The 5 Best Art Schools in Ottawa
Need to cultivate your creativity? Art schools can provide you with the tools and resources you need to develop your skills further.
To help you look for the best art school in Ottawa, we compiled a list of different art schools with their programs and what makes them the best.
How Much Do Art Schools in Ottawa Cost?
Most four-year art degrees come with hefty price tags but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing that degree. There are some schools that offer short-term art classes that may be of interest to you.
In general, we encourage you to call admissions offices or financial aid representatives to explore all your funding options.
The table below summarizes the average fees of art schools in Ottawa.
| Application Fee | $50 – $150 |
| Academic or Activity Fees | $500 – $1000 per semester |
| Art Supplies | $350 – $2000 per semester |
| Tuition | $300 – $500 per course |
| Apprenticeship Study | $300 – $500 per term |
The Best Art Schools in Ottawa
Now that you’re informed about the costs and considerations when applying to an art school, here is our list of the top art schools in Ottawa.
1. Ottawa School of Art
| SERVICES | 3-year Fine Arts Diploma, 1-year Portfolio Certificate, Short Courses, Camps |
| WEBSITE | https://artottawa.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 35 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K2, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 241-7471 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays to Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Fridays to Saturdays: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Sundays: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
Ottawa School of Art (OSA) is one of the top searches for art programs in Ottawa and for good reason. They offer intensive and hands-on training in virtual arts.
If you’re applying for a program, you can expect well-rounded training that can help you develop the skills you would need to pursue a career in drawing, painting with acrylics and watercolour, sculpture, and photography.
OSA also has award-winning program instructors who can teach you techniques and enhance your skills, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
For shorter and more focused classes, they offer art summer camps facilitated and taught by professional artists and teachers. These camps help students focus on exploring different artistic techniques and media such as acrylic painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography and printmaking to name a few.
For students with more experience, they offer courses focused on studio work, as well as courses for an exploration of art history and critical analysis of the student’s own work. These courses encourage students to develop their personal expression and expand their aesthetic awareness.
OSA also ensures that their team of technicians, volunteers, and teachers cultivate a dynamic and stimulating environment for young artists.
Pros
- Award-winning program instructors
- Details of the art programs available on their website
- Offers diploma and portfolio art courses
- Bilingual
Cons
- Limited slots for all classes
- Higher prices
Customer Reviews
A review from Izzy BG says:
“I’ve been taking classes here for three years and I love it! The staff and instructors are extremely nice and helpful! There are multiple different mediums one can learn about here! What I really enjoy is that there are two galleries that are free and an art store open to the public. They have classes for both adults and children so it caters to all! I highly recommend this place!”
Another review from Kristin Horton reads:
“The Ottawa School of art provides the best art class experience in the city. The teaches are knowledgeable and helpful and they provide the best experience possible for their students. The classes are well worth the money that the student pays. The offer a variety of classes for beginners who are just starting to draw and for the more advanced they offer diplomas. They offer a variety of different classes from pottery to painting and drawing. They also have open workshops. My favorite is the jewelry making one. Ottawa School of Art generously donates some of the various charities I volunteer for throughout the city”
2. Kate Green Design
| SERVICES | Classes in Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Watercolour Painting, and Oil Painting |
| WEBSITE | https://www.kategreendesign.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 2946 Donnelly Drive, Ottawa, ON |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 899-6947 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open 24/7 |
Kate Green is a renowned artist, art instructor, and owner of Kate Green Design. The studio offers classes that help students become acquainted with the foundations of art with the goal of having them paint and draw on their own.
Kate Green Design is part of this list for their specialty in teaching drawing, acrylic painting, watercolour painting, and oil painting. These classes are offered in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
They offer intro classes for absolute beginners, students who have not drawn or painted before or who would want to dabble on using a new medium. They also have classes for beginners who need a boost of confidence, trying to get back into the art, or are just looking to practice more.
