What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 3pm Thursday 9am - 3pm Friday 9am - 3pm

BEING Studio

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Ottawa, ON
BEING Studio

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BEING is about truly valuing the work —
by valuing the artist who created it. More than 60 artists participate on a regular basis.

BEING Studio (formerly H’Art of Ottawa) is a non-profit visual arts studio and creative writing program for adults with a development disability. BEING opened its doors in 2002 in response to the need for meaningful programs for these members of our community. BEING Studio is also inspired by a strong belief that people with a developmental and intellectual disability can be productive members of our society. Each artist at the studio participates in group discussions, as well as self-focused activities such as journaling, drawing and painting. The artists learn to transform their ideas and emotions into written words and art. At BEING Studio we believe that through this process of visual learning, the artists develop skills that can be used to help each one fulfill their full potential and improve their quality of life. The program follows an innovative approach that allows staff and volunteers to work with the artists to develop self-expression, independence and entrepreneurial skills. The art is exhibited in various community venues and galleries throughout the year in the Ottawa area. Following a revenue-sharing approach, the artists work together to present and sell their work. BEING fosters a sense of belonging and participation in the community: each artist knows they are making a unique contribution to the cultural life of Ottawa. With each art show, the studio and its artists reach out to connect, and Ottawa and the surrounding community has opened its arms wide to embrace the colour, the enthusiasm and the spirit of BEING’s talented artists. Thank you for your continued interest and support in the BEING Studio program and artists.

09/29/2026

Introducing BEING Studio’s latest art exhibition at Richcraft: Two Bens are better than one!

BEING artists Ben Bourgeois and Ben Lachapelle share an infectious love of animals and a colourful graphic style. Ben Bourgeois’s medium is drawing, primarily with markers and his works are inspired by his two cats Will and Gaby. Similarly, Ben Lachapelle is passionate about all animals and has interest in protecting endangered animal species. Discover this delightful exhibition, and visit the exhibition before its gone!

Richcraft Recreation Complex, Main Lobby
4101 Innovation Drive
Kanata, ON Canada

Learn more: https://beingstudio.ca/event/two-bens-are-better-then-one-richcraft-exhibition/

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Image Description: A graphic with text that reads: "TWO BENS ARE BETTER THAN ONE, Richcraft Group Exhibition, Richcraft Sensplex Complex." At the bottom is a photo of two artworks hung on the wall. On the left is a painting of girl walking an elephant, crocodile and tiger. On the right is a framed illustration of multi-colored cats.

09/06/2026

The sun is shining its light this month at the Studio’s most recent artist spotlight: Anthony Hendricks!

Anthony is a new artist who joined the studio this year. Growing up in Ottawa, his work is inspired by maps, landscapes, construction vehicles and word art with pencil colours and paint. Besides art, his favourite hobby is playing video games on his Nintendo Switch.

Looking to support artists like Anthony?
Make a donation in supporting accessible inclusive arts programs: https://beingstudio.ca/get-involved/ways-to-donate/

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Image Descriptions:
(1) A photo of Anthony smiling in front of a wall of paintings with text that reads: "BEING ANTHONY."
(2) An abstract pencil crayon sketch of shapes in red, blue and black.
(3) A pencil crayon illustration of pine trees and text on a white paper.

08/30/2026

Create art in community this fall with BEING Studio art programs! We have openings for the following programs: Online Program, Tuesday Evening Program, Saturday Morning and Saturday Afternoon.

Join our inclusive and accessible arts program to grow your creative practice with community. Register through the link: https://beingstudio.ca/join/
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Image Descriptions: A graphic with an artist painting on canvas with paint supplies scattered around them. Text reads: "Are you looking for an accessible arts program? Register for Fall Programs: www.beingstudio.ca/join."

08/27/2026

Each month, our studio features an original artwork for auction. This month, we are proud to highlight artist Ben Lachapelle.

