Best of Boston

2006 Best Art Gallery

Bernard Toale Gallery

Veteran art dealer Bernard Toale, formerly based in the Back Bay, relocated to Harrison Avenue back when SoWa was just a gleam in ambitious real estate agents eyes. Today he stands as one of the pioneers of the neighborhood’s thriving arts scene. The works on display at his upscale gallery are so edgy you could shave with them. Two spare, bright white showrooms host a merry-go-round of psychedelic paintings, urban photography, graphic prints, abstract sculptures, and mixed media displays; featured artists range from international stars like Laura McPhee to rising Massachusetts talents such as Sandy Litchfield.

450 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-482-2477,