Our Mission
To enrich the visual art ecosystem in Ottawa by providing working spaces for practising artists.
Working Spaces for Working Artists
SSO provides stable, affordable, open, healthy and safe working spaces for practising visual artists — established, mid-career, and emerging — fostering independent practice while maintaining artistic professionalism, personal development, and peer relationships.
Vision: To provide stable, affordable, open, safe and healthy work spaces for visual artists in Ottawa.
Values: To offer studio spaces unreservedly to all visual artists. To be open to responding to the changing needs of the Ottawa visual arts community. To operate the organization with integrity.
SSO is committed to equal studio access regardless of gender, orientation, race, religion, belief system, or ethnicity. We welcome applications from artists from equity-seeking communities.
From Sears Warehouse to Artist Studios
SSO was founded in 2019 by six members: Kathy Bergquist, Anna Frlan, Susan Roston, Christos Pantieras, Ada Brzeski, and Carl Stewart, and received provincial not-for-profit status on July 11, 2019.
The Grand Opening was held on October 25, 2019, with 20 studios occupied by 22 artists. The organization has since grown to 40 studios across two floors.
The building originally served as a Sears warehouse, later housed Runge Press, and most recently was Midway — an indoor children's amusement park. The founders saw past the amusement park remnants and recognized its potential. We think the building is happy with the arrival of artists and creativity.
Board of Directors
Timothy Kavanagh
Board Chair
Niki Economo
Treasurer
C.R. Gill
Secretary
Paul Mora
Member-at-Large
Gabriela Avila Yiptong
Member-at-Large
Robert Egert
Member-at-Large
Ada Brzeski
Member-at-Large
Staff & Support
Anna Frlan
Administrator
Nancy Brandsma
Custodial
Ada Brzeski
Bookkeeping
Get Involved
We run artist talks, fundraisers, workshops, and parties throughout the year, and volunteers help make them happen. It's a great way to meet artists, engage with Ottawa's creative community, and have fun. Interested? Send us a message and we'll be in touch. If there's a specific upcoming event you'd like to help with, mention it in your message.
Come to our Annual Open Studio Art Sale and other exhibitions. Your presence and engagement support the artists and the organization. Purchase original artwork directly from the artists.
Follow us on Instagram. Share our events with your community and tell people about SSO.
Made Possible By
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our public and private funding partners.
Visit
2477-A Kaladar Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1V 8B9
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