JJ Studio

Throughout his education at the Ontario College of Art and Design and a three-year residency at Harbourfront Centre’s Craft & Design studio, metal smith and jewellery designer Jay Joo encountered several talented artists who struggled to get ahead in their careers. “Everyone knows a starving artist,” Jay says with a laugh. “No matter how good you are, if you’re not putting out your work, you’re not going to make any sales, which means you’re not making a living.”

So once his Harbourfront residency was completed in May 2015, Jay set out to create a space where struggling artists could showcase their work without the limitations of a typical art gallery - namely, expensive rental costs and a competitive selection process. “Other galleries have restrictions and more rules, but I want to have more freedom," says Jay. "I want to be more open to artists and the public too.”