Soo Visual Arts Center

SooVac is one part gallery, on part backdrop for cool events and one part great store selling wares from local artists. This combination makes for one very happy me. Over the last few years I’ve been to quite a few events and openings at SooVac. I like that SooVac presents art and artists in a cool laid back way, stripping out the pretension and hoity toity you might find elsewhere. I am definitely a fan!

I like this place. I love the fact that they showcase local artists gifts in the front, and give them an opportunity to sell their work. Not many opportunities to do this.
They Have great shows, I have only been to a few, but have been impressed by them all. Very cozy and a little small, but enough room to enjoy the work.
They have open submission, and anyone can submit a portfolio.
They also have a fashion show every year, that again, anyone can submit an idea to. I have not yet been able to go to it, but maybe this year.

The Soo gift shop has tons of great finds by local artists & craftspeople as well as brand name knick-​knacks by Alessi. I love the handmade jewelry, especially the earrings and necklaces. There are also these awesome handbags that look like inside-​out soccers balls. It’s hard to walk out without buying something. Right now there’s an exhibit with Polaroids of all my favorite childhood toys, called Toys on Roids. I think they sell a book with all the pics in it. Stop by and support your local art scene!

The Soo VAC is a great example of how art galleries can be so more. They start with an edgy gallery space, but they’re also really into fostering interaction within the art community and including the folks who might be further outside. Lots of open gallery events — parties, really — that spill into the street in a joyful, hip ruckus.
It’s a non-​profit which explains the periodic calls for membership. Seems like a good place to support if you believe in the arts, especially because they do interesting educational outreach.
The little shop is consistently full of unusual, local things. Prints, jewelry, toys — I think I’d be happy to receive most any of it as a gift.
Watch out for their annual Sashion Flow in September — a fun and festive fashion show.