Galerie Klimantiris was founded in 1978 under the name Maison d'Art St-Laurent. Twenty-five years later, it has become more than a gallery. It is a true institution. Chris and Vivian Klimantiris used their patience, taste, insight, perseverance and devotion to create a center of artistic culture with an enviable reputation. They are now assisted by their sons Costa, who studied Art History at Concordia University, and Alex, who is a truly talented artist himself.

The gallery, located at 742 Decarie Blvd, in Montreal, is solidly built and covers a total surface area of ten thousand square feet. It has three enormous floors and a pleasant distinguished atmosphere, with harmoniously laid out airy rooms leading remarkably well to the walls of the exhibition. The ground floor is usually reserved for a succession of vernissages. The top and bottom floors serve to display the hundreds of works created by the artists who represent this house.

It was in 1967, right after Chris had graduated in Fine Arts in Athens, that he began working at the Greek pavilion of Montreal's World's Fair, Expo 67. He was intrigued by Canada and he set himself up here as an independent art agent. The rest is history.

His wife, Vivian is the gallery's director. She is the organizing spirit behind the complicated network essential to this type of endeavor. She is also the driving force behind the names and works Chris chooses during his four or five annual scouting trips across Canada, the United States and Europe.

What sets Galerie Klimantiris apart is that it is as willing to make space for local and national masters as well as for new Canadian or foreign painters and sculptors. The alphabetical list of names in the presentation leaflets attests to that fact: the gallery's inalterable guiding criteria when selecting an artist are talent and the work's capacity to attract an audience. If the work of a particular artist is eye-catching, whether the artist is still living or not, Canadian or foreign, the gallery will give his/her work a chance. The gallery offers an eclectic selection with pieces to suit many tastes. The enthusiastic art lover will benefit from the wealth of talent, the interplay of colours, the differences in the ways things are arranged, such as the different influences: hyperrealist works placed near post-impressionist ones or the totally unique styles of international luminaries such as Tobiasse or Riopelle.

The gallery's ever-growing recognition, demonstrates the wisdom of its owners' choices and actions. One cannot ignore the effect of the owners' warm greetings, their friendly presence, total availability and the touch of humanity that can only lead to ongoing success.

Claude Sauvage
Author and art critic