This is the best time to go visit the galleries. Why? Because it's finally winter outside and when it's cold in Canada, one heads indoors.

The Gladstone Hotel is an actual hotel, but a unique one at that; it's a four-storey building that incorporates artist exhibitions and artwork throughout the space - and I don't mean just the lobby and hallways. There are 37 artist-designed rooms that range from $175.00/night for a standard, up to $475.00/night for a suite. Woosh, not cheap, especially since the rooms are tiny!

A little game I play in galleries: 'My Name' - how I would entitle the artwork.

My favourite has to be The Floral Studios Room. (My name: The Jungle Love Room). Though technically it's not a hotel room as the designer hadn't set-up a bed yet; he just filled the room with luscious orchids - my favourite flower - it's heaven when you first walk in, you feel a slight increase in humidity, and the smell - refreshingly green - if you've ever walked into an arboretum or a conservatory, you'll know what I mean...


Here is The Postcard Room. (My name: The Wonky Plexiglass Hope To God It Doesn't Fall On My Head In The Middle Of The Night Room). I do like the way the plexiglass is cut - imitates layers which gives it depth. And great colour too!



The Billio Room. (My name: G's Room).
Fittingly the wardrobe is elevated by books; the G I'm thinking of is 6'3" and loves books. Aww gee, I wonder who I could be referring to?


A peacock light fixture in The Model Citizen Room. (My name: The Strut Your Stuff You Cock Room... well because of all the peacocks). Hmph. Model Citizen, schmodel schnitizen. I like my name better.





A corner wall in The Star Gazer Room. (My name: The Memory Game Room). Try to match up the shapes!


A naked woman in the shower - oh wait, no it's not. It's just an outline of one; it's on the sliding divider (used to hide the shower stall) in the bathroom of The Blue Line Room. (My name: The PSI Room...Perverted Scene Investigation). Also because there's another outline of an outstretched female on the comforter as well.


A funky light fixture in The Felt Room. (My name: The Mesmerizing Room). To be honest, I really don't recall too much of the room except for this light. The fixture would slowly spin and cast patterns of light on the wall. I was just mesmerized.


The Faux Naturelle Room. (My name: The Colourful Toupee Room). Holy crap! It's by Allyson! - a girl I knew back in university; she used to be my friend Lisa's roommate. Her bio says that she's still in university, teaching and completing her PhD - funny how small this city of 4.5 million is.

A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.