An Ottawa non-profit cooperative offers art lovers the chance to experience beauty without commitment or a hefty price tag
Anne Remmer Thompson’s Dancing Surf, 1990. Photo Credit Anne Remmer Thompson
It’s (almost) as easy as checking out a book from the library.
No longer the exclusive territory of the wealthy or art collectors, a local non-profit cooperative organization has implemented a system that allows people to rent original art for their homes while supporting recognized artists in the National Capital Region.
“Original art can be costly and as such, art lovers want to make sure that they will love the piece they select and that it will fit within their décor,” says Mireille Laroche, co-chair of Art Lending of Ottawa (ALO). Having the option to lease a piece of art allows the potential buyer to see how they feel about the artwork in their space before committing; change up the art in personal homes, properties on the real estate market and businesses; and support artists in the community. “This approach,” says Laroche, “gives art lovers the most flexibility in how to acquire art.”
Mireille Laroche with her painting, Sense of Home, acrylic, 2023. Photo Credit Alan Bulley
ALO is dedicated to making art affordable to as many people as possible, adds Laroche. Local artists working in a variety of disciplines are admitted through a jurying process to ensure that ALO is offering art of the highest quality.
Established in 1970, Art Lending of Ottawa is the first organization of its kind in the city, facilitating rentals, lease-to-purchase and sales to borrowing members. Borrowers need to complete a brief registration form at the time of first rental and there is no fee to be a member.
“Being part of ALO for artists means that they have access to, learn from and develop relationships with other local artists,” says Laroche. Currently, the group has 43 artist members, who create their art using a variety of media and techniques, including watercolours, acrylic, oil, mosaic, mixed media, silk painting, printmaking and photography. Styles include abstract, semi-abstract or representative, ranging from landscapes to figuratives.
All artists have their own reasons for joining.
“We collaborate and support each other,” says ALO co-chair Leslie Firth. “Being a member of Art Lending has been a real asset to my career and to me personally.”
Leslie Firth. Photo Credit Katie DiCola
Firth recalls how she learned about the organization three decades ago.
“My husband and I were walking around our new area after buying our first home and stumbled across an ALO exhibit,” says Firth. “We had walls to fill, a new mortgage and a low budget. We were thrilled with the rental option and that’s how we added original art to our walls for the first few years.”
Years later as a retiree, Firth, an artist who works in pastels, acrylics and watercolour, combines her art with her charitable goals — she donates the proceeds of her sales and rentals to The Ottawa Food Bank.
The original concept is as valid today as it was in 1970, says Glebe-based watercolour and acrylic artist Anne Remmer Thompson, an artist member of ALO since 1981. “Art Lending still allows our clients, young and old, to have amazing artwork in their homes or work spaces at very reasonable rental fees. I believe strongly in the premise that everyone would be better with some original art in their lives. I want to make beauty more accessible to the citizens of Ottawa.”
As for Thompson, the ALO program has benefitted her even more than the galleries she has been associated with. “My art is spread out into the community at large,” she says. “This allows people to see my paintings in intimate spaces, to enjoy my art and to then seek it out for future purchase.
“It is magic.”
ALO artist John Craig with his work. Photo Credit John Craig
Grey Wolf Pup, 2016. Photo Credit John Craig
Snowy Owl, 2016. Photo Credit John Craig
Anne Remmer Thompson’s NFLD Harbour, 2023. Photo Credit Anne Remmer Thompson
Anne Remmer Thompson’s Monday Morning, NFLD, 2020. Photo Credit Anne Remmer Thompson
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How to become an artist with ALO
Local artists living within or near the National Capital Region and working in a variety of disciplines can apply to be juried towards becoming an Art Lending of Ottawa artist.
Plan your next art move
What’s going on your walls next? Art Lending of Ottawa holds four one-day shows each year to exhibit the art of its members.
“This gives the opportunities for the public to come and see the art and if they like a piece, they can rent it or purchase it,” says Mireille Laroche. There are always artists present volunteering so the public can ask questions. “These volunteers represent not only their work but that of all members.”
The 2025 shows will be held on June 14, September 20 and December 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre.
Useful websites
“I truly believe in the concept of rental as a means to give the average person a chance to have a piece of good original artwork in their home. Art is so important to enrich lives.” - Anne Remmer Thompson
“Art has the ability to inspire and evoke emotion. This is needed even more in uncertain times as the ones we are living. ALO provides a way to surround yourself with inspiring pieces in an affordable way.” - Mireille Laroche