Nicole and David recently bought their dream home, a stunning modern design in Toronto. Nicole started dreaming of how she could fill her new space with beautiful art.
She spotted Cloud Gallery online and connected with gallery owners, Mark and Blake Fletcher. “At that point, we got on a call and learned about her space, her favourite artists, and her sizing preferences,” Blake says. “We like to start by asking our clients a lot of questions so that we can understand their specific needs with the goal of finding the perfect piece.”
Nicole drove up to the gallery for a personal tour and fell in love with the work of one particular artist. Mark and Blake were able to bring multiple pieces from that artist to her home in the city for an in-home art show. “Helping Nicole see the paintings in her space made a big difference,” Blake explained. “She ended up buying two pieces that elevated her space and made it her own.”
“People spend a lot of money on new homes and renovations but choosing the right piece of art can transform a home or cottage,” Mark says. “Art can bring new energy and beauty like nothing else can.”
The father and son team started the gallery in the middle of the pandemic, and they’ve had all kinds of buzz about what they’re doing. The gallery has been featured in major media outlets like the Globe and Mail and Vanity Fair. The pair’s mutual appreciation for art and business drew them to work together and the outcome of that pairing has been the creation of cottage country’s regional art gallery.
“We have curated a collection that captures the diverse spirit of Ontario,” says Mark. “We’re very deliberate in how we select who we work with. We have selected Ontario’s best artists who celebrate the beauty around us.”
The destination gallery rotates 100 paintings from Ontario artists in its 10,000 sq. ft. heritage space in downtown Orillia. Their collection spans over 250 pieces of art at any given time. Blake says “We have developed an online experience that compliments the in-person visit. People can browse our site online by artist, region, size, and colour.”
Mark and Blake work hard to make sure the art selection experience is as easy for the buyer as possible. The gallery offers commissions, payment plans, fast shipping, and even gift cards.
“We pride ourselves on giving our clients customer service that’s beyond their expectations,” Blake says. “If you’re simply looking for another piece to add to your collection, or you have a special space where a statement piece is needed, we’re here to help.”
TEXT KARI KLASSEN | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
