HAMILTON, ON.- The Art Gallery of Hamilton will unveil a storefront dedicated to design and incorporating retail, event and performance space on the ground floor of 118 James Street North in Spring 2012. The generously-sized space is located in a 20th-century commercial building and features exposed brick, hardwood floors, a pressed tin ceiling and large windows.

“We were approached by the owners of 118 James Street North to partner as tenants on the ground floor of this revitalized building. We were impressed by their commitment to downtown and to maintaining the integrity of the building,” says AGH President and CEO Louise Dompierre. “The unique space offered the Art Gallery of Hamilton the opportunity to expand its retail and Art Rental and Sales operations, to develop a memorable event venue, and to host various Gallery performances, screenings and other activities.”

The building – owned by partners Doug Mckerlie, Bill Curran and Tim Potocic – currently houses an architecture firm, a marketing company, and animation studios.

"The partners in 118 James Street North are thrilled to be working with the AGH and we welcome them to the neighbourhood. We believe the AGH will experience huge success on all levels being located in the James Street North community. As an arts community member I'm personally very excited about the partnership and believe it to be a game changing development for James Street North."

Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the third largest public art gallery in the province, and owns one of the finest collections of art in Canada. For over 50 years, the Gallery has also been active in retail operations, including renting and selling works of art by local and regional artists.