When Hedi Nowak first arrived in Canada from Germany, she brought with her a deep appreciation for art and a vision to create a welcoming space for both artists and the Milton community. She received the Milton Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, and in July 2025, The Gallery Upstairs will celebrate 49 years in business in Milton.
“My philosophy is art in all forms,” Hedi explains, a mantra that has guided her nearly five-decade journey as a champion of local creativity and connection.
It all began in 1976, when she transformed the historic Harrop House—an old stone home on Steeles Avenue—into the Harrop Restaurant, one of the region’s earliest fine dining spots that included a vibrant art gallery.
There she showcased her brother’s photography—which included photos of the Queen Mother and the Pope—and welcomed artists and food lovers alike to mingle, share stories, and find inspiration.
The Harrop House quickly became a beloved gathering place, where guests lingered over coffee and dessert in the back room, surrounded by art and laughter.
By 1979, the upstairs of Harrop House was dedicated entirely to art, making it one of the few venues in Ontario to combine an elegant meal with a full-scale gallery. And for a time, The Gallery Upstairs was even one of the largest art galleries in Ontario.
Over the years, Hedi’s art space became a launchpad for notable artists, including Trisha Romance and Robert Bateman, who exhibited their early works and remained close collaborators. “Robert Bateman has always been one of my main artists, and he’s visited my gallery about 30 times,” Hedi notes.
After 21 years running the restaurant, and 38 years at Harrop House, Hedi made the decision to relocate The Gallery Upstairs to its current home at Mill and Bronte in Milton. The new space continues her tradition of blending art with hospitality.
The house is filled with paintings and prints from local and international artists, and includes a busting gallery and gift shop. But the art doesn’t stop there; the gardens outside are adorned with whimsical sculptures, from Buddhas to rabbits, elaborate garden benches, and more–each piece curated with Hedi’s eye for beauty and functionality.
Her commitment to variety and accessibility is what sets Hedi apart. Her collection spans from impressionistic works by Tina Newlove to high realism by Robert Bateman, feather paintings by local artist Betty Hebert, and beyond.
“If they put love and art into it, I like to showcase it.”
Hedi also stocks locally made chocolate, coffee, Moose River Preserves‘ jams and sauces, Milton’s own LumberHeads Food Co.‘s popcorn, and Martin’s Sweet Farm honey and maple syrup. Believing that art isn’t limited to pictures or sculptures, but can be represented through other mediums, such as beautiful artistic food.
She also ensures that art is available to everyone and has pieces that begin from just $25. But if there is something pricier that you have your eye on, she’s happy to offer a payment plan. “If there’s something you want, I’m happy to wheel and deal and make it fit into your budget.”
Custom framing is another specialty Hedi offers. She even encourages customers to bring photos of their spaces so she can help them visualize and select the perfect piece. “I’m trying to encourage people to put more art on the wall, because when you have an original work of art, you feel the artist’s energy in it and your imagination.”
Despite challenges such as shifting tastes, the rise of minimalism, and the impact of COVID-19, Hedi remains resilient. The pandemic prompted her to embrace the digital world, launching an online shop. Since then, she has embraced a new way to celebrate art and is happy to connect with those who prefer to shop online.
She has also participated in events like the Spring 2025 Art Show at the Holcim Gallery at the First Ontario Art Centre. The show included 62 pictures, from eight different artists, each showcasing original work.
Acknowledging that she must keep up with what the market does and what people want in their homes, she has adapted to include more canvas art and flexible payment plans.
Looking ahead, Hedi hopes to rekindle the sense of community that defined her early days. A beloved friend, who has since passed, made her a sign that she placed above the door that reads, The Gathering Place. “And I think that describes my gallery, [and] me a lot,” Hedi explains.
She dreams of potential partnerships with local restaurants to help bring more people back into the gallery to experience the joy of art in person.
As The Gallery Upstairs approaches almost 50 years as a Milton business, Hedi Nowak remains the heart and soul of Milton’s art scene—a true “matriarch of the art world,” who has known many artists over her incredible career.
Her passion and generosity continue to inspire, “I love selling good humour, laughter, and making people smile. I sell a moment in time. I sell something that adds value to your life.”
You can visit The Gallery Upstairs at 3 Mill Street, or online at thegalleryupstairs.com. You may also connect with her on social media, via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
Discover original art and prints, unique gifts, local artisan foods, and the warmest welcome at The Gallery Upstairs—where the energy is positive and every piece tells a story.
