Ottawa School of Art

The Ottawa School of Art is the largest alternative art school in Canada and has developed a unique mentorship program. Credit courses offered at the OSA provide pre-professional fine arts training in strong, well-designed programs. The OSA understands crafts to be of a contemporary nature ensuring the highest standard of workmanship and of individual design quality.

The new Fine Crafts Certificate Program builds on the model of a traditional mentorship in offering training in the study of specific craft disciplines such as ceramics, woodworking, blacksmithing and textile arts. Students in the mentorship program study in the studio and at the side of a master craft artist assisting in the morning and being guided in their own projects of work in the afternoon. Drawing from a rich tradition, students secure the ability to translate the principles of design and workmanship into a viable and professionally finished product. Giving expression to a range of experiences, students leave the program with confidence and the imagination to pursue additional possibilities for the future.

In addition, support courses in this program are provided at the school. With small class sizes, students pursue their studies of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design and the History of Crafts, providing knowledge of the craft legacy they are inheriting. A Business of Crafts course is also mandatory.

Students have the advantage of the school’s excellent location in the heart of Ottawa’s cultural district. Situated in the lively bustle of the ByWard Market, the OSA is just steps away from the National Gallery of Canada, the National Arts Center, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and a wide selection of private art galleries.
 

2.What will this certificate give me?

The Ottawa School of Art offers a unique program of intensive, hands-on, well-structured training. OSA students have the potential to gain a deeper understanding of their own ideas and practice and to gain greater awareness of how to develop skills in the pursuit of a career as a maker of fine and contemporary crafts.

Studying in a small, specialized fine crafts area, students learn a visual expression based on their own concerns and experiences. In addition to their studio work, students follow courses at the school that engage their imaginations through a broadening of their specialized knowledge. The course work to be followed is based on the student’s previous experience and needs.

3. What does the OSA look for in an applicant?

Students at OSA are creative spirits. We want to make sure that every student has a good chance of being successful so we look at ways that, as a prospective student, you might be a good match with one of our programs.

In the selection process we are looking for students with a passionate interest in crafts as a vehicle of artistic expression. We understand the Fine and Contemporary Crafts, as not reproducing or restoring what has come before but rather, as an innovative and critical investigation in the use of materials in pursuit of a personal aesthetic vision.
 

4. Will I need a portfolio for entry into this program?

5. What should I include in my portfolio?

Your entry portfolio should consist of ten to fifteen images of your best and most recent craft/art work. Your portfolio should include a variety of tools, media, styles, and approaches. If possible, we prefer that the majority of drawings submitted in the portfolio be derived from direct observation rather than other sources (such as photographs). In addition, your entry portfolio should consist of a proposal of work that outlines the discipline of your choice (woodworking, textiles, ceramics, blacksmithing, etc), the techniques and materials you want to pursue and the relevance of this program to you and to your creative development. For more information, visit the Making a Formal Application section here.

6. What kind of financial aid is available?

OSA is a registered charitable organization and an alternative art school. As such, we have no funding from outside sources. At this time, we cannot offer bursaries or financial aid to our students. Scholarships and awards are available to students already enrolled in an OSA program. Information on these scholarship awards is available here.

The OSA offers a financial payment plan, the details of which will be explained as part of the interview process.
 

7. Do students have exhibition opportunities?

Yes, students have opportunities to show their works, in the OSA Boutiques and the annual Holiday Art Sales at both the Main Campus (35 George St.) and Orleans Campus (245 Centrum Blvd., Shenkman Arts Centre) and in off-site venues.
 

8. How does OSA compare with other schools?

Students who do well at the Ottawa School of Art are ones who enjoy a challenging studio environment. We suggest that you visit us in person and compare for yourself.

9. What are the academic requirements for admission?

Entrance into the Fine Crafts Certificate Program is based upon the student’s interview. Although official transcripts are required, academic transcripts are not a deciding factor for admission. However, advanced standing or transfer credits might be obtained from an outstanding portfolio or from successfully completed course work at a university or another institution.

Each of the disciplines has specific requirements, for some no specific training is required. Your life experience counts when it has been expressed as part of your portfolio work. The OSA may waive students from certain studio requirements based on the strength of the portfolio.
 

10. Can I study part-time?

Yes, you can study part-time through special arrangement with the Diploma Program coordinator.
 

11. Does OSA supply materials?

Your mentor and studio instructor will provide a detailed materials list. A variety of art supplies can be purchased through the OSA store located on the ground floor of the school. Store hours vary with the hours of the front desk. Course supply lists from each mentor and instructor are available at the front desk.
 

12. What are the smoking regulations?

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Ottawa School of Art by order of City of Ottawa Bylaw 144-79. 


 

13. Does OSA supply transportation to the mentor’s studio?

No, each student is responsible for his/her own transportation.
 

14. How can I ask other questions that I may have?

Please contact us at 613.241.7471 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Check out the News & Events and Galleries sections of the OSA website regularly for information about current events at the school. Mark important dates in your agenda, for example: portfolio reviews, scholarship information days and vernissage dates.

Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr
@ArtOttawa