Toronto School of Art

Specialties

Spark your creativity and hone your skills at Toronto’s longest-​running independent art school.

TSA offers over 40 daytime, evening, and weekend courses for all levels of experience in Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Collage & Assemblage, Digital & Photography, Professional Practice, Portfolio Development, Art History, Youth & Family studio programming.

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WHAT WE’RE ABOUT

Over the past 40 years, Toronto School of Art has established itself as one of the most distinguished alternative arts schools in the city. While our history alone sets us apart, it’s our ideology that truly defines us. We believe in taking an organic approach to the arts. This translates into a hands-​on education model that focuses on studio-​based learning. We offer students the opportunity to work with practicing artists in a close, one-​on-​one environment. What this entails is a rigorous study of the arts through a challenging, tactile application of every skill set learned.

TSA believes the arts should be accessible to all levels of experience. Whether you’re a working professional or just starting out, TSA offers programs that address all levels of expertise. The only thing our students need to get started is a passion for their craft. Once they have that, our mentors are there to further refine, hone, and cultivate their skills. It’s this process of artists mentoring other artists that enables our students to truly find their voice and leave their mark on the world.

History

Established in 1969.

In 1968, a small group of serious students organized by Barbara Barrett got together to improve their skills as artists by hiring a teacher and meeting regularly in a house on Walker Ave. A year later they had three instructors and had formed a non-​profit Canadian Charitable enterprise named «Art School Toronto».

In 1972, the name was changed to The Toronto School of Art and the school relocated to the corner of Brunswick and Sussex Avenue, in a former Synagogue, just minutes from the hub of Yorkville. As it grew, the school relocated a few times; First to 1087 Queen St. West in 1988; to 110 Spadina Ave. at the end of 1992, then to 410 Adelaide St. West in 2001. TSA remained there for eleven years and has just moved to it’s most recent location at Bloor and Dufferin in May 2013.