"If it hadn’t been called the Shayne Gallery thirty-five years ago when my mother Lois Shayne started it, it might have been called the Eclectic Gallery," says Lauren Shayne, the daughter of Lois. By ‘eclectic’ the Shaynes affirm that their Gallery offers a varying selection of artwork to cater to a diverse market. In fact, this has been the by-word of the Gallery since its inception.

When you enter this unique gallery you will be captivated by the wonderful array of paintings and sculptures set among a wide variety of blown glass, ceramics, papier maché products and exquisite artistic costume jewelry.

The Gallery started in 1972 in the Shayne’s Grosvenor Avenue home to support the paintings and masks executed by Jovette Marchessault, whose creative skills have blossomed into an international renown as a playwright and author. The success of the initial venture led to a growing reputation as an artist’s representative, and in 1975 the Gallery moved into its present location. Upon completion of her fine art studies in 1980, Lauren joined the Gallery and shares its co-directorship with her mother.

When asked how a gallery measures its success Lauren Shayne explained, "A key to determining our success is the fact that so many of our clients visit us time and time again and recommend us to their friends. Secondly, we have an amazing number of out-of-towners who visit the gallery. Many are former Montrealers, but there are also many visitors to the city who have heard about us from friends or family. Of course, from our personal point of view we feel that our constant travel to find new and interesting art which we can show makes us the most exciting place to visit because we literally have something for everyone."