Gallery Wall at Might & Main coffee shop celebrates local art and artists

By JULIA SAWICKI

Might & Main coffee in East Toronto continues its tradition of spotlighting local artists each month, with artist Anne-Marie Olczak taking over the walls at the coffee shop throughout August.

Olczak’s work explores the abstract through colour and composition, focusing on how both can evoke emotion and tie to memory. She primarily works with acrylic paint, a fast-drying medium that requires a deliberate approach while she focuses on the simplicity of different shades and hues.

Olczak played a key role in launching the Main Street coffee shop’s Gallery Wall three years ago.

After the previous owner approached her about displaying her work, she expanded the idea by inviting fellow local artists to exhibit their collections on a rotating basis. She also created an Instagram page (@gallery_wall_at_mightandmain) where other east-end creatives could connect with her about future displays.

Although Might and Main has changed ownership since then, the vision for the Gallery Wall has remained the same.

Last year, Olczak shifted the program to feature a new artist every month, putting out an open call for fresh work and ensuring the neighbourhood continues to have its daily dose of accessible, local art.

“It gives me a chance to step outside of the studio, and connect with other artists,” said Olczak.

“I am able to meet with other people, see their work and talk about art. It’s becoming a community thing, and other people are connecting through it as well, and that for me is a huge thing; what community can bring to every aspect of life you’re involved in.”

Being a Might & Main regular allows Olczak to see other customers engaging with the artwork.

Whether they’re grabbing a coffee on their way to the office, or dropping their children off at daycare, she frequently notices people stop and take in the work, sometimes having conversations about the artists behind them.

July’s featured artist, Benjamin Wieler, currently has his work on display.

His art explores textiles, reconstruction, and a wide range of mixed media. Repurposing everything from political flyers to thrifted fabrics, Wieler’s work reflects his background in the textile industry. His featured Canadalandia series incorporates maple leaf imagery, Canadian postage and a handmade matchbox filled with matches wrapped in Canadian map paper.

Wieler, who has become a close friend of Olczak both inside and outside the local art scene, has encouraged her to think about sharing her talent for curation.

Olczak is considering expanding the gallery wall concept to other nearby coffee shops, something Wieler strongly encourages.

“She’s a social gal,” Wieler explained. “She brings people together.”

Lori Stiwel, who is now the owner of Might & Main, said continuing the Gallery Wall after taking over the business was a “no-brainer”, crediting Olczak and the participating artists for making the wall what it is now.

“It’s a little bit of a surprise for us. We come in every month and there’s something new,” said Stiwel. 

“Everybody’s really enjoyed it, and it’s a fun, exciting thing to look forward to. It helps with our decor, It helps with our community and it helps keep things fresh.”

The art is available for purchase through a QR code, allowing guests to contact the artists directly.

Might & Main is located at 126 Main St., south of Gerrard Street East.

For more information on Might & Main, please go online to https://mightandmaincoffee.com/