Toronto will be welcoming a new contemporary gallery this coming Wednesday evening. With its debut public reception, Daniel Faria Gallery will open its doors for the very first time on the evening of October 5, 2011, with a group show featuring three internationally-exhibiting Canadian female artists. Titled Saint Helen, the show will include new works by Kristine Moran, Shannon Bool, and Elizabeth McIntosh.

Though new galleries open in this city all the time, few are received with such excited anticipation. Gallery owner Daniel Faria has been an active and admired fixture in the art scene in this city for more than a decade. Holding a Masters degree in Art History from York University and having sat on the board of directors of the important artist-run non-profit space Mercer Union, Faria was the face of Monte Clark Gallery's Toronto outpost for nearly ten years (the gallery was renamed Clark & Faria in 2009 until his departure earlier this year). In addition to his directing work at Clark & Faria, he established a respected name for himself as an independent curator, consultant and critic. On top of all of these accolades, however, Faria is best known for being a great guy; he is always happy, energetic, hyper-knowledgeable, approachable, and generous with his time. Obviously one of the favorite insiders of the local art community, Faria's daring leap of faith is being cheered on by everyone who knows him, including The Ministry.