For students looking for a full course, they offer courses focused on letting you try acrylic, watercolour, and oil painting. They also have intermediate-level courses for advanced artists who want to dedicate a distraction-free time and space to work on their own project.
On top of offering art classes, Kate Green Design also offers commissioned portraits, cityscapes, landscapes, and animal paintings.
Pros
- Renowned art instructor
- Class gift certificates are available
- Details of the art classes available on their website
- Painting classes for all levels are available
- Fully refundable classes
Cons
- Limited slots for all classes
- Classes available are limited to painting
- English courses only
Customer Reviews
A review from Marysa Irvine via Google says:
“I recently completed the beginner acrylic painting course and absolutely loved it. I have painted a bit in the past but no experience is necessary. We had just the right amount of people in the class and Kate’s step by step instruction and tips were incredibly helpful. I am absolutely impressed with the final piece I painted and it’s all due to Kate’s instruction.
I’ll be taking the next level class in the spring for sure!”
Melodie Levitt also left a review saying:
“I just finished taking Kate’s “OWL” oil painting class, and in just four sessions Kate managed to bring out the hidden artist in all of us. Really, what she had us accomplish in such a short time was to me just incredible. I am so pleased. Not only did I learn a lot from Kate, but her teaching style was relaxed and fun, and while we had group instruction, we got lots of individual attention when we needed it. No hesitation whatsoever in recommending Kate’s classes.”
3. Art Haven
| SERVICES | Ceramics Classes, Art Classes for Kids, Workshops, Private Parties |
| WEBSITE | https://www.arthaven.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 200 Kennevale Dr #102, Ottawa, ON K2J 6B6, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 823-6822 |
Art Haven is the studio to go to for students particularly interested in ceramics. Their students will be instructed in the steps and techniques of hand-made work like ceramics as well canvas painting.
Aside from their top-notch classes, they made it to the list of the best art schools in Ottawa for the convenience and accessibility of their classes. They accommodate walk-in students for both ceramics painting and canvas painting.
Upon entry to their studio, students will be greeted with a large selection of blank pottery pieces. This is a deliberate attempt to help encourage self-expression within Art Haven’s students.
Art Haven also has plenty of tools and resources to help students get their creative juices flowing during classes. They have many stamps, stencils, and access to advice from their creative staff for inspiration.
All the paints, brushes, and materials are also provided by the studio. Their paints are all non-toxic to support all ages and all levels of students.
Art Haven also has available flexible packages for customers who want to host private parties to match their budget and guest list. For students looking to share their passion to their family and friends, Art Haven can even help host painting classes for canvas or ceramic mediums.
Pros
- Easy booking process
- Ceramics classes are available
- Canvas and ceramics painting are available
- Walk-ins are accommodated
- Their classes include all of the equipment and paint needed
Cons
- Limited slots for all classes
- English courses only
Customer Reviews
A review from Yunhan Liu via Google reads:
“I went here a few weeks ago and had a great time. The lady at the front was helpful and kind. She didn’t bother us or check up on us, which I appreciated because I like to paint/draw in peace. Lots of items to paint and glazed to choose from. They have a wall that shows you all the colors, once fired-very helpful! I especially enjoyed my visit here because I love art and this was a way of relaxing. + Good social distancing setup.”
Another review from Kristal Boo says:
“Amazing experience. The young lady was so nice and helpful. The atmosphere was very warm…crazy as it sounds. Me & my daughter had so much fun! It’s better to make a reservation tnen to walk in as it does get very busy. Fyi* they have wine for the parents 😉Thanks for the wonderful experience!”
4. Good Morning Creative Arts and Preschool
| SERVICES | Virtual Art Classes, Toddler Program, Storyscapes, Creative Arts After School |
| WEBSITE | https://www.gmcaps.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 174 First Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 2G4, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 276-7974 |
Good Morning Creative Arts and Preschool offers creative and educational programs for children ranging from ages 18 months to Grade 6.
