The Manotick Art Association is a not-for-profit community association with a mission to support, encourage and foster the development of artists within the Rideau Valley area. This is achieved by hosting regular monthly meetings, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year. Membership is open to anyone at any level, from beginner to professional. MAA artists work in a diverse range of visual arts mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolour, mixed media and photography.
MAA is headed by a nine-position executive committee and functions entirely through the support of many volunteers. Members are encouraged to be actively involved in a capacity or committee of their choice.
Other than the modest membership fee, there is no cost for exhibiting at any of our venues or in our website gallery. Members may also post a brief biography and a link to their own website.
MAA offers its members many opportunities to meet other artists, learn, and show their art – paint ins, plein air outings, shows and exhibit spaces, workshops, monthly newsletters, and monthly meetings with speakers.
History
In the fall of 1982, a group of local artists started discussing the possibility of forming an Art Association within the Rideau Valley area. (click arrow to read more)
A book was placed in the Manotick Public Library where interested individuals could sign to express their interest. By the end of the year enough people had signed the book for the next step to be taken. Over twenty people attended a meeting at the library in February 1983, and it was agreed that a small subcommittee would draft bylaws for the Manotick Art Association (MAA).
At a subsequent meeting in March 1983, the bylaws were discussed and approved. The founding executive was elected consisting of :
President: Zenon Sametz
Vice President: Arthur Powell
Secretary: Paddy O’Brien
Treasurer: Lynne Horne
Exhibition & Program: Kay Horne
Social: Rae Smith
Publicity: Roxanne Moiser
Membership: Cecilia Powell
The first group show was held in the Walk in Manotick on Dickinson Day in 1983, and a small show was held in the Arena during the Manotick Fair. A winter show was held in the Take Five Gallery in December 1983.
In subsequent years, the Association held Spring and Fall Shows titled “Scenes of Rideau Township”. These shows were held at the Manotick Legion and sponsored by the Mayor and Council of Rideau Township. A third juried exhibition and sale “The Dam Art Show” was regularly held in early September at Watson’s Mill in Manotick.
Over time the branding and venues for exhibitions have evolved; many Manotick residents may recall “A Brush with Art” spring shows held at the Manotick Curling Center. Recently the Association’s signature event was rebranded to the “Inspirations” Art Show and Sale. This popular event is now a highlight of the spring season in Manotick.
Community Support
Members of the Manotick Art Association give back to their community by raising money through our sponsored events and contributing to local charitable groups and initiatives. In recent years, donations have been made to:
Manotick Food Cupboard
Manotick United Church “Quiltz 4 Kidz” Initiative
Millers Oven
Manotick Arena Expansion
Youth of Manotick Association (YOMA)
Osgoode Youth Association (OYA)
Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS)
Make-A-Wish Foundation (Ottawa)
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
The Ottawa Mission
Scholarships
MAA members also support their community by offering scholarships to graduating high school students who will be pursuing post-secondary programs in the visual arts. The Manotick BIA also contributes to these awards. $750 scholarships are awarded each spring to two students; one from St. Mark High School and one from South Carleton High School.