Unfortunately, a fairly common side effect of being Canadian is the tendency to suffer from a kind of copycat syndrome. Not in the murdering all the kids in your kindergarten class kind of way but in the skinny jeans, Neapolitan pizza, mixology kind of way. In other words, in most industries (fashion, food, etc), Canadians tend to be followers not leaders.

But when it comes to the art world, Canada, I am proud to say, has its modern pioneers – think Guy Maddin, Marcel Dzama, Michael Snow. And though the name Ryan Ringer might not ring a bell, the curator of Project 165 is a bit of an innovator himself.

For his second year in a row, along with his collaborative avant-garde art arena, Methinks, Ringer has put together a Holiday PopUp Art Shop in Kensington Market that belies any claims that the Holt Renfrew Popup is the first of its kind in the city.

Rather than peddling overpriced denim and oversized sunglasses, the Holiday PopUp Art Shop is a charming dealer of handmade curiosities and glittering anomalies. And though the gifts range in price from $20 - $200, which is a good deal, the real steal is simply a visit to the shop; truly a free trip into the warmer side of the surreal.

Decked out like an eccentric collector's living room at Christmas, the empty gallery space is transformed. Delicate paintings and handmade dolls line the store's faux brick walls and peak through the window cutouts; an obscenely large cardboard stocking hangs on a two-dimensional fireplace, while brightly coloured collectibles, felt whatnots and tiny prints burst out the top. Stealthily make your way behind the "fireplace" and find yourself in the secret party room, jammed with performing elves, haggling shopkeepers, live music and of course hot chocolate.

If nothing else, the Holiday PopUp Art Shop offers an entirely new kind of Christmas spirit which – to any proud Canadian – is a perfect gift. – Erin Hershberg

Holiday PopUp Art Shop, 165 Augusta
Toronto, ON
Dec. 10 – Dec. 31 (closed December 24, 25)
Daily 6:00pm – 11:00pm