Daly, August 2024
365 Days of a History of England–Paul Sabyan, August 2024
Paths and Reflections–Jodi Shuster, July 2024
Fusion–Adryan Manasan, December 2023
Mapping Contours–Susan Fisher, November 2023
On an Even Keel / En Équilibre–Karole Marois, October 2023
Time and Dirt- Neil Maguire, September 2023
Blooming Bounty- Agnes Bellegris, July 2023
More than Meets the Eye- Sarah Palmer-June 2023
Liminal Landscapes: Murray Gainer- December 2022
Transitions: Ron Erwin and Graham Keenan- September 2022
Aerial Landscapes- Kay Gregg- August 2022