About ARASTeaching art in Toronto since 1993
Most art schools hire for credentials. We mostly hire working artists, for how they teach and, honestly, for being good company. There's a real difference between a class led by someone who still makes their own work and a lecture you sit through.
Why people choose us
Working artists as instructors
Taught by people who still make their own work, and know how to teach it.
Classes kept small by design
You get known by name, your work actually gets looked at, and nobody gets lost at the back of the room.
In Toronto and online
Studio or kitchen table, that part doesn't change.
What our students say
DRAWING
“My drawing class is what I imagine meditation is like. The class begins and your brain immediately takes you to another place, a zen-like space that's deeply relaxing. Magical.”
Leslie Milrod · Drawing class
BEGINNER
“As a beginner I was concerned the content may be challenging. Dinesh was knowledgeable, patient and provided excellent guidance.”
Melanie Marshall · Watercolour Essentials
KIDS · PARENT
“She found a nurturing teacher and a healthy environment that gave her space to be happy, bloom and grow. This is our 3rd time registering.”
Cindy Landerman · Abstract & Intuitive Painting
DRAWING
“A fabulous entry into drawing. It was way too short. The four weeks flew by.”
Jamie Mudrick · Drawing More Expressively
Since 1993
How it started
Avenue Road Arts School was founded in 1993 by Lola Rasminsky, an advocate for arts education who also founded Arts for Children and Youth, bringing art programmes to young people across Toronto.
Her work was recognised with the Order of Canada in 2007 and the Trailblazer Award at the 2006 RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards. The school still carries her belief that everyone is a creator.
“The art school that churns out inspiration”
The Globe and Mail, February 2014 →
Today the school is led by Creative Director Evan Hutchinson, with a roster of working artists teaching in person in Toronto and online.
Lola Rasminsky, founder, outside the school.
Recognition
Platinum, 2024
Toronto Star Readers' Choice
Gold, 2019
Toronto Star Readers' Choice, Art School / Instruction
As featured in
The Globe and Mail · Toronto Star · National Post · CBC Radio · Canada AM · Zoomer
All press
→
Where we teach
Church of the Transfiguration
111 Manor Road East, Toronto
Online
Live classes on Zoom, from anywhere