Where Art and Generosity Meet
Every Tuesday night in Ottawa, a quiet studio comes alive. Under soft lights, an unclothed model strikes a pose; brushes, pens, and tablets move in sync; and a circle of over fifty artists settles into focused silence. This is The Bottom Line, one of Ottawa’s oldest and most vibrant life-drawing groups — a not-for-profit collective that has been nurturing creativity in the capital for decades.
There are no instructors, no grades, and no pressure. Just artists supporting artists, experimenting, learning, and sharing. But what makes The Bottom Line remarkable isn’t only what happens inside the studio — it’s what happens beyond it.
Each year, the group donates any surplus funds from their sessions to support others on their artistic journeys. Their generosity has directly fuelled the Ottawa School of Art’s Outreach Program, helping bring free, professionally taught art classes to children, youth, adults, and seniors across Ottawa who face economic or social barriers.
Art That Reaches Beyond the Studio
“The art workshops provided by the Ottawa School of Art have become a cornerstone of our activities… fostering creativity, self-expression, and artistic development in a safe and supportive environment for at-risk children and youth.”— Edanur Songur, Program Officer, Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre
Through this partnership, The Bottom Line’s donations transform into art supplies, brushes, and paper that reach into local community centres — places where creativity can spark hope.
For many students in OSA’s Outreach Program, it’s their very first art class. They learn to mix colours, express emotion through line and shape, and see themselves as artists for the first time. Each sketch or painting represents more than a finished work — it’s a step toward confidence, communication, and connection.
And that’s the real magic: artists giving other artists a chance to begin.
Building an Arts Ecosystem in Ottawa
Ottawa’s creative scene thrives on community — small, interconnected circles of makers, educators, and supporters. The Bottom Line’s contribution is a perfect example of how grassroots generosity sustains a city’s cultural heartbeat.
Their support strengthens the Ottawa School of Art’s ability to run inclusive programming citywide — from Vanier to Orléans to the ByWard Market — and ensures that visual art remains accessible to everyone, regardless of age or income.
This is how local art grows: through collaboration, generosity, and a shared belief that creativity belongs to everyone.
About The Bottom Line
Who they are: A not-for-profit group of 50+ Ottawa-area artists meeting weekly for life drawing.
When: Every Tuesday evening.
What they do: No instruction, just practice — painting, sketching, or digital work from a live model.
Atmosphere: Supportive, social, and open to artists of all levels.
More info: Email bottomlinedrawing@gmail.com for session details.
Help Keep Art Accessible in Ottawa
The Bottom Line’s generosity reminds us that art can change lives, not just for those who create it, but for those who receive its impact.
By donating to the Ottawa School of Art’s Outreach Program, you help bring free, professionally taught art classes to children, youth, adults, and seniors who face barriers to creative education.
Your gift supports art supplies, professional instruction, and community workshops — turning creativity into connection.