"What does a bank, pool hall, & barber shop all have in common?"

Unusual as it may seem, the building in which our gallery is located once housed all the above businesses, at one time or another, and to some extent still does.

Purchased by my grandfather, the late Frederick Whalen in the late 1920s, the building started out as a harness shop in the late 1800s, then housed the Bank of Toronto until around the turn of the century, and eventually wound up as the location for my grandfathers barber shop and pool hall. The history of the building closely parallels that of my family, for after my grandfather moved onto another business, the barber shop & pool hall was taken over by my parents, Rendal & Dorothy Whalen, in 1948.

In the late 1980’s, after selling my work at various shows and through several galleries, we decided that maybe the store may serve as a good location for a retail gallery for my artwork. After a few years of business, and some renovations, the building has become the main location at which my paintings are available.

After reworking of the store's interior, the gallery also offers a complete line of custom framing. Clients can select the frame they desire for one of my paintings or prints or they can also bring in artwork of their own to have framed. Suggestions and advice on the best way to frame that family heirloom or child’s masterpiece are always available.

The combination of art and custom framing, amongst articles from the past, creates a unique atmosphere in which to shop, browse, and purchase art.

 And yes, the bank vault, original pool tables, and barber chair are all still here; just as they were years ago. Drop in for a visit and see for yourself!

The gallery is located just east of the four corners in the village of Keene about twenty minutes south of the Peterborough, ON Canada.

For more information contact us at: info@whalenfineart.ca