Peter Kiss Gallery

The first time I came here was in 2001 and a sculpture literally brought me to a stop. I was in a hurry but HAD to see more. I often drop in when on Granville Island and now always include it in the list I give to visiting friends.
The gallery holds the art of Peter Kiss and Tanya Gleave. Peter’s art is often tongue-​in-​cheek which perhaps makes the subtly biting social commentary, more generally palatable. Usually in the form of people, animals, zany birdhouses or 2-​D sculpture. Tanya’s art is heavy on the feels. I wish I had a picture of a piece that has always stayed with me but I didn’t know it would have that effect until the following days when the image wouldn’t leave me.
The gallery is light and airy and the reception is welcoming. Private commissions are an option. Monday’s it’s closed and it doesn’t open till 10:30 a.m. I mention this as I have sometimes been disappointed to find the door darkened :)

I was given a friendly reminder to review this place through the talk thread. Not your typical gallery at all. I have come down here a few times when in the area. There is something so English beat about it that makes me smile in terms of the art. I actually got to be in the shop when Peter was in and he is such an awesome character. Love his work.

We literally just wandered into the Peter Kiss Gallery from the street, drawn in by the whimsical, for lack of a better word, carvings and sculptures within. They are mostly large in size, folk art in style, and usually based on a humorous twist on a theme or an idea. For example, a group of figures encased in a wood block is titled «Stuck in Another Committee.»
From what I understand of Peter Kiss’s artist’s bio, he once trained as a wildlife zoologist. Salmon are a common motif, and one of my favourite pieces in the gallery was a beaver that has a goofy smile on its face and reaches out as if begging for a hug — it’s titled «How about a Kiss?»
Though I have little money in my personal art budget, I really enjoyed visiting this two-​level gallery of work with a little tongue in cheek on Railspur Alley.