5 Best Art Schools in Winnipeg
Art can be therapeutic and relieve stress for both adults and kids. It also helps children develop their motor skills, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Studying art is a great way to express yourself and improve your creativity. If you’re looking for the best art schools in Winnipeg, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a rundown of the top art schools in the metro where you can enrol. But before we delve into our list, let’s look at the things we considered in finding good art schools in this list and the average cost of this service.
Average Cost of Art Schools in Winnipeg
Finding a suitable art class that sticks within your budget can be overwhelming. Enrolment at art schools in Winnipeg starts from as little as $15 to as much as $500.
Here’s a list of the average costs of art schools in Winnipeg.
Top Art Schools in Winnipeg
We have rated our top picks before rounding up this list to help you find the best schools in Winnipeg. Here are the factors we considered:
So, without further ado, here’s a list of the best art schools in Winnipeg.
1. Winnipeg Art Gallery
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
| Teacher Credentials | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Art Program | ★★★★★(5/5) |
WAG Studio is one of Canada’s oldest gallery-run art-making programs. It offers art classes for students at every level and age, such as pottery, painting, life drawing, or other media.
We love how WAG’s programs are taught by practising artists that keep classes in a fun and friendly setting. Students can explore their creativity through WAG’s beginner and intermediate courses in various media.
Beginners are given materials for the first class, while intermediate-level students can bring their own tools and supplies. WAG also offers special workshops, and the package usually includes materials.
On top of art classes, WAG also hosts interactive events such as creative workshops for parties, online art tutorials, private maker parties, and wellness workshops.
Unfortunately, WAG’s MakerLabs, such as paint parties, ClayMakers, and Family MakerLabs, are non-refundable.
Aside from its interactive workshops, WAG also partners with Qaumajuq, an interactive new museum and the most extensive public collection of contemporary Inuit art. This museum is the first of its kind, holding almost 14,000 art pieces.
We also love WAG’s inclusivity by catering to aspiring artists regardless of their age, level, or ethnicity. Currently, it offers free access to the WAG-Quamajuq gallery for youth under 18, indigenous people, and WAG members.
Although membership is a bit pricey, the fee also supports the WAG community. We think that this initiative is an excellent way to connect and inspire the community through art.
Pros
- Offers classes for all ages and levels
- Interactive workshops and private events
- Inclusive initiatives and programs
- Online shop available
Cons
- The private events fee is non-refundable
- Membership fee required
Student Reviews
Professional staff
“ I love the way people show their skill and others, because it can change their future and teach kids how to do by showing what they are doing. “ – Tulimaak Satorsi Angotialuk, Google Reviews
Fun and exciting events
“ I had a wonderful time at the Warhol-style paint party and would attend future similar events. My friends said that my creation was the cat’s meow – and one of the best products of a paint-night event that they’ve seen.
I’ve been to a few paint-night events in the city, and the only painting I’ve held onto is the one I made in Cara Mason’s class. “ – Claudine Gervais, Google Reviews
2. School of Art – University of Manitoba
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Teacher Credentials | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Art Program | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Choosing the right degree and university is essential if you want to pursue a career in arts.
The School of Art at the University of Manitoba offers dynamic art programs. It also provides numerous opportunities for students to have hands-on experience in various artistic disciplines.
It offers several degree programs such as Bachelor of Fine Arts, Diploma of Art, and BFA in Art History. It also has distinguished alumni who have budding careers as visual artists, curators, designers, art historians, gallerists, and professionals in media and technology.
We love UM’s state-of-the-art facilities available 24/7 to support the students’ creativity. Its facilities include a large digital print shop, a darkroom, and wet lab spaces.
It also includes an extensive sculpture fabrication facility and a wide ceramic area. On top of that, students can access private editing suites, a sound stage, and a print media studio.
Unfortunately, because most of its courses require the students to be on-campus, art programs in this school do not cater to those who wish to complete them online.
Another great thing about UM’s School of Art is its inclusivity towards its international relations and the Indigenous community. The Indigenous community at UM offers many opportunities to engage with the social, cultural, and spiritual part of the students’ campus life.
The University of Manitoba is home to thousands of students from dynamic Indigenous communities. Its recruitment team offers assistance to students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
We think that aside from having world-class facilities, having a learning environment that encourages forward-thinking and inclusivity is ideal for students around the globe.
If you wish to enrol, make sure that you are 100% certain this is where you want to pursue art education as the application fee and deposit are not refundable.
Pros
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Comprehensive art programs
- Inclusive programs for the Indigenous community
- Offers scholarships and awards
- Comprehensive financial aid programs
Cons
- No E-Courses for art programs
- The application fee and deposit are non-refundable
Student Reviews
State-of-the-art facilities
“It’s one of the best universities in Canada with more than 3000 students, more than 10 faculties that offer numerous courses.. it is located in the heart of Winnipeg and it is very competitive but affordable.
U of M as it popularly called is a beautiful place to study with more than 5 difference libraries within the school ..its architectural work is splendid and it has beautiful edifices” – Yomi Ogundare ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Amazing faculty and resources
“It is a great faculty with amazing resources, beautiful surrounding, peaceful study spots, remarkable staff, and wonderful friendly people! “ – Krupali Prajapati ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
3. Louis Riel Arts & Technology Centre
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
| Teacher Credentials | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Art Program | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre (ATC) offers an opportunity for students to begin or complete their post-secondary education while in high school. This initiative is beneficial for those who wish to reduce their tuition fees significantly.
