From Vision to Legacy: How the Ottawa School of Art’s Outreach Program Began

When long-time Ottawa School of Art (OSA) student Judith Miller first approached Executive Director Jeff Stellick with an idea to bring art to youth at risk, neither could have imagined how far that spark would travel.

“I wanted to share the joy of art I experienced as a student at the OSA with others,” Judith recalls. “So I met with Jeff to propose an outreach program that would make art accessible to those who needed it most.”

At the time, there was no roadmap — only a shared belief that art could change lives. Jeff agreed to give the idea a try. Judith provided seed funding and established an endowment fund for OSA through the Ottawa Community Foundation, in honour of her parents: the Frances and Benjamin Miller Fund, which continues to support OSA Outreach to this day.

The Early Days

The Outreach Program began modestly — with bursaries, free art supplies, and transportation to make it possible for youth at risk to attend classes at the school.

But soon, something shifted. Instead of waiting for students to come to the Ottawa School of Art campuses, instructors began going out into the community, bringing creativity directly to community centres, youth programs, and local organizations.

Over time, these partnerships flourished. Community partners began approaching OSA, eager to collaborate on creative programs that responded to their own community’s needs and cultures.

Growing Together

Today, the OSA Outreach Program continues to thrive with programs that reach hundreds of participants each year.

Current community partners include:

• Christie Lake Kids

• Carlington CHC

• CNIB

• John Howard Society

• Rideau-Rockliffe CRC

• Rochester Heights CH

• Operation Come Home

• Options Bytown

• Minwaashin Lodge

• Sandy Hill CHC

• Tukimuut Lodge

• Winthrop Court CH

The program has also evolved to include special measures for neurodiverse participants, including those with ADHD, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all. Each partnership is a collaboration — adapting teaching methods and incorporating cultural elements to make art meaningful in every context.

To date, over 6,000 young people have participated in OSA Outreach programs.

A Dream Realized

Judith knew the program was working when she attended her first Outreach Art Exhibition at the Ottawa School of Art's J.W. Stellick Gallery.

“A number of the artists at the show had gained skills and confidence with Outreach teachers in their neighbourhoods,” she says, “and then taken classes at the OSA with the help of Outreach scholarships. The show was a dream realized for those displaying — and for me.”

These exhibitions now take place bi-annually, celebrating creativity born from opportunity and community connection.

A Lasting Legacy

“I am excited to have launched this initiative and to have provided continuing support throughout the grassroots community growth of the Outreach Program,” Judith reflects. “I thank the OSA for taking a risk and providing this opportunity to help so many. I cannot wait to see how the Outreach Program continues to evolve to bring art to youth at risk.”

Her vision continues to shape the heart of OSA today — empowering children, teens, and adults across Ottawa through creativity, confidence, and connection.

Support the Future of OSA Outreach

Thanks to Judith’s generosity, the Outreach Program has grown into one of Ottawa’s most meaningful community art initiatives — but the work is far from over.

Every donation to the Frances and Benjamin Miller Fund or directly to Ottawa School of Art's Outreach Program helps sustain this vital programming — providing free art supplies and instruction to those who need it most.