School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa features graduating students' work in new exhibit

Photo by one of SPAO’s exhibiting graduates, Stephane Alexis

(Via School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa)

While the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has impacted arts and culture on a global scale, the School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa has defied the odds to deliver Exhibition No. 15. Many diploma programs in Canada were forced to move their graduating exhibitions online or cancel them altogether, SPAO is proud to be able to honour our students’ dedication and hard work with a thoughtful in-person exhibition to mark their rite of passage. Exhibition No. 15 celebrates the work of our diploma students and highlights the work of the 2020 graduating class.

EXHIBITION NO. 15 is a testament to the strength, flexibility and resilience of our students to focus on their work and launch their careers during this trying time. It is the celebration of a milestone that marks their journey into an uncertain future. SPAO is proud to present this new generation of contemporary photographers and photo-based artists who are more ready than ever to tackle what lies ahead.

Help support these new artists by joining us at the gallery this September, and be sure to spread the word. Keeping in mind health and safety best practices, there will be an exclusive VIP opening event in place of a public opening reception. However, the exhibition has been extended in length to accommodate the general public. For anyone unable to attend the exhibition in person, SPAO will also have digital and virtual offerings distributed through our social media channels.

The exhibition will be on view from Saturday September 5th - Sunday September 20th. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10AM - 5PM.

The SPAO Centre Gallery is home to the Ottawa region’s only independent and critical gallery space dedicated to photographic and video art. Gallery programming includes the exhibition of photographic and video art work by emerging and established artists, working locally, nationally and internationally.