Ottawa School of Art

Although we’ve had a pretty mild winter in Ottawa this year, spring is always a welcome relief to the dark, cold, snowy and slushy months of winter. Maybe it’s the longer, warmer days or maybe it’s the subtle smell of the earth thawing and starting the annual life cycle again. In either case, spring is also a great time to renew your creative energies and interests and it’s an exciting time to be taking classes at the Ottawa School of Art.

The school has great facilities at its campuses downtown and in Orleans in the Shenkman Arts Centre. While the facilities in Orleans are brand new, there has been some substantial renewal at our downtown campus as well. Our cranky elevator has been given another reworking and has been operating without problems for several months. After several long months of banging and clanging, our new central air conditioning system is ready to combat the heat and humidity of the hottest spring and summer days.

Facilities alone don’t define an art school or determine the richness of the visual arts education available at OSA. The cornerstone of our programs at both campuses is the professionalism of our instructors. Our instructors are professional artists who are actively involved in the cultural, artistic and community scenes of the National Capital Region. The cynical old adage that, “Those who can, do and those who can’t, teach”, is contradicted regularly by our instructors, some of whom have made reputations at the national and, even, international level in the art world. So, those who “can”, not only “do”, but they teach as well.

The value of a strong arts education is quite clear and is available for all our students no matter what their age or experience level. Whether you are taking a course out of pure interest and enjoyment, studying a particular area to develop skills for your career or working to become a professional artist, the Ottawa School of Art has courses that will meet your needs. The variety of mediums offered at OSA provide the tools necessary to create, nurture and encourage individual and diverse talent, skills and abilities.

The OSA is one of the oldest fine arts institutions in North America, with a rich history and a future with great potential. As a registered charitable organization, our goal is to provide quality arts education to our students and to people in the greater community. Our programs help people enrich their lives through a greater appreciation of the arts and a stronger understanding of the creative process.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of our student community. Take full advantage of the opportunities that come with studying at OSA; from lectures and workshops to gallery openings and seasonal boutique changeovers, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with your instructors and fellow students outside of the classroom. Have a great term!

Sincerely,

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For course listings at the Ottawa School of Art, Main Campus, use the above menu and click on 'DOWNTOWN - GENERAL INTEREST PROGRAMS'.

You can register by phone or in person at 613.241.7471:
Ottawa School of Art, Main Campus
35 George St. ByWard Market

Monday to Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday
12:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please note that as a not-for-profit organization, the Ottawa School of Art charges an annual family membership fee of $30 (plus tax). The membership entitles you to take classes at the school, take part in members’ exhibitions, sell art work through the school store, rent studio space and facilities. We’ll also give you a membership card that entitles you to discounts at various art supply stores in Ottawa.

À titre d’organisme à but non lucratif, l’École d’art d’Ottawa exige une cotisation annuelle de 30 $ (taxes en sus). L’adhésion vous donne le droit de suivre les cours de l’école, de participer aux expositions des membres, de vendre vos oeuvres dans la boutique de l’école, de louer des studios et des installations. Vous recevez aussi une carte de membre qui vous permet d’obtenir des rabais dans plusieurs magasins de fournitures artistiques d’Ottawa.