Back to School in the ByWard Market

There are already a few “back to school” sales creeping into the morning paper. For some, this brings on repressed panic but there are others who, inspired by fond memories of school, resolve to learn something new. For these folks, the ByWard Market is the site of several intriguing schools that offer a variety part and full-time classes.

Throw on a smock and enroll in the Ottawa School of Art (OSA). Founded in 1879 as the teaching branch of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, the OSA’s original collection was the nucleus of Canada’s National Art Gallery. Today, it continues to emphasize practical studio training, offering painting, life drawing, photography, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture for both part-timers and those wanting a full immersion in the fine arts.

Jean, a suited political aide by day, admits to having quite the art school habit—so far he’s taken Children’s Book Illustrating, Introduction to Art Therapy, and Art of the Journal. Despite a stated aversion to open fire caused by an unfortunate marshmallow/camping incident, he’s excited about his plans to take a glass blowing workshop. His friend, Alain, prefers the photography courses at the nearby School of Photographic Arts (SPAO).

“I wanted to get better shots with my digital camera, so I registered for studio and lighting techniques class,” says Alain. “Then took fashion photography and a theory class. It’s great to be able to talk to my classmates about the technical aspects of photography. I also learned classic darkroom techniques, which sure made me appreciate the speed and ease of digital shots.”

Local fashion legend Richard Robinson runs both an internationally successful haute couture label and the eponymous Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design on Sussex Drive. Budding fashionista Anne is currently debating between Hat Making and Lingerie. She’s already enjoyed history of costume and a one-day textile class that has made a real difference in her shopping habits. Anne, who attends a lot of charity galas, ultimately plans on learning how to create her own designs and patterns. “But I think I’ll get a seamstress to run them up,” she says. Somewhat in the fashion vein, those who have met disaster with home waxing kits might want to consider taking a course at Gina’s College of Advanced Esthetics.

Finally, there are several language schools that offer French and English classes. While both Capital Language Center and Counter Point Academy no doubt offer a fine selection of courses, the winner in the best name category is the Ecoles de Langues Moliere. One imagines classes in classic 17th century French, full of witticisms, wigs, lace cuffs. The more prosaic reality is intense, one-on-one bilingual training for Anglophones in the civil service.

Without ever leaving the historic parameters of the ByWard Market, there are endless opportunities for self-improvement and creativity. And, of course, whether you prefer to share a pitcher of beer or have intense discussion on art theory over a strong espresso, there is no shortage of post-class social venues to be found in the immediate area.

Photos in this issue taken by Joseph Jeremie Roy www.photobyjer.com