Guelph's 10 x 10 Gallery, possibly the smallest art gallery in Canada, opened at the end of December at Boarding House Arts. The inaugural exhibition, 'measuring 10x10,' featured 13 ten-inch by ten-inch works by 13 artists from the building. Curator Heejung Shin, who studied fine art at the University of Waterloo and is pursuing a master of fine arts at the University of Guelph, revived the space previously occupied by Capacity 3 Gallery. The current exhibition, 'Unboxed,' curated by Laurie Skantzos, features works by Ian Leach and David Brown and runs until June 26.
The gallery matters because it challenges the notion that great art requires large, prestigious venues like the Art Gallery of Ontario, emphasizing that meaningful art experiences can happen in intimate, unconventional spaces. It also supports emerging artists who struggle to find exhibition opportunities, and fosters international exchange—Shin is developing a reciprocal relationship with a gallery in Korea. The project highlights the resourcefulness and community spirit of Guelph's art scene, proving that size does not limit artistic ambition.