The Art Scene in Canada's Capital
National Gallery, Gallery 101, Carleton University and more
Feb 15, 2007
Looking for culture in the Canada's Capital? Why not take the time to explore Ottawa's eclectic mix of art galleries? Most are free and all are stimulating, often powerful, and usually meaningful.
There is a rich and diverse artistic community in Ottawa, Canada -- the nation's capital city. And contrary to popular belief, the enjoyment of art doesn’t require any specific knowledge or deep-rooted understanding. Art, through its creator, only asks that the viewer be open to the experience.
Visual arts – sculpture, video, painting, mixed media, photography – have the ability to awaken your senses. If done well, a piece of art evokes emotion – a smile, a tear, a furrowed brow – and prompts discussion.
At 1 Rideau Canal, between the Chateau Laurier Hotel and the locks of the Rideau Canal, you’ll find the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. Affiliated with the National Gallery, the museum is housed in a reconstructed railway tunnel once owned by the Grand Trunk Railway. Its exhibits change quarterly.
The Carleton University Art Gallery (St. Patrick’s Building) features approximately 27,000 pieces in an impressive space. CUAG’s permanent collection includes Canadian art from the mid-20th Century onward, 16th to 19th Century European art, Inuit art, prints, drawings and textiles.
Algonquin College students are never far from a cultural hub, thanks to several city-owned arts properties in Nepean. The Atrium Gallery and Centrepointe Theatre Gallery (101 Centrepointe Drive) provide important exhibit space for local and regional artists. The Studio Gallery in the Nepean Visual Arts Centre (Nepean Sportsplex 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Entrance 3) also supports emerging artists by providing them with a place to have their works seen. The exhibits at these galleries often offer a new, fresh perspective and should not be overlooked.
Non-profit, or artist run cooperatives include Enriched Bread Artists (951 Gladstone Avenue), ipo Gallery (110 O’Connor Street, Ground Floor), and Gallery 101 in Arts Court (2 Daly Avenue).
The 24 Enriched Bread Artists work in an old bread factory in Ottawa’s Little Italy. Once a year they open their doors to the public to share the fruits of their labours.
ipo is a gallery for emerging artists. A not-for-profit corporation, it’s unlikely home is in the heart of the city’s financial district. “A place where business and the arts converge.”
Gallery 101 is a contemporary, artist-run centre that some might call “alternative.” Where once Stubbs Soda manufactured its sugary drinks, the Cube Gallery (7 Hamilton Avenue North) now exhibits art, teaches art, and talks about art. Located behind the Parkdale Market, the Cube Gallery hosts a new show every month. “This is the kind of gallery that gives you room to really stand back and look at the art,” says Don Monet, arts advocate and museum curator.
Galerie SAW Gallery (67 Nicholas Street), promotes emerging and established contemporary Canadian and International artists, along with Canadian performance and media art. Its Club SAW is used for screenings, concerts, artist talks, panel discussions, and a wide variety of workshops.
Just down the street from each other, Snapdragon Gallery (791 Bank Street ), and Artguise (590 Bank Street) hang a new show every month. Artguise is not only a gallery but also a fine art supply retailer.
Spending time among art is a rewarding experience. You don’t have to always like what you see, but at least you’ve experienced it.
