November 1994
Quality Knitting Factory, 179 John Street, Toronto, Ontario
Artists: Catherine Beaudette, Gerry Collins, Clive D’Oliveira, Maria Gabankova, Doug Stone, Adriana Van Drunen

It was the Isaacs Gallery logo left behind in the window that sparked Posse. 179 John Street was the third and final location of Isaacs Gallery, the trailblazing contemporary art gallery Avrom Isaacs opened in 1956. The Posse artists had come of age visiting the monthly exhibitions at the Yonge Street gallery, just down the road from Carmen Lamanna Gallery. In the late 70’s, early 80’s these galleries were the Toronto Art Scene. The logo remained on the window for the duration of Posse, a loosely formed group that came together in the spirit of this history.

The artists met at the Ontario College of Art, as students and faculty. 179 John Street lies between Queen Street and McCaul en route to OCA(D). The space was inviting with large white walls and track lighting…just as Av Issacs had left it. Mounting a 6 person exhibition in a pre-existing gallery space, turning the lights back on as it were, seemed a logical thing to do. Av Issacs was delighted to have his former gallery reopened and offered to write the Press Release. That ‘historic’ document, signed and hand typed by Av, is a testament to his belief in the vitality of the arts, the ability of artists to survive and the importance of community.

-Catherine Beaudette, 2021