I've learned a LOT about Koyman Galleries, just because I purchased a Groupon! I have been a…read morecustomer of theirs in the past, when they used to have shops in various malls around this beautiful city of ours. They used to have an outlet at Bayshore Mall, and I believe also at Carlingwood Shopping Centre. I know this because I bought one framed print and got it signed by the artist who was at the store to promote his work (Robert Bateman). That was an amazing experience, let me tell you! Now, Koyman no longer has any mall stores, except the one still in the Rideau Centre. And then, of course there's this place on St Laurent between Innes and Lancaster (since they're no longer in the St Laurent shopping centre!) This place is HUGE! It seems to cater more to the artists. I don't know if they necessarily have more art on display than they used to at the mall stores, because now you can see all their art, properly displayed and well spaced out and lit way better than it ever was in the mall stores. In those comparably tiny mall boutiques, they used to have layers of the art hung on sliding doors, and the stores seemed to be dark compared to this massive space, and of necessity to be somewhat cluttered. This warehouse-sized location is way not like that! Meanwhile, I was in to cash in on my groupon - I paid $30 for a $100 coupon good for custom framing. This is a deep dish discount! Keep your eyes open for such a special if it ever happens again! But don't be fooled as I was - I had forgotten how expensive good framing is. I'm getting 6 4X6 photos put into 2 frames, and will have to pay over and above that $100. I will have to revisit this review once the work is done, so that I can compare that experience to this one. For example, I don't yet know how long it will take to get this work done. I wouldn't say the store was overly busy when we got there, but there were 4 customers when we arrived around 4:30 pm (all of us in custom framing, and not in the store proper looking at buying art), and only 1 person serving, but suddenly 2 staffers appeared out of nowhere to help us out and the other customers. The groupon must really be calling the public in! The staff has been friendly so far, and knowledgeable about their stock.

I have had the pleasure to acquire a number of original paintings from the Gallery. I have had…read morenothing but exceptional service, from the purchase through delivery process. I highly recommend not only the Gallery but of course the artists which the Gallery represents. At the end of the day a Gallery such as Koyman's represents artist who make their livings off of their wonderful creations.

We were greeted as soon as we entered this gallery, but given space to look…read more There were several cards and pamphlets available upon entering the gallery for information on the current artists and on the gallery itself. I liked that there was a bench in front of a couple of the bigger paintings for more relaxed viewing and it reminded me of some of the larger galleries I have been to. Some of my favorite pieces were a huge flower and some kind of splattered paintings with numbers and symbols as well a colourful areas. Art was hung on the walls, as well as leaning in other areas, giving the gallery a more relaxed feel.

From the owner: Galerie St-Laurent + Hill specialises in the exhibition and promotion of contemporary Canadian art.read more

I love this gallery especially since they have jewelry from my favorite artist Anne-Marie Chagnon…read more Her jewelry is amazing since it gives you the power to change it. Maybe from a long necklace to a short one, or by reshaping a part. I went with a friend and she noticed pieces by a couple of her previous art teachers here and was excited. The highlight for me was definitely the jewelry. There were some really large striking pieces that would be totally unique to wear to an event. Of course they are a bit pricey, but it's art. The woman working in the store was really helpful and gave us a lot of additional information on the jewelry and how it could be changed, about the artists etc. She noticed my earrings and that they were by one of the artists also. This is one place I will visit soon when I have a special event to find accesories for!

From the owner: L. A. Pai Gallery provides an unusual introduction to contemporary Canadian art and art jewelry…read more The gallery, run by Lisa A. Pai since 2000, focuses on emerging and established artists of outstanding skill and creative vision. Figurative, conceptual, political, and traditional approaches share space. From rural and urban communities including Nunavut in the North, the artists create the singular energy of the gallery. Located near the National Gallery of Canada and Parliament Hill in the historic ByWard Market of Canada's capital, Ottawa, L. A. Pai Gallery is one of the city's longest-running private art galleries. Media include jewelry, prints and painting, ceramics, glass, metal, textiles and mixed and recycled media.

I do come to this museum every few months as they deal specifically with contemporary art. There…read moreare always new expositions which I appreciate and did I mention free? sign me up! There are 3 floors and are mostly Canadian based. There are a few expositions that I do not understand why they are there but at the same time I am not an artist. There is never a lineup but there is always a flow of people. I do know that there are events which I will have to inquire since I have read reviews about them and they sound awesome!.... On a side note, the washrooms are super clean. I also have never tried the cafe which is in the back. I will have to try it soon!

I love this place. I love their Canadian art collection, the Firestone Collection. I love how they…read morefeature local artists. I love the bright, airy spaces full of colour, the daring, provocative collections. And it's all available to the public 6 days a week FREE. When it's open, I love to have a drink or a coffee in the Jackson cafe downstairs with people I love. I walked in today and discovered Don Kwan, a friend of mine, had a show show upstairs, and I was thrilled to feel this close artistic connection with my city. We wandered casually through the gallery and gift shop and met up with a mutual friend, also a friend of Don's. It was crazy to make a social connection in this place that I love so much. Floor after floor was new and totally different contemporary art, in different media and styles. I had brought my sketch book and a pencil with intentions to do some drawing inspired by my surroundings, but unfortunately, there was nowhere to sit and contemplate. There's even an installation on the second floor with chairs, but they are all connected and you can't sit on them! There's a new exhibit coming March 26, and another exhibit on BIPOC artists in May. I can't wait.

I went there with a friend to purchase a part for her violin. She played professionally and knew…read morewhat she needed. The owners appeared to have come from a former eastern block country. Lots of signs up telling you what you are not allowed to do. A person who appeared to be security appeared. As well a vehicle parks I the alley behind the store had security. Having been in law I for cement it did go unnoticed. STAY AWAY.

I moved to Ottawa in July of 2015. i am a native Montrealer…read more While investigating fun things to do in Ottawa, I happened upon a link to the School of Rock site. What a fantastic concept! They allow kids to learn and play instruments. But, what attracted me was that they also offered what they boot camps for adults. This allows adults to join ad-hoc bands and learn a number of songs and then play them live at a local Pub. I have raw talent on the drums, but I am by no means an experienced drummer. I have never owned a drum kit. Before attending the School of Rock, I must have sat in front of a drum set perhaps somewhere around 15 times. I called up the School of Rock and told them my situation. I was informed that I only needed to be willing to have fun playing. I was in! To date, I have attended about 5 rehearsals with my band and we are having a blast rehearsing our songs in the category Arena Rock (AC/DC, Heart, Peter Frampton, Bad Company, etc.) I never expected that I would be having so much fun learning music and being part of a band. I recommend the School of Rock to anyone that loves music and feels that they might enjoy playing an instrument. They also give lessons on playing guitar, drums and singing.