Frequently Asked Questions
- ‘On Approval’
- Digital Superimposing Service
- Private Gallery Appointments
- Consulting
- Shipping Information
- Art Dimensions & Sizes
- Layaway and Leasing
- Design Trade Program
- Artist Submission Policy
- How to Hang Your Painting
- Cleaning Oil or Acrylic Paintings
- Caring for Jewelry
- Care of Glass Vessels
- Caring for Carved Wood Sculptures
- Caring for Soapstone Sculptures
‘On Approval’
The Avenue Gallery understands that finding the perfect piece of fine art for your home or business can be a challenging experience. We are pleased to provide you with the opportunity to take home the artwork on a trial or approval basis for up to 48 hours. If the piece is not a correct fit for your environment, it may be returned for a full refund.
Digital Superimposing Service
Wondering how a painting will look in your home or office? The Avenue Gallery offers a complimentary digital superimposing service to help you visualize artwork in your space with confidence. Simply email a straight-on photograph of your wall, along with its dimensions, and our team will seamlessly place the artwork of your choice into the image so you can preview the piece before making a decision.
This service is ideal for clients who are unable to visit the gallery in person or take a painting home on approval, offering a convenient and accurate way to experience the artwork in your own setting.
Private Gallery Appointments
The Avenue Gallery is pleased to offer private appointments with gallery owner Kathleen, providing an opportunity to view select works in depth, outside regular gallery hours. These tailored visits are designed for collectors and clients seeking a more considered and personalized experience, with thoughtful insight into the gallery’s distinguished roster of artists. Please contact us to enquire further.
Consulting
IN-HOME
Our experienced team offers personalized guidance to help you select artwork that reflects your style and complements your space. We work with you to understand your aesthetic and budget, deliver the selected pieces, assist with placement decisions, and professionally install each work with care and precision.
CORPORATE
Whether furnishing a new office, renovating an existing space, or preparing for a move, original artwork adds distinction and reflects your company’s identity. Our comprehensive consultation service includes a site assessment, curated artwork recommendations, framing advice and professional installation. Flexible payment plans and leasing options are available.
Shipping Information
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
Shipping is available on purchases of wall/flat art valued measuring no more than 150 united inches (length + double width + double depth) and small three-dimensional sculptures, ceramics and glass to destinations in Canada and the Continental U.S.A. excluding Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.
- Canada – from $95
- U.S.A. – from $195*
*Please be aware of brokerage processing fees that will be charged to the receiver by a brokerage company in the receiver’s country.
Oversized and fragile items will be charged as follows (in addition to crating, if required):
- Canada – from $250*
- U.S.A. – from $350*
* Oversized/fragile rate is up to and including 50lbs. Shipments over 50lbs will be charged an additional cost.
Jewellery will be charged as follows:
- Canada – from $25
- U.S.A. & International – please contact Gallery for quote
For all shipments outside the continental Canada and USA, please contact us for a quote on our toll-free number 1-844-598-2184.
PACKAGING
All purchases will be packaged in cardboard shipping boxes or crated in custom built wood crates (depending on the size, destination and value) and are protected to ensure safe arrival.
PREFERED CARRIERS AND INFORMATION
Purolator / Loomis / Canpar / FedEx / UPS
- Signature upon delivery is required
- Packages arrive Monday to Friday during business hours
- Shipping Tracking number will be emailed to you to enable you to track the progress of your shipment
OVERSIZED ARTWORK
- Crates or packages exceeding 150 united inches (length + double width + double depth) will be shipped via a preferred freight forwarder.
INSURANCE
- Insurance is available for items up to a value of $5000 CAD. Please contact gallery for insurance rates.
DAMAGE - IMPORTANT
- Upon receipt immediately inspect the shipment and note any damages to the crate or package with the shipping carrier present.
- Upon opening the crate or package notify The Avenue Gallery immediately of any damage by calling 1-250-598-2184 or emailing info@theavenuegallery.com.
- The Avenue Gallery is not responsible for damage that occurs during transit with shipping companies, however we will work with the carrier to reach a resolution.
RETURNS
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- The gallery accepts returns for exchange or gallery credit only, within 48 hours of receipt.
- Artwork returned for exchange must be packaged in the same container as it was shipped and arrive at the gallery in perfect condition.
- Shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser.
- All shipped jewellery is final sale and not eligible for return.