They have been in Ottawa since 1981 and have maintained their status as the go-to child care program in the city. They offer after-school art classes specifically for preschoolers and young children.
The school also offers both art and drama classes, which help the children learn valuable lessons in socializing with friends and classmates. The after-school art programs also involve the students in helping plan the activities.
These classes are preferred by many parents as the art classes offered to their children typically offer a balance between learning new concepts and experimenting with materials and tools.
Classes often explore the works of famous artists, the elements of art, and a wonderful variety of materials. The emphasis on the programs is on the process more than on the product.
The school also runs half-day summer art camps, which feature programs with one educator and two students, focusing on the students’ growth and learning.
Pros
- Easy booking process
- Most classes include a nutritious snack
- Art and drama classes are available
- Their classes include all of the equipment and paint needed
- Parent handbooks are available on their website for free
Cons
- Classes are for children aged 18 months to Grade 6 only
- English courses only
Customer Reviews
A review from Katie Dinelle says:
“My daughter is currently in the 3 year old program at Good Morning and loves it! This is her second year at Good Morning and she is as comfortable there as she is at home. Her confidence playing and speaking in a group setting has really blossomed. My daughter’s friendship with each teacher is unique, there is something special about each of them that she gravitates to. We also participate in the lunch club program which has been an opportunity to practice for kindergarten in the fall. I highly recommend the great programs Good Morning has to offer.”
Another review from Marla Tonon reads:
“My daughter is currently in the 3s program and loving it! As a SAHM I was looking for a warm and friendly environment that would provide not only a chance to socialize, but a stepping stone to prep her for school next year. We are thrilled we found this school!”
5. 4Cats The Glebe Art Studio
| SERVICES | Workshops, Summer Camps and Classes |
| WEBSITE | https://theglebeartstudio.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 846 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613-422-6030 |
4Cats The Glebe Art Studio has also made an impact on the art community in Ottawa for their creative workshops. Clay and sculpture workshops, macrame making, and storytelling are among the many classes they offer.
Their art programs also follow the Ambitious Science Teaching (AST) pedagogy that is founded on building a world that encourages a love of art & culture, beauty & learning, and an environment of kindness & happiness.
This specific concept helps their classes maintain their world class uniqueness and quality.
For students who are looking to enrol in their clay workshop, they are given 400g of clay that they can mold into a mug or any piece they want. On their next visit, they can glaze their clay with access to the studio’s underglaze, overglaze, and tools.
For the storytelling class, students will be provided step-by-step instruction, where they will learn how to create a storyline in a visual medium and even create a short stop motion animation that they produce & direct.
The studio also caters to children ages 2-4 with special needs like assistance and emotional support. These classes include Montessori-inspired activities that promote self-sufficiency.
The classes also include innate safeguards for error, appealing to the senses, training the hand muscles to use writing tools, and geared towards a young child’s developmental interests and creativity.
Note that drinking coffee or other drinks is allowed in the studio. This makes for a nice, comfy atmosphere a lot of artists will appreciate.
Pros
- Affordable classes
- Wide range of art classes including clay, sculpture, and macrame
- Their classes include all of the equipment and paint needed
- Classes for young children are available
- Special needs art classes are also available
Cons
- English courses only
- No walk-ins
Customer Reviews
A review from Brian Eng says:
“Really nice looking place but that’s to be expected from an art studio. They have interesting classes for all ages. They have fun creative classes that anyone can take. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, amicable and very jovial. Come see some of the stuff you can do here and maybe sign up for a class!”
Another review from Sophie Mukono reads:
“Best fun place to hold a party for your child. Amazing staff. Very accommodating and friendly.”
FAQs on Art Schools
And that concludes our list of the best art schools in Ottawa. We hope the list was able to paint a picture of what art schools are like.
If you know other art schools that should be on this list, let us know so we can check if they should be included on this list too!
Education, whether art or science, is an important aspect of the community. If you want to learn more about Ottawa’s education programs, check out the best private schools in Ottawa.