The 10 Best Galleries That Feature Local Ottawa Artists Highlighting Unique Artistic Perspectives
Art has a unique way of connecting us to the soul of a city, and nothing embodies that more than the work of its local artists.
In Ottawa, a vibrant and ever-evolving art scene thrives. These hubs offer countless opportunities to experience the talent of homegrown creatives.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a collector, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the creativity of the city, Ottawa has plenty to offer.
In this article, we’ve curated the top galleries for local artists in Ottawa. These are the perfect places to discover, appreciate, and support the city’s visionary heartbeat.
1. Santini Gallery
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Website: https://www.santinigallery.com/
Location: 422 1/2, Preston Street
Contact Details: (613) 884-9002
Gallery Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Santini Gallery is a cozy art spot in Ottawa that has been showcasing local artists’ talent since 2013. It’s a place where abstract art and modern Canadian landscapes take center stage.
The space is warm and inviting, creating a welcoming atmosphere for anyone interested in exploring art. Plus, it features a variety of unique pieces that are both affordable and accessible.
Among the featured artists are Judith Anderson, Michelle Reid, and Tracy Armstrong. Each contributes their own distinct style to the showroom’s vibrant collection.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye on the gallery’s event calendar. Santini often hosts openings and exhibitions where you can meet artists in person.
2. de Montigny Contemporary
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Website: https://demontignycontemporary.com/
Location: Suite 101, 858 Bank Street
Contact Details: (613) 800-1641
Gallery Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
de Montigny Contemporary is a vibrant hub where the pulse of Ottawa’s local art scene beats the loudest.
They pride themselves on showcasing contemporary works that challenge, engage, and inspire. Each exhibition reveals the minds of the city’s innovative artists, offering fresh, unexpected art experiences.
Local artists transform the gallery space with their thought-provoking installations and bold brushstrokes. Their works span a spectrum of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
One of the most visited and acclaimed exhibitions at de Montigny Contemporary is “Transitions,” curated by Remi Theriault. The artist used photography to explore both personal reflection and wider societal changes.
Pro tip:
At de Montigny Contemporary, the gallery’s curators are knowledgeable and approachable. Take the chance to ask questions or discuss the artwork.
3. Koyman Galleries
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Website: https://koymangalleries.com/
Location: 1771 St. Laurent Boulevard
Contact Details: (877) 526-1562
Gallery Hours:
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
With over 13,000 square feet of space, Koyman Galleries offers an immersive experience for art lovers. Its vast collection includes over 5,000 works, showcasing a range of artistic styles and mediums.
The exhibition hall spans two floors. Each floor is filled with an eclectic range of Canadian artistry, from paintings to evocative photography.
Aside from that, Koyman Galleries also provides a hassle-free approach to art appraisals for valuation and detailed reports. For a $150 fee, you can submit key details like measurements, photos, and certificates.
Pro tip:
If you’re unsure about your art selection, Koyman Galleries offers personalized art consulting to help you find the perfect piece for your home or office.
4. The Niche Ottawa Gallery
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Website: https://www.thenicheottawagallery.com/
Location: 1439 Youville Dr #16
Gallery Hours:
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Niche Ottawa Gallery is a vibrant artistic oasis, where creativity flows as freely as conversation. Since its doors opened in 2019, they’ve grown into a dynamic home for local artists from all walks of life and disciplines.
The Niche has hosted exhibitions that focus on themes of community, identity, and expression. A true highlight in the lineup is the “Printed Impressions” exhibition. This vibrant showcase brings the art of printmaking to life.
But what makes The Niche truly unique is the personal touch brought by its owner and gallerist, Morgan Hamilton-Kirk. As an artist herself, she brings a deep understanding of the creative process.
Pro tip:
Enhance your gallery visit at The Niche by grabbing a fresh brew from The Art of Bean Coffee Co. while exploring the exhibitions.
5. Ottawa Art Gallery
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Website: https://oaggao.ca/
Location: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge
Contact Details: (613) 233-8699
Gallery Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Sunday, Tuesday, & Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Ottawa’s art scene wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG). As a space that merges contemporary innovation with historical significance, it plays a role in shaping the city’s artistic identity.
They run exhibitions that often highlight the work of local talent. Each display offers a new way to explore the intersection of art and society, pushing creative boundaries and evoking deep reflections.
But a true centerpiece is OAG’s annual art auction. This exciting event brings together collectors, artists, and art enthusiasts in a lively celebration of creativity. It also serves as a key fundraiser supporting artists.
And if you prefer a more immersive experience, OAG’s group tours are highly recommended. These guided tours offer rich insights into the exhibitions, with guides providing expert commentary.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye on OAG’s event calendar for family-friendly workshops, talks, and hands-on art sessions. These events offer unique opportunities to engage with artists.