COMMISSIONED AND SPECIAL ORDER ITEMS
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- All commissioned artwork and special-order items are final sale.
SHIPMENTS WITHIN CANADA
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Local Pickup – City Of Victoria
When purchasing online you can choose to pick up from The Avenue Gallery free of charge.
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Within BC
GST and PST will be charged on all shipments within British Columbia.
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To Other Provinces
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) which includes the 5% Federal Portion and the Provincial Portion will be charged as follows, when shipped out the province of British Columbia to:
- New Brunswick – 15%
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 15%
- Nova Scotia – 15%
- Ontario – 13%
- Prince Edward Island – 15%
For the following provinces, where the GST (General Sales Tax) and the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) have not be harmonized, the 5% GST portion will only be charged on shipments out of the province of British Columbia:
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
All purchases made and shipped within Canada will be packaged and sent within 5 to 10 business days.
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INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
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To The U.S.A.
- All artwork is exempt from Sales Tax when shipped out of Canada.
- Original artwork is duty free when shipping into the U.S.A.
- Please be aware of brokerage processing fees that will be charged to the receiver by a brokerage company in the U.S.A.
For all shipments outside the continental Canada and USA please request a quote on our toll free number 1-844-598-2184.
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Art Dimensions & Sizes
All dimensions on our website are listed in inches. For consistency, all paintings’ dimensions on the website are listed as unframed. Please contact for framing information.
Layaway and Leasing
The Avenue Gallery offers two methods of payment plans:
No interest Layaway Payment Plan:
- A 25% deposit is required; with a second 25% payment within thirty (30) days. Upon payment of 50% of the total, the remaining balance to be paid in monthly installments, which may be extended over 6 to 12 months.
- No interest is charged
- Please note a 10% cancellation policy on all cancelled layaways
Art Lease Canada – Lease to Own:
- Budget an affordable amount each month to acquire art
- Length of term can be up to 5 years
- You are buying not renting the art
- You can lease 100% of the purchase price
- If you own a business, leases that qualify as valid business expenses are fully tax deductible.
Design Trade Program
The Avenue Gallery’s exclusive trade program offers design professionals a 10% incentive on purchases for their clients and projects. If you are a designer, architect or builder we would love to collaborate with you!
Our collection features distinguished contemporary and classic art including paintings, sculpture, glass and ceramics by both established and emerging Canadian artists. We work closely with our artists and can also arrange to commission a custom work of art for a specific environment.
Whether you are outfitting a restaurant, hotel or putting the finishing touches on a corporate or residential project, The Avenue Gallery has pieces that will enhance any project and fit every budget. We are a valuable resource for all professionals in the industry seeking to offer their clients carefully chosen works of art that express individuality and are tailored to their environment.
To support you, our experienced staff are here to assist with art selection, presentations and quotations. We look forward to working with you!
Artist Submission Policy
Submission Guidelines
The Avenue Gallery proudly represents over 60 Canadian artists and is dedicated to making art accessible to everyone. We showcase paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass and jewellery in a variety of styles, mediums and subject matter, at all price levels. As one of Canada’s most diverse galleries, we are always interested in hearing from new artists. Whether you are established or emerging, we would love to see your art!
The Avenue Gallery accepts submissions by email only. To ensure that our clients receive dedicated time and attention, we are unable to make appointments or view portfolios spontaneously during gallery hours. Please note that we do not review submissions sent via Instagram, Facebook, or other social media platforms; all submissions must be emailed.
Please choose one of the following options to submit your work:
1. Email a Letter of Introduction and a link to your website to info@theavenuegallery.com. Ensure that all required information about yourself and your work is available on your website.
2. Email to info@theavenuegallery.com and include the following information:
- A Letter of Introduction
- A professional, engaging Biography and Artist’s Statement
- A minimum of 10 digital images of recent, available work (within the last 6-12 months) submitted as JPEG files. Include a list of titles, mediums, sizes and selling prices for all images.
Please do not call the gallery regarding your submission. If you have additional questions, email info@theavenuegallery.com.
How to hang your painting
Canvas paintings are easy to care for and, with proper attention, can remain vibrant and beautiful for many years. Follow these simple steps to help keep your artwork in excellent condition:
1. Choosing the right location:
Paints are made from a range of pigments, some of which are natural and can be sensitive to environmental changes. To preserve your painting:
- Avoid hanging it above radiators, fireplaces, or other heat sources.