Drawing inspiration from illustrators like Robert Bateman, Wallace Edwards, and Dr. Seuss, Ben creates vibrant, wildlife-focused art with a simple mission: "I want people to love animals, care about them, and take care of the earth. Animals are important—they deserve to live and be happy with their families." Ben’s work has been featured by the CBC, the Bytown 200th Anniversary celebrations, and Autism Awareness initiatives.

Place your bid today to take home this original piece by Ben and support his artistic journey. The auction ends August 31st, so don’t miss it!

Link: https://www.32auctions.com/augustatbeing

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Image Description: A photo of Ben holding the acrylic painting called: “Diving, Swimming, Standing on Ice, Once and Twice” at the OAG studio room. BenAnimalia

08/18/2026

Splash into summer fun with Ben Lachapelle’s artwork; "Diving, Swimming, Standing on Ice, Once and Twice." Discover the delight of various animals: hippo, turtle, rhino, polar bear, octopus, dog, fish and dolphin jumping to life. Support artists like Ben and make a bid on this spectacular piece.

Learn more: https://www.32auctions.com/augustatbeing

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Image Description: A graphic with an acrylic painting of various animals splashing in the water by Ben Lachapelle. Text on top of the graphic reads: "NEW AUCTION ALERT!" BenAnimalia

08/06/2026

Had a wonderful get-together with the team at L'Arche Arnprior last month!

07/17/2026

Reminder that the studio is taking a summer break. We are closed from July 18th - August 3rd and we reopen on August 4th. We will be slow to respond during this time.

Have a great summer everyone and stay cool! :)

07/12/2026

This summer has been filled with incredible moments celebrating the creativity and talent of artists from the BEING Studio community. From Debbie Ratcliffe's collaboration with the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival to multiple exhibitions across the Ottawa region, artists connected to BEING Studio continue to demonstrate the power of creativity to inspire conversation, celebrate individual expression, and strengthen community connections.

Disability Pride Month recognizes and celebrates the creativity, perspectives, and contributions of people with disabilities. Through accessible opportunities in the arts, we can continue working toward communities where all people have option to participate, create, and share their work.

If you'd like to support BEING Studio's mission of providing accessible arts programming and opportunities, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps create meaningful opportunities for artists from the BEING Studio community to explore their creativity, develop their artistic practices, and connect with audiences.

Learn more or make a donation: https://beingstudio.ca/get-involved/ways-to-donate/

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Image Description: A photo of Debbie Ratcliffe posing while wearing her t-shirt design of two dragon boats sailing side by side in the water.

07/04/2026

Looking to add a truly one-of-a-kind painting to your collection? This month’s auction item from BEING Studio’s online shop is "A Jungle Adventure" by Christine Hammond.

Christine has invested more than 100 hours into this piece, bringing together thoughtful composition, rich creative expression, and a strong sense of care in every layer of the work. The result is a detailed and immersive painting that reflects a lively landscape brimming with animals like crocodiles, parrots, leopards and more.

Take a moment to explore the piece and place a bid if you’re looking for something distinctive for your collection: https://www.32auctions.com/summerbeing2026 #

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Image Description: A photo of Christine holding up the acrylic painting in the studio.

07/02/2026

Are you looking to get creative in a supportive community?

Look no further! BEING Studio offers a space for like-minded adults to learn new skills and express their artistic talents. Like Doug Garrow, one of the studio’s long time artists who loves to share his art and the community. This summer, we are offering a summer arts camp and have limited spaces in our core programming.

Register and be part of the BEING community: https://beingstudio.ca/join/

Address

304-211 Bronson Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K1R6H5

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 3pm
Thursday	9am - 3pm
Friday	9am - 3pm

Telephone

+16132348497

Website

https://beingstudio.ca/

Alerts

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Contact The Organization

Send a message to BEING Studio:

Humanics Institute
3468 Old Montreal Road (Cumberland)

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