6. L.A. Pai Gallery
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Website: https://www.lapaigallery.com/
Location: 13 Murray Street
Contact Details: (613) 241-2767
Gallery Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
L.A. Pai Gallery, founded in 2000 by Lisa A. Pai, is a highly regarded contemporary art gallery. Over the years, it has become an essential destination for collectors and art enthusiasts.
The gallery hosts regular exhibitions throughout the year. They display jewelry as wearable art alongside sculptural installations that challenge the viewer’s perception of materials, form, and function.
Among the notable local artists represented at L.A. Pai Gallery is Jean-Pierre Larocque. He’s a celebrated sculptor and ceramicist known for his distinctive approach to figuration and material manipulation.
Another creative is Barry Ace, an Algonquin artist known for his work that often incorporates elements of Indigenous culture and contemporary design.
Pro tip:
If you’re an emerging jewelry artist or student, consider entering the Annual National Jewellery Student Competition at L.A. Pai Gallery. This is a great way to showcase your work to a wider audience.
7. Urban Art Collective
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Website: https://urbanartcollective.ca/
Location: 1088 Somerset Street West
Contact Details:
Gallery Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday & Friday: Closed
- Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Urban Art Collective (UAC) embodies a profound commitment to collaboration, where diverse perspectives and talents intertwine to ignite innovation.
Within this vibrant display venue, the mission becomes clear: to enhance accessibility to art while nurturing local creators and fostering a deep appreciation for creativity within the community.
Founded in August 2021, UAC emerged from a passion for various creative expressions, including urban art, photography, graphic design, antiquing, and upcycling.
They proudly showcase a carefully curated selection of local artists, like VLove, Daniel Martelock, and Kina Forney. These artists’ works guarantee to cultivate a network brimming with creativity and inspiration.
On top of that, UAC organizes AKARTS Comic Book Workshops. They invite participants to explore the world of comic creation starting at $35. Attendees delve into concepts such as color theory and font selection.
Pro tip:
Ignite creativity in young artists with the Kids Club Membership. This features an exclusive card with a secret message decoder ring and a free button or sticker each month at the Art Hub.
8. Galerie St-Laurent + Hill
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Website: https://galeriestlaurentplushill.com/
Location: 93 Dalhousie Street
Contact Details: (613) 789-7145
Gallery Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A stroll from the iconic National Gallery of Canada leads you to Galerie St-Laurent + Hill, a hidden gem in Ottawa’s vibrant art scene.
Established in 1977, the gallery has cultivated a rich legacy in the art community, specializing in painting, photography, and sculpture. This longstanding commitment to the arts has made it a cornerstone for all talents.
As you approach, the place invites you to explore a world where creativity knows no bounds. They showcase a diverse array of contemporary works that reflect Ottawa’s culture.
Pro tip:
Since Galerie St-Laurent + Hill frequently rotates exhibitions, make it a habit to visit regularly. This will expose you to various new artists and artworks.
9. Wall Space Gallery
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Website: https://wallspacegallery.ca/
Location: 1090 Bank Street
Contact Details: (613) 729-0003
Gallery Hours:
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
At the heart of Wall Space Gallery lies a dedication to celebrating the bright world of contemporary art. Their mission is to cultivate a space where artists can unleash their creativity, free from limitations and constraints.
Throughout the years, Wall Space Gallery has partnered with BEING Studio. It’s a vibrant community of artists with developmental disabilities that offers them the tools and support to share their art.
Beyond Wall Space’s thoughtfully curated exhibitions, Wall Space Gallery extends its expertise through art consultation services. In this way, they offer personalized guidance to help clients build collections.
Pro tip:
If you have art submissions, check Wall Space Gallery’s submission window. Prepare your portfolio with 10 low-res images of your work, a CV, and a short biography for a seamless process.
10. Loretta Studios and Gallery
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Website: https://lorettastudiosandgallery.com/
Location: 131 Loretta Avenue North
Contact Details: [email protected]
Gallery Hours: Saturday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM or by appointment
Loretta Studios and Gallery is an artist-run space where creativity thrives through learning and collaboration. It offers a multi-disciplinary environment where artists can grow within a supportive community.
Since 2015, they’ve organized exhibitions that range from group shows to solo features. This included the works of artists like Yvonne Avis, Everett Barr, and Drew Rankin.
But more than art exhibits, Loretta Studios and Gallery commits to education. They host a wide variety of group classes, including silversmithing, cast glass sculpture, and soft glass.
For those seeking personalized instruction, private lessons are available in soft glass (bead making, blown beads, sculpture) and borosilicate (glassblowing, pendants, marbles) where 1 to 6 students can attend.
Pro tip:
Stay updated with Loretta Studios and Gallery’s event calendar for classes, exhibitions, and community events. This is your key to staying connected with the evolving art scene.