The Ottawa School of Art (OSA) is once again opening its doors to celebrate the creative spirit that defines our community. We’re inviting local artists, students, and OSA members to participate in our 41st Annual Holiday Fundraising Art Sale, taking place November 27 to December 14, 2025, at our ByWard Market Campus in downtown Ottawa.
This annual event has become a beloved holiday tradition — one that not only fills our gallery with colour, texture, and life, but also helps support arts education for people across the region. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your art displayed and purchased by local collectors, now’s your chance.
Submission Criteria
The Holiday Fundraising Art Sale is open to all active members in good standing with the Ottawa School of Art. This year, the OSA will host a Holiday Fundraising Art Sale at the ByWard Campus only.
Dates to Remember
Submissions will be accepted in-person at the ByWard Market Campus Lobby (35 George Street, Ottawa, ON).
Submission Dates
OSA ByWard Market Campus Lobby:
Friday, November 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Installation dates:
Tuesday November 25 to Wednesday November 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Opening Reception:
Thursday, November 27, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Exhibition and Sale:
November 27 – December 14, 2025
Pick-Up Dates:
Monday December 15, 2025: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 16, 2025: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Submission Fees and Requirements:
All participants are required to pay a $10.00 non-refundable submission fee, (cash only), paid upon submission.
All participants must commit a minimum of three hours, volunteer time for gallery sitting.
The Gallery Sitter provides security for the artworks and offers help with purchases. Please see gallery sitter’s information sheet that will be provided in the gallery.
Why Participate in the OSA Holiday Sale?
1. Gain Exposure in Ottawa’s Art Scene
The exhibition is held in the heart of the ByWard Market, one of Ottawa’s most visited neighbourhoods. With hundreds of daily visitors and wide local media coverage, the sale offers unparalleled exposure for your work.
2. Connect with Collectors and Creatives
This isn’t just a sale — it’s a celebration of Ottawa’s creative community. Many participating artists build relationships with collectors, instructors, and other creators that last well beyond the exhibition.
3. Support Local Arts Education
OSA's proceeds directly benefit our Bursary Program, helping students of all ages and backgrounds access visual arts education in Ottawa. Every artwork sold helps someone else begin their creative journey.
Submission Guidelines
All framed and unframed artworks, (canvases included), must be properly wired and ready for installation, upon submission. Artists must make sure their framework is stable, secure, and presentable. Poorly framed and / or poorly presented artworks will not be accepted for the sale. OSA reserves the right to refuse unsuitable or distasteful artworks.
All artworks must be signed by the artist and must be submitted with a business card, clearly visible and securely attached to the back of each artwork that includes the artist’s name, email address, website address and social media links, (if applicable). A brief artist biography and artist statement printed on a small card format, including the above information is accepted. Artists are also encouraged to securely fix a “Certificate of Authenticity” to the back of each 2D artwork. (Biographies or certificates of authenticity submitted separately from artworks will not be accepted.)
Guideline for wall installed artworks: Each artist may submit up to 3 artworks. The combined dimensions of the submitted artworks must fit within a 30” x 30” space. Artists will be notified to bring in replacement pieces as their artworks are sold.
A limited number of pedestals are available for three-dimensional artworks. If any
artworks have special installation requirements, (i.e.: hanging from the ceiling), the
artist is required to assist during the gallery installation.
Persons submitting jewelry or smaller artworks must provide their own secure display, a small table, and be available to set their work up on the day of the gallery installation.
The maximum price per artwork shall not exceed $500.00.
All artworks submitted must be for sale. Replacement artworks must also be for sale and close to the same measurements as the sold artwork.
PLEASE PRINT LABEL INFORMATION CLEARLY!
Label information: Artist name, Title of artwork, Medium, size, year completed, and Price, must be printed clearly on the submission form and provided, clearly and securely, on the back of each artwork. Artists will not be contacted for label clarification. The information provided will be transferred to the final label for the sale.
OSA Requirements
All artworks sold will result in a 35% commission for the OSA and a 65% commission to the Artist. Cheques for all work sold during the sale shall be processed within the first two weeks of OSA reopening in January 2026.
All unsold works must be picked up on the following dates:
Monday December 15, 2025: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 16, 2025: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Artists must bring their own packaging materials when picking up their works. If an artist is unable to pick up their unsold work(s) at the above dates and times, arrangements must be made to have someone collect them during the above dates and times. OSA cannot store artworks over the holidays. Unclaimed artworks may incur storage fees.
About the Ottawa School of Art
Located in Ottawa’s vibrant ByWard Market, the Ottawa School of Art has been a cornerstone of the city’s arts community for over 140 years. OSA offers courses, workshops, and diploma programs for artists at every stage of their journey — from beginners discovering a new passion to professionals refining their craft.
The Holiday Fundraising Art Sale is a fantastic opportunity for local artists to engage with the Ottawa visual arts community.
How to Apply
Download the submission form below and review the full criteria listed in this article.
Prepare your artworks according to the submission guidelines.
Bring your completed form, submission fee, and artwork to the ByWard Market Campus on the designated dates.
For more information, please contact:
ByWard Market Campus: Cathy Brake, 613-241-7471 ext. 27 or boutique@artottawa.ca