We love how the school provides a unique service for students who aim to get a Provincial Mature Student High School Diploma. Aside from that, it also offers an ATC program certificate.
Loius Riel offers a comprehensive program for students who want to focus on pursuing a career in arts. They can pursue industry internships and work covered by workers’ compensation.
Aside from that, they can have an apprenticeship in Manitoba and get paid for on-the-job and in-school training.
Students who wish to take the program in New Media Design can experience having a work practicum and certification while completing the courses.
We think another great thing about this arts centre is that it also offers online courses for students already attending LRSD high school. International students are also accepted as long as they are eligible and submit the requirements.
Unfortunately, Louis Riel doesn’t offer any programs for traditional art such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and theatre. It only provides programs on Broadcast Media and New Media Design.
Although it doesn’t focus on traditional art, we think that it is still an ideal place for students interested in digital art or other relevant fields.
Pros
- A comprehensive program for skill-based fields
- Internship and apprenticeship opportunities
- Offers hands-on experiences
- Offers online courses
Cons
- No traditional art courses
- Non-refundable tuition after six (6) weeks
Student Reviews
Professional and diverse
“ Very professional and diverse Arts and Technology school. “ – Roberta Dalman, Google Reviews
Ideal for hands-on training
“ The best school recommended for those want to experience a hands-on training and enhance their skills in their chosen field “ – Don Don Verona, Google Reviews
Excellent staff
“Excellent staff and experience gained here, gained my certifications back in 2003.” – Will Berens, Google Reviews
4. MAYArt School
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Teacher Credentials | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Art Program | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
If you’re looking for an art school that provides after-school programs, then MAYArt is a place to start. MAYArt-school is an after-school fine art program sponsored by MAYArt-Branding Smart.
It is founded by Maya Shapiro, who is an art genius herself. Maya gained her degree in Practical Engineering in Design and Visual Communications.
We love how Maya’s years of experience as an artist are translated into fun and comprehensive art classes for kids. Having an expert in the field is undoubtedly a plus in our book.
We also love how the after-school program is designed uniquely for children 5-13 years old to provide them with opportunities to explore and develop their creativity. Aside from that, the program also enables them to deepen their knowledge about the world history of art.
MAYArt offers a wide range of classes such as different techniques in painting, drawing, crafting, and cartooning. We think these programs are essential in helping children develop lifelong skills and communicate through art.
Another great thing about its program is that it’s designed to facilitate a small group of up to five students. This enables the teachers to focus on them and their progress individually.
Moreover, students can learn to work in various media and can take art classes designated for their age groups. We think this division is ideal for learning more comfortably at their own pace.
Unfortunately, MAYArt only offers classes once or twice a week and doesn’t support online courses. While this is not necessarily a deal-breaker, it would be more convenient for students if more schedule options were available.
Pros
- Wide range of art classes
- Facilitated by a professional artist
- Offers age-appropriate classes
- Small group classes
Cons
- Offered once or twice a week only
- No online classes
Student reviews
An exciting experience for kids
“ One of the most exciting school. With a best teacher. “ – Robert Shapiro ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Excellent teaching
“ My son has been enjoying Maya’s lessons for over a year now. With him usually being quite physical learner, I’m impressed by Maya’s ability to spark his enthusiasm in art.
Due to one-on-one instruction he had a chance to explore multiple art forms based on his interests. Maya also incorporates some theory and history of art in lessons without him noticing it. He is coming back for more! “ – Lucy Litvinova ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ , Facebook Reviews
5. Artful Owl: Children’s Art Studio
| Criteria | Rating |
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Teacher Credentials | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Art Program | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Artful Owl is one of the best go-to places in Winnipeg if you’re looking for an art school that can provide a foundation for your child. Children as young as two years old can engage in once-a-week preschool art programs.
Its preschool art programs focus on art-making techniques and drawing, painting, and clay work mediums. Artful Owl uses art history as its basis for its methods in art-making, which is a good starting point for kids.
On top of its preschool art programs, students ages five and up can learn about art history in context with materials and methods used in class. This program is an excellent way to encourage holistic learning among kids.
We love how experiential learning methods enable students to gain visual literacy. Moreover, using different media for art projects is also a good way of improving their creativity and motor skills.
We also love how its programs cater to the students’ different learning styles to help them learn how to solve problems creatively.
Artful Owl offers three terms per year, namely, fall, winter, and spring. However, it only conducts one class per week.
We think that it would be more convenient if more classes were offered. Also, supporting an online learning platform together with in-person classes is an excellent opportunity for students who wish to learn in the comfort of their homes.
Pros
- Facilitated by a professional artist
- Specialized preschool program
- The enrolment fee includes all materials
- Small class size
Cons
- Offers one class per week only
- No online booking
Student Reviews
Exciting and fun classes
“My daughter has been attending Artful Owl for a number of months and has loved it. The staff are great with the kids, the programs are interesting, and the projects are wonderful.
In an art “day camp” now, and my little one wakes up super excited to go. “ – Daniel Philippe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Professional instructors
“ My 3 year old and I loved our art class together at the Artful Owl. Great instructors, great lessons and wonderful facilities.
We look forward to registering for more classes in the fall! “ – Simi Sandhu Jerez, Google Reviews