- Keep it away from areas with high humidity or drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Try not to hang it on walls that receive direct sunlight, as UV exposure can cause fading over time.
A stable, temperate environment with indirect light is ideal.
2. Handling your artwork:
Minimize direct contact with the surface of your painting. Even clean hands carry natural oils that can damage the paint over time.
When moving or placing your canvas:
- Handle it with clean, dry hands, preferably by the edges or frame.
- Always place the painting on a flat, stable surface.
- Ensure there is nothing behind the canvas that could press into or damage it.
Cleaning Oil or Acrylic Paintings
To gently clean an oil or acrylic painting on canvas, use a soft white cotton cloth lightly dampened with mild soapy water. An olive oil–based soap is often most effective. Avoid applying excessive pressure, particularly on areas with thick impasto, as raised paint can be fragile. For textured or detailed sections, cotton swabs can be used with care.
If the surface remains discoloured, it is best to consult a professional art restorer. They have access to specialized cleaning agents and can retouch areas where pigment has faded. Removing accumulated residue, such as smoke from fireplaces or cigarettes, can significantly restore a painting’s original vibrancy. If any paint is flaking, professional restoration is essential.
If the canvas becomes loose on its stretcher, it may be re-tensioned by lightly misting the reverse side with water and allowing it to dry. As canvas is a woven fabric, this method is safe and effective when done carefully.
Caring for Jewellery
Caring for your new hand-made fine silver jewellery is simple: clean safely by immersing in a solution of 2 tbsp. baking soda and 2 cups hot water in an aluminum pie plate (or in a glass dish lined with tin foil), rinse well and then air dry. Ensure that the jewellery is in full contact with the aluminum.
Care of Glass Vessels
Frosted (sandblasted) and oiled vessels
Light marks or smears can usually be removed with a soft cloth. For more persistent marks, Armour All (the car leather product), “Original” version, is recommended. Spray the surface lightly, wipe it on, allow it to dry, then buff with a soft cloth. This treatment is waterproof, making it suitable for vessels used with flowers, and it helps prevent fingerprints while preserving the frosted surface’s soft, luminous glow.
Frosted vessels often develop marks during wrapping and transport. Once placed and treated initially, they require minimal ongoing care. The Armour All coating remains on the surface, offering lasting protection.
Care of all other blown vessels
Most other glass vessels can be cleaned with warm soapy water and left to dry naturally for the best results. Windex may also be used effectively.
Glass is sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Avoid exposing pieces to sudden shifts in temperature, such as moving a bowl directly from the fridge into hot water. Glass vessels are not microwave safe.
Caring for Carved Wood Sculptures
Wooden carved objects require care to insure their preservation. While resilient, they are subject to aging, and excessive dryness can cause checking (cracking).
Direct sunlight should be avoided. When deciding where you are going to place a sculpture, consider how much direct light will hit the object. Try to find a place that is bright but does not have prolonged exposure to direct light.
Applying oil to wooden artifacts: Sunlight and low humidity can make the wood look dry and discoloured. Periodically you should re-apply a finishing oil to your sculpture. You can use boiled linseed oil, but this tends to fade quickly. A linseed-based finishing oil lasts much longer. Danish finishing oil contains linseed as well as resins that seal the surface creating a long lasting rich finish. Ensure that the oil does not contain stain that will affect the colour of the wood.
Using a piece of cloth, apply the oil liberally to the wooden piece. When the piece is still wet with oil (do not wait for it to dry) take a clean, soft, lint-free cloth (an old t-shirt works well) and wipe off all the excess oil. Be careful to get all the undercuts. Any oil left on the surface will dry shiny and tacky, so pay close attention to wiping it off. After the first wiping, oil may continue to seep out of the wood to the surface. Repeat the wiping every 15 minutes until the oil stops seeping.
Caring for Soapstone Sculptures
To keep your soapstone sculpture looking its best, start by gently wiping the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dust. Be sure to support the sculpture as you handle it. If a deeper clean is needed, mix a few drops of mild, plant-based liquid soap with water, then dampen a cloth with the solution and gently wipe the surface. Rinse the cloth with clean water and go over the sculpture again to remove any soap residue, then allow it to air dry completely.
To restore the sculpture’s natural sheen, apply a few drops of mineral oil to a clean cloth and gently rub it over the entire surface. Add more oil as needed, and once the piece is evenly coated, wipe away any excess with a dry cloth. Let it dry fully before handling or displaying.