OUR TEAM
It is very important to be able to trust the professionals with your heirlooms, therefore, a general knowledge of the conservators involved, and their background is necessary. Whether you choose our establishment or another studio to perform the art conservation work on your paintings or objects, it is imperative to know the qualifications of the people who will be working on your works of art.
KOSTAS XENARIOS
Co-Founder, Art Conservator
Kostas Xenarios studied art conservation at the studio of the Athenian Technological Institute, under his Italian educated professor Stavros Baltoyannis with emphasis on the preservation of artwork. Kostas’ schooling was in art conservation, yet his preference lies within conservation of paintings regardless of their medium. From 1969 to 1974 he worked for the Greek Ministry of Culture on the Island of Crete, restoring Byzantine frescos and icons in monasteries and churches. In 1974 he immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he has been living and practicing his talent in art conservation ever since. He has worked for several galleries and public institutions, including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Historical Board. Kostas is an active member of the Toronto Area Conservators Group and also the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property as well as the American Institution for Conservation, to name a few. After many years of independent conservation, Kostas decided to take it a step further when opening his own art conservation gallery and has been successfully restoring paintings for the most notable museums in Toronto as well as the independent client ever since.
HELEN CHIALTAS
Co-Founder, Art Conservator
Helen Chialtas is Toronto born and educated. She studied Art at the University of Waterloo, graduated from the University of Toronto and received a BA Honours in Art History with the intention of pursuing a career in art conservation and curatorial studies. She apprenticed with Kostas Xenarios since 1997 as an art conservator of paintings and objects. Helen connected with her then employer and decided to open XC Art Restoration together. She is the Gallery Director, the Framing Designer who specializes in the preservation of artwork in their framing environment, as well as the Public Relations Representative. Over the years, Helen has also apprenticed and worked actively with conservators specializing in works on paper and continues to do so today. In addition to her meticulous approach to restoration, conservation grade framing, and her Art History degree, her research abilities are an asset to the company in the evaluation of artwork.
HELEN FRANGOS
Art Conservator
Helen Frangos graduated from Ryerson University with a degree in Theatre Arts. After her graduation she moved to Athens Greece where she was introduced to art conservation and took a particular interest in sculptures. Upon her return to Canada she first apprenticed with XC Art Restoration as an object conservator and her love for the craft, as well as her enthusiasm for restoration, certified her complimentary fit with the company. Helen specializes in the conservation and restoration of figurines and aboriginal sculptures. She has been with the company for over 15 years and continues to grow with every project. Helen’s attitude and excellence are reflected in the quality of her work. Each job, however small, receives the same attention and care.
ADDRESS
270 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V7
PHONE
