Orillia art gallery sees sales soar
Since the start of the pandemic, the owner of an Orillia art gallery says sales have soared.
"Across the industry sales are up," said Cloud Gallery co-owner, Blake Fletcher. "We had high expectations when we started and we've just surpassed those expectations."
Cloud Gallery is a 10,000 square foot art gallery in downtown Orillia and is home to roughly 30 Ontario artists.
"It's all about celebrating Ontario and the natural beauty in the province," Fletcher said.
Since Fletcher and his father Mark opened in April, they are already celebrating a major milestone, selling nearly 100 pieces of art.
Something Fletcher says is driven in part by an increase in local tourism and a change in priorities of where people are spending their money.
"They're not going on trips to Mexico as much and instead they are spending money on home upgrades and renovations," Fletcher said. "So there are a lot of people coming in with blank walls and we are happy to help fill them."
But it's not just foot traffic spiking sales. The gallery is also making a splash online.
"Promoting online is really where we are trying to differentiate ourselves," Fletcher said. "I think we have about 10,000 impressions on google in the last month."
The increase in sales is keeping artists like Catherine Cadieux busy.
"The sales have gone up," Cadieux said. "I have sold larger pieces and I would say more consistently."
Cadieux is an abstract artist who has been painting now for the past 20 years.
Her work is on display at the gallery and says the same way the pandemic has kept people apart, art is bringing them back together.
"Art can do that," Cadieux said. "Art can become a memory piece, not to match your sofa but a memory piece to your life."
As for the future of the gallery, Fletcher says as restrictions lift, there will be in-person events.
The father-son duo is also considering a second location and expanding their roster to include more Canadian artists.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.